Questions re: new Kahr

B

buzz_knox

New member
I found a NIB MK9 for $449 at a gunshow this weekend. Obviously, I snapped it up (that's less than some invoice according to one distributor). I really enjoy the balance and trigger on it (not an elite but how much better can it get) and it fits my hand well.

The only problems are the takedown (I'm used to Glocks and Sigs) and the absolutely crappy spring assembly. It's a pain to reinstall and I'm concerned about its durability/reliability. The front end of the polymer rod seems to be fraying already and when I tried to reinstall after the pre-firing cleaning, it refused to compress enough to go in. In fact, the polymer portion of the rod seems off-center and may have actually bent during the process! I'm almost concerned to shoot it as I don't want to damage anything.

Also, does anyone know if Kahr testfires their weapons at the factory? This was sold to me from a reputable dealer as NIB but it seemed to have powder residue. Not much, but definitely there. Any thoughts?

[This message has been edited by buzz_knox (edited May 22, 2000).]
 
buzz: Almost all manufacturers test fire their firearms at the factory. I believe that Kahr does as well. Every new gun that I've purchased (>20) had powder residue in it.

Regarding takedown, here's the method: 1) remove magazine, lock open the slide, and verify (visually and with a finger) that the chamber is empty. 2) repeat step 1. 3) Lower the slide. 4) Hook your left thumb through the trigger guard and use the rest of your left hand to retract the slide to the takedown mark. 5) use your right hand to push the slide stop through from the right, until the pin is flush with the frame. 6) Move your right hand to the left side of the frame and pull the slide stop out. 7) pull the trigger and push the slide off the front of the frame. With a little practice, you'll be able to do this in seconds. I actually find it easier than a Glock (though not as easy as a SIG).

Yes, the spring assembly can be stiff. Talk to Kahr if you think you've got a problem with spring assembly.

Jared
 
This is going to scare Jared but I do not have a problem taking down my E-9 or reassembling it. I have problems with My K40 but practice, practice, and more practice. It should remedy itself.

A word to the wise is to shoot over 200 rounds through your Kahr before you carry it. They seem to need a complete break in period.

Regards,

Richard
 
Buzz,
Putting the recoil spring assembly back in requires an act of will and strong thumbs. The assembly does look off center when reinstalled but the weapon works so.... I have the K9 Elite,think I'm in love.
Ronin

------------------


NRA/GOA
 
Richard:

It doesn't scare me at all. I have no problems taking down any of my Kahrs (K9, K40, and Mk9). I can field strip any of them in just a couple seconds.

Buzz said that he had problems taking down his Mk9, so I just offered the technique that I use.

Regarding break-in period, while I certainly would never carry a gun without having put a few hundred rounds through it (including 100-200 rounds of my JHP of choice), I've actually found that my Kahrs were very reliable even during the break-in period. I haven't had any failures with my Mk9. I've had a couple failures to feed in my K40, but that's over the course of several thousand rounds. So, I guess my experience has been a bit different.

Jared
 
Ronin, when I say bent, I'm not talking offcenter. I'm talking, bent to the left of the assembly when it's not in the weapon. It almost seemed that the lower half detached and moved a bit. I was able to get it back in place and, once assembled, the slide functioned flawlessly. I'm just a bit concerned about that initial problem.
 
Buzz:

Why is it that whenever I read a post from you, I feel that I've been ripped off price-wise (can you price a Taurus .357mag SS Tracker for me so I don't overspend again?).
:(
To answer your question, I have my MK9 field stripped right in front of me as I write this reply and mine is bent as well in a similar fashion as you described. As far as I can remember, it's been like this when I first got it and I've put several hundred rounds through it without a single failure -- I've just assumed that this is the way that it was suppose to be. You may want to drop Frank Harris (over at Kahr) an e-mail and see what he has to say about it. He's usually pretty good about getting back to people. Regards,
FUD
fudeagle.gif

Share what you know, learn what you don't.


[This message has been edited by FUD (edited May 22, 2000).]
 
Congratulations on your acquisition. I have a K40 which I absolutely love. Purchased it used (so it was already broken in), but I haven't had a single hiccup with it using any form of JHP ammo. My first experience with takedown was a challenge, and until I understood that the recoil spring assy. must be parallel to the rails, I had trouble reassembling it. Now I can break it down in 15 seconds without a problem, using the directions posted above, with the exception that my takedown pin usually flies out of the left side of the weapon and lands 3 feet away! I've learned to aim it towards something soft...

Beautiful weapon and built to last. Enjoy.

Andrew
 
Gentlemen, your instructions for take down were almost perfect. However, the most critical part was overlooked! You MUST place your tongue firmly between your lips at the 2:30 position when reinstalling the spring on a K40. Otherwise, it will fly off and immediately become a cat's toy. I have personally experienced it. :)

Repetition is the key.

"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer,our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!"
-- Adolph Hitler, 1933
 
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