Sounds like you've already talked yourself into it as you can keep all the pros of the LCP in terms of size and weight, step up to 9mm 115-124gr rounds, for very little money, knowing you can always get that much back out of it if you dont like it, and that IF you have any problems its backed with lifetime warranty with great customer service you have already experienced first hand. I watched this gun from pretty much the beginning (Gen1), as I used to carry a Keltec PF9 and understood that the lighter the gun, the more you would carry it, but wasn't willing to step below a 9mm round. The early reliability issues kept me from taking the plunge until after they released the second generation, I watched the youtube video tour of their mfg plant, and waited for the Gen 2 to prove itself. After 7 or 8 years of waiting for them to get it right, it wasn't until last year when I picked mine up for just under $200 from Lanbos. As it earned my trust at the range, it became my EDC, even though I have a LC9s with tritium sights and laser, because the DB9 in a Borai holster fits in the back pocket of my Levis in winter, and 11ozs is a lot better than 17+ozs banging against my leg in Cargo shorts all summer.Using 115gr FMJ ammo, I haven't had any issues with reliability. The only exception is the first time I tried to hand cycle the first round of a full mag of hollow points, the jagged edge of the Fed Classic JHPs snagged on the bottom edge of the brand new feed ramp and jammed, pretty stubbornly I might add, especially without a slide lock. Once I got it out of there, the rest of that mag ran without a hitch. Instead of panicking or doing a fluff and buff, I just ran another 10 mags of FMJs through it on that first range trip and haven't had an issue again since break in. I've also been able to successfully fire the DB9 one handed without jamming, something that was only successful about one out of ten times with my PF9, so I would say the DB9 is less susceptible to limp wristing FTEs.Just DO IT
Rohrbaugh made a 380 and a 9mm. Both very small, and both were $1200 msrp. I had the 9mm version. They eventually sold out to Remington, which modified the 380 slightly and is now sold as the RM380. They haven't produced the 9mm yet, and may not.Anyway, given that bit of history, Rohrbaugh used to insist that their firearms should be "fired a little and carried a lot." And it was an all metal gun that weighed in at 15oz vs the DB9 at 12.8oz. They also recommended changing the recoil spring at 200 rounds to continue to cycle properly. In summary, DB took on the challenge to produced their tiny DB9 at the bleeding edge of "OMG!," and made it work. Some early pains, as you'd expect, but they figured it out, so I have every confidence in my DB9 for carry. I rotate between it, the G43, and the Ruger LC9s Pro, although I gave up on the LC9s Pro due to a serious malfunction that I believe can happen again at any given moment.When I need "tiny" the DB9 is with me. My son feels the same about his as well.
I have had great results with my Ruger LC9S Pro. I have not had any malfunctions at all even with my reloads. You must have got a bad one. I would send it in.
The LC9s captured spring/guide rod came apart while shooting. The end plates that capture the spring are merely staked in place, and it didn't hold. It took quite some time and tricks to get it apart on my bench. Ruger replaced the guide rod assembly immediately, but upon further inspection, the end plate staking job looks questionable to me. It may never come apart again, but I don't trust it. I'm hoping BT Guide Rods decides to produce their system for the LC9S (I requested), but I haven't seen anything yet.Until that incident, I really enjoyed shooting it. Great trigger, and low recoil.
Have you looked at these? https://gallowayprecision.com/ruger/lc9s/captured-sure-feed-guide-rod-assembly-for-Ruger-lc9s/
Galloway Precision makes no bones about what they can produce. Sometimes their products are 100% and at other times there may be products that live on the bleeding edge of hope. They make no bones about it. However, if they don't try, most likely no one else in this arena will, and no one gets that chance to experiment with their ingenuity.