The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: Kayaker on December 28, 2009, 02:52:18 PM
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As I understand it the Special Forces model had the Wilson Armor-Tuff finish, but the model was discontinued after a relatively short run. Were these discontinued because the finish was found to be suboptimal on the Rohrbaugh? Something to do with tight tolerances? Or was this a business decision? Thanks!
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I'm thinking it was a business decision. Just my thoughts.
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That is an excellent question to have answered before buying a Special Forces model. Perhaps the factory could respond to your query.
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Let me start out by saying hello.
I lurk in many forums (Guns, Harley Davidson and Corvette's primarily) and don't usually get involved with posting unless I have something to contribute. As this is my first post and I am the individual with the "Special Forces" R9 for sale on Gun Broker I will keep to facts and certainly not try to sway individuals with my bias.
In keeping with the question asked I will only respond to the Wilson Combat "Armor Tuff" question. I have owned no less than 12 Wilson Combats with 8 of them being coated with Armor Tuff. Armor Tuff is put on less than one thousandth of an inch thick and will not affect the operation of the R9 or any gun for that matter as it only tends to make it function smoother. I have other Rohrbaughs and the "Special Forces" is smoother feeling when cycling the slide.
I would suggest going to the Wilson Combat site and checking the write up on the coating as there's many good reasons listed as to why it is desirable albeit it's their product so you would expect that.
As to the other questions I'll have to defer to the experts on why Rohrbaugh only made a limited run of these, I can only speculate that cost is usually the factor.
As I know the question of why am I selling will come up, I'll answer it now. I buy and sell guns quite often with many being what would be called "safe queens". I buy and trade/sell many without ever have taken them to the range, however I shoot at least once a week usually. I'm not a typical collector as I change direction with what I'm buying quite frequently moving on to something else. The "Special Forces" is a fine limited run firearm that I considered a good investment.
Dave
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Welcome, Drifter, and thanks for the info.
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That is an excellent question to have answered before buying a Special Forces model. Perhaps the factory could respond to your query.
That would be good. Then we would all know. I'm thinking too, that it was related to cost as Drifter8002 speculated, thus my thoughts of, business decision.
Drifter8002. Welcome to the Forum and thanks for sharing.
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I'm guessing that the Special Forces model may have been more labor intensive than the Robar, for example, which would certainly play into the cost equation. Maybe someone could briefly compare the two models. The cost of the Robar finish vs. the Armor-Tuf would appear to be a wash but there may be more to it than that.
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I'm guessing that the Special Forces model may have been more labor intensive than the Robar, for example, which would certainly play into the cost equation.
That's what I'm thinking. With only two dozen made, that would be a good guess.
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Thanks for the welcome.
The following was copied from this site from what I believe was the shot show posting. This may shed some light on the differences.
"Special Forces R-9– Hogue Executive G-10 grips with checkering, titanium coated barrel, and all visible parts (interior and exterior of gun) are finished in black with Wilson Combat’s proprietary ArmorTuff finish. Even the magazines are black! Very neat looking gun. Even when you open the slide and peer down the ejection port – everything is black! MSRP $1,795."
This could lead you to believe that some of the cost was due to the barrel receiving a special titanium coating and due to the extensive amount of surface coating areas, which includes the magazines and barrel as compared to the Robar.
I would like to add that I had previously owned a Robar Alloy Extreme (Basiscally a G-17 in all metal) that had the Robar finish on the slide and it was a pretty good surface treatment.
Dave
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Well, the Rohrbaugh Special Forces has sold for $1500.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=151712247
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Sure did. :-)))))
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Congratulations!! I think you got a good deal. :) :)
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Thats a nice looking gun...
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Congratulations, Kayaker! That is a rarity you now have. 8)
And Drifter, welcome to the Forum.
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Given the points already referenced above, $1500 was a steal for the Special Forces model.
As a collector I have been on both sides of the aisle; as buyer and seller, albeit the fact that my ex-wife and I were only "weekenders" - antique dealers who did shows on weekends and not for a living. (Note: My ex-wife hated guns. I sold the guns I had during this stupid period of my life).
When you can get a (very) limited run, "not made anymore" gun for substantially less than its MSRP, you have a good deal. This is probably a reflection of the economy and I would put this Special Forces model in a safe for future consideration.
Well Done
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Kayacker. I was going to ask about the shooting of the Special Forces, though, ACP makes a good point.
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I think that I got a good deal due to two factors. The first is the state of the overall economy. The second is that this sale took place shortly after Christmas when most people have fewer funds for discretionary purchases.
As far as carrying or stashing this pup, I think it will be a working dog. I am not a collector. Of course, if someone wants to offer me a trade for a NIB Robar plus a significant amount of cash, I'd consider that.
Barring such an offer, a range report should be up in the next couple of weeks or so.
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Excellent. Sounds like a plan!
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kayaker:
I would not trade my Robar R9 for your Special Forces model; forget about the extra cash. There is no right and wrong answer here. However, if you go through the trouble of acquiring a Robar R9S, one of two things will happen:
1. (If you find one in stock) you will pay a price not too far removed from list price of Special Forces model.
2. (If you order one or send your R9 directly ro Robar) you will face a long leadtime, like Yankee 2500 (John) did.
In any event you will end up with a one tone (silver) gun. I was fortunate enough to purchase mine with carbon fiber grips and, for me, it is the sin quo non of Rohrbaughs.
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The Robar and Special Forces are rarities in their own rite. I'm sure both of you are satisfied with the one you own. I am, with my R9s.
Each one is distinctive and have earned their eminence.
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Eminence? Hey; I thought I was the wordsmith with my bachelor's degree in English.
Kjtrains recent posts, and their corresponding high toned vocabulary, are giving me a run for my money!
Well stated: this forum is big enough for the both of us.
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Thanks. I've been holding back! ;D ;D
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Thank you, your Eminence, for holding back and not being didactical.
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Tracker. Your kind sir! I've been waiting on your remarks. I'm going to be kind, though, and hold back some perspicacious words that I could use.
And yes, words that show a clear insight. I've valued your judgement and still do.
Hey! I now have a title ;D ;D
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Touche', mon ami.
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Touche'! Tracker. By any chance, is your astrological sign, Gemini? ;D ;D
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Touche'! Tracker. By any chance, is your astrological sign, Gemini? ;D ;D
Mine is.
Gemini Traits
Positive
• Adaptable and versatile
• Communicative and witty
• Intellectual and eloquent
• Youthful and lively
Negative
• Nervous and tense
• Superficial and inconsistent
• Cunning and inquisitive
;)
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Have you ever heard, two or more personalities, usually at least two? The sign of the twins, and the third of the Western Zodiac. Change their minds at the drop of a hat.
Don't see that in your negative traits list. Could fit in the
*Superficial and inconsistent. :) ;)
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But never boring (according to my wife). 8)
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Richard, I'm a Gemini also.
The Special Forces model was dropped due to a business decision.
welcome to both of you guys, it seems that both of you are happy. And yes, it is a good buy at $1500.
Lets wait and see what comes up at the SHOT SHOW.
Tom
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Kj, I am an Aries, one of the fire signs; maybe that is one of the reasons I like things that go "boom."
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Richard, I'm a Gemini also.
* * *
Tom
Tom:
We're right in there with John F. Kennedy and Clint Eastwood.
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Tracker. I am a Pisces, which have the flaming aspiration of all the fire signs. I like the boom sound as well.
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I am an idiot; at least according to my ex-wife. What sign is that and what are my traits?
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I am an idiot; at least according to my ex-wife. What sign is that and what are my traits?
Never place any credence in what an ex-wife might say. (Trust me on this one. ::) )
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ACP. Don't know the idiot sign, but here is a idiot test. Take it and prove your ex-wife wrong.
http://www.addictinggames.com/theidiottest.html
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Hi all,
By listing what it would take to get me to part with my "Special Forces", I by no mean meant to imply that the "Special Forces" was any better than the Robar model from either a practical or aesthetic view.
Just to firmly establish my expertise on this matter, I have never seen a Rohrbaugh, much less shot or carried one.
I don't even have a degree in English. :)
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Think nothing of it. They're both kindred spirits.
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I think kayaker meant to say he has never seen a Robar Rohrbaugh.
Hey; I flunked the idiot test but I think I am right about this.
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I think Kayaker meant what he said.
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"I have never seen a Rohrbaugh"
tracker: If kayaker has never seen a Rohrbaugh, who made his Special Forces model?
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ACP. The only thing that comes to mind is the auction closed on 1/2/10 and maybe Kayacker hasn't received his Special Forces yet. I could be wrong.
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Maybe Kayaker could shed some light on this one.
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Sure enough, I bought my SF sight(s) unseen, based on what I've read written by the folks on this forum. I am not expecting to get this, my very first R o h r b a u g h, until later this week. Tracker, earning his moniker, was on the right track here.
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I know you're excited. That's quite wait, knowing you haven't seen one. It will get here, and you'll be proud!
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Good on you, Kayaker; please share your impressions with us.
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Hey; I flunked the idiot test but I think I am right about this.
ACP. Take the test again. You're O.K. This is just a fun thing.
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ACP,
To answer your question, Robar made his Special Forces model.
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Now I understand. Congratulations, kayaker, and I hope you enjoy it.
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I'm a taurus and I love shooting. Probably means that I shoot the bull a lot...
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I almost feel guilty sitting here typing with the "Special Forces" by the keyboard but it will be on it's way tomorrow to it's new home which will make Kayaker extremely happy.
It's really a blessing that I don't grow attached to anything and it's nice to see my toys go to a new home. It did make room for the Matt Davis #001 (Matt's first build in his name)1911 that I just had to have.
By the way, I too am Gemini but I don't think they discuss these type of things on the Harley Davidson and 1911 forum's (not yet anyway). You are all out of control!
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All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. ;D ;D Enjoy the new toy!
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I almost feel guilty sitting here typing with the "Special Forces" by the keyboard but it will be on it's way tomorrow to it's new home which will make Kayaker extremely happy.
It's really a blessing that I don't grow attached to anything and it's nice to see my toys go to a new home. It did make room for the Matt Davis #001 (Matt's first build in his name)1911 that I just had to have.
By the way, I too am Gemini but I don't think they discuss these type of things on the Harley Davidson and 1911 forum's (not yet anyway). You are all out of control!
Congratulations on that Matt Davis 001! That should be a real keeper.
As for the other matter:
http://www.hdforums.com/forum/off-topic/115862-whats-your-sign.html
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?p=2422644&highlight=Sagittarius#post2422644
;)
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You got me!
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As for the other matter:
http://www.hdforums.com/forum/off-topic/115862-whats-your-sign.html
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?p=2422644&highlight=Sagittarius#post2422644
;)
And there you have it. Life is great!
:D :D
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What kind of Piece does Matt Davis make? Are there any Pics?
Chief
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Here is a link to the Matt Davis 1911.
http://ezine.m1911.org/mattdavis_frame.htm
and another:
http://www.mdcustommachine.com/homepage.html
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All the info I am finding is saying he does modifications to existing guns. Is he getting into manufacturing his own?
Chief
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Matt builds a limited amount of guns from what I have learned and I believe there is or was one on an auction site (possibly Auction Arms). The one I presently own is the the all stainless steel one shown on his site with HSP003 on the serial number. Matt puts his number as Heinie did under the safety and it's 001. I was fortunate enough to buy this from a friend who only keeps his toys long enough to say he owned it and then moves on (not that I'm anyone to talk).
Anyway, Matt does some fine work and knowing where he got his start is good thing albeit he blends his style and his mentors which is also good (IMO).
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I Shot an email off to him requesting info. Thanks :)
Chief