How do you operate a Kahr's trigger? (not as dumb as it sounds)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jeff, CA
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Jeff, CA

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I've been doing some dry work with my new MK9. It has what I would call a 3-stage trigger: there's a little bit of true slack (actual takeup in the linkage), followed by a section very similar to the first stage of a Glock trigger (retracting the striker), then there's a point where the pressure increases suddenly, which is the actual release, again similar to the Glock. It's different than a Glock in that the release point isn't as well defined; neither is the difference in the pressure between the "retract" and "release" stages. In my dry work, I've been trying two different techniques:

1) Just like a Glock. Take up stage 1 slack (stage 1 and 2 in the Kahr) immediately, then press through the release. Problem: I can do this right about 90% of the time, but with the release point not being so well defined, I go right through it about 10% of the time.

2) True double-action style. Take up stage 1 slack, then press all the way to the release. It actually works pretty well, since the release point is only a minor hitch, no worse than when the cylinder clicks into place on a double action revolver. This technique works better with the Kahr's reset, which is way out near the beginning of the "retract" stage, rather than at the release point like the Glock.

Kahr owners, how do you handle your triggers?
 
As much as possible I go for option 2.

It's an easy transition for me, given that I predominantly shoot revolvers.

I will, however, occasionally try to stage the trigger on my K9, but I'm not all that successful in doing it.
 
Option 3???

Order the "Elite" trigger for your Kahr, and alleviate the Stage 2... feels like all the best from a Glock trigger mated with all the best from a finely tuned DA revolver all rolled together.
 
At the very least,

it sounds as though your Kahr might benefit from an action job. I've always thought the Kahrs to have very smooth pulls once you get past the initial light take-up. Either that, or get the Elite mods done at the factory, as the other gentleman suggested.:)
 
Very revolver DA like except for the initial take up.

I really like the Kahr triggers.

You get used to where it breaks pretty fast.

Kahr's are really nice little pistols.
 
After reading this I have a question about the trigger and the firing mechanisim. If you dry fire the Kahr, will it keep firing like dry firing a revolver or is like a glock?
 
That's what I thought. Does anyone make an internal hammer like a USP, Sig, etc... but the hammer is ALWAYS down?
 
Elite trigger?

Just a question for all you Kahr owners who have gone the 'elite' route: what is the tradeoff, or is it purely win-win?

I had heard that the Elite trigger has a bit shorter stroke on the trigger, but that it was also a heavier pull for that shorter stroke. Any comments?

Also, what is the cost of having it done from Kahr, or can a local gunsmith do it after ordering the parts?

Thanks!

jason s.
 
My experience was Win/Win on the Elite trigger. My wife has the MK9, and I purchased the P9, which comes with the Elite trigger standard. My trigger pull is shorter, smoother, and I haven't noticed any difference in the pull weight. I LOVE my trigger, and I agree with BadDadBrad... I prefer Kahr triggers. In fact, the Kahr trigger has made me reconsider my current and future pistol purchases, as I want them all to be like the Kahr trigger.
 
Drundel asked, "Does anyone make an internal hammer like a USP, Sig, etc... but the hammer is ALWAYS down?".

AFAIK, the only DAO autos with 2nd-strike ability all have external, visible hammers. They arc back when you pull the trigger just as their DA/SA siblings. When the hammer is down, though, they are pretty much flush with the back of the slide, like the Ruger and Beretta. The Sig and HK have little nubs that protrude a bit. The Smith would be the closest in pull to a Kahr, if not perhaps a little superior; but, they require a reset of the slide in the same manner as Kahr and Glock.
 
I need to stop posting questions when I am tired. I've shot a P99 and a USPC, I know how they work. I need more sleep.
 
The straight through pull works great for me. I have a tendency to want to stage it like a revolver, but there's no click of the bolt popping up into the slot on the cylinder to give me audible feedback (and I can usually feel it ,too), so it doesn't work for me. I have to constantly retrain myself to pull straight through on my K40 and the results are always better than when I lapse back into "staging".
 
Perhaps not being able to stage the trigger with a Kahr is actually a good thing.

That way you won't have that slight bit of anticipation affecting your shots.

This may be why alot of people compliment Kahr's for their accuracy.
 
I own a P9. The first few trips to the range I would often miss an 11x14 target at 25 feet on the first shot. Subsequent shots would group low and left. If I tried to compensate by aiming high and right, occasionally I would hit exactly where I aimed. After analyzing what I was doing (wrong) I adjusted my trigger pull to something like number 2. Using a real smooth steady pull and I am more accurate with it than most of my other guns.
 
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