Do you prefer the new model or the older R9/R9s's?

[PsychoSword]

If you were going to buy another Rohrbaugh R9/R9s, would you purchase a new one or an older one?

Are their reasons you would purchase and old one over new, or are their mechanical or other improvements that would make you prefer a newer one instead?



Thanks

[Hk-Itch]

Because I have a newer model, I think I would prefer an earlier one.  Mainly because of the different grip material and frame color.  I don't think that there is a major difference in the design or materials used in the earlier to older guns.

Having said that I'll probably end up getting another newer model just because it's what my dealer has on his shelf.  This one will have sights though.

[marvin]

HK
Great question.When I was a kid the slogan for the Packard motor car was"ask the man that owns one".Would't it be great to learn from the experience of others.That said I have difficulty learning from my own mistakes.
I think that I would buy the newer model.The old model,two tone,carbon fiber.,looks great.
First let me clearly say that this is only one mans opinion.
There are two major aspects that I would consider;aesthetics and functionality.
The aesthetics of both pistols are great,fit ,finish,ergonomics,etc.So it comes down to a matter of personal choice.
For me just in the looks dept. it"s a toss up.
The second aspect,functionality is much stickier.
Number one question 'What is the gun to be user for?
For me the answer was self defense.
Yes---it fits in my pocket,points naturally,is lite,has the minimum power for self defense,etc.
The big question is WILL IT GO BANG when I pull the trigger.?
By now you can guess that I was one of the few that experienced reliability issues with the R9. With lots of work and help from the forum and the factory my pups problems have been resolved.
Back to the car analogy.My dad, bless his heart told me to never buy the first model year of a new car design"It will break your heart"buy it the second or third year,when the bugs are already worked out". Wise man.
I would buy the new stealth model because the factory has learned from our experience,new springs,lub,tolerance specs.
Also I think that the dark slide draws less light and that could offer some tactical advantage.
That said I'm very pleased with my old pup and wouldn't trade him for less shine.
Short question,long answer .

Jeff

[Richard S]

I have one of the first R9s shipped. It has the original anodizing of the frame and came with the blue carbon fiber grips. I've changed out the blue grips for a pair of black CFs, the appearance of which I've personally come to prefer over the blues. I like this combination, and think I would order it again if I had to choose between "the old and the new."

As for reliability, I'm pleased and fortunate to report that this particular pistol has not malfunctioned. After running six magazines through it the first time out, with a friend also trying it for himself after my shooting hand had begun to "complain," I now shoot only a mag or two a session just to retain weapon familiarity. I always clean and lubricate the pistol (I use Ballistol) immediately after returning from the range.  I've also adopted the 100-round theory for changing recoil springs.  

I trust this pistol and figure that as long as I take good care of it, I can expect it to take good care of me and mine as may be needed.  

[Arizona]

I prefer my blue carbon fiber over the black carbon fiber because at different angles, the blue one actually looks black.  

I also knowing it was made in the original location makes it more unique.

[GAPhatty]

I'd be happy with either if I could just find the $$ - but the next one will definitely NOT have sights.  I have sights on my Stealth because that's what was available, but they do nothing for me in terms of accuracy in short-range situations.

If these guns were not as special as they are, I would eliminate at least the front blade on my stealth slide, but I don't want to mess with what is a well-engineered weapon.

- Greg

[Newt]

Sights? Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them!!

[GAPhatty]

Sights? Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them!!

Maybe - or maybe better to learn not to rely on them at close quarters.  If the BG is far enough away that I need the sights on the pup, then I'm probably going to jail if I pull the trigger...  :-/

[Seven]

I've got one of the old ones, sans sights - and don't mind their lack in the slightest.  I can make tin cans jump at 10+ yards pretty consistently - that's good enough for my usage, and what I wanted the gun for.

7

[Reinz]

Man, sights should not be a big issue at all, that's easy to get around in a couple of ways.  One, there's always a belt sander; which will take that front sight right off; which is what I had done to my NAA 22 mag  along with a melt down package.
 
Of course you probably don't want to do that to a Stealth model and screw up the finish.  But for you second R9, if you can't find one without sights, get a regular stainless model and have the sights sanded off.
 
Then the second way,  it's easy to train without using your sights, it's called point shooting.  If you think your brain will subconsciously use the sights, put tape over them.

Reinz

[Brenden]

I do not believe I could bring myself to grind off any part of any of my pups..

I just always figured it was pretty unobtrusive,and if needed could be ignored,and if needed could be brought into play..

I have absolutely no "accuracy" problems with my Seecamps that have no sites-point and shoot..

[theirishguard]

Either, both guns are just fine     Tom

[Reinz]

Brenden - personally, I agree with you wholeheartedly.  I can easily ignore the sights on the R9 if I want to. And I would not need to sand them off.
I only suggested it since Gregg said his next R9 would not have sights and my understanding was that they were not making them that way anymore.  Is that right? ( or they are very difficult to obtain?)


Reinz