Thinking about a Kahr MK9................

S

Sarge55

New member
I've been thinking about picking up a Kahr MK9, but haven't totally talked myself into, or out of it yet. Can anyone provide me with some insight on this model? And no, I'm not interested in the P9,K9 or the MK40. MK9 ONLY! I need small! All responses will be used towards my final decision. What are the Pros AND Cons of this pistol? Anyone dislike the MK9? And why? Does anyone love their MK9? And why? Any feedback on this gun would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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DAH BIG DAWG'S ON DUTY
 
The only problem I've ever had with my MK9 is that after a few hundred rounds, the metal follower on the original mag failed to lock the slide back. I called Kahr and they had a new-style follower in my mailbox in two days. Other than that, the gun has performed flawlessly, and unlike many other small guns, it's actually fun to shoot.

The gun's a bit heavy for pocket or ankle carry, but it disappears easily in an IWB, and extra mags are small and flat enough to just stick in your pocket. I recommend using Pearce grip extensions if you like a three-fingered grip. Overall, it's a great little gun, but rather expensive. I paid $599 for mine with factory Trijicons about a year ago.
 
It's a great little pistol! :)
My friend carries one. I've had a chance to fire it, and it is no worse than my G26. He carries his in a Uncle Mikes pocket holster with no dificulties. The only problem that I could find with it was the capacity. Only 6 rounds. In that respect, my G26 is far better. If you want a really small pistol of high quality, get the MK9. One thing though, the Kahr manual states that you must put at least 200 rounds through the gun before you can use it for a defense weapon, but that should not be any kind of a problem. My friend has had zero glitches of any kind with his, even during the break in period.

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BOYCOTT SMITH AND WESSON!!!
Defend the Constitution from the foreign threat!!!!
 
Mine is perfect for my needs!

I have the LTD version that came Black T'd. I have yet to have any malfuntion using 115 grain S&B for practice and 115gr CorBon for carry. For the first 200 rounds it shot low and to the left but groups gradually moved to point of aim. Plus the little chunk of steel is still more accurate than I am.

I am still wanting some Ashley Express sights--and that is the only change I see necessary.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sarge55:
I've been thinking about picking up a Kahr MK9, but haven't totally talked myself into, or out of it yet. Can anyone provide me with some insight on this model? [/quote]

I've had an MK9 for about a year now. It's a sweet little pistol...reliable, accurate and tough.
As a previous post said, it's a bit heavy for pocket carry, but a good belt squared that away for me.
$599 sounds a bit expensive...I got mine in PA for just over $500.00 (sans night sights, however).
As far as capacity...how many rounds does one really need to feel safe or secure? That's a question for each individual in their circumstances to answer. In my case, 6+1 and a spare magazine is plenty.
However, when I purchased the MK9, I was wearing jeans mostly (the Glock 26 was too bulky for pocket carry in jeans). Now that I wear mostly "Docker" style trousers, the G26 would have been an excellent alternative, especially since I have a G17 and a G19.
But I like the MK9 too much to sell it.

And, another alternative: take a look at a Taurus 85UL. That's what I carry most frequently (light, +P .38 Spl.).
 
MK9 has been my primary carry for about a year now. I have appox 750 rds through it with no failures. 100 of those were the Proload 124gr +p's for carry.

It disappears in IWB. I use a LFI type holster I made. I also works well with Kramer shirt holster. I've recently been expermenting with a belly band that is also viable but not quite comfortable yet. Mostly I carry it in my front pocket. I have a pocket holster that I made that works with jeans that are not too tight and docker type pants that are not too loose.

Drawbacks. Its heavy for its size. If your pants are too loose it travels around alot while you walk. Its accurate enough but I dont shoot it near as well as the GLock 27. Double taps are hard with the long trigger pull, but the trigger pull is very good and shootable.

Positives. Its heavy and so it shoots softly for its size. Great sights for any gun; out of this world in the realm of pocket pistols. As reliable as a glock.

If you are looking for small flat pocket auto that shoots a "full power" round its the only game in town, but its a fair game and one where you will likely be a winner. That said I think the MK9 is just a step in the road. Eventually someone, probably kahr, will make something in alloy or polymer then I will buy one of those. Paid $435 +fees.
 
Sarge, I love mine. It is a great little gun. I just recently got it, so I have only put 200 rounds through it. Not one single bobble of any kind. The gun is small, thin and very easy to shoot for such a small package. It is so easy to shoot because it is a heavy gun for its size and it has an excellent trigger system. My trigger was unbelievably smooth for a double action trigger. Accuracy is excellent and double taps are a breeze. Mags come in 6 or 7 round variety. I wear mine IWB and it disappears under an untucked shirt. Will probably be trying a tuckable holster in the near future.

I have only shot regular ammo through mine. I would be very interested to hear the thoughts of those shooting the +p ammo through an MK9. Is the gun still easy to shoot and control? That Prolad round looks like a winner. What do you think Bullwinkle, is there a big difference between the +P Proload and a regular Hydra-Shok?

Buy the Kahr and don't look back. You won't regret it. Good luck.


Frank
 
Living in the hot & humid Florida swamps, the Kahr MK9 is the perfect deep concealment firearm when a tucked in shirt and no jacket is worn. While it is a little bit heavy for pocket carry (I carry it in an inside the waist belly band with complete comfort), that weight helps to absorb the kick of hot defensive rounds and the recoil is very manageable for such a small gun. Additionally, it is very reliable and Kahr's customer service is excellent. One drawback (and this might have more to do with me & where I live) is that it seems to be very prone to rust despite frequent cleanings.
Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
fud-nra.gif
 
Ditto on the "love my MK9" advice. It is a bit heavy for it's size but conceals easily. At work, I usually carry in Thunderwear because of the "suit" environment and investment bankers usually don't pack heat. Here are some pictures of some of the custom work I had done on mine (although it's pretty sweet right out of the box).
View


View


View
 
faiello5....

Dont sweat the +p its nothing spectacular.

I'm a Proload convert (if its not Proload its C*RAP; with a scottish accent) so when I got the MK I looked at their 9mm rounds and found the 124 Gold Dot seemed like the best ballance between weight and speed. I orderd a bunch to function test. It was 100 percent so I stopped there. Every thing else I've put through it has been factory practice grade ammo or remanufactured ammo. The difference in percieved recoil with the +p is not any more significant that the normal difference between a practice ammo and a premium defensive round; just a touch more snap. I wouldent sweat it.

Blunder.... what did that front strap checkering set you back?
 
Great little gun. Had a K9 and loved it. But fournd the Glock 26/27 to be more accurate and only marginally larger. Sold my K9 - bought a Glock 26 which is my primary carry.

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The Seattle SharpShooter
 
I love my Mk9 stainless elite. It's become my primary carry gun, replacing my K40. I carry it in an IWB holster. Nice gun. I've only got about 500 rounds through it, but no malfunctions so far. It is a bit heavy, but as a result recoil is not a problem, even with 115gr +P+.

Downsides? The short sight radius makes it harder to shoot accurately at longer distances. Magazine capacity is limited. The bottom rear corner of the slide stop is sharp. The front strap could use some checkering.

Jared
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bullwinkle:
Blunder..

I'd still like to know what the front strap checkering cost. TIA[/quote]

Didn't have him quote me the individual items seperately. My guess is about $150. Skateboard tape is cheaper but isn't as pretty.
 
I have an MK9 with night sights. Very concealable, good trigger for DAO, dependable and 1000 rounds later, no malfunctions. I'm sending mine to Steve Clark Custom to get some work done on it. Steve's gonna checker the front strap like blunder's MK. Plus some minor tweakings.

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Son
1911 Addiction
"Rangers Lead the Way!"
 
Put me down as an MK9 lover as well. I have the 30 lpi checkering on the front strap and had the action smoothed. The Elite version is available now and I hear that it is nice, but I have not tried it. I ordered an extra slide assembly for mine, the slide that came with the gun has been polished to a mirror finish and the spare is having an MOS2 finish applied with Novak sights and P-T IWI inserts. I did find the trigger, the edges of the trigger guard, and the slide stop to be a bit sharp so I had the edges rounded. I do carry in a pocket frequently, but the reason I bought the pistol was as a replacement for my SS Walther PPK ankle gun. Lou Alessi did my holster, Lou claims my calves and ankles are abnormal, but I have no trouble with ankle carry.
 
In my earlier post, I didn't mention that mine is an Elite but I wouldn't get that version again. Before Garthwaite smoothed it out, I tested the pull side by side with 2 different non-Elite's and couldn't tell the difference. After the minimal action work, there is a definite difference to the good.
 
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