Author Topic: Just purchased an "elite", have question  (Read 7104 times)

Offline Brian894x4

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Just purchased an "elite", have question
« on: November 11, 2009, 05:03:03 PM »
I was looking for the "ecoomical" model, but my gun store only had one left and it was the "elite".    I went ahead and purchased it and I'm still kind of dealing with the sticker shock...LOL.  

A few gun trades helped with that, though.  

My question is what exactly did I buy?  The cardboard only says R9S "Elite" on it.   

I know that it made in April of 2009 has a serial number of R36XX.  

It seems that there are various versions of the Elite from what I'm reading.  The original Elite, the elite premium, and the Stealth Elite.  

My gun "looks" like the Stealth Elite on the Rohrbaugh website, but I have no idea which version of the Elite it might be.

Can anyone tell me what the differences are between all these versions of the Elite pistols and which one I might have and how I can tell.   Sorry for the rooky questions.  

Otherwise, this thing is an absolute work of art.  I think it will fit the bill very nicely for the reliable pocket pistol I've been looking for.  
« Last Edit: November 11, 2009, 05:10:14 PM by Brian894x4 »

Offline Brian894x4

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2009, 05:20:38 PM »
Another quick question. It seems that gold dot is all the rage for these pistols, but I couldn't find any.

I did find some Federal hydrashock low recoil 135 gn and I'm wonder if this stuff cycles through the R9 as good as the Gold dot and will work for now?  

Offline kjtrains

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2009, 05:21:22 PM »
Brian.  Congratulations on getting the Rohrbaugh Stealth Elite.

Gun Broker has one if you want to compare yours with the one up for auction.  Here's the link.  

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=146363694

As to your question on Federal Hydrashocks, I'll have to defer to others here who may have used them.  I only use Winchester 115 gr. Silvertips, and stocked up on them before they became scarce.  Enjoy your work of art, as it most certainly is.

« Last Edit: November 11, 2009, 05:29:33 PM by kjtrains »
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Offline Brian894x4

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2009, 07:09:36 PM »
I did see that one on gunbroker and consmetically, mine looks indentical to it.  

But it doesn't say "Stealth" on any of the boxes or paperwork, so I'm wondering if there's a mechanical difference between the Stealth and regular Elite guns and also if they did discontinue the regular Elite, does anyone know why?  

Thanks again.  

Offline tracker

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2009, 07:17:59 PM »

I think that I recall reading a post from Tom at Irish Guard that there isn't a mechanical difference between any of them but he may have a different take on it. Did you try calling the factory?

Congratulations on taking a bold step for your first R purchase.

Offline yankee2500

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2009, 07:44:58 PM »
 Congrats on the new pup. If the ammo will cycle through the gun and is not + P shoot it. Mine does not seem to be fussy as I have fired at least six different brands in FMJ and HP.
John
« Last Edit: November 11, 2009, 07:45:24 PM by yankee2500 »
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Offline tracker

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2009, 07:49:44 PM »

Check Ammoman and Ammuntiontogo for GD 124 gr.

Offline Brian894x4

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #7 on: November 11, 2009, 08:02:55 PM »
Thanks much.  My J frames are going to be collecting dust in the safe now...LOL.

Anyone ever do any kind of fluff and buff on these things. I was thinking like the feed ramp and barrel.  I haven't dug into it yet, but was curious if it would make any difference or even be needed.  

Offline tracker

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #8 on: November 11, 2009, 08:36:03 PM »

I have done that fluff and buff on many guns I own but I would leave yours alone. There was one case cited here where the gunsmith had a runaway dremel and his "polished feed ramp" was a disaster. Your pup should feed just fine. That is why you paid a premium price for it.

Offline Richard S

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #9 on: November 11, 2009, 08:41:39 PM »
Brian:

Congratulations! What you have in the R9 Stealth Elite is a masterpiece coated in Diamond Black with the slide then hand sanded and each part given the same sort of attention at the factory as might be afforded to an individualized custom pistol. You have, one might say, started at the top!

Now, I would at least give the slide-frame interface some lubrication (I prefer Ballistol), load the little gem with quality standard-pressure ammunition (if you can't find Gold Dots, Silver Tips, Golden Sabers, or such, ordinary Winchester "White Box" FMJ makes a good range load), and put it through its paces. Since the R9 is put together like a fine watch and has minimal tolerances, I would allow it to cool down a bit between magazines. Also, order some replacement recoil springs (they're cheap), and plan to change them out every 200 rounds or so. Bear in mind that the 9mm Parabellum cartridge is going to be delivering a lot of power and force to a handgun which weighs in at a little less than 13 ounces.  

Finally, I agree entirely with Tracker's comments. Other than perhaps changing out the grips if you find a pair you might prefer, there's nothing much to be done to improve an Elite.

Good luck, and keep us informed.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2009, 08:49:58 PM by Richard_S »
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Offline Brian894x4

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #10 on: November 11, 2009, 08:49:25 PM »
Thanks much, I noticed that the feed ramp already looks a little polished and I agree, I will leave this one alone.   After owning a number of revolvers and a few semis requireing some tuning, polishing and adusting to work just right, it's hard not to mess with a gun right out of the box.  

Getting ready to send off an order to Rohrbaugh for a few accessories.  Will definately get some additional springs, just to have on hand.

Offline Brian894x4

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #11 on: November 11, 2009, 09:40:46 PM »
I just noticed something.  The grips on my gun look exactly like the Hogue Extreme grips on the Rohrbaugh accessories page, as opposed to the smooth grips on the product page showing the Stealth Elite.  

Did they ship some of the Stealth Elites with the new Hogue grips?
« Last Edit: November 11, 2009, 09:45:29 PM by Brian894x4 »

Offline Brian894x4

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2009, 10:06:13 PM »
OK, so doing a little research this is what I've come up with.  Tell me if I'm missing anything.

All models with any black on the frame are called Stealth models.  

The Stealth Elite has the black frame, with polished sides and trigger, hammer, etc, etc.  

Early Stealth Elites came with smooth grips.  Later Stealth Elites must have come with the checkered Hogue grips, like mine.  

The Stealth Elite Premium is a limited run of 16 guns and includes among other things a special case.  

The Elite is no longer in production, but the standard all black Stealth is.  

Does that about sum it up corrrectly?  

Offline clarman

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #13 on: November 11, 2009, 11:41:05 PM »
Ive never heard of a stealth elite premium with a special case..Am I missing something? how much were they?

Offline Brian894x4

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Re: Just purchased an "elite", have ques
« Reply #14 on: November 12, 2009, 12:04:15 AM »
That's what I read on in an ad for a used Elite Premium.  Supposedly only 1 of 16 made and supposedly came with a presentation case.   So maybe it's wrong.  

Does anyone know what the actually differences are between the Elite and and the Elite Premium?