Eric's current round count?

[harrydog]

For those of you who have talked with Eric recently, has he mentioned how many rounds he has through his original R9?
When I last spoke with him (months and months ago) I think he said that he had about 4500 rounds through his gun and it was just beginning to show a little wear of the anodization on the frame rails. I also think I read a post more recently that mentioned a higher round count.
Really curious what he's up to now.

[R9SCarry]

Tried to catch Eric last Friday but he was out - just a chat with maria.

I think yes his demo R9 is now probably in excess of 5k rounds.  I must remember to ask him when next I do manage a chat.

[Wayne]

How many rounds should it go?

[DDGator]

Wayne,

I am not sure there is an answer to that question.  There is no "life expectancy" placed on the gun by the factory -- unlike, say, a S&W Sigma that is designed to wear out.  Of course, this is a small gun with an alloy frame that is subjected to a lot of stress...

There is limited evidence so far, but it appears that a properly lubed and maintained R-9 will run in excess of 5,000 rounds with no significant signs of wear.

I don't think that most of us will shoot 5,000 rounds out of this gun ever.  I know I won't.  After the first 200 rounds or so to get used to it and establish 100% reliability, I will shoot my carry ammo every quarter or so and thats about it.

[R9SCarry]

Yep - pretty much what Duane said.  I think much would depend on whether a gun was properly maintained - meaning regular replacement of recoil spring at recommended intervals .... and necessary strip/clean/re-lube.

I think Eric's demo gun will probably be, remain - the test-bed for quantity as I can hardly see most owners using this gun as a weekend plinker with huge thruput of ammo.

[theirishguard]

That would be the norm, 200-300 rds then shoot on occasion a few rounds just to keep your hand in it. Having said that Jody shot his 3300-3500 rds. It will be interesting to see how long the R9 will last. I think it will be a high number that few of us will obtain.    Tom

[Wayne]

I agree with the low number of rounds.  While I absolultely love the design and the quality of the R9 for self defense, I don't think my poor hand could take more than a couple of boxes of gold dots in one sitting.  

Clearly, there are other guns that are much better for extended sessions at the range, if that is what one is looking for.

As to the life expectancy of the R9, I had assumed that since the R9 was so long in design, that either the R bros had an engineering goal in mind (durability), or they would have tested one "flat out" on a best-case maintenance schedule to see how it would hold up.  It appears that they have chosen the best quality materials available (coupled with an excellent design), so it probably won't be a problem.

In my case, shooting it about 25 rounds per month, it will take me 16+ years to hit the 5,000 mark.  I suppose by then, my R9 will have been retired in favor of the R45 (with the night sights!)  

[theirishguard]

Wayne, I'm with you on that!!!!    Tom

[TW]

>>Some time ago I remember talking with Eric or Karl about the intended life of the R9.  One of them...can't remember who, said the gun should live for at least 5,000 rounds and probably much more with proper care.  Of course in saying this they were assuming the average R9 owner buys the gun for it's intended purpose - as a defensive weapon, not a plinker.  So if you do the math, which Wayne just did, the guns should serve us a loooooong time without serious problems.  And if something breaks - we have the lifetime (our lifetime) guarantee for repairs.
 
Everyone I have talked to say the R9 is THE finest handgun they have ever seen in regards to materials used and craftsmanship.  But even knowing that - how can anyone make a serious prediction on the life of the R9...I mean, really...??  
 
A funny side note...another thing one of the brothers told me recently...  It seems the first time they actually got around to firing the R9 was a very traumatic experience.  As I recall it was somehow locked down in a vise and fired remotely...with all the guys hiding behind a Plexiglass shield or some such.  They had no idea if the gun would work or blowup...!  Fortunately for all of us...it fired just fine...!...TW<<

[Wayne]

I would be curious about the first words uttered after the test.  I suspect it was either "holy cow", or "told you so".  Too bad there's no video  

[R9SCarry]

Now Wayne ...... come on!!  If we were able to speculate on what WAS actually uttered (guessing of course!) ... it would not be fair to print such on this forum  

[Wayne]

Yeah, Chris, you're right.

But you know what?  I'd really be interested in learning the whole story from the time they they decided they could build a better gun, through hiding behind the plexiglass, to where they are now.  It's the story of the journey through invention that adds such things as mystique, legend, and heritage to the R9.

On this forum, I've found little tidbits of the story, -the "S" being removed from the R9 on the slide, the plexiglass test firing, and a few others.

Maybe there's a book in their future?

[R9SCarry]

[size=13]Maybe there's a book in their future?[/size]

I'd rather like to think so - but know what?  It won't be the brothers that write it - they'll be too busy makin' guns!!

IIRC all this started about 8 years ago approx ..... and I'll bet there is more than enough material to write a book - a large book!

Title?? ........... "The R9 - a Pup is Born" (The R9 'Gestation' and growing pains'')

(darned typos!)

[RJ HEDLEY]

Those pesky typo's just keep on gettin' into my posts too,  I bought a new computer, but it didn't help.