Not happy with aluminum grips

[sdlsaginaw]

I just swapped my G-10 grips back on.  

When I installed the aluminum grips I cleaned the threads and used blue Loctite.  I shot about 30 rounds and noticed both grips were moving around.  All screws were coming loose.  

Tonight I took them off and looked at them.  You can see the four holes for the locating dowels took a beating during firing once the screws started coming loose.  A slight ovaling and a raised dimple on the flat surface from the hammering of the dowel.

Anyway, now when you put them on (prior to installing screws) you can move them around.  That means all the force would now be exerted on the screws with no help from the dowels.  Doesn't sound good.

The dowels hold the G-10 grips firmly in place prior to installing screws.  Before I shoot it again with the G-10 grips, I'm going to try some Vibra-Tite VC-3 on the screws and check them often.

So, anyway, now I have $70 worth of scrap aluminum.  

If the Vibra-Tite works on the screws, maybe I'll try filling the locating holes with something to tighten them up and give the aluminum grips one more try.

[Corvette]

I don't know where they were purchased, but I would certainly think you could return them for a refund.

[ccoorreeyy]

That does not sound good.  I have read quite a bit latley about screws coming loose.  I don't know why but I have never had this problem with any of mine.  I use the Loctite just like you did.  I have now shot around 650 rounds total using 4 different R9's and have never had a loose screw problem.  Thats with CF, G10, IDM aluminum and 2 sets of Rohrbaugh aluminum grips .  The IDM grips use a different screw that I like alot.   I wonder if it has anything to do with how strong grip pressure is used ? ? ? ? ?  I don't know.

[Dino]

Bought a set of Aluminum grips off of the Rahrbaugh website back in December.  They fit tight and do not move at all.  I have about 550 rounds through a R9s with no problems.
I take off the grips every time I shoot and after cleaning the screw holes out with alcohol I use blue lock tite.

Sorry your having problems I like the Aluminum grips for the checkering, keeps my sweeting hands on the grip.

[LRHogFan]

I just put a set of the Hogue G-10 grips on.  Haven't had time to shoot as I just finished it up this evening, but I like the look.  

[kjtrains]

Looks really good!!      

[theirishguard]

lookin good.  Tom

[DTM_39]

Those Executive Hogue grips are great. Look fabulous and you really get a good grip.  Good Luck with them.  Dan

[sdlsaginaw]

I have an update on this problem.  I sent in the grips per Marias request and got a call from her today.  They would rather not replace with more aluminum grips, and since I don't care for the wavy outline on the Hogue grips, they will be refunding me for them.

The grips were done by a 3rd party, and the factory is not happy with the consistency of them from one set to another.  It appears that I got one of the bad sets.  It also looks like they may be dropping the aluminum grips because of poor consistancy.

I'm glad I finally sent in the grips, and that they're refunding me for them.

Now if IDM would only run another batch of black aluminum grips I'd be thrilled.

[Richard S]

Now that is what I call great customer service!

I should add that my two sets of aluminum grips (OD and silver) fit perfectly to the frame and have not given me any problems. Both sets are from early production by the outside supplier. It would be pure speculation as to whether that might have resulted in their receiving some extra attention to detail in machining.

[sdlsaginaw]

I agree, great customer service and Maria is wonderful!

They could easily have claimed "you must not have tightened the screws", especially since they sat in my gun safe for about a month after I took them off.

Bummer they're not making the grips in-house, I sure did like them (for the brief period I had them on).  I'm sure I would never have had a problem with the grips if the R brothers had done 'em.

I'm curious, in regards to the others on this forum who also have a screw or two loose   , what grips they are using.

[ACP]

There is an old post by our Adminstrator that addresses the factory's interest in multiple alternatives for grips. This post happened as the CF supply was being depleted. Do not recall actual date but it was a long time ago.

Whatever became of this? If aluminum is now circumspect, is G10 the ONLY option?

Maria cancelled my aluminum grips when I ordered my Stealth so Rohrbaugh's concern, and Maria's customer service legacy, are intact.

I did, subsequent to receiving my Stealth, receive aluminum grips that met factory's quality standards.

[kanuist]

I'd like to see Hogue textured rubber grips!  I asked Hogue about this yesterday and they stated that they have no plans to make them for the R9.

I have these on other autos and a S&W N-frame; they are great!

But they would probably be a bit sticky for those of you who carry in your pocket.

[ACP]

I called Hogue requesting they make extreme metal grips for R9 with exotic wood inserts, (as Hogue already does for other guns like 1911).

They said no. The volume of Rohrbaugh handguns makes this a poor business decision and we are stuck with G10 unless a brave person out there can and will make grips for R9 out of alternative material.

[Dino]

I bought my aluminum grips in December.  They have been fine with no problems what so ever.  How can I tell who made them?  Am I going to have a problem down the road?  I have 550 rounds thourgh the gun with theses grips on.

I do take them off after every outing, clean the screws and screw holes and use lock tite when reinstalling.   Should I keep them or send them back?