Update from Eric Rohrbaugh

[DDGator]

Eric called me today in commemeration of the one year anniversary...  Rohrbaugh starting shipping its first batch of guns on May 4, 2004.

Eric is back from his travels, including a side-trip to the NRA show to collect the "Handgun of the Year" Award!  He is back in the shop and working.  In fact, he told me that he did the prep and polishing for 400 triggers today.  

Gun production rates continue to improve.  They finished up about 100 guns today that will be shipped out a.s.a.p.  Its hard for them to say how many guns they ship each month because its really not completely consistent--but they are doing about 25 a day recently.

In response to a question raised recently, the only parts they outsource are the magazines (from Checkmate) and the carbon fiber grip panels.  Everything else is done in house.

Eric told me that the raw materials price of carbon fiber has increased THREE-FOLD in the last year!  Those grips are expensive.  It wouldn't surprise me if the CF became an option or upgrade at some point to keep production costs in line.

Otherwise, things are going well and everyone at the factory is happy to celebrate the year anniversary!

[Newt]

Glad to hear Eric is back and well. For the aniversery i bought one of the 1rst 45 guns shipped. Will know exact s# tomorrow. Got it NIB unfired.

[Fud]

1) Does this mean that I can place my order for a second gun? In the past, I've dealt with Eric exclusively via e-mail.

2) What is carbon fiber (yeah, I know it's the stuff my grips are made of but WHAT IS IT) and why is it so expensive?

[DDGator]

You can place your order, but not by e-mail.  Give Maria a call.  

Here is a link on carbon fiber:

http://www.macqc.com/raceplates/technology.htm

[RJ HEDLEY]

Seems to me, an over kill for pistol grips...   In the super thin wall at the back of the left grip, is the only weak spot on the grips...  It is so thin, in fact, I don't think there is enough "fiber"there to do anything.

[DDGator]

Maybe so, RJ.  I am sure that G-10 would do the trick, or maybe even metal-lined softer rubber.

Of course, this gun is all about over-kill, isn't it?  

[Newt]

Duane, If they make a change to the grips I think they should make some provision for stippleing or checkering of the front and back strap to improve control. Just a suggestion.

[BillinPittsburgh]

Wasn't there a picture of a Rohrbaugh with "new" black G-10 grips at some point?  It was a good looking gun.  Micarta would also work fine.

I wouldn't want rubber, because I have found that it tends to "grab" adjacent fabric too much.

[DDGator]

There were some G-10 grips made, I believe.  I don't recall seeing any photos.  The new CF grips are black, of course.

[theirishguard]

The carbon fiber grips are not only strong but sure look great. And they are in keeping with quality as a whole of the R9.     Tom

[Wayne]

I'm with Tom on this one.  One of the major selling points, at least to me, is that there is nothing that is "skimped" or second rate in the production of these fine guns.  From the design, to the raw materials, to the manufacture and hand fitting, everything is top notch.

As a matter of fact, I worry that these guys will run themselves out of business because there is really no aftermarket for add-on or enhancement parts.  Practically speaking, there is nothing I would change out on this gun.

OTOH, I guess that 's what makes the R9 the perfect carry gun, -it lacks nothing!  

[GeorgeH]

Remember that there isn't a lighter material out there for the stock panels than carbon fiber. Size and weight are important with this gun.

[R9SCarry]

I also heard from Eric yesterday - but as luck would have it - only a message on my answer machine (out shooting I was - reprobate that I am!).

I got the drift of the news but Duane has made a nice synopsis - I will speak with Eric soon hopefully.

Does indeed sound as though he not only had a good spell away but - also has gotten back to some wquite impressive output!  Good news for many hopefully.

RJ - the ''super thin'' area of grips - did you not mean right side??  Where it has been machined out for relief - for trigger linkage??

I must say - it might be tough to find another material quite so strong for weight as the CF but the price hike on that stuff is wicked.  I remember Eric said something about Boeing buying up all licencing or something - and so controlling costs.  :-/

[RJ HEDLEY]

R9SCarry

Of course, the "Right" side grip, I must have been thinking of the *Other* right grip.    

[R9SCarry]

Had a very welcome and enjoyable chat with Eric last night - much has been covered in Duane's update above.

It was tho good to hear ''the old Eric'' - considerably refreshed from a sensible length break.

It was interesting too to hear of some interest from I think, 2 police departments in Germany - who may be thinking towards R9 issue for close carry/covert etc.  Be great if that and more could become fact.

Only reiterating here but - it is plain that folks must accept the email lack right now - the demands on gun-building certainly do preclude the old style phone and email chats.  I and others have been spoiled - but I can see the why of current thinking.  In essence, much as Eric is as most of us know - the archetypal ''friend on the phone'' - it is well apparent that if he is on the phone - guns ain't gettin built!  Maria is tho a great person to to reach and is A1+ re her abilities - customer service is not diminished - just altered.

QC has now gone to every gun apparently - not just samples.  Much has been learned and is being implemented.  It doesn't get much better than this

I think now they are settled in new place - this year will be both challenging - and exciting.  Full steam ahead.  Best wishes to all at the Rohrbaugh facility.