Finally added grip tape

[jarcher]

Well I finally added some grip tape to my R9s.  I have had it sitting here forever and I finally got tired of looking at it, so on the pistol it went. Feels good in my hand.  When I get to the range I'll let everyone know how it does there.

I don't expect much.  I already don't find the R9s recoil horrible, although it sure is sharp.  We'll see.

[chameleon]

Speaking of grip tape.
 I took my R9 to the range today.
I handed the R9 to one man that I highly respect in the shooting world. He doesn't read anything on this forum, so he was not influenced by anything said here, and it was his first look and touching of the R9.
 The very first thing he said out load was the the gun felt slippery, and he mentioned that this could effect the functioning of the firearm.
I mentioned that people have been putting skateboard tape, and he thought that was a simple solution that would help.
He fired the R9 flawlessly over and over again, and was grouping very well. He was truley impressed with it. I handed the R9 to others there, and they had the same flawless function. They insticntively held the R9 tightly.

One more observation.
 We all field stripped it, and we were talking about the assembly.
 One thing he pointed out was that the pin that holds the barrel to the frame could have been designed with a radius on each end, just in case it started to push out to one side, it would not hold the slide back, and maybe also get pushed back into place by the slide.
He felt that the pin could slide to one side or the other and stop the gun from firing.

I will be getting some skateboard tape, I believe that the tape will help.

Good luck with yours, and have a positive outlook that the tape will help you.

[Michigunner]

chameleon,

Thanks for the nice report.  I'm glad the R9S is doing a good job.

The tape is terrific.  Couldn't do without it.

Bill

[chameleon]

You're welcome Bill.
 I have never had a problem shooting the R9, but I am still going ahead with the grip tape just as jarcher. I am sure it won't hurt anything and it will even improve my grip.

[jarcher]

The tape probably helped my grip a bit, but I still shoot very badly with it.  I put an 8.5 x 11 pper out to 21 feet ans hit it a few times on the vbery lower left edge.  I was not too pleased with that.

I needed a bigger target so I can see where the rounds are going...

[Aglifter]

Did you ever try having someone slip a dummy round in your magazine for you -- really shows up any flinches, etc.

Might also want to try some dry-firing

[jarcher]

Did you ever try having someone slip a dummy round in your magazine for you -- really shows up any flinches, etc.

Might also want to try some dry-firing

I probably do have a flinch.  With all my other guns I shoot quite well, easily holding a nice group at 75 feet.  Not with the R9 though.  Then again, it's a whole different animal.  I try to avoid shooting it too much.

[Aglifter]

I'm in the same boat, the R9 just won't group as well as the Dan Wesson or Kimber...at least, not after the first couple clips.  It has been quite accurate for it's size, IMO.  Of course, mine has also been happy w. every ammo I've fed it.

[chameleon]

I added the grip tape to the R9. I will shoot it next Sunday along with the same group of guys that shot it a few weeks ago. We'll see what they think of the tape. No one had a problem with it before, but we will look for subtle improvements.

Jarcher,go ahead and try a bigger target. I sometimes hang a large piece of cardboard that is hanging around the range. You can try pulling the target in closer to you as well.It does sound like you are pulling the gun to your left. I found the R9 to be very accurate, so once you establish the correct technique you will find your results more satisfying.

[dctfn]

Has anyone tried the Hogue handall Junior on the R9. I used one on my Kahr PM9 and it worked great for better control and less shock to the hand.

Fred

http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml?pid=147&lastcatid=114&step=4

[Thunderbolt]

I bought the Hogue grip that you mention. The top finger groove is positioned too high unless your finger is about the size of a pencil. When you position the grip far enough up on the grip, the trigger guard is way too close.  

I have a Midway order coming in today and with it is the Pachmayr slip on grip that is suppose to fit our R9's.    Also in that order are some Magtech solid copper hollow points that I'm itching to try.  

Good Shooting,
Thunderbolt

[eblackhawk]

I put the Hogue grip on my pistol and it was like night and day
shooting with it.  It no longer torqued in my hand and was more pleasurable to shoot as well.
                                                       Eric

[dctfn]

Thunderbolt,

Fantastic! I would be interested to here back from you when the grip arrives. I have purchased several items from Midway in the past. Good folks, fast delivery. I would love to purchase from Natchez, great prices, but they can't ship to the State of Tennessee.  

Fred

[PsychoSword]

I have a Midway order coming in today and with it is the Pachmayr slip on grip that is suppose to fit our R9's.    Also in that order are some Magtech solid copper hollow points that I'm itching to try.  

Which size did you order? I use the #3 Pachmayr slip-on for my MK9 and it works great. Much better than the Hogue version.

[Thunderbolt]

P.S.

I'm at work right now and the Pachmayr package is at home, however, the web address below is the product that I ordered. The Midway description, doesn't list the size but does have the mfgr. product number and under tech specifications it lists several weapons that it fits, ie. Colt 380 Govt. etc.

For me, it's a perfect fit with about 1/8 inch or so to be trimmed off  at the front, bottom edge. I haven't trimmed it yet but it does interfere slightly with the magazine. If you have "fat fingers", the finger groove might be a problem. My fingers aren't particularly big and it fits like a glove. The effect in my hand was very positive, less felt recoil and better grip to stay on target for follow up's.

I tested it out at the range Saturday morning and was very happy with it and the R9 .

What made it even better was finding the MagTech 92.6 gr. solid copper hollow points . The Mag Techs fed exceptionally well and the accuracy was decent. My next outing later this week will determine if the accuracy thing was the ammo or the shooter .

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=667849

Good Shooting,
Thunderbolt