Kahr owners...another question

DPSproles

New member
I am debating (despite what it might say in another post) between the P9 and the K9. I loked at the MK9 today and it is just too small but the full size (P or K) seems like it will be perfect for me. Whatare your opinions on the P v. K models. Any drawbacks to the Polymer frame?

please give info and advise--
David
 
K9 grip fit my hand much better (I magine that's common), but I wasn't looking for a carry piece when I bought it, so I didn't take thickness or weight into consideration.'

The K9 is still very concealable, tho.
 
I have a MK9 Elite and had a P9.

The P9 is nice and light compared to the MK. However, for me personally, it wasn`t concealable enough. Personal choice and YMMV. I love the MK so I sold the P. Recoil is not a problem with either gun and the P9 was very reliable.
 
K9 vs. P9

The P9 has suffered some reliability glitches, judging from the posts here, something related to the slide stop. A search in the semi-auto forum may help you out. Don't know if they have them worked out yet.
Your opinion of the weapon will be the most important, handle both of them, shoot them if possible. The P's grip shape is not as "comfortable" to ME, but that is ME. The weight of the K turned me off at first, but in a decent holster, I do not notice it at all. It is nice and compact.
I would not trade my K for two P's, but either choice is good if the reliability problem is beaten. I bought my K after seeing the talk on this board about it, and am thrilled with it.
 
The P has the Elite trigger as standard, whereas with the K you'd have to seek out --and pay extra for-- an Elite model.

A Hogue Handall grip wrap on the P would minimize the hand fit differences.

I owned a K once, and would like to have one again in the Elite package though.
 
If you enjoy being taken to the cleaners and raked over the coals, get a Kahr. When you post your tale of woe on how you spent $600+ and had to send it back to the factory, don't say I didn't tell you so. You'd be better off with a Bulgarian Makarov and have more money in your pocket.
 
I have both a P9 and an E9 stainess. I bought the P9 specifically for carry, and it works very well for that. It is very light, reliable, and impressively accurate. I bought the E9 for plinking and backup. Installed the Elite trigger on the E9 so the trigger pull is the same on both.

I tend to shoot the E9 more at the range, but carry the P9 more. The heavy steel gun tames recoil a bit better, while the polymer gun jumps around a bit more. Accuracy in the light gun might be a little less forgiving of trigger/grip/anticipation errors unlike some big heavy guns. But we're talking pretty small differences here - nothing that would deminish my confidence - only makes me think more during practice.

I'd buy the cheapest Kahr that you like, install the Elite trigger ($20) if it doesn't have it, and have fun.

Mark
 
Never shot or even held P model,

but have a K9 Stainless Elite that I am very pleased with. For me, the extra weight over the P is non-issue. Mine has performed perfectly since day one, is very accurate and pleasant to shoot.
 
I like my MK9, the weight is a downside for carry, but lessons recoil tremendously. The standard models cost less than $450 (rather than $600). Mine has been completely reliable and isn't even through the 200 rd. break-in. Built for +P. There do seem to be some P9 problems, maybe give Kahr a call?

Will Beararms-
Doesn't the Mak have a NON-inertial firing pin (no spring). How do you safely carry it? Safety on? Thanks for the warning about the gun I bought last year.
 
Get the K-9 as it has been out longer and has had fewer reported glitches. Plus the recoil will be less with the heavier steel frame. Even the standard triggers on Kahrs are great, so the elite trigger is just a bonus.
 
Luv the Kahr P40 Covert!

I've go the P40 Covert with a Hogue handall JR and Pearce grip extension. They are needed to tame the little beast. I shoot it fine and have large hands. The P9 has to be tamer than the 40. I wanted a small lightweight bulldog of a gun and I got it. Shot over 200 rounds with no problems. Dealer says customer service is great and quick. I paid 500 for it which was from the best price dealer around.
 
Make sure you try the MK with a Pearce Grip extension on the mag before you dismiss it as too small.

My MK40 only works in my large hands because of the Pearce Grip extension.

I used to own a P9. It is significantly lighter and may definitely be easier to carry than its steel brother. I have never shot the K9 but the recoil on the P9 is very manageable and would not be a factor in deciding on the two for me.

On the 40 size that is another matter entirely.....
 
I have both the P and K models. I carry the P9 but keep the K9 for when my P9 might be out of service. I love them both. Have never had a single problem with either one.
 
Elite trigger for $20 ?

Where? Sign me up!

The original K9 tigger is pretty good, but I tried the Elite trigger the other day and it is even better--easily worth $20.

Do you just order the parts off the Kahr website? Which parts? I prefer to do this sort of thing myself--an not subject my pistol to UPS or the USPS or whatever.
 
Warning Poplin !!!

I ordered the parts from Kahr, and COULD NOT get that trigger pin out (using a punch and proper technique). Over at the Kahr forum I leaned that it is known that a press is required, and hammer and punch will not work.

I suppose drilling the heart of the pin out would allow it to be removed with a punch.

The alternative is send it in to Kahr and pay something close to $200 IIRC.
 
You supposedly need the trigger, the plastic washer? spacer? and the spring. The Kahr folks will know what you need. The trigger pull is shorter, but a tad heavier and I think breaks a little crisper. My local gunsmith (a rifle guy) installed the trigger for $23, so I didn't even consider which size punch/press was needed.

Hope it works well for you,
M
 
ElleryHolt:

When I had Kahr put the Elite trigger on my K40, they charged $100 total (parts, labor, and shipping).

David:

I have a K40 (now with Elite trigger), K9 Stainless Elite, and MK9 Stainless Elite. I like them all. I carry the MK9 most often, simply because I can fit it into my pocket.

Decide how you are going to carry. If you are going to carry in a belt holster, then you might as well get either the K9 or P9. The longer sight radius and larger grip will make it easier to shoot quickly and accurately. If you want to use pocket carry, then your only choice is the MK series -- the K9 and P9 are simply too big for pocket carry.

WillBeararms:

My K40 went back to the factory once to get the Elite trigger installed (not a malfunction), and once because the rear sight was slipping. My K9 and MK9 have never needed to go back to the factory.

M1911
 
An (apparently) high percentage of P9's - including mine - have suffered reliability problems related to the slide stop and trigger. Do a search in these forums and you'll find a lot of info.
 
WOW!
It's interesting reading all the comments and personal experiences. There doesn't seem to be a concensus or common thread that I can tell.... but I guess that's normal.

Well, here's my opinion -
I'm fortunate enough to own lots of guns that are well suited to CCW use but it's my Kahr P40 (not the Covert) that I choose most often to carry. For me, it's accurate, reliable, comfortable and mine has a great trigger. As soon as Kahr decides to produce a micro version (MP40 ?) I will definitely purchase one.

So, if you're not interested in the P40, I would recommend the P9 without any hesitation. Go polymer.... you'll be glad you did. :)
 
Chalk another one up for the K9 crowd. I love it, it's one hell of a shooter.
Find a range that rents guns, that may help take some of the guess work out.
 
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