The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: NV_Shooter on August 19, 2010, 01:11:23 AM
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I wish I could say it was flawless. The first 30 rounds were perfect, all went bang, no malfunctions of any kind. After 30 or so rounds, I was having failures to eject every 3 or 4 rounds. Each time, the slide would catch the ejecting brass case and jam it between the barrel and slide. I had 1 failure to feed, the cartridge nose-dived into the feed ramp. I cleaned the R9S before firing, and kept it well lubed during the entire session. I also gave it time to cool off between magazines. At no time was the barrel allowed to get so hot that I couldn't hold on to it, and I re-applied lube well before anything was allowed to dry. Ammo used was 115 grain WWB. Lube used was Ed Brown gun lubricant.
I have read plenty of posts, and was trying to avoid having any issues, especially on my first range session. Maybe I shot too much for one session. The first 30 rounds were flawless. After I got home I took it apart and it was litterally coated in brass and metal shavings. The inside looked like a magnetic chip detector on a bad MR transmision. Is this normal? After cleaning the gun there was no damage noted to frame or slide, so I am assuming the shavings all came from ammo.
I am also going to leave the possibility open that I could have been limp wristing. I was shooting alot that day. Probably 300 rounds through my 1911, and 60 or so through the R9S. Next time I shoot I will start fresh and focus on good technique and not allowing my wrist to break. I am fairly certain that my technique was not the issue, but it is normally the problem when shooters complain about a malfunctioning semi. Especially on a small pistol like the R9S. I would appreciate any insight you might want to share. Thanks ahead of time.
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I think I would change ammo. :)
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NVS:
First of all, welcome to the Forum!
WWB is generally considered to be acceptagle range ammunition for the R9, but it is what I call "dirty" -- which may account for all the dreck you found after the first range session. Being the smallest pocket pistol chambered for the 9mm Parabellum, the R9's tolerances are minimal and the fouling after 30 rounds or so of WWB may have caused the timing problem you describe.
I would suggest that you use one of the premium carry loads -- 115 or 124 grain Speer Gold Dots or Remington Golden Sabers the next time out.
Good luck, and please keep us informed.
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NV. Welcome to the Forum. I agree with being ammo related. Next time out I would do as Richard suggests or use Winchester 115 gr. Silvertips as I have never had a flaw of any kind.
Wishing you the best.
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Welcome to the forum NV.
As far as ammo, Richard nailed it as usual.
You mentioned the possibility of limp wristing--
If you were shooting with one hand, may I suggest a two hand hold to get the confidence of 100% reliability before moving to a one hand grip(3-4 mags).
Good Luck
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Welcome to the forum. I had always thought that WWB were top shelf ammo. I was wrong. It leaves my Kimber filthy and similar issues inside when i cleaned it. Change ammo like the others say and give it a go.
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I will try the ammo you guys mentioned. I just got a bunch of Gold Dot in 147, and 115. I prefer 147, but I have heard it gives the R9S some issues. I have not been able to find any silvertips. I thought WWB was acceptable ammo in the Rohrbaugh? I am pretty sure the excessive fouling and metal shavings were the main issue. If I use WWB agian, I will keep it to a few magazines.
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NV. If you want some Winchester 115 gr. Silvertips, the Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore has them for $29.99 for a box of 50.
http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/61487/c/handgun-ammunition/brand/WINCHESTER%20AMMO
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Interesting, I've never had a problem with WWB leaving brass shavings. You should look at the brass and see where it's coming from, then post here or contact the factory.
After 30 rounds in the pup following other shooting, limp wristing could have been a big contributor. It certainly beats on the hand. :)
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There are some trade offs when shooting cheap range ammo as opposed to high dollar carry ammo. You can get 100rds. of WWB and lunch at Mickey-Ds for the price of 50rds. of Winchester STs. ;D
As stated by others the WWB tends to be dirty and this is due to the grade of powder used and compounded by the fact that a short barrel fails to burn all the powder. You could try the Blaser brass or the Federal 9mm, both work well in my pup, or limit the round to 30 or less.
The Gold Dots should work as well as Silvertips and are usually more easier to find.
Keep us updated on the next range trip.
John
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NV_Shooter, First welcome the the forum and thanks for your business. I think Charles, as usual, has nailed it. Also I would think you were getting tired. Again try Wincester Silver Tips or Speer Gold Dot 115 or 124 gr and see it makes a difference.I'm sure your second trip to the range will be better. Go slow and enjoy. Tom
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Thanks for the replies. I will try the updated ammo. I wasn't using the WWB to save money, I read on here that it was deemed acceptable ammo for the R9S. I will shoot what ever works the best in the gun.
As stated in an earlier post, I am putting more blame on myself than the gun. The most likely culprit is my technique getting sloppy after so many rounds. I will try agian today or tomorrow, with new ammo and a fresh hand. I will post my results when I am done.
This is the only forum I am aware of on the internet that is this closely tied to a product, and provides the type of feedback and support that you get here. Most companies make their customers pay for support like this. Thanks agian, and without the enormous amount of information on this site, it would be very difficult for a new person like myself to get into the R9S succesfully. It has a very focused purpose, and clear limitations, but no other gun does what it can do, and no other forum provides support like this one.
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The key here is give and take.
Be sure to share what you have learned to help the rest of us. ;)
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NVS:
What Reinz said. 8)
Also, it should be emphasized that this Forum is entirely the creation of the Administrator and has no official ties to the Rorbaugh corporation. We're just a group of enthusiasts growing in numbers by the day who appreciate the superb self-defense pistol to which we affectionately refer as "The Pup."
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Good luck, NV, hope everything goes well. :)
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Welcome to the forum NV. I hope your second range trip goes well. Are you in Nevada? If so, where?!
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I looked at his profile and it says Las Vegas.
John
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As John said, I'm in Vegas.
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I was able to make it to the range agian today. I am happy to report that things were much improved. I shot the R9S first this time, I left the Ed Brown alone untill I had a chance to put the R9S to a test. I shot Gold Dot, 147, and 115 grain. In around 50 rounds, no malfunctions of any kind. I would advise agianst using WWB. I know it is accepted by other members here, but in my humble opinion, it is too dirty. WWB left tons of brass all over the inside of the slide. After an equal amount of rounds of Gold Dot, no brass, and less fouling. I know how cheap it is to buy WWB, but your not saving any thing. Having a defense pistol that never hiccups at the range is priceless. The difference in price between cheap ammo and good ammo is nothing when you pull the trigger and you aren't sure what will happen.
Beyond that, the R9s is very accurate. It is not an easy gun to shoot, the recoil is sharp, and the grip is slick. But, the trigger is as good as it gets. Smooth, and consistent. No stacking or creep. The gun points like your finger. If you do your part, the gun will make a hole right where the sight rests. I will need to practice a bit more, but so far I am able to shoot groups good enough for government work.
I am looking into getting the front strap and back strap checkered. It needs a bit more grip in my opinion. If you guys could point me in the direction for some solid 25LPI work, I would appreciate it. I saw some 40LPI pics on here. Anyone do 25LPI? Lead time and price would be great if any of you have already had it done. Thanks agian!
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NV. Thanks for the update. Glad everything went well. Excellent results on the Gold Dots.
Here are some links that may help with your question:
http://robarguns.com/
http://www.apwcogan.com/Greetings.htm
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If the grip is slick for you think about buying the hogue extreme grips.
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Straps are to thin to do 25lpi. Those checkered grips do make a big difference.
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That makes sense about the 25 LPI. I thought about the Houge Extreme Grips, but I saw some pictures of Corey's R9 with the checkering and it looked great.
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I am looking into getting the front strap and back strap checkered.
In the mean time, you might want to try some skate board tape. I've had it on mine for a couple of years and it works just great...
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Tony, Great news on your second trip to the range. The checkered grips by Hogue will help alot. Checkering the back strap also helps but could rub and wear holes in your pockets and/or clothes. Tom