Welcome to the forum rcm11...great bunch of guys here.
Re: tools, go to cleaning and maintenance category and look for the recent thread on tools for takedown and reassembly. Several other threads also apply.
Some thoughts for a new owner:
1. Take it down and clean/lubricate it before the first range trip and after each use...they don't like to be dirty. Initially they will be tight and you may get some metal filings and dirt in the works...don't carry until you are satisfied that it is broken in.
2. Take the hex wrench with you and tighten the grip screws gently but firmly, the right (ejection) side in particular since when they get loose (note "when" not "if") the pistol will malfunction. Never over tighten. Yankee can provide better grip screws and o-rings that help prevent the screws coming loose from firing (30 to 50 rounds can do it)...I use both but still get loose screws. Some here use a little clear nail polish or Locktite Blue, but I would prefer to simply keep the screws tight and not chance stripping the screw head (has happened and requires a MAJOR intervention at the factory. If your screws are really tight, Karl's people may have put on a little Locktite already...need to heat the screw if much resistance to removal.
3. These little jewels are VERY ammo sensitive and seem to have strong individual preferences, so find out what yours likes. For practice I use Speer Lawman successfully. For carry, I will fire 13 rounds out of a box of 124 gr. Speer Gold Dot JHP and if all fire from that box, the other seven are loaded for carry. The R9 feeds JHP best. I am fortunate that my R9 Covert shoots almost any premium ammo.
4. Proper grip and a firm grip and wrist are essential...otherwise ejection and feeding issues occur.
Recoil is significant, varying by type of ammo a bit. I wear a leather glove for practice.
5. On your first takedown, check the firing pin retainer to be sure it does not move to the side (gentle push with a small wooden dowel or a screwdriver). If it does, call Maria and send it back...a few of us have had that problem, which prevents proper cycling of the slide. There are pictures on file here, but I'm not computer savvy enough to find the thread for you...One of the really OLD GUYS can help with that (sorry Richard...actually we are the same age!).
Congratulations on your purchase!
John
