Back on 11/18 I posted "Considering Pre-owned R9S", as I was thinking about buying a pre-owned (but almost unused) R9S (#R129x) from a local CT gun shop. I had some concern about the slide cracking issue, but some forum members reassured me that it was (a) unlikely to occur, and (b) would be taken care of by Rohrbaugh if it did. Now I want to give the forum an update--it's very much a "good news" story!
So I purchased the gun, cleaned it, lubed it, and took it to the range. I have a lot of 115g Federal 9BP Hi-Shok, which is a very easy-feeding JHP in most guns, so I tried that. I had consistent feed failures on the 5th or 6th round from the magazine, so I suspected weak magazine springs. I called Maria at Rohrbaugh, and explained the situation to her. She sent me some "new and improved" mag springs, and I bought some new recoil springs. I also picked up some 115g Silvertips as suggested by Maria and many forum members. None of my ammo is +P, BTW.
I put in the new spring set, cleaned/lubed, loaded the Silvertips, and took it to the range. I had a great session, 60 rounds, with maybe one or two feed problems toward the end. I was feeling good, then got the gun home and looked at it, and noticed a pretty darn big crack in the slide! Just like in the pictures posted on the forum, except mine was actually missing a little piece of metal at the midway point along the crack.
I called Maria, and she assured me that the company would take care of it regardless of the fact that it was a pre-owned gun. I was relieved and very happy to hear that. I sent the gun in on 12/8, and two weeks later got it back with a new slide assembly and barrel (I'm not sure if the frame is new or not; it still has R129x). I took it to the range and shot 115g Silvertips, Gold Dots, Federal 9BP, and even Blazer Brass, with no hiccups! I'm a very happy camper--this gun will be my primary carry.
I'm pretty sure that the springs are now more powerful than those in the original gun, and I think the "grooves" to grip the slide may be shallower (so maybe the metal is thicker there, now?). It's definitely harder to rack the slide now, because the springs are strong and I can't grip it as well. It also makes the field stripping process tougher!
My only contact through this process was with Maria, and she was unfailingly cheerful and knowledgeable--she clearly understands the needs and concerns of owners. My bottom line is that I couldn't be happier with the gun or with the company's commitment to supporting its excellent product, so I wanted to say a public "thank you" on the forum. MARK
