Kahr P9 problems - fix or replace?

Greg Cilmi

Inactive
Purchased a new P9 covert. During the first trip to the range, discovered the last round in the magazine failed to fire when the trigger was pulled. Made no difference if six rnds were in the clip or two rnds - problem was always with the last round. Fired over 150 rnds with solid failure on the last round - no primer indent. Kahr customer service was advised and they requested the P9 be returned to the factory. Within a three week period, the gun was returned to me with confirmation the P9 indeed had a problem. The worksheet advised a T-bar was replaced and the slide lockup area was polished. Took the gun back to the range and fired another 75 rnds without any problems. However, upon cleaning this gun, I noticed a section of the frame where lockup with the barrel was not just polished but was reshaped with a hard rounded bevel. Also, the barrel is now starting to smash and deform at this lockup point. I believe Kahr's service dept altered the gun to make it work but did not fix it properly and it is now causing more problems. I plan on asking Kahr to replace this gun. Does anyone know the name of the President at Kahr. Suggestions or comments are welcome.
 
Do a search for kahr problems.... they have been a couple of names posted of people that work at Kahr that you can call, and they are good at getting problems fixed fast. Good luck.
 
David is the production manager, and Michelle, who has from time to time monitored this forum, is the senior service rep. She can be reached at 508-795-3919. I would call her and mention this board, as she has helped out many of us before, as well as shipping some of us the newer designed slide stop levers for free.
 
My experiences with Kahr customer service have been excellent -- a MK9 that had problems with the slide lock. I'd give them another try and explain politely but clearly what the problem is and what appears to be causing it. Often, if you remind a manufacturer that this particular example doesn't live up to the high praise that everyone gives their product, you will get a really first class response. Let us know what happens.
 
Greg,

Kahr will make it right. I also had a slide lock problem with my early model K9. The replacement part was in my hamd in a matter of days. On another occasion I had a problem with failure to go into battery type malfunctions. Kahr diagnosed the problem and also replaced the rear slide cover for cosmetic reasons. Excellent Customer Service. BTW, other than your formentioned problem, do you like the P9 covert? I'm considering the purchase on the same pistol, I like the ergonomics of the little gun.

Mark / FL
 
Mark,

You asked in your reply if I like the P9 covert! This model is ideal if you are seeking a handgun for the purpose of concealed carry. The ergonomics in both weight and size make this a very good choice. The fact it is 9mm provides adequate power and comes with a six and seven round magazine. It is a pricey gun but for concealed carry it is great (assuming it is reliable). I also own a Kahr K-40 that I prefer but the attributes for carry are not as good.
As well, I wish to thank everyone for the replies. I will be calling Kahr on Monday. I spoke with David on the first go around. I know others fancy Michelle but it is my understanding that she is no longer employed with Kahr. I will provide follow-up information as available.
 
Sorry to hear of yet another victim of the Kahr travesty---------a high priced pistol prone to problems. Lose the pistol post haste and pick up a pre-agreement Smith, Sig or Glock.

My first and only Kahr came apart so to speak after less than 200 rounds.

Good Luck
 
Will Beararms,

My P9 was the most expensive pistola that I've ever bought ( $569.00 :eek: ) Went out yesterday and shot another 100 rounds thru it....750 rounds of ball and about 100 rounds of asst'd hollow point so far....no problems at all.....am still holding my breath.....:)


Mike M.
 
If memory serves me Will, yours was even a "K" model, wasn't it? If that's the case, yours is truely the only All Steel Kahr I've ever heard of falling apart. The P's are hit and miss, but at least the issues are usually predictable. (T-bar or slide stop).

:eek: Michelle's the only person at Kahr who invariably came through for me when I was suffering with that P9 lemon I had!
 
Last edited:
Onslaught: you are correct sir---------------it was a K9. The theme of my rant was the fact that Kahr's go for a premium but they aren't worth it. I would feel better protected with a Makarov.

If Smith would nix the HUD debacle, I would tell you the 3953 or 3913 would make you very happy interms of a CCW. Remember the stink I raised weeks ago about Smith? Now it turns out the 3953 I use for personal protection may have been an NIB Pre-Agreement model. I will keep you posted.
 
I have now spoken to David at Kahr in reference to the lockup problem. David wants to replace the upper assembly of this handgun. I will post accordingly once the parts are received and tested. Also, David has confirmed that Michelle is no longer employed with Kahr.
 
Will - I looked hard at the 3913 and 4013TSW, but in the end, it was the slide-mounted safety, in reverse order of all my other pistols, that turned me away. Now if not for the "agreement", the "New Chief's Special" was so tempting, I could have gotten over the safety... But I do still like my Kahrs.

Greg - Good luck, and do let us know how Kahr handles this. So far, they've taken care of everyone on here (eventually). I don't know what will happen now that Michelle's gone though.
 
I received the upper assembly from Kahr. Using the replacement parts, another range test was conducted. About 75 rounds of factory ammo was fired and the pistol functioned flawlessly. All problems appear resolved. I wish to thank David at Kahr Arms and everyone at The Firing Line that submitted comments.
 
Back
Top