Author Topic: purchasing a used r-9  (Read 15137 times)

Offline docboss

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purchasing a used r-9
« on: November 20, 2012, 08:57:40 PM »
If someone is considering a pre-owned R-9, what are the things that should be considered? Naturally the dealer says the firearm is is great condition, but how do you really know? Thanks. Doc :-\

Offline Richard S

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2012, 09:11:43 PM »
The condition of the finish will tell you much about how the used R9 was treated by its former owner(s). Also scope out the interior of the barrel with a light. The dealer will probably not want to field strip the piece for you (indeed, he may not even know how to do so), but he might be willing to strip it down for you if he understands the procedure and considers you to be serious about a possible purchase.

Good luck in your search. The R9 is a masterpiece of form and function.
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Offline docboss

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2012, 09:58:54 PM »
Thanks Richard. My viewing of the R9 displayed absolutely no sign of use at all. The firearm had no wear marks, scratches, or "rubs". It has the original case with two spent cartridges and a spare spring. The salesman did comment that the magazine release was very strong but said the extracter looked perfect and the magazines showed no wear. I just do not want to purchase a firearm that has been abused or damaged. Obviously the owner sold it for a reason. Thanks again.

Offline Richard S

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2012, 08:20:10 AM »
DB:

From your description, it would appear that the R9 you describe has seen little if any range time. I would say go for it. And as for the reason the previous owner decided to sell the piece, don't give it a second thought. The reasons could run the gamut from an estate sale to an emergency need for funds.
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Offline thor447

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2012, 11:50:34 AM »
Spot on Richard.  I've purchased a few firearms in my time at prices that seemed to good to be true.  The R9 is not a cheap pistol and can bring a decent amount of money if the seller is in immediate need.  Follow your gut, if the firearm is in great shape, you can't go wrong.
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Offline docboss

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #5 on: November 21, 2012, 11:14:08 PM »
Thanks for the input, BUT, if you are looking at a used R9, other than obvious signs of cosmetic wear, what are the distinctive mechanical signs that one should investigate. Obviously if the recoil spring is "shot" it shows signs of use, but I am looking at signs of excessive wear and abuse. Just asking.

Offline Reinz

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2012, 03:00:35 AM »
Howdy DocBoss, I woild like to welcome you to the forum.

Aside from the good points that Richard has already made, just look at the slide fit.  Is it tight side to side?  If they will NOT disassemble, pull the slide back as far as it will go and hold it back tightly in your hand.  Now look at the rails.  Is there excessive wear, deep gouges, any cracks showing? Frame Cracks usually show somewhere near the slide rails or dustcover (under the recoil spring), so inspect these areas well.

Check the ejection port for any alteration.  Look at firing pin and firing pin hole for "truing" or enlarging of hole.  Look at bolt face for scratches, gouges, corrosion.
Use your finger to gently tug on extrator for tension (good) and inspect for abuse.  Push on ejector, to make sure it's not loose.

Look slide over for hairline cracks; especially at back of slide and underneath when you pull slide back and hold it back.  Look close at that flat area that cocks the hammer and the rails in the inside at the rear.

Inspect the bore of the barrel.  A gun dealer will have a bore light.  Pull slide back enough to slip the light in the chamber and look down the bore.  You do not want to see any rust pitting/corrosion.  Dirty, and copper fouling is acceptable, but use that to your advantage in negotiations.
If a bore light is not available, hold the slide back and stick one of your fingers in the bolt area so that your fingernail faces the chamber.  Hold the bore directly under a light source (usually the flourescent lights)  and you can see fairly well.

Pull the mag, inspect the mag.  Is it beat up? If so, my intenae go up.  Check the feed lips, press the floor plate for tension.  Now look at the mag chute on the gun.  Look inside well.  Look for scratches, look for any rust, dirt in the mainspring. Press on mag release with thumb.  It should be tight.  Slide mag in to test for a solid hold.

It is VERY poor etiquette to pull triggers and snap the firing pins on anyone else's gun without asking for permission first.  If you are a serious buyer, it is usually not a problem.  By all means do so.  All R9's should have a nice long smooth as butter trigger.

With trigger pulled half way inspect hammer and firing pin area from the back. Look for "peening - bad", on both hammer face and where it strikes the firing pin.

I'm sure I missed something here.  It is very late. Others may add to this list.

It took 4 times longer to type this  2 times longer to read this than it will to do the actual inspection.  So please don't be intimidated.

Also, it is can be insulting to bring a set of Visi-Visors (Jewlers/Gunsmith magnified visors), but a neat tirck is to bring a pair of extra strong reading glasses,  They really help in finding cracks and imperfections and such.  The seller will never be the wiser.

Good Luck :)
« Last Edit: November 22, 2012, 03:32:51 AM by Reinz »
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Offline Richard S

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2012, 10:37:05 AM »
Reinz:

You have literally "written the book" on purchasing a used firearm. The guidance in my posts  is superficial in comparison. I'm printing your post for the archives I shall leave to that heir most in favor at the time of my demise.  8)
(1963-1967) "GO ARMY!"

Offline docboss

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #8 on: November 22, 2012, 03:58:04 PM »
POW! What a list. This is what I was seeking (I think). I will give this list to a local Rohrbaugh dealer to have him evaluate the R9 I am considering (from a different dealer). Too bad the company does not offer some sort of warranty on exceptional preowned firearms. Heck, even Mercedes and Porsche give warranties on "Certified" cars. I hope it works out. My primary reason for looking at the R9 is it appears to be the only 9mm I want to carry when I ride my bike.  :)

Offline tracker

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #9 on: November 22, 2012, 04:54:00 PM »


It is my understanding that a warranty can be purchased from the Rohrbaugh factory for previously owned guns.

Offline docboss

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2012, 10:20:07 PM »
That would be great! Thanks. I'll check into it.  8)

Offline Reinz

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #11 on: November 23, 2012, 01:38:33 AM »
Glad to be of help.  Being a huge gun addict on the Road in the past for 20 years, I've hit a lot of pawn and gun shops.  I've been stung just enough to learn what to look for. :)
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Offline docboss

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #12 on: December 06, 2012, 06:00:04 PM »
I looked through the forums but could not find the answer so excuse me for asking but can someone give me the approximate build date for R9S' with serial numbers in the 1250's and 1310's. Thanks.

Offline BlueC2

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #13 on: December 06, 2012, 08:34:00 PM »
I looked through the forums but could not find the answer so excuse me for asking but can someone give me the approximate build date for R9S' with serial numbers in the 1250's and 1310's. Thanks.

Docboss,

It is difficult to associate exact dates with serial numbers but what I can tell you is R1000 (special engraved gun) to celebrate the 1000th R9 was displayed at Shot Show 2006 (Jan 2006). So my guess would be that both R1250 and R1310 would have been made at some point during 2006. I hope this helps.

There are a couple nice looking ones on GB right now with black CF grips for really reasonable prices.
Buy it Now: $900
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=320066534


NR $770
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=318864054




Currently looking for Elite Premium RP 1 of 16. Please PM 
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Offline docboss

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Re: purchasing a used r-9
« Reply #14 on: December 07, 2012, 05:11:07 PM »
This is my last question on this issue (I hope), before I look at a R9s tomorrow. Assuming the condition of the gun I view is excellent (it will be examined by a Rohrbaugh dealer) is there any advantages/disadvantages to buying a serial number in the 12xx range? For example, given that the gun was produced several years ago, have there been any changes in the way it is/was made. Is the machining better/worse? Changes in design, trigger, materials, "feel"? Even Rolex wristwatches change for the better/worse over the years. If I puchase the gun I do intend to send it in for the warranty ($150) and refurbishing. Thanks. Sorry for my ignorance in this matter.  :-\