Could use a little advice before R9 purchase

[Martin919]

Thanks in advance for any time and advice from the experts here.

I am not a new shooter (H&K P30, Para Carry9, S&W 442), but am pretty convinced the R9 is what I want to carry concealed.

I have gotten conflicting info from my 2 local dealers, and would really appreciate the perspective of this forum before I make my purchase (hopefully this weekend).

First, one dealer says do NOT clean and lube, it's fine right from the factory; the other dealers says MUST clean and lube it right away before firing at all.  

Second, if I should clean and lube, what is the best recommended cleaning agent and lube for this gun?

On the issue of recoil, one dealer is trying to steer me away from the R9 because he says the recoil is horrible, and that after putting a mag through it I will be very hesitant to use it or want to carry it (although I believe that in a life and death situation recoil will be the last thing on my mind)... I would like to know if anyone can share any insight on relative recoil of the R9 as compared say to the S&W 442, or H&K P30...

Last, I fully understand why not to use +P rounds, and my favorite self defense round (and I range shoot what I carry) is the Speer Gold Dot.   Does anyone have any reason why this would NOT be an ideal round (in non +P) for my R9?

Again, thank you all so much for your time and help.

Martin

[P7Enigma]

First of all welcome to the board...

Now in order of your "list" you must understand that 99% of the perps on this board are going to be "pro" R9. With that being said...

The FAQ at the top of this forum addresses all issues regarding the care and feeding of the R9 and is a wealth of information regarding such issues. Also reading back through posts of experiences of others on this board are numnerous. Personally, I bought mine used but when cleaning I use Ballistol. I have used Militec on the internal contact areas in the past as well. I also use a ultrasonic cleaner on the barrel only if it is "fouled" and a brush doesn't seem to get it removed to my satisfaction.

Ammo I use is the Speer Gold dot you mention. I run a mag through the piece occasionally (every two months or so) just to retain ergonomics, acquisition of target and subsequent "hitting" of said target. On other occasions I will practice speed drills of "drawing" the pistol from pocket while unloaded of course.

Recoil is expected due to its size and some here will tell you that the trigger guard will "bite" and it does if you "limp wrist" the thing which is also bad for "cycling". Just maintain a firm grip on the R9 and all should be fine. You sort of answered your own Q regarding that recoil is moot due to the "it will be the last thing on your mind" statement. Depending on your "hand size" will also determine a lot of how you will percieve the recoil issue. I have big hands and my fat finger inside the guard always takes a pounding but not to the point where it would obviously steer me away from the purchase or reccomendation to purchase to another. There is also a thread here that another member is making a "mag extension" that will more than likely help with "control".

And YES...no +P..!

Good luck with your decision...For what its worth, the R9 is in a class of its own. 9mm pocket power from a pistol with the best quality out there and the best customer service one could ask for.

Now the "experts" can chime in!

[Martin919]

Thanks for the reply and input, it's greatly appreciated.  With such a fine piece of workmanship, I am very tempted to max it out with such things as custom grips, mag extender, etc.  But the core issue I am concerned about whether I need to clean and lube before first firing or not....  thanks again!

Martin

[P7Enigma]

Thanks for the reply and input, it's greatly appreciated.  With such a fine piece of workmanship, I am very tempted to max it out with such things as custom grips, mag extender, etc.  But the core issue I am concerned about whether I need to clean and lube before first firing or not....  thanks again!

Martin

Well a simple solution would be to disassemble and "lube" it anyway as if you were cleaning it after a firing session. Learning to take it down for cleaning is a topic all in itself as they can be a "booger" for some. So look at it as "practice you would need anyway. I usually field strip new weapons before going to the range just for familiarization sake. You can then add a little "lube" at that time if things "look dry" on the contact areas of the slide and barrel stop. (SEE FAQ) I'm sure the "pup' could be fired a few times from the factory (lube or no lube) but wouldn't make a "multi-mag" session out of it. I'm not aware of any "break in procedures" in the manual or "pre-cleaning" exercises either. I'll have to pull my manual out to verify that one.

[Martin919]

Once again, thank you.  I think I will do just as you suggest, and take it down and clean it out of the box.  

Martin

[jetboater]

I use 115 GDs for carry and WWB for range time with absolutley no issues-- never had a failure of any kind in the 200 or so rounds I've fired thru the pup. The recoil does take a mag or two to get used to but it's not harsh at all-- just a bit of muzzle flip. I did order the Houge Extreme Grips off the Rohrbaugh website and they made a huge difference for me in being able to hold it steady-- the factory grips are smooth and the Houges are checkered.
You'll enjoy the R9-- it's a precision piece.

[Martin919]

Thank you, I will order the Hogues.  They look like they add something to the grip-ability.

Martin

[kanuist]

Martin919,  Welcome!

Prior to purchasing my R9, I read some things on this forum that did concern me.  I continued to read and ask questions and made the decision to make the purchase.

I always clean and lube each new gun I buy, if for no other reason than to give it a good inspection.  I suppose you could skip this step, but I can't think of a good reason to.

I use Hoppe's Elite gun cleaner and oil.  I've used other brands, but I personally like this one.

Recoil is stiff on the R9, but very tolerable.  My right hand starts to hurt a bit after I've fired two mags.  I've shot a friends tiny 357 and it hurt after the first round.  It had rubber grips.  I don't have a problem with the recoil.

I use Speer Gold Dots and Hornady Critical Defense.  Both perform flawlessly in my R9.

If you are still on the fence, perhaps you could find someone on this forum that lives in your area that would let you try their R9.  If you live near me, you are welcome to shoot mine.

[Martin919]

Kanuist, that is very kind of you.  I am near Pompano Beach in Florida.  I think I am going to make the purchase this weekend, my dealer here has been holding an R9 stealth for me, and I think it is exactly what I want.  I'll keep everyone here posted on how it goes.

Thank you

Martin

[Richard S]

Martin:

First of all, welcome to the Forum!

Enigma has summed up the matter very well. Anyway, here are my comments:

1. As to a clean and lube prior to firing a new firearm, I make it a practice to do that with any such weapon. Even though the firearm is sold as "NIB," you never know who has handled it during the distribution chain or whether it has been fired or dry-fired somewhere along the way. Going through the clean and lube process also allows you to gain familiarity with the weapon.

2. Regarding a product for cleaning and lubrication, everyone has a favorite but I prefer Ballistol.

3. Concerning the felt recoil of the R9, it is stout, naturally (this is after all the lighest and smallest 9mm pistol out there), but entirely manageable.

4. Speer Gold Dots (standard pressure) -- perfect for the R9.

5. Finally, with regard to whether you should purchase the R9, do so only if you want to own the finest pocket pistol on this third rock from the sun.  

[size=10]Edit: Typo[/size]

[kanuist]

Martin,  I'm at the opposite corner of the county in Washington state.

I don't believe you can go wrong with an R9.  It is a very fine firearm and a great carry weapon.

[Martin919]

Thanks to everyone for their kind and sage advice.  Looks like the R9 should be in my hands tomorrow, and I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Martin

[jetboater]

here's a thread on the Houge's that you may find interesting---

http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=Accessories;action=display;num=1248305374

[yankee2500]

Martin, welcome. You can't go wrong with the R9, recoil is not to the point you won't want to shoot it again. The dealer that states the recoil is horrible should get out of the gun business and start selling popcorn.
  As others have stated cleaning & lubing any new gun before the first range trip is a good idea.
John

[kjtrains]

Martin.  Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on deciding on the R9.  An abundance of advice and information can be obtained here as referenced above.   Enjoy the work of art.  It is amazing.