Kahr Problems: Off Center Primer Hits, etc.

S

Sam C

New member
I bought a NIB Kahr K9 Elite last month and have had nothing but problems with it. When I first shot it, ejected brass hit me in the head and the primer hits were off center (on the rim of primer, like 12,3,6 or 9:00 o'clock). I sent it back to the factory and within a week it returned. I took it to the range and shot about a hundred rounds through it. Nothing changed except now the magazine fell out while firing! I e - mailed and they asked me to return it through my FFL dealer with his number in case it needed to be replaced. About 2/12 weeks later this pistol is returned to me via FEDEX. The work sheet says that they fixed all the problems except the off center primer hits. The factory rep said that hits on the edge of the primer are "within tolerance"! I took it to the range and the magazine now stays in the gun, brass hits my head less frequently now and the striker hits are still on the edge of the primer. During all the e - mailing I copied Frank Harris in. I never heard a word from him. I didn't except to have these problems since this pistol is advertised as very well made (CNC machining) Never had a quality control issue with my little Glock. My question is, Should I keep this gun? Should I be concerned about the off center striker hits on the primer? Remember, the hits are on the very outer edge of the primer and this is a self defense gun. Sorry for the long post. Sam
 
I'd write a nice letter. Send copies to Justin Moon, and anybody else you know of in a management position. Politely explain the situation, including the complete history of your dealings with kahr. State your concerns about reliability, and ask for a satisfactory fix.

I can't believe you won't get a proper response.

Let us know what happens.
 
Just got back from the range. Shot 30 Speer Gold Dot 124 gr. +p's and 20 S&B 115 gr. FMJ's. Approximately 300 or so rounds fired out of this gun total. This was my first and last attempt at shooting hollow point ammo. Out of 30 GD's fired, almost all failed to feed! Also a couple of stove pipes. The 20 S&B FMJ's had no promlems at all. Now, the gun that has severe off center primer strikes, ejects brass at my head, also can't shoot hollow points!! What kind of a self defense gun is this anyway? Did I get a lemon or are they just junk? Well, I'll ask them to replace it again, they won't again, and I'll end up trading it. Any suggestions for a little carry 9mm that works. Sam:confused:
 
Well, unless you have reliability problems, the off-center firing pin strikes on the primer aren't a problem. I've seen a number of guns do that over the years, and unless reliability is an issue, it's really a non issue.

The brass hitting you in the head sounds like an ejector angle problem. A little work on the ejector by a competent gunsmith can likely solve that problem. It's distressing the Kahr didn't solve it.

Now, as to the ammo...

Some guns simply don't like one type of HP or another.

I have a K9, the full-size, and the only HPs I've ever shot through it have been Federal Hydrashok, and they have been FLAWLESS.

My suggestion would be to try another type of hollowpoint to see if that solves the problem. If it doesn't, I'd suggest getting back in touch with Kahr again.
 
I'm happy. Got an e-mail from Kahr customer service today. They will replace the pistol and reimburse me for shipping. That sounds more like it. I bought this gun based on the company's reputation for a good product and excellent customer service. The service was a bit slow but doesn't get any better than this. Thanks Kahr! I'll let every one know how it turns out. Sam:D
 
This all started in late May and here we are in August, and still no Pistol. I was looking at a Sig 239 the other day, maybe that's the way to go. I'll let every one know when I hear from Kahr. Sam :(
 
Sam C.

Sorry for your Kahr grief. Can't relate. I have a first generation MK9 with the improved recoil spring and it is flawless. The only thing I have noticed about it is that it bends the casing of brass on ejection so much that it ruins any potential for reloading. I don't care, as I only shoot factory through this little jewell.

This is my self defense rig and it goes boom when I pull the trigger and that is all I care about.

The only experience I have had with Kahr customer service is a question about grips, and they answered me within 24 hours. It does seem, since they bought Auto Ordinance, I have read of several complaints.

But like all things, even though the line might be great, on occasion a lemon does pop up.
 
I own two- a MK9 and a P9.

The MK9 used to aim brass at the center of my forehead until the springs broke in; other than that, I've had no problems with it.

The P9, out of the box, had a problem with premature trigger bar disconnect.

Called them and got an RMA, sent it back with a detailed letter, they fixed it, no problems since.

I concur. Send Justin a note. The designer in him should lead him to be somewhat less than tolerant of off-center strikes.

Everybody I talk to Kahr is really nice despite the fact that they're Yankees. :^)

Good luck.
 
Well, Its a month today that they recieved my pistol and still no replacement! Also, They won't answer my e-mail messages. I paid over $600.00 for this lemon on May 26th, had to send it back three times, and here we are it's now August 22nd and still no gun! I think it's time to call my State Atty. General for help in dealing with this company. Sam :mad:
 
Ok, forget the e-mail. CALL on the telephone and talk to a human being. Write down their name, so if they don't do somerthing, you'll know who to call again.
Their not going to steal your gun.
 
Mike, you are right in that off-center hits don't matter if the gun functions. But they do indicate that something is not quite right. In this case, either the barrel is not lined up the way it should be with the breech or the chamber is not centered in the barrel or the breech itself is not made properly. Of course, it is impossible at a distance to tell which, but something is wrong even if there are no misfires.

Jim
 
Remember folks, a big, big selling point for the Kahr company is "quality", CNC machined parts. Everything is machined with high precision. Well, in addition to other problems with this gun, the striker hits were almost off the primer! The company's response was "that's acceptable". What's up with that? What happened with all that high tech CNC stuff? By the way, still no word. Sam :mad:
 
Sam...

Call 508-795-3919, and ask for Dave. If no dave, ask for Michelle. Don't let 'em off the phone until you talk to one of those two. Heather was nice too, but I've gotten the best, most prompt and sincere service when dealing directly with one of the first two. Michelle's the best, but Dave's got more authority.

Good luck!
 
Sam C

I can't help but say something here having been sent through about the same ringer your going through. Read my "Kahr Problems" thread it explains the details.

Truth of the matter is that the company makes claims about there guns performance and they don't come through. We as gun owners shouldn't have to be sending things in to get them fixed. Guns should work as advertised, as intended. Especially if your target market is concealed carry and you intend to save lives.

I sent a letter to Mr. Moon, he seems to care very little, no response to this day. Michelle was the only nice person I spoke with, but that's her job, Customer Service! She's supposed to be nice.

My conclusion, I will never own another Kahr, ever. When asked about Kahr I will tell everyone its the equivalent to a Lorcin or Jennings in quality, because that's what I've gotten.
 
I'd recommend a Kahr K or MK to anyone... since I'm 3 for 3 so far with their quality and performance, but I would indeed hesitate on the P series.

Although I gotta say, even though my first P9 SUCKED, I always got first rate, top notch response from Kahr Customer Service. I am truly sorry you guys aren't getting better service.
 
I called Kahr customer service today and talked to Dave, he said that he would take care of everything. We wiil see. I haven't had this gun since the end of May, They should compensate me for that, like night sights or something. Yea keep dreaming Sam! :rolleyes:
 
Make book. Three more years of this and Kahr will be history. I wish I could have gotten to you sooner. Kahr is nothing but marketing IMHO.

I am sorry you had this happen and I am glad some of you are happy with yours. Do what I did: lose the Kahr.
 
Well, finally Kahr sent me a new gun. I put aprox. 250 rounds through it. At 7, 10 and 15 yards my groups are one big hole. It eats every thing I feed it, no problems, It likes Winchester's Ranger Talon +p+ and Speer's Gold Dot +p best. This little gun was made for good carry ammo. Only problem is, I still get brass in the face sometimes. I'll wait to see if that smooths out. If it doesn't, than I'll have the tension on the extractor adjusted. I now understand why people rave about these fine little pistols. I'm a happy camper. Thanks Kahr. Sam :D
 
Now SEE, if Kahr would handle EVERYONE like that WITHOUT having to drop names, then they'd be here to stay.

As for me, I just noticed that my trigger pin is walking out every time I hit the range. Just LET another company make a small, light weight, **SLIM** pistol that still fits my hand with a trigger THAT DOESN'T SUCK, and thats ALWAYS reliable right out of the box, and I'm THERE!

I know a walking trigger pin probably won't get me killed, as long as I HAMMER IT BACK IN after every range trip!!

Congratulations, CR Sam, I'm glad they FINALLY took care of you.
 
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