2d range report

[rtw]

Took the R9 to the range today. Shot it after firing 30 rounds through a S&W 65. I shot only +P 38 Spl loads today. The crimson trace grips are AWESOME.

I didn't shoot the R9 nearly as well as I did the first time out. Recoil was BITING and the web of my right hand started to bruise after 15 rounds or so. Still, I shot it more accurately than I did my LWS32, which I fired next.

Note sure why that is-perhaps I don't hold on and concentrate like I do with the R9, or maybe that front sight is the reason-probably some combo of the 2.

I'm getting awfully close to that dreaded first field stripping. I'm not mechanically inclined, so this is going to be a hoot. I have visions of my shipping it in pieces back to NY for reassembly.

You guys who are building jigs for this purpose, please keep me in mind! Thanks.

Dick

[R9SCarry]

Dick - do NOT be intimidated by the stripping.  Go refresh if needed on the FAQ site!!!

I think you still have some work to do re grip - I posted recently again my suggested grip approach which suits me.  I do think you have to be very ''assertive'' - a firm grip which is just short of ''white knuckle'' ... very firm.

Even then the pup is far from docile but remember - even if practice not over comfortable - in extremis - this lil' fella will deliver - and at that stage any ''bite'' will be of little consequence - as long as you have mastery over it.

Asking a lot - 9mm from a small package - so persevere - it still might be your salvation - tho in other respects - hope that never needed!

[GeorgeH]

Field striping is a pain, but reassembly is even a bigger one. I have not yet been able to get the guide rod in without using a pair of channel lock pliers. Then I can't seem to get the guide rod in place without pulling up on it, as it extends from the slide--it then CLICKS into place.

Even though I look forward to field stripping this gun as much as I look forward to a root canal, it is a great firearm. Keep in mind that this gun wasn't designed to be your everyday plinking gun.

What I would like the Rohrbaugh brothers to sell is a field stripping kit. A kit with all of the tools to make field stripping easy. I would also like a jig to replace the inter-recoil spring.

[Newt]

Dick, try the houge handall Jr. on your R9 for a better hold during range sessions. I put one on mine and it worked fine for a more positive hold. My R9 has been very accurate even at 25ft, and don't be worried about take down it's not that bad.

[TW]

>>Hang in there, Dick...!  If I can do the take down/put together - then anyone can...!  Actually...if you care to spend a little extra time practicing...it gets much easier I assure you.  The only time I have needed channel lock plyers was when I was also replacing the quide spring...after that - it's a cinch!!  Still...I ALWAYS review procedures on the FAQ site before take down - it is the best tool out there, so don't be shy using it...TW<<

[rtw]

Newt,
 What is a houge handall jr.?

Thanks for the support and encouragement guys. Now just send me your address so that I can send the R9 to you for cleaning-just kidding (sort of).

Don't get me wrong guys, I REALLY like this gun-it's quite impressive and I shoot it fairly well. A better grip will no doubt help-thanks Chris. And thanks Chris for leading me to the CT grips!

Dick

[R9SCarry]

Dick - yeah - I noted your delight with the CT's Haha - cool eh - well, good for us ''older'' folk too!!  I love 'em.

Hogue Handalls ... let me post a pic of some (the larger std ones) on my P95 ... you 'll see, they are rubber and have finger grooves.  They ''fatten'' the grip a but and altogether make for a more substantial hold IMO.  Only downside potentially is - rubber snagging clothing a bit - maybe slow the draw even.  I have yet to try a small set - hope to get some tho eventually, even if just to try.

Oh and also BTW - fitting them is close to being a wrestling match - or can be!

[Brenden]

+ 1 for the Hogue Handalls  

I have a set on my Glock 23 (2nd Gen.) and much more enjoyable for extended shooting sessions..

They are a bugger to put on though  

I do not know if I would want to put a set on a pocket piece because of the "sticky" factor.. IMO..

[TW]

>>If you haven't tried it already...  Try using pure silicone spray on the grip of a gun when sliding Hogue Handalls - I find it makes a world of difference...!  

Also...regarding the R9...try using the modified Pierce pinky extension (made for the Kahr PM 9, I think...call Pierce and ask him to be sure...he's the one who figured this for the R9).  Someone here on the forum posted on this with a pic a while back.  I find this gives me twice the control when shooting - looks pretty good, too...TW<<

[R9SCarry]

TW - I had considered in past trying silicon spray but - was worried it might be too persistent and so leave the rubber slipping on the grip!  Sounds like you didn't find that.

I vaguely remember something about pinky extension but - no more.  So where did these come from?   I assume it is just a swap for metal base plate yeah?

[Newt]

Just a note on the Houge grip, don't leave it on for carry. It made my R9 very hard to draw from back pocket. Fine for range practice though.

[TW]

>>Chris...

In my experience the silicon used for this and similar usage dried fairly quick, and I have not experienced any slippage.

I just checked my invoice from GT Distributors for the Pearce Grip Extension used on the R9...  It was intended for the Kahr MK9 (Item #PRC-PG-MK9), not PM 9.  You do end up replacing the metal base plate and to get proper fit you need to cut out a small section on the rear in order to accommodate the mag release.  This is no big deal if done properly, and it is a snug fit.  If I can get motivated I'll snap a pic and post it - looks trick with the black grips and dark frame = sweeeeeeeet...!...TW<<

[R9SCarry]

A pic would be handy TW if you can get to it sometime. I have these deals on my Bersa.  Similar anyways... and forget where the heck I got them too!

My point re the silicon was really because of the persistence I have found from silicon products - release agents etc.  What did you use, as it sounds like it did not persist.

I have some concerns re carry shooting and range shooting - regarding whether to have Hogue's on only temporarily... per Newt's mention.  I think I want the gun to always be exactly the same - practice and carry.

[Newt]

Chris I kinda had the same thought on that too, about the gun being the same, not to mention the PinTA taking off and reinstalling the grip. I think the extra comfort the Houges give helps me become more accurate with the R9 during practice sessions. During the draw practice I don't have any percieved defference in grip or site aquisition. I mean to say that if I had to draw in a stressful situation I don't think the absence of the houges would make a big difference except to not hinder my draw speed.