Kahr K40 recoil?
- Thread starter Ronin 99
- Start date
This is just my personal opinion, but the Kahr K40 hurt my trigger finger, and the web of my firing hand every shot, after a couple of magazines I was downright sore. But I have really big hands. Several of my friends who are more average size didn't find the recoil unpleasant at all. So I guess it would depend a lot on hand size.
The recoil with the K40 will be noticeably greater, but IMO is still a very controlleable platform. The recoil on my K40 was improved somewhat by changing to a 22# ("extra-power") Wolff recoil spring, and a Harrts recoil reducer. Of these, the recoil spring made the biggest difference in re-acquiring sight picture for follow-up shots. I don't tend to be extremely recoil sensitive, although I have a compact .45 which I do find to be unpleasant to shoot for prolonged sessions.
If you're thinking about a MK9 also, OTOH, there's a good argument to be made to sticking with the same caliber, as you can use the K9 mags in the MK9 as a backup. Or you could get an MK40, or ... I know, get all of them!
If you're thinking about a MK9 also, OTOH, there's a good argument to be made to sticking with the same caliber, as you can use the K9 mags in the MK9 as a backup. Or you could get an MK40, or ... I know, get all of them!
Hi Ronin 99:
I started with a K9 and really liked it. I then purchased a K40 Covert. I'm not particularly recoil sensitive but I found that, after 200 continuous rounds, I was glad I ran out of ammo. I just traded it for a MK9 Elite which I find a pleasure to shoot. Both guns functioned flawlessly. Good luck
Jeff
I started with a K9 and really liked it. I then purchased a K40 Covert. I'm not particularly recoil sensitive but I found that, after 200 continuous rounds, I was glad I ran out of ammo. I just traded it for a MK9 Elite which I find a pleasure to shoot. Both guns functioned flawlessly. Good luck
Jeff
After about 20 to 30 shots out of my K-40, I find that my trigger finger begins to hurt right near the fingernail. I have small hands. It takes about a week for the pain to subside enough to allow me to shoot again.
I called Kahr a few weeks ago and ask if they had received any complaints about this and ask if they offered a differently contoured trigger for the K-40. I was told that they had never heard of this problem. Yeah, sure!
Now, when I gather a few guns to take to the range, I usually choose my custom 1911 and my Glock 26. I'm looking for a good gunsmith who knows how to fix this problem trigger.
I called Kahr a few weeks ago and ask if they had received any complaints about this and ask if they offered a differently contoured trigger for the K-40. I was told that they had never heard of this problem. Yeah, sure!
Now, when I gather a few guns to take to the range, I usually choose my custom 1911 and my Glock 26. I'm looking for a good gunsmith who knows how to fix this problem trigger.
VictorLouis
New member
I can't say that I had any problems with trigger pinch, or pain with my K40. It did wrench my wrist when I first tried it out on the bench rest! I was not expecting it to be dramatically harder to control than the K9. But, it is quite snappy. At about the 3rd range session, though, I felt comfortable with it. Just not as comfortable as the 9mm, so I sold it recently. With the 9mm, I can shoot comfortably all day, and that control is much more important to me than having the sheer power of the .40 on tap.
With all due respect, the Kahr is not a recreational shooter, it is a self defense tool. Practice enough to be proficient, and have faith in the .40 round to do what needs to be done. I shoot my k40 elite with little discomfort, and I take great comfort in the gun that always works and the round that is proven to work. I am getting a p9 for practice and summer carry though...
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"If cowardly and dishonorable men sometimes shoot unarmed men with Army pistols or guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary and gallows, and not by a general deprivation of constitutional privilege." Wilson vs. State, Ark. 1878
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"If cowardly and dishonorable men sometimes shoot unarmed men with Army pistols or guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary and gallows, and not by a general deprivation of constitutional privilege." Wilson vs. State, Ark. 1878
Curiously, I put several mags through a Kahr .40 just this past weekend. I tend to shoot mostly 9mm, and I found the recoil of the Kahr .40 to be well within my tolerance level. I even found this little heater to be surprisingly accurate - going six for six on the falling plates we were shooting at.
Honestly, I didn't notice any real difference between the 9mm NATO in a Walther P88 I was shooting and the .40 I fired through my friend's Kahr.
I can only offer the usual advice when considering firearms purchases - buy them all!
Regards,
Honestly, I didn't notice any real difference between the 9mm NATO in a Walther P88 I was shooting and the .40 I fired through my friend's Kahr.
I can only offer the usual advice when considering firearms purchases - buy them all!
Regards,
I have a K9, K40, and MK9. The K9 is the easiest to shoot of the three. It is quite comfortable. The MK9 has a bit more felt recoil. The K40 originally tended to smack me in the web of the hand between thumb and index finger. Enough that I didn't want to shoot more than a couple magazines.
Since then, I've put in a Harrts Recoil Reducer and I use a very, very tight grip on the gun. Now I can shoot 50-100 rounds at a time. It's not brutal, but it is noticeable, especially if you have large hands and don't use a very tight grip.
The K40 is not something you take to the range to spend a few hours plinking. But it isn't a killer either.
Jared
Since then, I've put in a Harrts Recoil Reducer and I use a very, very tight grip on the gun. Now I can shoot 50-100 rounds at a time. It's not brutal, but it is noticeable, especially if you have large hands and don't use a very tight grip.
The K40 is not something you take to the range to spend a few hours plinking. But it isn't a killer either.
Jared
I didn't notice a lot of difference, in recoil, between a Colt Pocket Nine, and the MK40. Of course, the Colt is about 8 oz. lighter, which "enhances" recoil.
I've got very big hands, and had no problems with the MK40. The Colt, OTOH, pinched the top of my trigger finger with every shot, adding pain to the unpleasantness of its very long, heavy pull.
I've got very big hands, and had no problems with the MK40. The Colt, OTOH, pinched the top of my trigger finger with every shot, adding pain to the unpleasantness of its very long, heavy pull.
riddleofsteel
New member
I installed a Harrt's recoil reducing rod and an extra power Wolff's recoil spring in my K40. The felt recoil on the first, second/third shot followup was noticeably improved. I also, as is my custom, removed the sticky Houge grip panels and replaced them with the Kahr factory Gonoco Avles wood grips by Houge. I think the abrasion of the web of the hand is reduced by this. I know it conceals well and looks great with them on.
I also have to agree that the entire Kahr line is not composed of pistols that one would want to shoot thousands of round thru day in and day out. I must say with my modifications and a firm grip i do nto experience any pain from firing my K40. Quite the reverse, i find it a rush. They are truly great little pistols.
I generally shoot a box of 50 PMC 165 grain FMJ's at least every other week. More if i am shooting action games or plates. I find that enough to stay sharp.
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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what is for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
Let he that hath no sword sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22-36
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. Song of Solomon 3-8
The man that can keep his head and aims carefully when the situation has gone bad and lead is flying usually wins the fight.
I also have to agree that the entire Kahr line is not composed of pistols that one would want to shoot thousands of round thru day in and day out. I must say with my modifications and a firm grip i do nto experience any pain from firing my K40. Quite the reverse, i find it a rush. They are truly great little pistols.
I generally shoot a box of 50 PMC 165 grain FMJ's at least every other week. More if i am shooting action games or plates. I find that enough to stay sharp.
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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what is for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
Let he that hath no sword sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22-36
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. Song of Solomon 3-8
The man that can keep his head and aims carefully when the situation has gone bad and lead is flying usually wins the fight.
I read comments on the uncomfortable recoil of the K40 with amusement.
In testing the K9, K40 and E9 side-by-side for the company, I found that the K40 with 155gr. factory loads had a lighter perceived recoil than did the K9 with plus-P 146gr. The .40 hefts slightly more than the 9mm; this may account for part of the difference, but it was still remarkably against normal expectations (and the subsequent experience of most posters on this forum.) Discussing this phenomenon with a factory rep, I was told that my perception was shared by them.
--slabsides
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If they take our guns, I intend to let my hair grow long and acquire the jawbone of an ass.
In testing the K9, K40 and E9 side-by-side for the company, I found that the K40 with 155gr. factory loads had a lighter perceived recoil than did the K9 with plus-P 146gr. The .40 hefts slightly more than the 9mm; this may account for part of the difference, but it was still remarkably against normal expectations (and the subsequent experience of most posters on this forum.) Discussing this phenomenon with a factory rep, I was told that my perception was shared by them.
--slabsides
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If they take our guns, I intend to let my hair grow long and acquire the jawbone of an ass.
I reckon recoil is relative, but here is my opinion. I shoot alot of .45lc and some .454, after 100+ rounds of hot .45LC my wrists hurts slighty for about 3 or 4 hours. I have fired as much as 150 rounds out of the Kahr MK40, without much discomfort; these were 165grn FMJ's. I have fired 100+ 180grn FMJ's and was glad to run out of ammo, that Kahr bucked like a mule. Once my hand was wet with sweat and the thing almost shot straight up outta my hand. The recoil for me is not painful, but it is noticeable but not unmangeable. At less than 15yrds I shoot the MK40 as rapidly and accurately as a Officer's size 1911 .45acp.
If you mainly shoot the 9mm, does you wrist hurt after firing a great many; if so more than likely fewer rounds of .40 will make your wrist hurt faster in a K40. Does the recoil feel unmanageable with the 9mm, is so it will be tough with the .40. Again IMHO.
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Know Yourself, Know Your Weapon, Know Your Enemy; then Know Victory! ---DaHaMac
If you mainly shoot the 9mm, does you wrist hurt after firing a great many; if so more than likely fewer rounds of .40 will make your wrist hurt faster in a K40. Does the recoil feel unmanageable with the 9mm, is so it will be tough with the .40. Again IMHO.
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Know Yourself, Know Your Weapon, Know Your Enemy; then Know Victory! ---DaHaMac
Slabsides:
Yes, bullet weight is an important factor in felt recoil. Most people shoot more FMJ than JHP, due to cost. And the most common weight for FMJ in 9mm seems to be 115gr. In .40 it seems to be 180gr.
So, for the shooting that most people will be doing, I think the K9 will have less felt recoil than the K40.
Jared
Yes, bullet weight is an important factor in felt recoil. Most people shoot more FMJ than JHP, due to cost. And the most common weight for FMJ in 9mm seems to be 115gr. In .40 it seems to be 180gr.
So, for the shooting that most people will be doing, I think the K9 will have less felt recoil than the K40.
Jared