R9s Longevity

[dradam]

Hello all, I am a new PROUD owner of an R9s stealth and cannot help be concerned over talks about the gun's longevity.  I have no idea who in the world would ever want to shoot this gun as there primary range gun, but can anybody give me an idea of, on average, how many rounds you all have put through your Rohrbaughs?

[Richard S]

Dradam:

First of all, welcome to the Forum and to the exclusive club of owners of the world's finest pocket pistol.

As for longevity, I took delivery of an early-issue Farmingdale R9 (32nd of the first run of 47) in May 2004, and have carried it on a daily basis ever since. I ran sixty-seven or so rounds through it at its first outing. After that, however, I have run no more than a magazine or two per range session just to retain familiarity. I haven't kept a round count, but the pistol is cleaned every time it is shot (and occasionally in between sessions), and I replace recoil springs when I think I may have run about 200 rounds through it. I stocked up with eight or nine of the original springs when I first acquired the pistol, some from the factory, some from two other Forum members, and at last count still had four of those springs left.

Just for your evaluation of a Rohrbaugh's longevity and durability, here is a photo taken of No. 132 back in May after five years of daily carry. It came with blue CF grips, and I have since acquired extra grips in black CF, G10 and OD and silver aluminum. I usually carry it with the OD Green aluminums shown here. And, by the way, it's in my pocket as I type this post:  

[DTM_39]

Dradam ,  Welcome to the Forum.  Don't have an exact # but my R-9 has somewhere around 800 rnds through it.  I change the outer recoil spring at about 250 rounds and keep the gun clean.  Runs like a top.  Dan

[slashsplat]

Welcome and congratulations!

Looking at one of my Glocks and the R9 side by side, stripped, one thing is obvious.  If I knew nothing about the reputation of either pistol, I would have to believe the R9 was much more likely to live a long and prosperous life.  The materials, fit and finish provide evidence of the silliness of any claims that the gun won't hold up.

Springs, of course, are expendable, as the little pup is shoehorning a powerful cartridge in a way small package.  Other than that, the little gem is as rugged as can be manufactured.

Within the year I have carried it, every single day in a Nemesis in my cargo pants pocket, I have shot about 210 rounds and recently changed the spring.  It is beginning to feel like it is working in, and the trigger has actually gotten a bit smoother, if that is possible.

I added a small strip of skateboard tape to the front and back of the grip which greatly improved the feel for my large hands.

I have complete confidence that when I need those 6 rounds, I will make them go bang to buy time for me to get to a rifle.  

[theirishguard]

I have a customer who has over 5000 rounds thru his pup and no problems./  Tom

[Newt]

5000rds!! Makes my hand hurt just thinking about it.

[theirishguard]

he has had the gun for 5 years.  Tom