Magazine dropping

[Craigt]

I called Maria today and of course will be sending my R9S back to the factory for repair.  I have the option to upgrade to a Stealth slide for about $50. if I want.  I prefer the standard bead-blast stainless finish, however, is the friction reducing properties of the Stealth significant enough to warrant my consideration?  The sharp corners of my bead-blast slide are beginning to show a little bit of  polish.  How long will it take for the Titan Kote C12 to wear through at the sharp corners?

I presume I could also get a slide with no sights instead of one with sights as I now have.  I have often thought that the sight picture might be superior without the sights but have never been able to hold one and try it out.  I recall some side by side comparison photos of the R9 and R9S but have not been able to find them.  Any thoughts on sights vs no sights?

Oh, and they will address the magazine dropping problem as well.

As always, your expertise and input is very much appreciated.

(I feel half naked already just thinking about my R9 being away from home!)

Craig T.

[kjtrains]

Craig.  I, too, like the stainless finish slide the best.  As to the friction reducing properities of the Stealth I would have to defer to someone else's knowledge on this.  

Just my preference, I like the sights better, but that's just me.  I know the sights are not used, except to sight in, but I just like the look better.  I thinks it's each ones' own decision.

Great that the R9 is being taken care of.  Excellent.

[Craigt]

I have noticed that in the last few years my eyes have not been able to focus at all on the front sight.  It is just a blur (can't tip my head up to use the bi-focals) so I am just wondering if aligning the "big" profile of the slide might actually be better, faster and more accurate.

[kjtrains]

I haven't thought of it that way, and the larger profile of the slide may help.  Sounds like a good idea to me.

[Craigt]

After much thought I have decided to go with the bead-blast (standard) finish and no sights.  No responses on the value of the Titan Kote so I assume it is not a great benefit.

Will ship it this afternoon.  Not sure how long it will take so I will just have to sit tight.  And read the forum.  A lot...

Craig T.

[kjtrains]

Craig.  Great.  Hope it won't take long!  Turn around time should be good.

[Brenden]

The R Bros will take care of it am sure..

Please keep us up to date on your pup!!

[Craigt]

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  It has been back at the factory for a little over a week.  I have every confidence it will be made right.  No worries.

Just hard waiting...

[Craigt]

Ooo, Ooo, got the call from Maria today!  The slide has been replaced with a sightless one.  The answering machine message was a little hard to hear but something about the "lower end", maybe replaced the hammer spring?  They ran several mags through with 100% function.  Should be here Thursday.

[tracker]

CraigT,
When you find out for sure, would you please confirm the hammer spring replacement ?

[kjtrains]

Ooo, Ooo, got the call from Maria today!  The slide has been replaced with a sightless one.  The answering machine message was a little hard to hear but something about the "lower end", maybe replaced the hammer spring?  They ran several mags through with 100% function.  Should be here Thursday.

Craig.  Great news!  Let us know how it performs.  Thanks.

[Craigt]

Because of the impending show storm UPS delivered it yesterday evening.  Looks good with a new slide (but it looked good with the original slide too).  I think I will like the sightless slide but final decision will wait until I get to the range.  

I was able to talk with Maria yesterday and she confirmed that the hammer spring was also replaced.  (Stop reading here if you need political correctness: Maria is a real sweetheart, a very sharp one.)

A hand written note from Eric was included.  Apparently he rebuilt it himself.

Once I get to the range, hopefully this weekend (would be tonight if it wasn't snowing, GRRRRRR!!) I will let you all know how it functioned.

Craig T.

[kjtrains]

Still, I know you're glad to have it in your possession with work completed.

[Craigt]

Just got back from the range.  See me smiling?

(This maybe should be in the Range Reports section but for continuity I am continuing the thread.)

(all mags are 6+1)
6 mags Speer Gold Dot 115gr:  100%
6 mags Speer Gold Dot 124 gr:  100%
1 mag Remington Golden Saber 147gr:  one failure to fire, gave it 3 tries then removed that round, the other 6 rounds fired and cycled 100%.  The primer showed sufficient indent so I do not think it was a light strike.  Anyone have any problems with Golden Sabers?

With the new parts it was noticeably tight when cycling the slide by hand. It did loosen up by the end of the session.

If you recall from earlier in this thread, I elected to have the replacement slide with no sights.  I did not miss the sights and in fact I  believe the sight picture is much better without.  My groupings were a bit better than with the sights though I will need to pull out my old targets to compare to verify this.  

No hints of mag dropping.  The latch did require more force to release the mag than before the factory work.  For anyone having problems with mags dropping, CALL MARIA.  She told me that she is able to talk most people through the problem by correcting their grip.  Any others can be fixed by the factory.

I have not decided yet if I will start carrying it now or if I want another range session before trusting it.

[Brenden]

Craigt,
I thought I saw a smile!!

Sounds like a good start on the new parts!!

IMO, I would shoot at least 50 rounds of your carry ammo to make sure all is well,and I believe you have achieved close to that-wow 100 rounds in an outing is a bit more than I care to do in my pup shooting these days!! I am proud of you!!

As far as the Remington primer issue,they have been known to be a bit harder than other brands in the past-this may be the answer?

Sighted vs Sightless issue,I have not compared the Pup with this,but do own Seecamps,and it has not been an issue with them!!

The general consensus has been that the sights do no harm,and "may" help with a bit longer shot if needed..
But,as we know,the Pup is meant for "closer" use..

Thank you for the report!!

Brenden