The Very First R-9 Elite Has Resurfaced

[rc6802]

As a brand new member (< 24 hours old)...much thanks to you all for your valuable insights on this superlative pocket gun. Made my decision to purchase a no-brainer.
Now here's the good part.
Ordered my R-9 Elite three weeks ago from OpenRange in Crestwood, Ky. Was told it'd be a 4-6 week wait for delivery.
Barely two weeks later the range called and said my pup was in. They were pretty excited because in the box was a handwritten note from Eric Rohrbaugh. Eric's note said , "1st Elite. This gun used for a photo shoot for American Handgunner article to come out in Dec '07 or Jan '08. ECR"
Got to the range, opened the case and sure enough there was Eric's note, along with one pretty-a** Elite (Serial #R2222).
So of course I had to call Roy Huntington at American Handgunner. He verified that he'd recently returned R2222 to the factory. He also had really good things to say about it, although he couldn't say for sure when an article would run in the magazine.
Huntington seemed like a really good guy and spoke highly of the information available on the RohrbaughForum. He's a former LEO and was very forthcoming about the inner workings of the firearms publishing business.
I'd attach some pictures of the new pup but I can't compete with Duane's photography skills (Aug 21 of R2225).
But now I need your help with a dilemma.
Do I pack this baby away (along with Eric R's note) or use it as originally intended as my everyday carry gun?
I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Thanks,
Roy

[CaptBW]

Wow! That is a conundrum. I would pack it away. But then, I would want to shoot it. But it should be saved...but it should be used...   Argh!

[Newt]

Everybody ends up with two anyway, bite the bullit and get another for carry.

[theirishguard]

If you are into collecting guns that will increase in value, pack it away in the safe and then oder a standard one for carry.   Tom

[DTM_39]

Roy, Sounds like you just hit the Lottery. I would shoot it just to say I did. Then  put it in the safe.  Then get one to carry.  Congratulations and Welcome to the Forum.  Dan

[JohnBT]

Send it back, you got a used gun.

 

[theirishguard]

    Tom

[Richard S]

rc6802:

First of all, welcome to the Forum!

Second, congratulations on acquiring the first Elite!  And that serial number is intriguing -- altogether fitting and proper for the first Elite.

Third, my advice: (a) Take a professional-grade photograph of the pistol; (b) frame the photograph with Eric's note and a copy of the American Hangunner article when it's published and hang it in your den; (c) order a custom pocket holster for the little masterpiece; and (d) shoot and carry your Elite with pride.  

I'm of that school which holds that a gun not used is a gun abused.

Enjoy!

[theirishguard]

Richard, well said, you have changed my mind. A pistol is a tool, in this case could be a fine life saver.  Tom

[muppetlord]

I've got to agree with Richard on this one. Take some good photos, maybe even frame one, and then carry it.

It would be a shame to turn such a storied pistol in to a safe queen.

[Richard S]

Yes, if any of the beneficiaries of my Last Will & Testament expect to receive a "virgin safe queen" as a legacy they are going to be sadly disappointed. Every gun in my safe has been well used -- well maintained, but well used. And my R9 ("132") has seen more use in the past 3+ years than any other firearm I own. As usual, it's in my pocket now with its Hedley holster as I get ready to head out and confront the world.  

Merry Christmas to all!

[rc6802]

You guys are a total riot!
Especially CaptBW for perfectly encapsulating my dilemma (stash it/shoot it/stash it/shoot it?) and JohnBT ("used gun").
And of course the always popular "put it in the safe and buy another one."
So faced with so many choices I decided to just turn it in to the local gun buyback progam for a $20 Popeye's Chicken gift certificate and let it be turned into slag.

But seriously, thanks for the helpful input. I'll let you know when the decision is made. Leaning toward putting it away and buying another as soon as finances permit. Just itching to fire (and become proficient with) an R-9.

By the way, forgot to mention in my initial post that Editor Roy Huntington at AH said the following about his time with the R-9 Elite: He was "really impressed with those guns (R-9s)", they are "scary accurate" and it "didn't kick hard at all."
He also said he shot a 2.5"-3" group at 25 yards using 147-gr subsonic ammo. So it should be a good read whenever the article eventually runs.

Thanks again for the valuable feedback and welcoming me to the forum.

[VI-Shooter]

Wow!  I have R2223.  Cool.

Brad

[45ACP2GO]

Roy,

First of all, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays if you don't believe in Christmas and welcome to the Rohrbaugh Forum.

That would be a tough decision to shoot or not to shoot in your situation. I guess if it were mine I would have to carry and shoot. I have had a lot of collectors pieces over the years and I only have one of my originals. There was some personal value in it why I still own it.  My own feelings, if I don't carry or shoot a gun I end up selling or trading it.

I have been planing on getting an elite to go with my Stealth and it will probably happen sometime in the new year. I have a Bowie Tactical Signature Series Glock which I carry on and shoot on a regular basis and my pup is its back up.

Enjoy,

Terry

[Brenden]

Welcome to the forum..

I assume the pup went back to the R Bros after the testing for the magazine was finished,so it has been "tested" and checked by the company-should be good to go after you find the round that suits you,and runs well!!

I am curious,was the pup sold as new?

I would shoot the four 2 pup,and then buy another when you can!!

Of course,I have had a bit of a "problem' keeping 1 pup in the kennel!!

Once again,welcome..

Brenden