Range Report

[Michigunner]

My first 62 rounds with the R9S were all flawless without  a single malfunction.  I used several brands of ammo shot during four outings.

The pistol has not been fired since it was cleaned and lubricated exactly five months ago.  I decided it was time to shoot the Gold Dot 124 gr. rounds and make sure everything was fine.

The 6+1 loading fired OK, except the last round 7 did not seat well, so I nudged the slide back and released it, and the round was chambered.

The next magazine had a major jam about half-way through.

The third magazine also had one failure to feed.

I will give it a very complete cleaning and lube, and maybe switch to the other magazine and try again.  Also, it may be time to try Winchester Silver Tips.

All I ask is that the initial magazine  with 6+1 perform perfectly.  That should be more than adequate for a pocket pistol.  

Does anyone think five months was too long for carrying the same rounds after cleaning?

Bill

[HiFlight]

I really think you can reasonably expect to have that loaded magazine work reliably for years.    All expert opinions that I have read indicate that magazine springs are designed for that type of use, and will not weaken or "take a set"  by storing them loaded.  

[Michigunner]

Thanks, HiFlight.  I agree with you.  I was mostly concerned with crud getting in the works if it was in the pocket for an excessive time.

Bill

[sslater]

From past experience, I think any gun being carried daily should be cycled frequently - at least every few days - and broken down for cleaning at least every few weeks.
I've had funny things happen to very reliable guns that have sat in the safe for a few months.  Sluggish firing pin on my H&K USP40, and a cracked drawbar spring on my NAA Guardian.  My pocket isn't nearly as gun-friendly as my safe, thus my rationale for cycling & cleaning frequently.

I had my R9S out for some exercise yesterday also.  Fired two mags of GDHP 124 and 115 with no issues.  Ditto for the remaining 14 rounds Winchester White Box I've been using up.
Then I fired 50 rounds of Magsafe 115 gr.  Had a couple FTF.
I've found an easy to clear the double feed I've been getting.  I just push my hunk of wooden chopstick down on the rim of the round in the magazine.  The top round that didn't quite make its way into the chamber then slides into place.

[bigyimmy]

I would think carrying a pistol for 5 months and expecting it to function properly would be normal unless the firearms were subjected to such an environment that would hinder the standard operations.  Guns that sit in my safes tend to dry out from the dehumidifying rods doing their thing.  With the lubricants drying up I need to lubricate them before use for proper function.

[Michigunner]

My "jam" probably was a double feed.  That chopstick trick sounds good and will be available next time.

Steve, when you said "cycled frequently", did you mean actually fire the rounds, or remove the rounds, exercise the slide a few times, then reload?

[Aglifter]

I may have dirtier pockets -- in fact, between the ranch, and working in a food plant, I'm almost certain I do -- 5 months w.o. cleaning would have my gun full of all kinds of lint, dust, etc -- mainly blue jean lint, though.

[sslater]

Bill,
I exercise my pup by dropping the mag, expelling the round in the chamber, and working the slide several times.  Then I look in the chamber & into the muzzle for junk that may have accumulated.  Maybe run a swab down the barrel, reload and put 'er back in my pocket.


Steve

[Michigunner]

Perfect, Steve.  I'll be doing the same.

I want the little dickens to be ready when required.

Bill

[Richard S]

Bill:

Ditto what Steve wrote.  As you know, the R9 has very close tolerances.  It's one of the prices to pay for a minimalist 9mm.

[R9SCarry]

I certainly think #1 enemy can be lint - and that can include some slight acretion into any slide grease too.

In theory carry for months should be fine and if ammo not been over unloaded/reloaded that too should be fine but - better yet IMO to check approx weekly for lint build up and maybe change to pround - make sure there is not always one round gets rechambered over and over.

Blast of compressed air is useful IMO - around hammer and maybe too field strip to check.  It gets easier each time you do it !!!

[bigyimmy]

Aglifter,
I could see someone in your situation or in  a similar situation cleaning the R9 more often than me.  When I am doing dirtier work I never have the R9 with me.  I used to carry a .22 revolver with snake shot it when I was out cutting wood though.
Respectfully,
Jim

[FJC]

Heh - I just posted (before I read this) how I left mine loaded for 14 months (carried heavily during that time) and just went and fired it at the range yesterday.  I hadn't seen this post or I would have just added on to it...

My post is "Loaded for a year - how did it do?"

[R9SCarry]

"How did it do'' Frank?  Sounds as tho A1 OK.

Don't the months fly by when you're having fun

[Michigunner]

I cleaned/lubed mine today with Militec-1, heated the whole apparatus with a hair dryer,  and loaded 6+1 Silvertips 115 gr.

Re-assembly continues to be a real challenge.

I intend to take it apart every 2-4 weeks, but leave the dreaded spring assembly in place.

If the R9 has not been fired, and only lived in the pocket for 2-4  weeks, then I think that should be OK.  Everything accessible will be wiped clean, and relubricated.

Does that sound reasonable?  Please say yes.  

Bill