My R9 was 100% the first time out

[ESQ_NY]

Some of you may have read a post where I started to express concern over problems that were reported with the R9 in this forum, even before I shot my R9.  I said I would report back after I shot my gun.  Last night I finally had a chance to shoot my new R9, serial number "R10xx", and I have the following to report:

I shot a total of 60 rounds, 30 Federal 115g FMJ and 30 Winchester Hollow Points 115g.  I DID NOT EXPERIENCE A SINGLE FAILURE.  THE R9 WORKED PERFECTLY!  I did experience a rather significant jump from the gun after each shot, and if there was checkering on the grip I think it would improve the control of the gun.  As far as I am concerned, the gun did exactly what it was designed to do.  I fired a series of slow shots and rapid fire and every time the gun worked just fine.  I also fired one handed and two handed.  The accuracy was fine also.  I placed a tarked out 5 yards and was hitting it consistently with rapid fire and not looking at the sights.  

I do need to add that a friend shot my R9 and he did experience two FTFs in the sigle clip he did shoot.  What this means to me is that the gun may not always be the problem, sometimes it is the technique of the shooter.  

I would like to offer the following advice to anyone who is having FTFs or other jams.  Maybe it will help.  The person who shot my gun, who had two failures with the exact same gun where I had none a moment earlier and a moment after, used a grip that is relatively low on the handgun.  When I shoot a handgun (I am right handed), I actually wrap my left thumb inside of my right thumb so that my left thumb is actually touching the left side of the slide when I fire.  This may sound scary to anyone who has never tried it, but it is fine.  My index finger of my left hand then wraps around the front of the trigger guard and the gun is securely placed in both hands.  This helps retain the weapon if there were ever a n attempt to grab it and helps control the muzzle after a shot.

I am glad I had a good first session and hopefully the gun will continue operating as it has.

[DDGator]

Great to hear -- and not unexpected.  

Did your friend shoot his new R-9 too?

[theirishguard]

Esq, thanks for yor range report. Great that you had no problems.
Tom

[ESQ_NY]

My friend also shot his R9 and had 2 FTF's, but he also does not hold his gun properly, IN MY OPINION!!!

[Michigunner]

It's good to see your first outing was successful.

Success seems very related to  individual characteristics.

Please consider using some abrasive tape to see if the control is enhanced.

Bill

[Newt]

I agree checkering front and back straps would be a big plus and I might send one of mine to have this done. Glad your session went well, the more you shoot it the more you will become familiar with it and get used to the recoil. Then you will come to a point where you will load it, carry it and trust it.

[harrydog]

I would like to offer the following advice to anyone who is having FTFs or other jams.  Maybe it will help.  The person who shot my gun, who had two failures with the exact same gun where I had none a moment earlier and a moment after, used a grip that is relatively low on the handgun.  When I shoot a handgun (I am right handed), I actually wrap my left thumb inside of my right thumb so that my left thumb is actually touching the left side of the slide when I fire.  This may sound scary to anyone who has never tried it, but it is fine.  My index finger of my left hand then wraps around the front of the trigger guard and the gun is securely placed in both hands.  This helps retain the weapon if there were ever a n attempt to grab it and helps control the muzzle after a shot.

If I'm visualizing your grip correctly, it seems as though it might be difficult to do in a quick draw, panic situation. That's what bothers me about my FTF problems...if it is indeed a peculiarity pertaining to my grip and I figure out a way to eliminate it by changing my grip, there could still be problems in the event I need to use the gun in a survival situation. People tend to revert back to their most ingrained habits in times of stress. If the gun is so sensitive to the way it is held, it may not be a good choice for a carry gun, for some of us.

[Aglifter]

1911s are "picky" as well.  This may not be what you want to hear, but the truth is that you need to practice with it until your habits are good ones -- there is no weapon/tool that the proper use of is instinctual, and the truth is if you want to become good with any, you must learn, and practice with it, until you can handle it properly w.o. thinking -- same reason why I'm not bothered by the idea of a safety on my 1911 -- I've switched it off as part of coming on target hundreds of times.

[bigyimmy]

"Hold it like you mean it."


~and keep your paw away from the slide.

[R9SCarry]

Thx for write-up ESQ.

I often say with the pup - ''white-knuckle grip'' and then back off just a smidgeon  Practice dry fire after draw does help this I found.