a little advice please

[docboss]

I am considering a Rohrbaugh R9 Stealth as it is one of the very few handguns I can comfortably carry in a bicycling jersey. I can get 1 1/2 fingers on the grip. My question is about control and recoil. Various folks on this site and others have described the recoil as "snappy" or "significant", etc. Unfortunately there are no Rohrbaughs at any dealers who have ranges. Other dealers simply do not have personal or preowned models I can try. Can someone give a comparison of the control/recoil of the R9 compared to other "similar" firearms? How does it compare to the PM9, J-frame in 38+ and .357 (aweful), Nano, and DB9. Can you shoot the R9 with just one hand? Is a small grip/magazine extension critical? Thanks. Doc

[Richard S]

docboss:

First of all, welcome to the Forum for the world's finest pocket pistol.

With regard to the grip, I also can get, as you say, 1-1/2 fingers on the grip -- my middle and right ring finger, with the little finger supporting the pistol under the magazine. I have no difficulty shooting and controlling my R9 with one hand, and I am missing the first digit of my right ring finger (the result of some "unpleasantness" in which I emerged as the winner long ago and far away). I do not use a magazine extension, although some owners with larger hands find them useful. With the caveat that felt recoil is highly subjective, I would rate that of the R9 as less than J-frame with .38+ and certainly much less than with .357 Magnum.  I have not cared even to try the PM9, Nano, and DB9.

I hope this is helpful. And, again, welcome to the Forum.

[Z]

I am considering a Rohrbaugh R9 Stealth as it is one of the very few handguns I can comfortably carry in a bicycling jersey. I can get 1 1/2 fingers on the grip. My question is about control and recoil. Various folks on this site and others have described the recoil as "snappy" or "significant", etc. Unfortunately there are no Rohrbaughs at any dealers who have ranges. Other dealers simply do not have personal or preowned models I can try. Can someone give a comparison of the control/recoil of the R9 compared to other "similar" firearms? How does it compare to the PM9, J-frame in 38+ and .357 (aweful), Nano, and DB9. Can you shoot the R9 with just one hand? Is a small grip/magazine extension critical? Thanks. Doc

docboss

welcome to the forum. the R9 is snappy. I would rate the recoil a little better than a J-frame .38 and much less than a .357.
I cannot compair the recoil to the Kahr or the Diamond back.
If you keep up on the maintenance and use the proper ammo, you will have an R9 for a long time and enjoy it.
I use the VZ checkered grips and a straight grip extension and both provide grip and control for me.
Good luck in your search and hope to hear back from you soon!

[yankee2500]

db, a welcome from me as well.
I would agree with Richard & Adam on the J frame comparison.   
   I can say the R9 is more pleasant to shoot than the Seecamp 380. 

[dmunofo]

Doc...welcome to the forum.  Did you consider the K380s??  I have to say that love mine, and the recoil is not an issue.  I was told by some forum members, as well as Maria from Rohrbaugh, that there is a noticeable difference between the 9 mm and the 380.  Never shot the R9, so I can't give you a true comparison. 

I use the Blue CF grips, as well as the mag extensions (I have long fingers) and the low profile grip tape (www.tractongrips.com) on the front and blackstrap of the gun....so the controlability is not an issue.  This gun is a true work of art and well built.  If you are concerned about the R9, the K380 would be your alternative.  Since I have to qualify semi annually, esp at 25 yards out, the 380 suited my needs better than the 9. 
The gun draws easily from the holster and comes up right on target. 

Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Dom

[JR956678]

Doc - welcome to the forum.

I think the pup's bark is worse than its bite. By that what I really mean is that some of the YouTube videos I saw gave me enough pause about buying an R9 that I took advantage of an offer by a local stocking dealer to shoot his personal R9 before I bought one. After putting a couple of rounds downrange my reaction changed to "why is everyone making such a big deal about this?"

I believe too much is often made of the recoil of the R9. As so many others have said - it's perfectly manageable and there's no reason why one should shy away from an R9 for fear of its recoil. It's not necessarily a gun I would choose to put 100-200 rounds downrange with - though there are many who do just that - but I enjoy shooting it - a lot - and recoil really isn't an issue to me.

[Robar233]

Doc,

 The recoil is much less than a MK40 or the PM40. I owned and sold both of those models. I have not shot a PM9 but I would be willing to bet the recoil is slightly less than this model. To me the R9 has much better balance and feel. The trigger is way better!
 I shoot the R9 one handed with both hands with no issues at all. I do highly recommend the straight grip extensions from Yankee2500. I tried both the hooked and straight and for my big mitt the straight is the best!
 I bought my Robar edition without ever firing a round through a R9. I carry it every day.

 Good luck!

 Robar233

 

[backupr9]

Doc, I'm almost 70 and have arthritic hands.  The R9 is perfectly manageable albeit with noticeable recoil.  A firm wrist and grip is essential for all small pistols, in particular with such a small 9mm.  I have better luck with two handed control because of the arthritis (with one had I sometimes limp wrist and get failure to feed, but I'm working on wrist and hand exercises and notice this less now.  This is an incredible pistol if use properly and treated with care.  John

[Nathan]

a little more recoil than an LCP
less recoil than a DB 9
I have owned and fired both many times
trigger is infinitely better, and accuracy is much better
i have an sp101 as well and you can not even compare a R9 to the recoil of a 357
i have skinny fingers and can get two full fingers on the grip
so may reasons R9 is better

[gbelleh]

I agree, the R9's recoil is completely manageable.  IMO, similar to a PM9 (though the PM9 is easier to get a grip on).  I put strips of grip tape on the front and back straps of the grip which really helps add traction.