The Rohrbaugh Forum
Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: Brian894x4 on November 08, 2009, 08:33:14 PM
-
I'm in the market for either a new or used R9S. I'll probably buy new from my local store, but if I run across any used models for the right price, I was wondering if there's anything I should look out for?
I'm specificly wondering if Rohrbaugh made any changes or improvements in the design over the last couple of years that would make any older model less desirable for any reason?
I know with a lot of new guns, the initial production runs are often plauged with problems, followed by design changes, but I haven't heard that being the case with the R9, so I wanted to check for sure.
Thanks much
-
IMO, there have been some subtle changes made, not including springs upgrades, that would favor a newer model. That is not to suggest that there is anything wrong with older versions. Some of us favor the unique characteristics of the initial production runs. The R9 is an evolutionary process in action.
-
Other than a few dimesional changes, I am not aware of any operational changes other than the aforementioned spring issue. I have had 3 at one time and all fired flawlessly with correct ammo. One being an early R9S "no R serial model and another being an early R serial.
I would say any R9 is a "solid" buy unless it appears abused.
-
The one desirable feature of earlier models is carbon fiber grips. They are coveted, as may be witnessed on other strings within this forum.
-
Other than a few dimesional changes, I am not aware of any operational changes other than the aforementioned spring issue. I have had 3 at one time and all fired flawlessly with correct ammo. One being an early R9S "no R serial model and another being an early R serial.
I would say any R9 is a "solid" buy unless it appears abused.
I would agree with that, I have had two older models and the new one that is my current carry piece, and as long as it is not beat up it should work as well as one made last week.
John
-
Perhaps, I am one of the few who has a new slide on an older frame; there is a perceptible difference between the two slides: the new slide is more substantial looking at it from the rear and the extractor is more solid in appearance. The reliability of the newer slide is significantly better; I have had no problems in firing except 1 from a bad batch of primers from Hornady. Again, this is subjective and only my opinion.
-
OK great this is exactly what I wondering about. Does anyone have a rough idea of about what serial some of these changes were made or at least what they look like?
-
Very difficult to pin down specifics but why risk buying a possible question mark when you can buy a new one? You know for certain the factory will stand behind their warranty on a new purchase.
-
Concur with tracker. R9s used to be sold by those wishing to make money when Rohrbaughs were very scarce and difficult to obtain.
While the R9 is still a low production number (as compared to Ruger, Glock, Sig, et al) R9s can more easily be obtained today.
Avoid gunbroker and contact Tom Watson, The Irish Guard, who has close contact & rapport with factory. Anything you obtain from Tom will have full warranty support from Rohrbaugh.
-
I agree with buying a new one. I have had mine since March of this year and absolutely no problems. That being said, doesn't mean that the older ones had problems, but as Tracker said, he has noticed improvements.
-
Also you can call Maria at Rohrbaugh and she can tell you who the closest dealer to where you live is located as well as what the gun should be sold for.
Chief
-
My favorite local gun store historically has at least one in stock and sometimes several more everytime I'm there...but of course, not now. Figures.
I've been doing a lot of reading up on the Rohrbaughs and I do have to say. The overall design fits the ticket that I'm looking for. Something with more power than a .380, but smaller and easier to conceal than a J frame S&W.
I am a little put off by some of the bad press, especially about how few rounds this gun can supposedly shoot, but I'm guessing this is mostly BS. I don't plan on using it at a regular range gun, but I'd be pretty dissapointed if I could't put a thousand rounds through it in a life time without any major issues, not including springs.
-
Brian:
First, permit me to welcome you to the Forum. I think you will have noted from the excellent responses already received to your initial post that it is a good and knowledgeable group around here.
Here is a link to some additional discussion on the R9's development and serial numbering which may be of interest:
http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=R9S;action=display;num=1254508108
As for any "bad press" you may have seen regarding this extraordinary pistol, my advice is to ignore it as either uninformed or malicious. The R9 is quite simply the finest pocket pistol yet designed and produced.
Regarding my recommendation, unless you come across one of the early "Farmingdales" with CF grips or a later model at a bargain price, I would go with one of the new R9s. As has been noted, there have been a few subtle evolutions in the design of the pistols since 2004.
Good luck in your search.
-
Brian,
If you search the various strings in this website you will find some of us being critical of the R9. Issues range from factory's (bad) decision to dump carbon fiber grips, FTF, FTE and the limitation of standard velocity ammunition.
However, we do so in a collegiate manner without losing sight of the premise that brings us together; a belief that the R9 is worthy of Richard's comments above.
-
ACP:
Well stated.
By the term "bad press," I did not mean to include any instances of comments presented by way of constructive criticism in a civil and collegiate manner. I had in mind some fulminations posted here and there by a few self-proclaimed "experts" who have seemed inexplicably to be pursuing personal agendas to disparage the R9 design -- a design which has given us the smallest and lightest pocket pistol yet produced for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge.
[size=10]Edit: Syntax and spacing corrections.[/size]
-
Yes, the little Rohrbaugh does what it was designed to do.
Chief
-
Thanks for the information. My local gun store actually had one in the back today and I purchased it. I'm going to start a new thread on it, because I have a few new questions.
Thanks again.
-
Was it new or used? Congratulations either way. You are the owner of a "real" piece of equipment.
Chief
-
Brand new, but made in April of 2009.