Machine grooves on left side of slide.

[Corvette]

I just noticed some very noticeable groves running front to back on the left side of the slide. You can see them, and you can easily feel them with your fingernail.
It's apparent that the left side of the slide wasn't smoothed before blasting.
This is VERY disappointing. This shouldn't happen when you pay this much for a gun.
I just can't understand how it wasn't noticed before it was sent out the door.  
I'm not sure how to handle this.
Yes, I'm sure I can send it back and it'll be taken care, but after spending $1,150, I shouldn't need to.  


 



 


 

[yankee2500]

There is no way that should have been missed by QC before shipping. On a $250 Kel Tec you might expect that. Let us know what you decide to do and the outcome.  John

[KenU]

I'm thinkin' this went out of the factory on a Friday afternoon.

[DDGator]

Hey Curt,

Turns out, Eric Rohrbaugh was reading the forum today.

The reason the machine marks are left in, to a certain degree, is to show the owner that these are, in fact, cut from solid billets and not MIMed or forged pieces.  Eric says your slide is at the extreme end of acceptance from their shop, and if you feel they detract from the gun in anyway, and want them removed, Rohrbaugh will certainly take care of that for your if you send it back.  They would re-finish the top of the slide so those lines are not so prevalent.

Eric says in the future, they plan to finish the top of the slide to a finer cut, so as not to bring too much attention to the machining lines, which they thought were not objectionable. Further proof that the R-Bros respond to what folks say about their firearms, take in such information, and act upon it to make the guns better.

Hope this makes you feel better about the situation.  I suggest you give them a call next week and discuss it with them.

Thanks.

[Corvette]

Hey Curt,

Turns out, Eric Rohrbaugh was reading the forum today.

....The reason the machine marks are left in, to a certain degree, is to show the owner that these are, in fact, cut from solid billets and not MIMed or forged pieces.  


Thanks.

Thanks for the reply.

Are you saying that machine marks are intentionally left in the slide as *proof* that the gun is cut from billet ? ? ?

I'll call Rohbaugh Monday morning.
Rohrbaugh has a wonderful reputation. I have no doubt that it'll be taken care of.

If this was a Keltec, Kimber or a Kahr I wouldn't be concerned in the least with the machine lines.  
But this is a Rohrbaugh...and I plan on keeping it the rest of my life.

Thanks  


 
 

[DDGator]

I don't know that I am saying that exactly... I passed on what Eric said pretty closely.

I think they didn't consider it to be an issue, and sort of a sign of the methodology.

And yeah -- the R-9 is a keeper!

[Richard S]

* * *

And yeah -- the R-9 is a keeper!

Amen!

[slashsplat]

I noticed similar machining marks on the top of the slide on my Stealth.  They are less pronounced (partially due to the black finish) and after thorough inspection of the internal parts, I decided they WERE there intentionally.  Knowing that they could obtain a mirror finish, as they approach on some parts, I felt that the machining evidence was intentional.  I liked the character it gave the slide.  

[fultoncoshooter]

yeah i can see the machining on mine to i posted about it months ago when i got it

I think its a unacceptable also

as for the reply about its left on there to prove its machined.... I have machined Ar15 lowers..guess what? no machine marks

[RickP]

I had not noticed any marks on my stealth and was worried.
I just checked and there are some faint ones. Now I feel better.

Rick

[rjklein]

WHO cares, the gun looks nice.  I noticed them on mine, no big deal.  Its a pocket gun, put it in your pocket and if you have to show it to somebody they wont have time to notice your slide has grooves.

[Carter]

After reading this thread, I took a look at my Stealth (built right around Christmas '08 ) to see what ya'll were talking about.
I have to say, I had to put it up to a light and look real close to see anything, but there are some very fine lines mostly visible where the slide curves upward to become the rear sight.
I would have NEVER seen them without looking for them, and now knowing that they are there, they still don't bother me a bit.

I do agree that the milling lines on the OP slide are probably a bit obvious, but it looks like when the black finish Stealth is done, the finishing process almost completely gets rid of the marks.
But personally, I'd leave it the way it is. It adds character and gives it a "working pistol" look rather than a "safe queen" look.  

[Quiet1]

,
I It adds character and gives it a "working pistol" look rather than a "safe queen" look.  

Ahhhh, I don't know.  I think for $1195.00 (plus tax) I'd like MY working pistol to look like a Safe Queen    

[ccoorreeyy]

I agree.  No proof needed on my gun that it was machined.  I want it clean.
Corey

[yankee2500]

I am also of the opinion that for the money the finish should be flawless. If the mfg. says it's made from a solid billet thats all the proof I need, not tooling marks. Curt, maybe I'll wait and see how long yours takes and how it comes out, and then send mine. John