Who has a S&W M&P R8 ? I DO ! :)

**ett** · November 10th, 2017, 05:55 PM

Sorry for bragging. But I finished paying off a revolver I had on lay-a-way at a local gun shop.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms...er-model-mp-r8
170292_01_lg_1.jpg

They knew this gun was one on my wish list.
It had been on my wish list since renting one a few years ago at a local indoor range.
And about a month ago the shop called me to say they managed to get a new one.
So I stopped buy their store a couple hours after their phone call.
I did not have enough $$ to buy it on they spot.
So they let me put a down payment on it.

So last night after work I stopped by and finished paying it off and took it home.

Today I took it to the range.
I'm not advanced enough to give a range report on it.
But just let me say. Wow ! Me like !

IF Blackhawk made a Serpa holster for it.
I might have considered carrying this instead of my M&P-9.

But the only revolver they make a Serpa holster for; is the Judge.

Over the past few years with an R8 being on my wish list.
I would randomly look online for holsters for it.
I never found any holster remotely close to a Serpa level 2 or level 3.

To other R8 owners.
Have you found any polymer level2 or level3 holsters for the R8 ?

Thanks;
--ET

**DukeConnor** · November 10th, 2017, 06:59 PM

"Clicks away and wipes drool from chin"

**lagco** · November 10th, 2017, 07:13 PM

I wish that I could help you with the holster question, but will you accept a little unabashed envy instead ?

Of course, now you need a new "grail" gun for your list ....

**gghbi** · November 10th, 2017, 07:22 PM

Why a plastic holster? A classic gun needs a classic (leather) holster IMO. To be honest, I do not recalling ever seeing a polymer holster for a wheelgun, but they are probably out there. Maybe one of the kydex custom guys can help you out.

**Berncly** · November 10th, 2017, 07:45 PM

$1,329.00!!!
Does it come with flashing lights and landing gear?
Possibly a scuba conversion kit :P

Seriously though,
It's a very nice piece.
I'm not sure if I would shoot it or just put it in a glass case.
Enjoy it dude, you certainly earned it

**ett** · November 10th, 2017, 11:31 PM

Originally Posted by lagco

I wish that I could help you with the holster question, but will you accept a little unabashed envy instead ?

Of course, now you need a new "grail" gun for your list ....

Ah but there is one remaining gun on my wish list. And I guess you could call that my "grail" gun.
And that gun is a Coonan Classic:
http://www.coonaninc.com/product/357-magnum-classic/
stainless-5-copy.jpg

Seeing as it took a few years to get the R8.
I imagine it will take me twice as long; if ever; to get a new Coonan.

**mpyingling22** · November 11th, 2017, 08:35 AM

I believe this shop has a couple coonans

http://www.huntlongshot.com/

**Brick** · November 11th, 2017, 06:51 PM

Set your holster search for a S & W 5" N frame. Take a look at Blade tech's Classic OWB holster. The don't list the R8 but they do list the 5" Model 627 which should be about the same. They also list the TRR8 which is the same gun but without the Picatinney rail. take a look for yourself: https://shop.blade-tech.com/?cPath=1_23_24#.Wgd8s0aWzcc
I stumbled onto them when I was searching for a holster for a 5" S&W 986 (currently on the wish list).

**R L Suehr** · November 11th, 2017, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by gghbi

Why a plastic holster? A classic gun needs a classic (leather) holster IMO. To be honest, I do not recalling ever seeing a polymer holster for a wheelgun, but they are probably out there. Maybe one of the kydex custom guys can help you out.

I agree a nice revolver just deserve's good leather. That said I have a kydex holster for my LCR that works great. Not bad looking either.

Came from these guys:http://www.hhholsters.com

I don't know if they have anything for the R8, but they might be able to help you out. I've had good dealings with them.

**ett** · November 18th, 2017, 12:37 PM

OP here,

Thanks for the holster ideas everyone !

Now for some bad news.

Turns out there may be a problem with it.

I'm getting a large percentage of rounds not firing.

When I took it to the range the day after buying it.
I only shot 24 rounds. It was cold, windy, and I had others things I had to do.
Of those 24 rounds; 4 did not fire on first strike.
I did not think much of it at the time; and did not report it in my original post. Because all rounds were reloads.
So I just assumed I did something wrong.

Well yesterday myself and a friend shot it at the range.
Together we shot two boxes of factory ammo; aka 100 rounds; 50 rounds each.
Of those 100 rounds, I had 12 that did not fire on first strike.
And those 12 were all when I was shooting double action.
He shot nearly all single action. And did not experience any failures.
So that basically means 12 failures out of 50 !

I looked at a few that did not fire on first strike.
And none of those displayed any signs of the firing pin contacting the primer.

I called S&W yesterday. They said the Strain Screw might be loose.
So last night I took the grip off and checked the strain screw.
It was very tight.
So tight I was worried that if I attempted to unscrew or tighten it; I might bugger the screw head.

But I proceeded any way.
I loosened the strain screw and then re-tightened it.
I think at most; I tightened it 1/4 turn more than before I started.

So today I took it back to the range.
I shot 40 rounds.
I had 9 failures due to light primer strikes.

I'll be calling S&W on Monday.

I hope this R8 does not become to my hand guns. What my Moto Guzzi Griso is to my motorcycles.
Which is; looks and feels great. But ultimately became an unreliable, expensive mistake.