Hey guys, I traded for a new Kahr CT380 the other day. I read a lot of positive reviews about the pistol. Then I started reading horror stories about other models, even the PM and K series. As far as my gun goes I have put close to 70 rounds down range. The first 4 mags were troublesome but I took the gun apart and only lubed it up before firing it for the first time, so the gun was dirty. The second range trip, I had no malfunctions of any kind, in fact, I was impressed with the accuracy and how well the little gun handled. This is my first experience with Kahr, how well is their quality compared to other manufacturers? Are they as troublesome as other folks say? I plan on using this gun for CC, would you recommend it or should I go another direction with a different manufacturer?
I bought a Kahr, was it a mistake?
- Thread starter GunLuvr01
- Start date
GEARHEAD_ENG
New member
Most of the Kahr pistols are built tight so they require a 300 round break-in. You may have some issues in that time but should be trouble free after that. If not, Kahr will take care of it.
Deaf Smith
New member
All I can say is my K9 is an excellent gun.
Good as any and better than most.
Deaf
Good as any and better than most.
Deaf
BigMikey76
New member
Congrats on your new gun. As far as whether it is a keeper, only time will tell - time and rounds down range, that is 
. I think people these days put way too much stock in internet opinions. If the gun runs well for you, it's a keeper. If it doesn't, it's not a keeper. It's that simple, regardless of how a bunch of strangers online feel about it.
. I think people these days put way too much stock in internet opinions. If the gun runs well for you, it's a keeper. If it doesn't, it's not a keeper. It's that simple, regardless of how a bunch of strangers online feel about it.If you like it and it functions well, you should keep it. You can't go by what you see on the internet. I have made the horrible "mistake" of buying Hi-Point, Taurus, Phoenix HP-22 and Heritage Rough Rider that are frequently bashed on the internet by gun snobs. I bought the other "mistakes" after I bought the Hi-Point and found the bashing to be hogwash. All four of them have been great guns along with my Henry, Marlins and S&W.
Independent George
New member
I have a PM9 that I bought used. I don't know how many rounds the previous owner put through it, but the only issue I've had so far is the slide not locking back one the last round (which is very likely be caused by my tendency to cover the slide stop with my thumb).
Keep shooting, and don't worry about any any 'potential' issues - only any actual ones you encounter with your own gun.
Keep shooting, and don't worry about any any 'potential' issues - only any actual ones you encounter with your own gun.
I just finished the break in on my new CT380. Of my 4 Khars, the CT380 has given me the most trouble.
During the first 100 rounds, the gun consistently FTFed when operating the slide release. The second 100 rounds functioned without error. The following 50 rounds exhibited all sorts of errors, so I stopped for the day.
The second time to the range, the first and second 100 rounds functioned without error, with the glaring exception of Remington Golden Sabre hollowpoints. These rounds exhibited over 50% FTFs, jamming on the open tip. The following 50 rounds again exhibited various errors.
The third range trip was almost an exact copy of the second, with the exception that I didn't shoot any Golden Sabres.
The gun doesn't like getting super dirty, apparently.
My conclusion is that in a self defense situation, the handgun should be good to go unless I need to fire more than 200 rounds.
As the CT380 only carries 8+1 and my spare ammo is a P380 NY reload, that shouldn't be a concern.
My carry ammo of choice is the Hornady Custom XTP load.
Oh, as to the 8+1 . . . MagGuts upgrade. Works flawlessly.
During the first 100 rounds, the gun consistently FTFed when operating the slide release. The second 100 rounds functioned without error. The following 50 rounds exhibited all sorts of errors, so I stopped for the day.
The second time to the range, the first and second 100 rounds functioned without error, with the glaring exception of Remington Golden Sabre hollowpoints. These rounds exhibited over 50% FTFs, jamming on the open tip. The following 50 rounds again exhibited various errors.
The third range trip was almost an exact copy of the second, with the exception that I didn't shoot any Golden Sabres.
The gun doesn't like getting super dirty, apparently.
My conclusion is that in a self defense situation, the handgun should be good to go unless I need to fire more than 200 rounds.
As the CT380 only carries 8+1 and my spare ammo is a P380 NY reload, that shouldn't be a concern.My carry ammo of choice is the Hornady Custom XTP load.
Oh, as to the 8+1 . . . MagGuts upgrade. Works flawlessly.
Thanks for all of the replies so far. Keep them coming in please,as I mentioned earlier this is my first Kahr. If this one turns out to be ok, I'm considering a second one in 9mm. Does anyone know how these guns hold up to a lot of dry fire? Since they are designed to dry fire in order to field strip, they should hold up pretty well.
smokehouse4444
New member
I honestly am not sure if this thread is being serious, but you seem to be sincere. Kahr's are extremely well built handguns, but they usually need the aforementioned break-in. I know that there are those that have had some trouble with Kahr's, as there are with Glock's, HK's, SA's, SW's, and even my favorite SIG's. As the poster mentioned above, Kahr's are built extremely tight, and the break-in is very important. (By the way, I've dry-fired this handgun extensively with no problem.)
My honest opinion of the Kahr CM9 is that it is the best CCW EDC on the market today, and that is not hyperbole on my part. Particularly in hot weather areas. I have even TRIED to knock it off the pedestal as my #1 carry gun, but nothing has done it. My reasons for that statement:
*First and foremost, it has been 100% reliable right out of the box, and I mean that literally. I bought the handgun and took it to the range and started firing it. Probably not the best way of doing things, but it is what happened. No matter what weapons I take to the range, I at least put a couple of mags through the CM9 everytime...and from day 1, it has never, ever had a problem whatsoever.
*It is extremely concealable, which is what it was made for. It is thin, and only weighs 15.9 oz. It usually would be carried IWB, but can be pocket carried as well. It is about the same weight as a P238 380.
*Even at that weight, it fires 9mm +P with ease and comfort, and hits what is aimed at...dead on.
*I feel confident while carrying with the longish trigger pull, but that trigger is considered one of the finest, smoothest DAO-style trigger pulls out there.
*It is built like a tank. Not only that, it is a fairly inexpensive firearm (comparatively). Daily carry handguns generally get a bit beat up. Not only that, but if in the case of having to defend yourself, you may never see that weapon again, or at least a long time. Small worry maybe, but still.
Anyway, my thoughts on just one of their line.
My honest opinion of the Kahr CM9 is that it is the best CCW EDC on the market today, and that is not hyperbole on my part. Particularly in hot weather areas. I have even TRIED to knock it off the pedestal as my #1 carry gun, but nothing has done it. My reasons for that statement:
*First and foremost, it has been 100% reliable right out of the box, and I mean that literally. I bought the handgun and took it to the range and started firing it. Probably not the best way of doing things, but it is what happened. No matter what weapons I take to the range, I at least put a couple of mags through the CM9 everytime...and from day 1, it has never, ever had a problem whatsoever.
*It is extremely concealable, which is what it was made for. It is thin, and only weighs 15.9 oz. It usually would be carried IWB, but can be pocket carried as well. It is about the same weight as a P238 380.
*Even at that weight, it fires 9mm +P with ease and comfort, and hits what is aimed at...dead on.
*I feel confident while carrying with the longish trigger pull, but that trigger is considered one of the finest, smoothest DAO-style trigger pulls out there.
*It is built like a tank. Not only that, it is a fairly inexpensive firearm (comparatively). Daily carry handguns generally get a bit beat up. Not only that, but if in the case of having to defend yourself, you may never see that weapon again, or at least a long time. Small worry maybe, but still.
Anyway, my thoughts on just one of their line.
Last edited:
lee n. field
New member
Interwebz scuttlebut I see (IMHO, YMMV, worth every bit of what you paid for it) is that Kahrs are high quality, but can be finicky and do require a break-in which is documented in the manual.
Check your manual. If there are ammo recommendations, follow them. If there's a break in, do it. Then see what you think.