I am considering buying a new Rohrbaugh R9S and was wondering if any forum members here have had any experience with this pistol good or bad! They are a bit pricey so any and all comments would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

They apparently have a very low shot life. Scour the web and you will find plenty of people who have been dissatisfied with them - especially considering the price you pay to own one. I have no personal experience with one, but I would research it far and wide before purchasing one and let the weight of the evidence make the decision.

This is, in my opinion, the premier backup weapon. I've had one for about 6 years (old style stainless) and have not had the first problem. There are always those who have problems; however, given the number of these weapons in service, the percentage is low. Always remember, that this is strictly a short range personal defense gun... a belly gun, as it were, and was never intended as a gun one would plow FMJ's down range all day. While it does have sights, a weapon of this type is intended and best used as a point-and-shoot immediate response weapon.

Here's a really well written and in-depth review of the piece:

Rohrbaugh R9S Stealth Compact 9x19mm Pistol

and of course, a great picture:
> COPYRIGHTED pic deleted<

Size-wise, how does that compare to a Seecamp or Kel-Tec P32?

It's almost identical in size the Seecamp or North American. The Keltec seems to be a bit thinner and that can be a very big difference... to some.

A Rohrbaugh R9 resides in my right front pocket and for about 6 months. After the Rohrbaugh was 100% reliable with my choice of ammo for 300 rounds. It evicted the Seecamp .380 that had taken up residence in the right front for a good while.

With regards to size and weight, how does it compare with the Kahr PM9?

I carry a Rohbaugh in warm weather in my front pocket in a soft pocket holster. It is the perfect pocket carry gun. Size, weight and quality cannot be surpassed in a 9mm pocket gun. It is simply the finest. Compared to a PM9 its smaller and lighter. If a few hundred buck isn't a problem then get the best!

I do not personally own one of these pistols, but I have shot my friends a few times. I was not impressed with it as a carry piece because it had quite a sharp recoil and since the gun is so small, it's difficult to hold onto.

The gun is double action only and it does have a smooth trigger pull, seemed fairly well constructed, and was reliable with the box of 9mm I put through it. Sights are very small, but again this is really a "belly gun" so that aspect is not an important one.

Personally, it was not for me, but I suppose if it is something you practice with over & over and really get used to it, it could be a viable carry gun. Personally, I'll stick with my M60.

chief38

I'm in agreement with the Chief.

I shot one years ago and was underwhelmed. I guess the cost is the determining factor for me.

I buy as small as I think I want to go and dress around it. Just got a Kel Tec PF9. No, it's not as refined. But at $300 and considering that it works every bit as good, I'll stick with it.

I'm quite fond of my Rohrbaugh. I have put in excess of 500 rounds of assorted Winchester Ranger, Winchester Silvertip, WWB, and Speer Gold Dot through it w/o issue. It wasn't fond of the few rounds of Federal I tried though.

Lots of non-owners whine and complain about the short service life of the recoil springs, which are a disposable item IMO and cost about $5. They also complain of the limitation of standard pressure ammo only, but I'm satisfied with the performance/recoil characteristics for my use. I would rate it's recoil roughly the same as +P in an Airweight J-frame, certainly less than Magnums in my 640-1.

Some pics for size comparisons:

I'm pretty new to this forum, but have a LOT of experience with Rhorbaughs. Personally, I feel it's one of the finest small firearms made. True, the 9mm is punishing to shoot in quantity...but that's not what the gun was designed for. It's purpose is much closer to what an earlier poster said..."belly gun." Actually, if you take your time, it's not hard to hold a 6-8" group at 50'...just forget that it hurts a bit. If you need it...you'll not feel the pain 'cause you'll be busy with other things.

Here is a Rohrbaugh and a Kahr CW9
The PM9 is even smaller.
You could do a PM9 and an LCP for the price of a Rohrbaugh. Might even have some money left over.

You do know there is a new Ruger 9 out?




I don't recall if the R9 locks back on the last round.
Has the Euro style magazine release, don't plan on a quick reload.

Just some thoughts and options, not dissing the Rohrbaugh.
I went the Seecamp .380, Kahr PM9 route myself.

There is a Rohrbaugh Forum which will answer your questions.

I carried an R9s stealth for a while. It is truly a nice gun. Very well made, nice solid feel. If you are a knife guy, it feels like the pocket pistol equivalent of a Sebenza, solid and tight. The trigger is long and not overly light, but VERY smooth (at least mine was). Very predicatable break (probably helped by the visual reference of the exposed bobbed hammer). For a DAO trigger, it was one of the better I've felt.

Never had any feed or ejection problems with silvertips. The gun really did disapear in a front pocket. Here she is/was:



The mag extension made a big difference in control to me, but added a little more in the pocket.

The recoil spring issue was not a big deal for me (as also mentioned above) as it's pretty cheap. Takedown is a bit of a pain and reassembly is really tough the first few times. It gets better, but never easy (at least for me).

Shooting it wasn't that bad recoil wise. Accuracy was as you would expect with such a short barrel/sight radius.

The gun didn't move me emotionally I guess. Even though it didn't give me problem one, I kept thinking about feed/ejection issues. Funny how I carry a 1911 and don't give it a thought. The R9s and I just didn't connect somehow.

I sold it and picked up a model 36. I've never looked back (at least for a deap conceal piece). Now that being said, I did just pick up a 940, so we'll see.

Regarding triggers, I will say the 940 has a better trigger than the R9s. Not by much, but it is better. However, I have read that the centenial J frames may have the "best" triggers ever made by S&W.

And I read it on the internet, so that makes it true!!

Hope this helps.

'alp

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I'm with DAdams - a Kahr PM9 for your intended use is a great alternaive option.

I've been carrying a PM9, in a front pocket holster, everyday for the past six years in all types of jeans and slacks. Never had problem or ever been seen by others. I added the laser to it months ago,and haven't noticed a change in comfort or ability to conceal. Functioning of the gun has been without any problems.