Thinking of buying R9, power concern

[gunlover]

I just ckecked out a R9 at a local gun show. I like the size, just a little bigger than my Kel-Tec 380. Although, a fare amount wider and heavy. I have a lot of small and light guns. I always carry corbon +p ammo. My only concern is that you can't use +p ammo in the R9. My smith J frame TI only weighs 13 OZ loaded, and pushes a 110 GR JHP 1250 fps with 382 ft/lbs muz/energy, with a two in barrell. I have a PM9 that is a little big for pocket carry, but can be done. Again, with the hot corbon load, 115GR +P, It puts out 1350fps, 466 ft/lbs with a 4 inch barrell. The R9 seems to be around 260-280 on the energy from the chart I looked at. The standard for self defense is 400 ft/lbs, by the so called (experts). I have no problem with high recoil. I like the R9 alot, but I am not sure the power is enough for the price of the gun. Opinions please !

[PsychoSword]

One thing to keep in mind is the R9 will be more concealable and reloads will be faster.

The noise and flash of a full house .357 out of a Ti or Scandium snub is tremendous.

[theirishguard]

gunlover, the power of a standard 9mm at the range used 6-7 ft should be enough to stop the fight. You will find the R9 a very handy pocket pistol. If you get one, you will not look back.  Tom

[Hk-Itch]

If you own a 3-AT then I don't quite understand the concern over power issues when you move up to a 9 millie.  As you said the R9 is just alittle bigger than the Kel-tec, but it's put together soooo much better.  Cost could be a factor in someone's decision to purchase this gun, but that's what makes it so exclusive/elusive.  A non-believer; one not so dedicated would never justify the plunkning down of close to a grand for a pocket gun that they couldn't enjoy shooting 100 rounds through every weekend.  But then that's not what this one is intended for is it?

[gunlover]

I use the Kel-Tec 380 as a gun for anytime, anywhere, you go, you don't even know you have it, its so small and light. I own rental property in cleveland, and when I go out there, I carry something more powerfull. I only paid 219.00 for the Kel-Tec 380, and got lucky, it works with every ammo I have tryed in it. But it is a cheap, low quality gun. I was a little amazed to see a lot of people are haveing feeding issues with the R9. It looks like they need to make a few changes with the gun, maybe new springs for the mag and mainspring. I wonder if the slide to frame fit may be a little to tight. I have owned a lot of smith&wesson autos that have had a stainless slide on a alloy frame, And I have never had a single failure to feed with anyone of them. I know it took Kel-Tec a long time to get their little 380 to work. I think I will wait for 6 months and see how the R9s are working, and if the price comes down a little bit. They need some compition right now. I hope some other gun co. comes out with a similar gun. Thanks for the input.  

[Hk-Itch]

Actually,  Kel-tec and Walther are comming out with pocket nines, and of course there is the Kahr.  I had one of those before I got this R9.  Good shooter after I did some buffing and polishing of the feed ramp, although the trigger pin kept working it's way out of the frame after each range session.  Hey, a gun is a tool and as long as it works is what's important, right?   I'm partial to the Rohrbaugh it's the best tool in my box right now.  But I'm curious about the PPS.....

[Aglifter]

The pup is best built gun I own in it's price range -- and is far better made than anything kel-tec makes, or walther in quite some time.  I don't really know that it will affect the price very much.  

The power level isn't a 357 mag, but the pup's easier to conceal, and a lot easier to control than the ultra light 357 mags.  An R9 isn't mean as a primary -- I always carry the pup, but at the plant (bad area) I tend to open carry an XD 45, w. my SP101 as my back up, w. the hottest 357 loads buffalo bore makes.  

[harrydog]

 An R9 isn't mean as a primary -- I always carry the pup, but at the plant (bad area) I tend to open carry an XD 45, w. my SP101 as my back up, w. the hottest 357 loads buffalo bore makes.  

I don't necessarily agree that the R9 is not meant to be a primary carry piece. There are many, many people who by choice or necessity carry something very small as their primary and only weapon.

[Newt]

Right you are Harrydog!! I use the R9 as primary carry all the time, 6 124 GDHP will be enough to do the job. (God forbib I will ever have to use it)!

[dbracin]

When you have a choice (and I do) , go with tool that you will carry ALL the time. Of the following choices, the R9s get the most pocket time.  

[theirishguard]

there you go. I agree Tom

[45ACP2GO]

Here is my compairsons



I like them all but if I am going to carry small why carry a 380.
R9S Stealth, P3AT, Glock 27, Kahr PM9 and S & W 340PD.

My R9 is the same size as the P3AT, a little wider and heaver, much more power.

[gunlover]

I would not discount the little kel-tec 380. I own all the guns above, except the R9. I find myself carrying the kel-tec alot. The 380 weighs 11oz loaded, compared to 17oz for the R9 and about 18oz for the PM9. The kel-tec is a good summer gun for a low crime area, and gives some protection. The PM9 is the best all around gun, IMO, It is pleasent to shoot, very accrurate, good trigger, shoots +P ammo. I will most likely buy a R9 to fill in the gap from the kel-tec and the PM9. I paid 539.00 for the PM9, and it is 100% reliable, and a high quality gun. I think the R9 is over priced right now, and for a grand, I should not have to replace the mainspring for two boxs of ammo. Rohrbaugh,---- are you watching this forum, you have a potential customer that would like a few changes before he buys your product. Thank You