have had 5 Kahrs...CW45, CW9, MK9, PM9, CM9...I had issues with only the CW9 and also couldn't shoot straight with it. All the others ran just fine. The MK9 is the one I miss having most. It was too heavy for pocket carry, though. IMO, the CM9 does everything the MK and PM do, but for way less money.
Kahr quality
- Thread starter bspillman
- Start date
In 2013, my PM9 had to go back to Kahr to have the feed ramp modified due to breaking 3 followers over a short period of time.
When I got it back and before firing it, I replaced the recoil assembly with a new one that I received from Kahr as a replacement part.
Long story made very short, the new recoil assembly failed after only 77 rds.
Kahr replaced the assembly w/o question and it is in the pistol to this day.
My PM9 has 2,258 rds. thru it and hasn't been fired since 5/06/14.
It seems that it is or was, more convenient for them to replace parts than to get it right the first time around.
When I got it back and before firing it, I replaced the recoil assembly with a new one that I received from Kahr as a replacement part.
Long story made very short, the new recoil assembly failed after only 77 rds.
Kahr replaced the assembly w/o question and it is in the pistol to this day.
My PM9 has 2,258 rds. thru it and hasn't been fired since 5/06/14.
It seems that it is or was, more convenient for them to replace parts than to get it right the first time around.
Notanotherstatistic
Inactive
Problem Kahr question.
Interesting read guys. Any patterns in the problems? For instance the troublesome extended mags is good info. But how often did they jam? Every mag? Near every mag? What I'm getting at is how could a potential buyer test drive a used Kahr? Would 50 rounds at the range likely expose a problem gun? If not, Would one be wise to simply avoid the used Kahr's?
I see cw9's often with holster, looking like new for $300-350. Seems like a decent buy. Not so much if they can't be counted upon to go bang.
Interesting read guys. Any patterns in the problems? For instance the troublesome extended mags is good info. But how often did they jam? Every mag? Near every mag? What I'm getting at is how could a potential buyer test drive a used Kahr? Would 50 rounds at the range likely expose a problem gun? If not, Would one be wise to simply avoid the used Kahr's?
I see cw9's often with holster, looking like new for $300-350. Seems like a decent buy. Not so much if they can't be counted upon to go bang.
I think the 'problematic Kahr' thing has to be looked at in light of the volume of guns they're selling; with the pricepoint of their CW guns, I can only imagine they're making LOTS of firearms, and that increases the chances you'll hear about a klinker.
I will say I've had five (maybe six?) and currently own two; a CW380 and a CW45. The 45 needed a trip back to correct a FTF issue, which was handled quickly and without cost or fuss; the 380 ran like a top from day one.
Lots of these super-light, super-small (for their caliber) guns are intolerant of grip and other issues, compared to full-sized guns; you should know that walking in, IMHO. A CW45 has a lot more to overcome to operate correctly than a GM 1911.
Larry
I will say I've had five (maybe six?) and currently own two; a CW380 and a CW45. The 45 needed a trip back to correct a FTF issue, which was handled quickly and without cost or fuss; the 380 ran like a top from day one.
Lots of these super-light, super-small (for their caliber) guns are intolerant of grip and other issues, compared to full-sized guns; you should know that walking in, IMHO. A CW45 has a lot more to overcome to operate correctly than a GM 1911.
Larry
Thanks for the replies.
I simply googled "kahr cw40 problems" and was blown away what all came up. I think I will stay away from them. I'm amazed that the Company is selling as many guns as they are. You would think that the company would fix the problem to increase their image with the customer base. You would think at the price point the customer is paying (even at 350 bucks), the company could improve the the CS at least.
You may say, don't bash a gun that you have never shot, and most times I would agree with that. But there was just to much bad reading on the topic to take a chance with my hard earned money.
Thanks again for all the replies.
I simply googled "kahr cw40 problems" and was blown away what all came up. I think I will stay away from them. I'm amazed that the Company is selling as many guns as they are. You would think that the company would fix the problem to increase their image with the customer base. You would think at the price point the customer is paying (even at 350 bucks), the company could improve the the CS at least.
You may say, don't bash a gun that you have never shot, and most times I would agree with that. But there was just to much bad reading on the topic to take a chance with my hard earned money.
Thanks again for all the replies.
chris in va
New member
I have a 'Special Edition' K9 with the carbon steel slide, stainless frame and non-elite trigger.
Everything works fine on it, except two things. The rear sight worked loose within a week and the mag design allows rounds to pop out easily if kept in a pocket.
Everything works fine on it, except two things. The rear sight worked loose within a week and the mag design allows rounds to pop out easily if kept in a pocket.
Beentown71
New member
Meh, I have had 4 with no issues.
Google just about any manufacture with problem behind it and see what happens. If that were what the deciding factor was I would never buy anything.
Google just about any manufacture with problem behind it and see what happens. If that were what the deciding factor was I would never buy anything.
Motownstan
New member
I have a CM 45 that runs 100%. when I first got it I had trouble with some LSWC that I loaded a little on the light side. With hotter ammo it runs flawlessly. The CM 45 is a lot easier on my hand than my S&W 442.
Kahr pistols
I have a P9 I bought new in 2000, A K9 I bought used in 2012 and a T9 I bought used in 2014.
I have shot the P9 regularly since I got it. I have not shot the K9 or T9 that much.
I've been very pleased with all three guns.
People I know that have Kahrs in other calibers or smaller frame sizes have had some functioning problems.
I plan to shoot my Kahrs in the new IDPA compact carry pistol (CCP) division once they get all the rules figured out.
As somebody noted again, the design of the feed lips on the magazine often permits the top round to pop out in your ammo pouch,
I have a P9 I bought new in 2000, A K9 I bought used in 2012 and a T9 I bought used in 2014.
I have shot the P9 regularly since I got it. I have not shot the K9 or T9 that much.
I've been very pleased with all three guns.
People I know that have Kahrs in other calibers or smaller frame sizes have had some functioning problems.
I plan to shoot my Kahrs in the new IDPA compact carry pistol (CCP) division once they get all the rules figured out.
As somebody noted again, the design of the feed lips on the magazine often permits the top round to pop out in your ammo pouch,
My Kahr built Auto-Ordnance was a moderately good 1911 (in it's price range). Like all low to mid range 1911s, it had it's minor issues. Many of which was remedied by myself. It served as good range toy and home defense gun while I had it. Then again, this was a 1911 and there's huge knowledge base out there as well a zillion after market parts.
As far as their other offerings, I'm sure most are probably good quality, but I just can't bring myself to buy another Kahr strictly for self-defense or conceal carry.
I had a all-steel K9 that remained unreliable despite two return trips to the factory. Multiple failures to feed no matter what ammo I used, including fmj ball. After the second trip, reliability did improve, but it was still not 100%. What really soured me on the Kahrs was this one incident that occurred to me one night in CT back in '96.
I was at an Western Connecticut State University off-campus location for professional training. I was parked in a public, indoor lot and was in my car going through my bags looking for books or something when I spotted a young man dressed in "Gangsta" attire approach my aisle in the lot. It was a warm night so he was wearing a white t-shirt. Not nearly enough to conceal the Beretta 92 that he had tucked in his baggy pants. My range bag was in the car at the time so I Immediately reached for my Kahr K9 and a mag full of 124gr CCI Gold Dots. While not great, it was still the most reliable jhp I tested for the gun at the time.
The gun jammed on the first round after raking the slide. As he got closer, I drop mag, cleared the gun, and tried again. Once again, jammed on the second round. At this point, I tossed the gun aside and grabbed my SW jframe. Better than nothing I suppose.
As it turned out, the guy just kept on walking and went straight to his car. I surmised he was probably just a student or employee and carrying because he was afraid of getting mugged or something. This was not the safest place in town after all. After that night, I decided the Kahr had to go and traded it away at a loss. Ever since then, I've shied away from all Kahrs products completely until I picked up the Auto-Ordnance. Even then, it was intended as a project gun and not something I would stake my life on. To this day, I wonder what a pickle I would have been in if I had shoot it out with a guy so much better armed than I was.
As a side note, I had a friend who picked up a K40 at the same time I picked up my K9. The gun was a lemon for him too and thankfully, he was never put in the same situation as I was.
As far as their other offerings, I'm sure most are probably good quality, but I just can't bring myself to buy another Kahr strictly for self-defense or conceal carry.
I had a all-steel K9 that remained unreliable despite two return trips to the factory. Multiple failures to feed no matter what ammo I used, including fmj ball. After the second trip, reliability did improve, but it was still not 100%. What really soured me on the Kahrs was this one incident that occurred to me one night in CT back in '96.
I was at an Western Connecticut State University off-campus location for professional training. I was parked in a public, indoor lot and was in my car going through my bags looking for books or something when I spotted a young man dressed in "Gangsta" attire approach my aisle in the lot. It was a warm night so he was wearing a white t-shirt. Not nearly enough to conceal the Beretta 92 that he had tucked in his baggy pants. My range bag was in the car at the time so I Immediately reached for my Kahr K9 and a mag full of 124gr CCI Gold Dots. While not great, it was still the most reliable jhp I tested for the gun at the time.
The gun jammed on the first round after raking the slide. As he got closer, I drop mag, cleared the gun, and tried again. Once again, jammed on the second round. At this point, I tossed the gun aside and grabbed my SW jframe. Better than nothing I suppose.
As it turned out, the guy just kept on walking and went straight to his car. I surmised he was probably just a student or employee and carrying because he was afraid of getting mugged or something. This was not the safest place in town after all. After that night, I decided the Kahr had to go and traded it away at a loss. Ever since then, I've shied away from all Kahrs products completely until I picked up the Auto-Ordnance. Even then, it was intended as a project gun and not something I would stake my life on. To this day, I wonder what a pickle I would have been in if I had shoot it out with a guy so much better armed than I was.
As a side note, I had a friend who picked up a K40 at the same time I picked up my K9. The gun was a lemon for him too and thankfully, he was never put in the same situation as I was.
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I have owned several Kahrs... MK9, MK40, K40, PM9. All have been exceptional. I still use the MK40 as a carry gun for days when my New Agent .45 is a bit too much to hide comfortably,
Accurate and easy to shoot and maintain. Outside for a 1911, Kahrs have my favorite trigger pull.
CANIS
Accurate and easy to shoot and maintain. Outside for a 1911, Kahrs have my favorite trigger pull.
CANIS
I think you answered your own question.
Kahr sells a LOT of handguns. Some lemons are bound to get through. The vast majority are just fine.
If you Google "Glock Kaboom" you will get the impression that every .40SW Glock out there is a grenade waiting to go of in your hand at any moment.
My brother's new CM9 broke two magazine followers the first day out. He sent it back to Kahr snd they fixed it. Over 500 rounds trouble free since then and he's very happy with it.
Many people expect a new gun to work flawlessly right out of the box, but that doesn't always happen. Some need a break in period or some minor adjustments. No need to trash the entire product line as long as you can get it to work.
Many people expect a new gun to work flawlessly right out of the box, but that doesn't always happen. Some need a break in period or some minor adjustments. No need to trash the entire product line as long as you can get it to work.
I had superb experiences with two early all metal Kahrs. The first was a carbon steel coated in Birdsong Black T (sold by Kahr that way; not an aftermarket coating). The second was an early all stainless steel MK9.
They require a quality gun belt and holster to make the dense weight disappear. The Kramer Michigan State Paddle holster is a dream with these two firearms.
I see a very mixed bag concerning the polymer versions and I have no personal experience.
They require a quality gun belt and holster to make the dense weight disappear. The Kramer Michigan State Paddle holster is a dream with these two firearms.
I see a very mixed bag concerning the polymer versions and I have no personal experience.
I've only owned polymer framed Kahrs, about seven of them and all worked fine. Smaller guns, like Kahrs can be harder to shoot because of their size as they simply require more attention to grip technique and are much more prone to any sort of limpwristing (mainly due to their light weight). Those not as competent as others when it comes to handguns might see this a flaw and rant and rave about how bad they are, when 99% of the time it's user error, small semi autos do take practice to become proficient with and some even require a bit of a break in period.
Kahr's value series, the CW and CM models are, to me, the best in their price class. They've got very good features and good quality for the price.
Kahr's value series, the CW and CM models are, to me, the best in their price class. They've got very good features and good quality for the price.