Best Practice Gun Substitute for R9 ?

[gr8guns]

Considering:
a) R9 is not designed for heavy usage.
b) We need more practice than we can get with an R9
c) But, your practice gun should be your carry gun.

What gun would be the most similar to the R9?
Or, what is the best practice gun to enhance your R9 skills without wearing out the R9?  
Does it have to be 9mm or should we consider other caliber practice guns?
What practice methods and equipment do you guys use to save your R9?

[Erich]

I disagree that the R9s is not designed for heavy usage. Karl says that he's had thousands of rounds through the shop "torture" gun, and it's going strong.

I think the "designed to be carried a lot and fired a little" statement refers more to the fact that most people find the gun to be a little . . . feisty.

FWIW, two very similar guns with a similar feel to the R9s are the DAO Intra-Tec Pro Tec .25 and .22s. These were almost exact copies of the CZ 45 .25 acp, but American-made in Florida in the very early '90s. They were not bad guns (but are total pieces of schlock compared to the Rohrbaughs), and are almost identically sized to the Rohrbaughs, with the same manual of arms.

Here's a link to a site with a photo of one so you can see what I mean:

http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1500/1506.htm

Nevertheless, I still feel that the R9s can take as much practice as you can.  

[Michigunner]

I agree with Erich.  Shoot the heck out of it.

It hurt me something bad, but adding tape to the grip took care of the pain.

Bill

[bigyimmy]

I would think Karl has changed out some parts on his pistol.

I wonder what was meant when Karl was quoted as saying the gun was to be shot a little and carried a lot?

[Brenden]

My understanding of "shoot a little and carry a lot", is that one should make sure it is reliable with your chosen carry ammo,and shoot as needed to keep yourself familiar with it..

Also I think that it has to do with some having a bit of the bite when shooting it!!

It being a pup, does not lend itself to a "target" gun,nor should it probably be used as a "plinker"..

It is a true "pocket rocket" and as such should be treated with regular care and maintenance as needed..

If you lube and clean, it should be there when you need it!!

I own a Seecamp,carried for years,and I would never have thought to shoot a hundred rounds a session thru it..
I feel the same of the pup..

Brenden

[theirishguard]

Brenden, well said.
Tom

[Michigunner]

I've been thinking more about it.  Most likely the R9 will tell you when you've practiced enough.

Even using the helpful abrasive tape, most people should begin feeling pretty tuckered out after a few magazines.

You probably should shoot it a little because you will not want to shoot it a lot.

Bill

[sslater]

I don't think the R9s is intended for heavy use. The giveaway is the factory recommendation to disassemble / clean / lube with grease after only 50 to 80 rounds.  And change the recoil spring every 250 rounds.

Lots of guys shoot Colts, Glocks, H&Ks, Sigs, Rugers 2 - 300 rounds in a single session with nothing more than an occasional drop of oil on the barrel hood.  Then they put the gun away until the next session.  If they're feeling ambitious they may run a couple of wet patches thru the barrel to get the worst of the crud out.

I wouldn't do that to any gun, especially a carry piece and particularly if the factory recommends more maintenance.  But then again I wouldn't mistreat a horse or drive wide open throttle on a cold engine.....

[bigyimmy]

Just think of a hammer.  You can change out the head or the handle and it will last forever.  Keep swapping parts on an R9 or anything else and it will last forever.

Happy Shooting and Happy Thanksgiving!

[Erich]

Yeah, I don't think the fact that the recoil springs have a short lifespan or that the gun is so tightly assembled that crud gums it up fast is in any way indicative of the gun not being able to stand up to heavy use.

[tracker]

We would all like to think that it is the diffrerence between
a thoroughbred and a daily working cattle horse.

[R9SCarry]

Personally - I see no suitable practice substitute for the R9.  Only it - will shoot like an R9!  I will practice general shooting skills of course with various platforms, the better to hone overall abilities.

I see no ''weakness'' in the R9 - and feel that the ''Carry a lot..... " deal is really a function of the gun's design and size.  It was not IMO ever made as a recreational gun - purely a very specific niche filler for the ultimate in pocket carry.

From my POV - once I had fired a few mag's full thru the gun - plus some dry fire etc - I felt totally ready to carry it when I want to - and actually see little purpose in high round thruput.

My son and I fired some rounds thru yesterday - flawless function again - and that was enough for me as my occasional proving and maintaining the ''feel''.  Mind you - my son who is new to the gun - shot it better than me!

[Texas_Bob]

 I respectfully disagree with those who say there is no substitute. I practice with my PM9. Using the six round mag so my little finger has nothing to hold on to, the little Kahr has a long trigger pull just like my R9. The R9 has a smoother pull. The PM9 is much easier to field strip. Practice distance is three and five yard using idpa targets. I use PMC 115 ball for practice ammo and load either gun with 115gr GDHP for "social work."

[MountainMan]

Bob
How would you rate your PM9.  Does it feed JHPs well.  What about the quality of the gun.  And anything else you would like to comment on.  

[Texas_Bob]

 The "quality" of my two PM9s is just fine. I have one with a regular stainless slide I pocket carry at work and one with a "blackened" stainless slide I pocket carry at night. Both will feed any 115 or 124gr HP I've tried. My R9s goes into my pocket anytime I'm wearing jeans or find myself in a "victim disarmament zone" where my level of discreation is higher. I've settled on using Speer 115gr GDHP in all three pistols, bbl lengths being almost identical. The "only" major caution I have with the "poly" Kahrs is "DO NOT PRACTIC SPEED RELOADS!" The reason I say this is as follows: The mag is metal, whereas the mag release is poly with a metal insert. Repeated speed reloads will "chew up" that part. Although the factory will replace it under warranty I do not want to run into "MR. MURPHY." I never "speed reload" anything unless I'm in competition so that's not a "big deal" as this type of firearm was not meant for that. Both are just another tool in my toolbox.