Break in Period?

[chasdo4]

I will be receiving my R9 soon.  Is there a break in period for the pistol like other pistols such as the Kahr (about 200 rounds)? Also, if there is, should I shoot FMJ on the break in period or JHP? In addition, are there any guidelines as to how oftern to practice with the R9?  I know it is not a target pistol, but if I shoot 50 - 100 rounds every month or two is this a problem?  Are there any "loose" recommendations from Rohrbaugh firearms regarding this?  Finally, should I field strip and lubricate the pistol before I shoot it or is it ready to go out of the box?  I suspect these are simple (maybe even silly)  questions to most of you, but I am new to guns.  Thanks.

[Richard S]

chasdo4:

First of all, welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on selecting a Rohrbaugh! For someone who (to use your words) is "new to guns," you're certainly starting out at the top.

Each R9 is hand fitted and test fired at the factory prior to shipment and should be ready to roll right out of the box. I, however, am one of those who likes to field strip, inspect, lubricate, and reassemble any new handgun before shooting it. First, it helps me get to know and understand the weapon more completely. Second, I'm a firm believer in "O'Brien's Law," which holds that "Murphy's Law is flawed by irrational exhuberance."    (After all, you never know how many people in the chain of custody between the the time your R9 left the factory and the moment your FFL dealer hands it to you couldn't resist temptation by keeping their grubby paws off of the beauty.)

Again, welcome -- and good luck!

[Dino]

Mine was pritty dry when I took it down before my first outing.  I would take it down and lube.  I read some good advice on oil and grease in the forum heading, "cleaning and maintenance", check it out.
Most of all have fun shooting it!

[chasdo4]

Thanks for the information.  Are there any recommendations regarding usage of the pistol?  As I said, I know it is not a target pistol, but would 50 rounds per month or two be a problem in learning how to use the gun and get familiar with it?  Any recommendations from the factory?  Also, if you used the new corbon or winchester 115 gr bullet for self defence, are there any recommendations regarding loads for shooting at the range?  Thanks.

[theirishguard]

Clean and lube, try using/shooting what you carry ie: Winchester Silver Tip 115 or 124, Speer Gold Dot, same bullet weight. Range shooting, Winchester white box has worked for lots of folks.  go slow and enjoy.   Tom

[Richard S]

Thanks for the information.  Are there any recommendations regarding usage of the pistol?  As I said, I know it is not a target pistol, but would 50 rounds per month or two be a problem in learning how to use the gun and get familiar with it?  Any recommendations from the factory?  Also, if you used the new corbon or winchester 115 gr bullet for self defence, are there any recommendations regarding loads for shooting at the range?  Thanks.

I'm one of those who firmly believes in using the R9 for its intended purpose -- an up-close-and-personal self-defense weapon. Being the smallest and lightest pistol yet chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge, and as you have noted, the R9 is not intended to be used as a range gun for target practice. My suggestion would be that you shoot enough of the various brands of quality ammunition which have been tested and recommended here on the Forum by owners of the R9 [Winchester Silver Tips, Speer Gold Dots, Cor-Bon DPX, Remington Golden Sabers, etc.] to determine which one seems to be the best for you and your pistol -- then use that ammunition as your regular loading for CCW use. After that, a magazine or so every now and then to retain familiarity is all the firing that should be required. If you do choose to use your R9 for some practice or just occasional "plinking," as Tom notes, Winchester FMJ "White Box" is generally well regarded for that purpose.

With my soon-to-be five-year-old R9, I carry it daily and shoot it only occasionally. However, I also clean and lubricate it at least once a month to rid it of "pocket dreck" whether or not it has been shot since its last cleaning. For extended sessions at the range, I've got a Colt 1911 which will go for as long as the ammunition holds out.   ]

Good luck with your new masterpiece.

[slashsplat]

What I have taken from this forum and the excellent advice is that you should shoot it enough to be VERY comfortable with it in the intended use - short-range self defense.  For this, I have done human silouhettes at 4 and 7 yards to get to a point of high comfort.  Anything past that is plinking, and I prefer my other guns for that.  Once you get familiar with it, there is little reason to target shoot, other than to maintain proficiency.  And that can be done with much less frequency than my Glocks, which I shoot for FUN.

[BytorJr]

I remember when I first shot an R9.  It was in Texas, and a friend had just bought it about 2 months before.   We took it out to the range, where he had his G19 and the R9.  He gave me the R9 and we proceeded to the dueling tree at I guess 10 yards.  He did slightly better, but I hadn't shot anything for about 9 months - I held my own against a naturally better shooter.  The R9 is very capable up to 15 yards IMO.  Maybe even longer distances.  It shoots much better than it has a "right to."

[henryk]

I remember when I first shot an R9.  It was in Texas, and a friend had just bought it about 2 months before.   We took it out to the range, where he had his G19 and the R9.  He gave me the R9 and we proceeded to the dueling tree at I guess 10 yards.  He did slightly better, but I hadn't shot anything for about 9 months - I held my own against a naturally better shooter.  The R9 is very capable up to 15 yards IMO.  Maybe even longer distances.  It shoots much better than it has a "right to."

    It does shoot better than I expected it to.   I'm very happy with mine.