Newbie Questions......

[Chihuahua TN]

Hello everyone,
So I think I have decided after many endless nights of sleep that I am going to order a Rohrbaugh 9mm. I have some general questions for your guys. In searching the internet and using the "search function" on this wonderful forum I have not had some of my burning questions directly answered.

1) In relation to The keltec P3AT and the Kahr PM9, which is it more closely related too? Yes I can see the dimensions but numbers lie, when carrying the R9 is is more akin to the P3AT or the PM9 or is it a combination of the two. I feel like I can't pocket carry the PM9 does the R9 fill that role as the gun "in between"? Simply put.....how does it carry in the pocket?

2) How is the recoil, what does it compare too?

3) Any recommendations on who to purchase one from?

My Assumptions from my research (correct me if I am wrong please)

1) Yes the Rohrbaugh R9 is not as small as the keltec P3AT and it will never be.
2) Yes the R9 will need a diet of premium ammo...I plan to practice only what I carry.
3) I only intend to shoot 13 rounds per range visit, I realize this not a range gun but with will last me a lifetime with care.

thanks,
Mike

[robertd]

Welcome.

Seems like you have a good grip on the issues.

The greatest appeal to me that surpasses all other considerations is the excellent machining. No MIM or stamping here.

Recoil is about like a Glock Model 27. The R9's felt recoil is worse due to the fact that only 75% of my grip is used.


As far as a place to buy, see the Irish Guard banner above. You might find a lower price (I doubt much) but dealing with Tom is worth it all. His cheerfulness in spite of adversity and his authentic care for his client are worth the price of a phone call.

Good luck with your search.

[Richard S]

Mike:

Welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on deciding to order the Rohrbaugh, which I consider to be the finest pocket pistol yet produced.

In attempt to answer your questions:

1. Expressing it metaphorically using sportscars for comparison, the R9 would be a Ferrari, the PM9 a Corvette, and the P3AT a Miata.

2. While felt recoil is highly subjective, I would describe the recoil of the R9 as "stout" but entirely manageable with a firm grip.

3. As Robert has stated, you can't do better than dealing with Tom Watson ("theirishguard"):

Irish Guard Firearms
6060 N. Central Expressway / Suite 205
Dallas, Texas 75206
972-278-3092
eMail: tomswatson@sbcglobal.net

[kinoz]

I fire off at least 24 rounds per range visit, and have gone as high as 80.

I consider the recoil negligible and a non-factor (like you, I was convinced it would be off the charts).

In addition to premium ammo, I also use Federal's American Eagle with excellent results.

[ACP]

Mike

Welcome to the forum and and get some sleep.

 While I have no practical experience with the Keltec, and great respect for Richard, the Keltec's looks alone incline me to regard it more as an Edsel for those wishing to invoke automotive metaphors.

You have done your homework prior to obtaining an R9. Now, let Tom Watson The Irish Guard fulfill your Rohrbaugh dreams.

[DanR9SF]

Mike, I have both a P-3AT and an R9S.  The R9 is quite a bit heavier.  It's small enough to easily carry in a holster in a front pocket.  I also sometimes carry a S&W 340PD 5-shot revolver in a holster in a front pocket, and the revolver is the lightest of the bunch but also the largest.  The end of the grip on the revolver is very near the top of my pocket.  Both the R9 and P-3AT sit deep in the pocket (but not at the same time!).  When I have the R9 in my pocket no one can tell.  The revolver is thicker and the bulge is noticeable.  The P-3AT disappears as it's thinner, smaller and lighter than the R9.  

Recoil (in my opinion) on the P-3AT is significantly "lower" compared to the R9 - however the R9 recoil is "easily managed" and "not bad".  I know these are subjective terms.  I also have a S&W Model 329 scandium .44 magnum snubby lightweight revolver and THAT is almost unmanageable with .44 magnum ammo.  I shoot .44 special in that gun and with that lower velocity and lighter projectile ammo the gun has about the same recoil as the R9 - but remember the model 329 is a lot heavier than an R9.  I'm 6'5", 260lbs and recoil doesn't seem to bother me as much as others.  Both the P-3AT and R9 have a small grip but in my experience they're both easy to hold and shoot.   The recoil on the R9 is about the same as a .38 special +P out of an aluminum or scandium lightweight snubby revolver.

The P-3AT is a fine little gun and mine (after 2 trips back to the factory) is 100% reliable.  But the .380 round is too weak for my tastes hence the R9.  9mm is a good round even out of a short barrel.  I'm comforted knowing the R9 is in my pocket but it's not as comfortable as the lighter P-3AT or 340PD.

Oh, and the R9 is very well made and has a smooth trigger.  The P-3AT is a Hasbro toy compared to the R9, but you can have 3 or 4 P-3AT's for the price of one R9.

Hope this helps.

[kjtrains]

Welcome to the forum, Mike.  I concur with giving Tom from the Irish Guard a call.  Your prework studies on the Rohrbaugh are commendable.  Now the follow through with Tom.

[yankee2500]

 Mike , welcome to the forum. I have held and shot a P3AT and the Kel-Tec is more of a Yugo to me, I own a Ruger LCP it is a refined and improved P3AT and carrys very nice in the pocket but is still a 380. I owned a 340 SS like Ktrains 340PD only with a stainless cylinder and 1oz more weight, firing full power 357 mags from it had a very sharp recoil and I don't think many would fire 50rds in one range trip. The R9s is a little thicker than the LCP and the LCP loaded weighs 12oz, the R9 weighs 12.8 empty. Recoil of the R9 to me is not much worse than the LCP but a little different, and the wider backstrap spreads it out.
  As to the premium ammom, I have fired WWB and Remington UMC and had no problems with either, each R9 seems to have it's own preference as to ammo diet.
 For a pocket carry gun I dont think you can beat the R9, and
 quality is first rate along with customer service from the factory.
John

[Chihuahua TN]

I want to thank everyone for the their gracious replies. I currently have a P3AT and LCP but I feel that Hornady Critical Defense is better in 9mm than 380. I will be emailing Tom shortly, for a R9s...thanks
mike