My 1st "range report"

[markd]

Well, after waiting since last November, I got my R-9s last week and took it to the range on Sat.  I had 5 boxes of 124 grain gold dots, as has been recommended numerous times on this site (I couldn't locate 115 grain).  After shooting a couple mags of the gold dot, which went through without a problem, I decided to try some 115 grain Winchester "white box" that I use to practice with my Kahr PM9.  I proceeded to put almost 100 rounds down the range without a misfire.  I had to stop because of hand "fatigue".  That is to say I was getting a little tigger "bite" and that little beauty just began generally pounding my hand.  Maybe wearing a glove will help next time.  I will probably limit myself to no more then 50 rounds in the future.

As I mentioned, the R-9s functioned flawlessly and loaded the first round very smoothly unlike my PM9 where many times you have to tap the slide to get it chambered.  As far as accuracy, it was right on the money.  At 30 feet it was shooting in the black when it was bench rested.  As with most of my hand guns, the R-9s shoots better then I do.

I think the R-9s is quite an improvement over the Kahr PM9.  It is balanced better, functions better and seems to be more accurate.  The trigger pull is more consistent on the R-9s, although I would like to see the trigger pull be a little shorter.  It conceals much better and goes quite easily in a front or back jeans pocket, using those fine holsters that R J Hedley made up for me.  I think I would also like to get an IWB kydex holster, if anyone makes them.

To sum it up, I was very pleased with my new R-9s.  What a great little 9mm.  I am also very pleased that I can practice with the "white box" ammo.  This gun is not nearly as finicky as I was led to believe, which makes it that much more of a pleasant surprise.  Now if I can get over that sore hand thing all will be great.

[R9SCarry]

Hi Mark - welcome aboard!

Thanks for the report and very pleased you not only at last have your own pup but that all went well.

I doubt, as you have realized, comfort comes into it when shooting - it does beat up the hand a bit!  I used thin fingerless bike gloves sometimes - they helped.

I would say tho - once broken in as yours is - do a strip and clean and then lube and after that - keep thruput more modest.  Carry a lot and shoot relatively little is way to go.  Remember, clean every 50 rounds if possible - it is recommended.

[theirishguard]

Hi Mark, Well it is great that you had a good time with your new pup! Just limit the number of rounds each range session and you hands will thank you.  Nice report.  Tom

[DDGator]

Welcome to the forum!

Yes, I have had very good luck with Win White Box too, although others have not and its not a "recommended" load by the factory.  Eric says it is like putting 87 octane in a Ferrari...  

Not sure who to go to for kydex yet, although Dave Brown (www.buybrownholsters.com) in Tucson should be making them very soon.

[markd]

I sent Dave Brown an Email inquiring about kydex for the R-9s and also inquired with Comp-Tac holsters and Sidearmor.  No responses yet.  May not be economically feasable to tool up for such a low production gun.

I really like to have at least 3 or 4 holster set-ups so I can cover all situations when I carry, and I find kydex to be superior to leather in some instances.  If anyone gets back to me I will post their reply.  Does anyone know of any other manufacturers?

[R9SCarry]

Not sure who does the ''Blade-Tec'' IWB rigs - and also doubt there'd be anything for R9 but maybe worth checking out.  

I don't use IWB myself at all but have a Blade-Tec that I got with my BHP originally - and something along those lines could be good for R9.

I expect over time as the pup gets more owners and exposure, the rig makers will gradually get to making stuff more.

[Brenden]

markd,
      Welcome..

Glad you could make it..

Hey-does'nt everyone know that WWB goes with everything?

Works for me too..

Again-Welcome!!!

Brenden

[sslater]

I just returned from my first range session with my new R9S.  86 rounds fired in total.  (20) 115gr. Gold Dot, (20) 124gr. Gold Dot, (21) 147gr. Gold Dot, and (25) 115 UMC hardball practice stuff.  Two of those UMCs failed to fire.  Almost no indication on primer.  Must be very hard primers.  One round fired on the second trip thru the gun.  The second one made a good firing pin impression the second try, but wouldn't ignite.

Ther were some indications of firing pin drag on the other rounds - sort of a teardrop shape.  I read somewhere that is an indication of a strong recoil spring.  Be interesting to see if the primer strike pattern changes as that recoil spring comes up on 500 rounds.

All in all, I was very pleased with the R9's performance.  On tearing the gun down for cleaning, I was more than pleased.  Everything looked great; some light polishing thru the anodize coating in the high stress area of the frame.  The barrel cleaned up very easily - a sure indication of good manufacturing practices.  I've had guns that I could never get a clean patch from until I fire-lapped them.  The Rohrbaugh doesn't need that.

I found no trouble reinstalling the recoil assy with my fingers.  This time I purposely did it with the slide on the bench.  Probably a combination of prior experience with cranky recoil assemblies and strong fingers, I guess.
 
No problems encountered with racking the slide on that first round aa noted in other threads.

Finally, the accuracy was better than I expected the first time out. At 10 yards I was chewing the center out of a B27 target, and putting 6 of 6 rounds in the head.  Ya gotta love that trigger.

I might have to change my User ID to:
"Happy Camper"
 

[R9SCarry]

sslater (did I say welcome?? :0 - I always forget!).

Great to hear of another ''Happy (pup) Camper!

You have as most I think experienced the ''7# butter trigger'' - it is quite astonishing how smooth that is - maybe (necessarily) a long travel but so sweet!

I think the design that has gone into the trigger mechanism is incredible - really so simple and yet so efficient - a sign almost always of great minds and design practice.

[theirishguard]

sslater, Good range report. The R9 sure is a great gun. The trigger pull is one of the best parts!   Tom

[sslater]

Thanks for the welcome R9SCarry & theirishguard.
Regarding the trigger feel.  I took the right grip off as the screws weren't impossibly tight.  It's easy to see why the trigger pull is so smooth - the connector bar from trigger to hammer mechanism is STRAIGHT.  No bends to put a moment on the various pivot points.  1911 design comes close with the "bow" which straddles the magazine.  The Rohrbaugh design is simple and brilliant.  
Do any of you forum members put sealer on the grip screws?  When I got the gun, the screws were very tight so I didn't try to take them out.  After my range session three of four screws had 'relaxed'.  Left upper was still too tight to mess with.  Maybe after the next range session.

[R9SCarry]

sslater - don't be concerned with left side - other than checking - they probably will not loosen.

The right panel tho yes - some ''blue type'' thread locker is recommended.  I noticed in early days how these could (and did) loosen.  Excessive loosening is undesirable for obvious reasons - the right panel being in a sense part of trigger group.

Oh and - make sure any Allen wrench you use is top quality - a full 0.0625" (1/16") - cheapo ones are often not only soft but under size too.

Take a peek BTW - and any other newer members who have not yet - at my small FAQ site - there are odd items there of interest about the gun and allied matters - I hope to keep adding tidbits over time. (link in my sig line).

[Richard S]

markd & sslater:

Welcome aboard the Forum and into the rapidly growing club of satisfied Rohrbaugh owners -- and thank you for the reports on your first range sessions.