The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: ap1169 on January 12, 2010, 11:02:53 PM
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I need a little bit of help from you Experienced Rohrbaugh shooters.
Which are better pistols: The older ones , low serial numbers, or the brand new ones just coming out now. The older ones had carbon fiber grips and the new ones do not. The new ones seem to have a better finish on the slides. The springs are different. I would appreciate you input. Thanks, Robert
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I have a very early R9s (serial #3xx) with updated springs. I'd guess that all the early R9 pistols that are actually being used have updated recoil and magazine springs. The springs are readily available thru Rohrbaugh at reasonable prices. (There are probably plenty of early build "safe queens" out there with original springs and almost zero rounds fired....but I buy guns to use them.)
To answer your original question, if I was buying another R9 I'd be looking for a later serial number with one of those hi-tech finishes for decreased friction / wear. That's the only thing I wish my early R9 had. The Diamond Back DLC coating on the Stealth appears to really reduce friction.
The grip issue is mostly a matter of individual taste. My R9 came with the Carbon Fiber grips, but they now reside in my gun safe in favor of a set of Hogue Extreme Grips. I actually find their textured surface gives me a better hold when firing the gun. And I can always put the CF grips on for those fancy barbecues. ;D
Just my humble opinion....
Steve
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I don't think there have been any major changes to the gun, but I'm sure there have been tweeks and updates to the internal
works. My money goes to the new models, I had an older model with CF grips, kept the grips sold the gun. ;D
John
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In addition to the excellent comments of Steve and John, this link may lead to some information of interest:
http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=R9S;action=display;num=1254508108;start=0#0
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I agree with Steve on the prospect of a new purchase; however, I wouldn't give up my earlier models, either. Also, there is no doubt that the slide, extractor, etc., have been improved with the current models and, perhaps, have enhanced the reliability and performance.
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Thanks Richard for the Serial Number information. After reading about Farmies, what are they bringing price wise these days? Did they all have carbon fiber grips? Thanks, Robert
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Farmies are less than 1000 from what I have seen. The only issue is that they are hard to find. I usually see 1 or 2 pop up a month.
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Asking the price of a Farmingdale is like asking the general price of a vintage Mercedes; it all depends on the rarity of the model and its condition.
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Value and price are two different things. Farmingdale R9s are coveted for their collector interest, particularly those that are one tone (silver) and have carbon fiber grips.
I would pay more for an early (one tone) Farmingdale than I would for a two tone new R9s; extrinsic of considerations like improved/enhanced features on newer guns.
Getting my Robar one tone (silver) R9 has cured me of my previous quest for a Farmingdale.
Ultimately, "Value" is what one is willing to pay.
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Robert:
Tracker and ACP have stated it as well as I could ever hope to do. As for my Farmingdale No. 132 - "priceless" . . . "beyond monetary value" . . . "from my cold dead hands" . . . etc., etc. 8)
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Thank you, Richard, for your statement "..from my cold dead hands". It reminds me of the late Charleton Heston.
Tomorrow is Martin Luther King's birthday. Who was that white guy sitting several rows behind Dr. King during his "I Have a Dream" speech? Was that not Charlton Heston?
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This is just a, my opinion thing, and if you disagree, that's OK and really just a statment about the older Rohrbaugh.
It's all about the early Farmingdale model. The one tone, mint and never fired. I just want one. I have the newer one, and agree with all the above comments about the new models, but it's that intrigue, knowing how scarce the Farmingdales' are, especially in the condition I mentioned.
Does it exist in that condition? In Eric's safe, I know. How about someone else and would they be willing to part with it?
Then price steps in...got to be a bunch!
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I do not establish values but I do decide what I would pay. If a one tone, carbon fiber grip, early Farmingdale R9s came to market, in excellent condition with papers, orginal box, etc., I would be willing to pay as much as I did for my Robar R9s; $1895.00.
Disclaimer: I am NOT looking for one of these guns as my Robar R9s fulfills this gap, as previously stated.
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The early Farmingdale, one tone, new, never fired, with original box and papers, I would be interested in. Has to meet all the criteria.
Value is in the eyes of the beholder! My view, of course.
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The early Farmingdale, one tone, new, never fired, with original box and papers, I would be interested in. Has to meet all the criteria.
Value is in the eyes of the beholder! My view, of course.
Now, now, KJ. Remember that each R9 is test fired before leaving the factory. Besides, as I once noted in another thread, "Virginity can often be highly overrated." ;) :) :D ;D
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Richard. I knew I should have said except factory fired. ;D Oh, well.... ;D Sometimers! ;D
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I'll sell mine, it meets all the criteria except the fired part...its been shot 14 and 1/2 times.....
Do you have any timeshares or property?
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Shot down by the fired part! ;D
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I might know where one is that would make the cut ::)
I don't know for sure that it could be bought. I do know that if it were to sell it would be a sad day cause somebodys house would have to be up for repo before it went up for sell......
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There have been some for sale here in the past
http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=Classifieds;action=display;num=1241935270
and drool over this for a spell
http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=Classifieds;action=display;num=1215644639
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Please let's get back to the original question.
If you were going to purchase a Rohrbaugh R9s.
WOULD YOU GET A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION PISTOL OR A USED OLDER ONE? Older being one with carbon fiber grips, maybe a Farmie, but not necessarily a Farmie. If an older one, the springs would be chnged to current specifications. Thanks, Robert
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I remember the one at the top, but at the time didn't know what I was looking at. MAN! Makes your heart skip a beat to see that again. I had forgotten about it.
Ghez, $1250.00.
I haven't seen anything like that in a very long while.
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Please let's get back to the original question.
If you were going to purchase a Rohrbaugh R9s.
WOULD YOU GET A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION PISTOL OR A USED OLDER ONE? Older being one with carbon fiber grips, maybe a Farmie, but not necessarily a Farmie. If an older one, the springs would be chnged to current specifications. Thanks, Robert
The consensus of this thread is to buy a new one!
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Concur; I thought we had already answered that one.
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It was answered several times. If it you first, buy new. If it's your 2nd (or 13th) buy an old one.
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ap1169. You now have the answer. Buy that new one and start enjoying the ownership of the Rohrbaugh. You'll be glad you did!
I noticed you sold a used R9 Stealth Jan 11 and posted this thread about older vs newer on Jan 12. Just wondered.......was the Stealth used when you bought it?
Just curious.
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I have/had two Rohrbaugh's a new standard one and the used stealth. I put both up for sale. Whichever sold I would keep the other one. I was going to purchase a Farmie to replace the stealth. You guy's talked me out of that idea.
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Since you have a new one, you could do what Corey suggested above.
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I've got two older R9's (Farmy & Older Deer Park) both w/ carbon fiber grips. I've shot several hundred rounds of 124 gr Gold Dots through each without a hiccup. After purchasing both I replaced the recoil, and magazine springs along with new grip screws. To say that the new R9's are any more reliable is not possible in my case, since both of my R9's have been flawless. As with any semi-auto pistol, keeping it clean, and running enough high quality ammo through it to instill confidence in it is key. I wouldn't carry either of my R9's if I didn't believe they would work. I'm not a collector, I have them to carry. This is in no way a recommendation to do anything, it's just my story ;D
David
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David,
It is always good to hear from a happy camper on this forum.
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David:
I must say that your story covers the matter very well. Thanks for posting it.
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Thanks David for the good information. I now have a new one and will for looking for an older Rohrbaugh. Robert
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I do not establish values but I do decide what I would pay. If a one tone, carbon fiber grip, early Farmingdale R9s came to market, in excellent condition with papers, orginal box, etc., I would be willing to pay as much as I did for my Robar R9s; $1895.00.
Lets see.
I have a Farmingdale with CF grips but because of a slide defect Rohrbaugh replaced my Farmingdale slide with a Deer Park slide.
So now I have a Farmingdale / Deer Park half-breed.
Now what in hell is that worth. :) :)
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$200 but I'll give you $350 shipped! ;D
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I've got two older R9's (Farmy & Older Deer Park) both w/ carbon fiber grips. I've shot several hundred rounds of 124 gr Gold Dots through each without a hiccup. After purchasing both I replaced the recoil, and magazine springs along with new grip screws. To say that the new R9's are any more reliable is not possible in my case, since both of my R9's have been flawless. As with any semi-auto pistol, keeping it clean, and running enough high quality ammo through it to instill confidence in it is key. I wouldn't carry either of my R9's if I didn't believe they would work. I'm not a collector, I have them to carry. This is in no way a recommendation to do anything, it's just my story ;D
David
David. Excellent. I look forward to finding my older one; very good words. Thanks.
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I also have one of those half-breeds like you Dave but it works so well I don't like to leave home without it.
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Have there been any design changes to the internals that anyone has documented? I thought my Farmingdale had an unusual amount of internal wear for the barely 100rds I put though it. Then there was the problem where I could not get the grip screws removed because they were oxidized to the frame.
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I had the same grip screw oxidizing problem you mention but didn't know it until the screw head failed and came off the grip. This was discussed in great length on an earlier post. As far as I know there is no documentation of internal changes. If there is it is a well kept secret.
The basis for my mentioning improvements is visual observation of my new slide and ejector compared to the old one. They just appear to be more heavy duty and it works very well compared to the old slide that produced multiple failures and a sllde crack. My opinion is that functional improvements have evolved over time; that is a good thing.
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Just out of curiosity, what would my R9s serial # R173 be worth these days? I took it out of the safe and was carrying it in a Ron Graham Alligator skin pocket holster this evening. The gun is in mint condition and I am thinking about starting to carry it regularly again.
Eric Rohrbaugh, a fine gentleman by the way, convinced me to buy one at the NRA Convention in Pittsburgh PA.
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Not sure I have an answer and I am happy with my Robar R9 and Rafter S holster.
However, an early R9 with a Ron Graham alligator rig is going to have some of our members drooling!
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That is for sure. I'm still looking for that early Farmingdale without the R prefix.
Not obsessed with finding it, just on the lookout. If it comes about, well and good.
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Just out of curiosity, what would my R9s serial # R173 be worth these days? I took it out of the safe and was carrying it in a Ron Graham Alligator skin pocket holster this evening. The gun is in mint condition and I am thinking about starting to carry it regularly again.
Eric Rohrbaugh, a fine gentleman by the way, convinced me to buy one at the NRA Convention in Pittsburgh PA.
jb. I don't have an answer for you either, but do admire your early R9. I looked back at the posts and saw your photos; outstanding.
I'm sure someone here may have an idea as to its' worth. Continue to enjoy it, as you do have a rare gem.
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Rarity & demand will dictate what the owner is willing to accept and the buyer willing to pay.
The economy has made this a buyer's market. However, with an early R9, in excellent condition, and a highly prized holster, I would aim high if I were the seller.
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Definitely agree!