It Finally Landed, Robar Edition

[xaman]

First, I'd like to say thanks to everyone for answering my initial inquiries concerning R9s.  The forum has been informative and quite fun.

My NIB Robar R9 finally landed this week.  It's unfired as of now, something I hope to remedy tomorrow am

Initial impressions are quite pleasant.  The trigger is phenomenal, everything is tight and glides like butter.

Here's a few cell phone pics in it's pristine condition:









Sharkskin trim holster set up for appendix carry:







Hopefully I'll have a great range report tomorrow.  Anyone have any suggestions for particular ammo or first shots procedure?

[kjtrains]

xaman.  Very nice Robar, for sure; good looking knife, too!  Looking forward to the range report.  Enjoy.    

[backupr9]

Really nice weapon and very professional photography!  I also like the holster....what make?

[yankee2500]

Fine looking pup
   My aftermarket Robar model eats anything I feed it. I would shoot some WWB for range ammo and Gold Dots or Winchester Ranger LE ammo. I like the 124gr and 147gr. SD ammo and so does the pup.
  Hope the range trip is a good one.

[xaman]

Thanks guys, I am very pleased.  

I need to put your mag extension on one of my magazines before tomorrow too.

Really nice weapon and very professional photography!  I also like the holster....what make?

I made the holster.  I'm a hobbyist leather worker.  My holtsers aren't as pretty as some, but I can make them ride exactly where I want after one or two attempts.  I'll likely use this one for a few weeks before deciding what I want different on the next one.  I threw together a tuckable one too, but it won't get used much. And I still need to make a pocket version, perhaps next weekend.

[Moonshine]

I'd buy a pocket version along the lines of the holster you have pictured.  That's a nice looking rig.

[Richard S]

* * *  Anyone have any suggestions for particular ammo or first shots procedure?

xaman:

That is one fine looking rig you have! Also, if those excellent photographs were taken on a cellular telephone, I can just imagine what you could do with a top-of-the-line camera.

With regard to your "home-made" holsters, they look so good that you may soon be getting requests for custom pieces.

As John has suggested, you might want to try some Winchester "White Box" ammunition for range work. That is what I generally use, although WWB is what I call a "dirty" cartridge that leaves the pistol in need of a good cleaning after range sessions. With regard to a carry round, everyone will have a favorite based on experience with his or her own pistol. I personally am now loading 124-grain Remington Golden Sabers in my R9. I have also had good results with 115/124-grain Speer Gold Dots and 115-grain Winchester Silvertips.

Regarding first shot procedures, just remember to maintain a firm grip on the pistol when firing and don't let it become overheated. (Being the smallest and lighest pistol chambered for 9mm Parabellum, the R9 has minimal tolerances and is not intended to be a recreational target pistol.) I would also make certain that the pistol is properly lubricated before firing it the first time. Finally, keep an eye on the right grip screws to insure that they remain tight, since the right grip panel serves to keep the sear trigger bar and its spring in place. 

Good luck with your new masterpiece, and let us have a range report after you have put it through a few drills.

[xaman]

Thanks Richard,

That's the kind of info I was hoping for.  I got hung up this am and couldn't make it to the range, but tomorrow should be better.  In the meantime I broke down the R9 and gave it some Balistol.  I also fitted one of Yankee's mag extensions on a magazine.  Looking forward to tomorrow

[Robar233]

Xaman,

 Great looking pup, holster, and knife. The holster is really special since you made it for your pistol.
 I have 97 rounds through my Robar with no problems at all. If you can find some subsonic 147gr JHP my pup loves them. Plus they have less recoil and muzzle flash.
 What model Chris Reeve is that? It is good looking too. Please post a range report when you can.

 Robar233

[xaman]

Thanks Robar.

I've had that knife for many years.  It's just an older model "regular" Sebenza that the previous owner had engraved.  I've talked numerous times to Anne (the wife of Chris Reeve) about it, and she tells me that the general sentiment at the shop is unfavorable toward modification, but that they all "love mine", lol.  I like it a lot.


I went ahead and put some VZ carbon fiber grips on while I had the R9 broken down.  I think I like the rounded feel a little better (shown here with a pocket holster):

[kjtrains]

Eli.  Good looking grips on the Robar; really nice!  I know you're proud!

[xaman]

Hey guys,

I'll post a full report with a couple pics tonight, but let me just say that I'm very very pleased with my first range trip

[kjtrains]

Sounds like a good report is forthcoming.  Great!

[xaman]

Finally got outside this am to test my new R9.

I've been a bit nervous about this range trip, mostly concerning the shoot ability of the R9.  I've owned and enjoyed quite a few compact 9mms, including a Glock 26, Walther PPS, Sig P290, and a Kahr MK9.  All of them were a joy to shoot.  Some of you will remember my recent thread asking for comparisons between an R9 and the NAA Guardian 380.  My Guardian had guttersnipe sights (it's actually back at NAA now) and the lack of serviceable sights made a HUGE difference in my ability to place shots.

Well, as you know, the R9 has sights, but they are minuscule compared to my other compact 9s.  Here's my caveat - I know the R9 is a totally different beast. AND I know that in the unfortunate occurrence of a real shooting, sights will likely be a mute point.  However, I just want to have serviceable sights for range time, just something I think is important for my enjoyment of the firearm, and I totally understand if you don't understand

With all that said, I was well pleased.  The R9 pointed natural for me, and shot better than the guardian in point shooting.  And when using the sight picture for deliberate slower shots, I was able to keep decent groups. (keep in mind I'm no professional, yet...)


Here's my first ten shots at 7 yards:




And here's another 23 rounds later, 18 of which came from the mag with an extension (I didn't notice any major difference with or without the extension). Also at 7 yards:




As far as reliability, it ran 60 rounds perfectly.  I put 4 types of ammo:
- 20 rounds Geco 124 grain FMJ
- 20 rounds Speer Lawman 115 gr TMJ
- 10 rounds Remington UMC 115 gr FMJ
- 11 rounds Winchester 115 gr JHP

I thought I had Gold Dots to try, but realized I only had +p Gold Dots, so elected not to fire them.  I'll be ordering some more non +p right away, as well as a couple recoils springs.


I was also shooting my Sig p290.  I was able to keep better groups of course, but it's a bigger heavier gun, with full sized sights.  It's easier to shoot, but it's not going to fit in my pocket...

It'll be fun to decide what role the R9 will fill in the carry rotation.  After today's session, it's hopped into the mix as a serious contender

Overall I'm quite pleased.  The R9 is cleaned and lubed up, and ready to see some carry time.  I'll report back later as to how much carry time it ends up getting.  

[backupr9]

Thanks for the range report Xaman....excellent shooting I must say.  Looks like you have a winner...makes a great backup and a pretty darn good primary carry piece.