My friend bought a Kahr P40 last weekend that has been nothing but trouble. For starters it has trouble simply charging the gun without jamming let alone shooting it without double feeds and other various jams. To top it off the front sight slides in its groves and actually fell out yesterday. I advised him to send it to Kahr. Anyone have similar problems or other suggestions. It was his first gun purchase and has obviously been a bad experience. Thanks.
Kahr Problems
- Thread starter phivo
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wally
Member
Nothing else to do but send it back. Bummer to get a lemon, but Kahr seems pretty good about setting things right.
You do have to pull the slide back to load the first round. Simply releasing the slide stop rarely feeds from a full mag. I think this is mentioned in the manual, if I recall correctly.
They were very quck to send me a replacement mag catch after the metal insert (bearing surface) fell out.
--wally.
You do have to pull the slide back to load the first round. Simply releasing the slide stop rarely feeds from a full mag. I think this is mentioned in the manual, if I recall correctly.
They were very quck to send me a replacement mag catch after the metal insert (bearing surface) fell out.
--wally.
I'm no expert, but I've tried loading it all sorts of different ways. I was trained to always pull the slide back and not use the slide release. I've tried both mags it came with. I've tried a full mag, one round, a few rounds....I think it's just a lemon. But I've heard lots of good things about the Kahrs. Although I wasn't a fan of the long trigger pull.
wally
Member
What ammo? Did you try more than one brand? Mine's not finikey, but I suspect you just got a lemon and I wouldn't waste time messing with it, send it back to Kahr for repair.
As to the trigger, I shoot my Kahr more accurately than I do my Glock 19, despite the much shorter sight radius. Glock gets my vote for the worse trigger on a "brand name" gun.
--wally.
As to the trigger, I shoot my Kahr more accurately than I do my Glock 19, despite the much shorter sight radius. Glock gets my vote for the worse trigger on a "brand name" gun.
--wally.
I tried a brand name (can't remember which) and a reload (that I have used for over a year without problems in my glock 22) in addition to the Federal my friend bought to carry and they all had the same problems.
I recently fell in love my new Kimber TLE/RL II and really like the almost non-existant trigger pull. But I have to carry my glock at work. I've never had problems with it, I trust it completely, and I'm used to it. I like being able to pull the slack out so it's short when I'm ready to fire.
That being said, the Kahr shot great when it would feed a round. The instruction book it came with said that it needed 200 rounds to be broken in. Like I said, I'm no expert and have never dealt with a Kahr but the feeding problems are far more than breaking the gun in right? Either way it's going back cause of the front sight.
I recently fell in love my new Kimber TLE/RL II and really like the almost non-existant trigger pull. But I have to carry my glock at work. I've never had problems with it, I trust it completely, and I'm used to it. I like being able to pull the slack out so it's short when I'm ready to fire.
That being said, the Kahr shot great when it would feed a round. The instruction book it came with said that it needed 200 rounds to be broken in. Like I said, I'm no expert and have never dealt with a Kahr but the feeding problems are far more than breaking the gun in right? Either way it's going back cause of the front sight.
fastbolt
Member
One of our guys just qualified with his new P40. He made a point of taking it to a local range and firing 200 rounds through it before coming down to qualify with it. He said that the only problems he experienced were when he was trying to use some PMC ammunition ... no surprise ... but that it fed and functioned just fine with UMC and Winchester ammunition.
Since it was a quiet evening at the qualification range I gave him a chance to shoot some additional rounds through it afterward, running him through some shooting & movement drills. We were using the standard Remington Express 180gr JHP ammunition we use for training, and the pistol functioned just fine during the time he was using it at the range.
Since it was a quiet evening at the qualification range I gave him a chance to shoot some additional rounds through it afterward, running him through some shooting & movement drills. We were using the standard Remington Express 180gr JHP ammunition we use for training, and the pistol functioned just fine during the time he was using it at the range.
With small guns, chambering technique is important.
Try shoving the gun rapidly away with the shooting hand, while yanking the slide sharply back with the other hand.
After practice, you make it look easy to chamber a round in the most difficult gun.
I taught this method to my wife, and 3 daughters, now they can all charge any auto that I hand to them.
Try shoving the gun rapidly away with the shooting hand, while yanking the slide sharply back with the other hand.
After practice, you make it look easy to chamber a round in the most difficult gun.
I taught this method to my wife, and 3 daughters, now they can all charge any auto that I hand to them.
wally
Member
phivo,
Your Kimber TLE II would get my vote for the best trigger on a current production gun. I think you need custom work to do better with anything you can buy new today.
I've lots of guns I enjoy shooting, but at the end of the day the 1911 remains my number one choice.
--wally.
Your Kimber TLE II would get my vote for the best trigger on a current production gun. I think you need custom work to do better with anything you can buy new today.
I've lots of guns I enjoy shooting, but at the end of the day the 1911 remains my number one choice.
--wally.
cratz2
Member
I've never shot a full size P40, but I've honestly never even heard of such problems on recent Kahrs... sights falling off... multiple failures to feed different ammo... I'd be ticked!
On the other hand, I've shot several Kahrs and they're generally smooth feeding guns.
Hope they fix it up right for your friend... Was this a brand new gun or bought used?
On the other hand, I've shot several Kahrs and they're generally smooth feeding guns.
Hope they fix it up right for your friend... Was this a brand new gun or bought used?
norfdet893
Member
I once owned a P40 but got rid of it. I bought mine used. I could chamber rounds but mine would jam with the slide to the rear after firing about 7-10 rounds. It would jam to the point that it required a rubber mallot to get it back into battery. I sent it back to Kahr and they said that on early production models that there was a problem with how the barrels were cut. There was too much metal on the top of the barrel (almost an oval). When the slide would go into battery, it would cause the top of the hole where the barrel goes through the frame to jam on to the top of the slide. I sent it back and they fixed it and even upgraded the sites to nite sights. They said that they had to remove some metal from the top of the barrel and that the slide stop had since been upgraded. When I shot it again I was having problems releasing the magazine and the front site fell off. I called them and sent it back. They said that it required a larger than standard front site and that the magazine catch spring had also since been upgraded. Needless to say when I got it back the second time I had lost confidence in the pistol and sold it and replaced it with a Glock 27. There was also a problem with the frame pin over the trigger shaving plastic when it was fired. I was disappointed because I liked the slim profile of the pistol. I have since bought a PM9 and have had zero problems with it. Kahr has an excellent customer service team and if you send it to them they will make it right. In my case I just didn't trust the pistol anymore.
RealGun
Member
Kahrs
To comment on Kahrs in general, I had a T9 and now a T40 (the big ones) and neither gun has ever malfunctioned. I reload at the range by releasing the slide and have never had a problem doing that. Range ammo is typically Sellier & Bellot. I plan to add an MP9 or MK9. Great guns. BTW the trigger pull is sweet for a DAO. The comment on long trigger pull could only be valid to me relative to SA.
My Springfield 1911A1 Loaded, which is now perfect, had a bad problem with feeds and stovepiping on any ammo I tried and in spite of ramp polishing. It got a new extractor at the factory to finally fix it. Sweet gun.
To comment on Kahrs in general, I had a T9 and now a T40 (the big ones) and neither gun has ever malfunctioned. I reload at the range by releasing the slide and have never had a problem doing that. Range ammo is typically Sellier & Bellot. I plan to add an MP9 or MK9. Great guns. BTW the trigger pull is sweet for a DAO. The comment on long trigger pull could only be valid to me relative to SA.
My Springfield 1911A1 Loaded, which is now perfect, had a bad problem with feeds and stovepiping on any ammo I tried and in spite of ramp polishing. It got a new extractor at the factory to finally fix it. Sweet gun.
RealGun
Member
Kahrs
To comment on Kahrs in general, I had a T9 and now a T40 (the big ones) and neither gun has ever malfunctioned. I reload at the range by releasing the slide and have never had a problem doing that. Range ammo is typically Sellier & Bellot. I plan to add an MP9 or MK9. Great guns. BTW the trigger pull is sweet for a DAO. The comment on long trigger pull could only be valid to me relative to SA.
My Springfield 1911A1 Loaded, which is now perfect, had a bad problem with feeds and stovepiping on any ammo I tried and in spite of ramp polishing. It got a new extractor at the factory to finally fix it. Sweet gun.
To comment on Kahrs in general, I had a T9 and now a T40 (the big ones) and neither gun has ever malfunctioned. I reload at the range by releasing the slide and have never had a problem doing that. Range ammo is typically Sellier & Bellot. I plan to add an MP9 or MK9. Great guns. BTW the trigger pull is sweet for a DAO. The comment on long trigger pull could only be valid to me relative to SA.
My Springfield 1911A1 Loaded, which is now perfect, had a bad problem with feeds and stovepiping on any ammo I tried and in spite of ramp polishing. It got a new extractor at the factory to finally fix it. Sweet gun.
I did quite a bit of reading before buying my PM-9, and it seems like the most common break in issue on the Kahrs is the slide not returning to full battery. You can just tap the slide in into battery by hand and fire. Mine did this quite a bit.
For about the first 50 rounds, I also had the problem of the first round of a magazine jamming into the feed ramp and getting stuck. These were regular jacketed Winchester White Box rounds too, not hollowpoints or anything.
The feed ramp on the Kahrs seems to be the source of a lot of problems. Perhaps its steeper than usual due to the guns small size.
By 200 rounds, my gun was functioning normally. I still polished the feed ramp and barrel hood, and it made a noticeable difference in how smooth the slide operates chambering the first round.
If it wasn't for the issue with the sight, I'd say not to send it back until he's sure he has over 200 rounds through it, but since it has to go back anyhow, might as well let them do the fiddling.
Kahr owners do seem to have a lot of love 'em or hate 'em experiences.
For about the first 50 rounds, I also had the problem of the first round of a magazine jamming into the feed ramp and getting stuck. These were regular jacketed Winchester White Box rounds too, not hollowpoints or anything.
The feed ramp on the Kahrs seems to be the source of a lot of problems. Perhaps its steeper than usual due to the guns small size.
By 200 rounds, my gun was functioning normally. I still polished the feed ramp and barrel hood, and it made a noticeable difference in how smooth the slide operates chambering the first round.
If it wasn't for the issue with the sight, I'd say not to send it back until he's sure he has over 200 rounds through it, but since it has to go back anyhow, might as well let them do the fiddling.
Kahr owners do seem to have a lot of love 'em or hate 'em experiences.
bad_dad_brad
Member
I have an MK-9 - the older model type. No problems with quality short nosed 9mm ammo (forget 147 SXTs! - Win Silvertips work good). Solid little pistol.
Regarding charging the pistol, always load a magazine with the slide held back by the slide stop. Then after seating the mag, pull back on the slide a bit and let her slam in to battery. This works.
The Kahr has very tight tolerances and you cannot baby her.
The other thing is, because of these tight tolerances, the Kahr must be broken in by firing at least 200 rounds before she is reliable. And keep her clean. Replace the recoil spring after 2000 rounds.
Regarding charging the pistol, always load a magazine with the slide held back by the slide stop. Then after seating the mag, pull back on the slide a bit and let her slam in to battery. This works.
The Kahr has very tight tolerances and you cannot baby her.
The other thing is, because of these tight tolerances, the Kahr must be broken in by firing at least 200 rounds before she is reliable. And keep her clean. Replace the recoil spring after 2000 rounds.
Well, ill have my lightly used Mk9 on wednesday...I hope that these break in bugs have been worked out. Even if, i think the 1st thing i am going to do is go over it with the dremel, and fluff her up a bit.
Shes gonna get a ramp and throat job and she doesnt even know it yet!!!
*snicker* "throat job" *butthead laugh* uhuhuhuhh
Shes gonna get a ramp and throat job and she doesnt even know it yet!!!
*snicker* "throat job" *butthead laugh* uhuhuhuhh
Waxed Canvas
Member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2004
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- 104
A Kahr is not worth the price and they are bad about putting pistols on the market that have not had the bugs worked out. I got a K9 that choked, basically just shut down, after 40 rounds-----extrator, mag release spring, etc-----on factory ammo.
I do agree that kahr is, in general over priced..However, the the market for the diminutive pistols has influenced the pricing.
However, you must also realize that in the scheme of things, Kahr is a very new company. Thier pistol production heritage only dates back a few years. Id rather see them go through growing pains, than to see an elder company such as S&W produce sigmas.
because it DOES seem that when Quality control is good, the kahrs are top notch pieces. I have a feeling that kahr will go down in history as a first rate firearms manufacturer. They just need some time.
However, you must also realize that in the scheme of things, Kahr is a very new company. Thier pistol production heritage only dates back a few years. Id rather see them go through growing pains, than to see an elder company such as S&W produce sigmas.
because it DOES seem that when Quality control is good, the kahrs are top notch pieces. I have a feeling that kahr will go down in history as a first rate firearms manufacturer. They just need some time.
RealGun
Member
Waxed Canvas wrote:
A Kahr is not worth the price and they are bad about putting pistols on the market that have not had the bugs worked out. I got a K9 that choked, basically just shut down, after 40 rounds-----extrator, mag release spring, etc-----on factory ammo.
[RealGun]
Okay. So what about the rest of the story? You know...how it ends up with you having a good gun. Every company has duds. A fair review is in regard to percentages, assuming there is a valid survey.
Personally, I didn't find another gun in as big a caliber that was as concealable while decent looking too. The price seemed okay to me. Things are too expensive when you can't afford them. I give some priority to buying American products when competitive. All American products are pricey, because everyone wants to make $30 an hour but pay others $5. They also have to insure against lawsuits, that we are so are prone to filing.
I am not comfortable buying used guns. I believe I am generally in a better position to have one made right if I buy it new.
I could say that a $2000 1911 isn't worth the price, but I'll bet that would be a gun that could be loved. People buy premium products because they can. Having the right gun is pretty darned important, once you get past the better-than-none stage.
A Kahr is not worth the price and they are bad about putting pistols on the market that have not had the bugs worked out. I got a K9 that choked, basically just shut down, after 40 rounds-----extrator, mag release spring, etc-----on factory ammo.
[RealGun]
Okay. So what about the rest of the story? You know...how it ends up with you having a good gun. Every company has duds. A fair review is in regard to percentages, assuming there is a valid survey.
Personally, I didn't find another gun in as big a caliber that was as concealable while decent looking too. The price seemed okay to me. Things are too expensive when you can't afford them. I give some priority to buying American products when competitive. All American products are pricey, because everyone wants to make $30 an hour but pay others $5. They also have to insure against lawsuits, that we are so are prone to filing.
I am not comfortable buying used guns. I believe I am generally in a better position to have one made right if I buy it new.
I could say that a $2000 1911 isn't worth the price, but I'll bet that would be a gun that could be loved. People buy premium products because they can. Having the right gun is pretty darned important, once you get past the better-than-none stage.
Yeah, I get tired of arguing this one.
To say that Kahrs are overpriced in today's handgun market is a joke.
Do a search on "Kimber" on www.1911forums.com.
How is a Kahr overpriced at $500, yet a Sig is a good value at $700?
Uh Huh.
At least some Americans are earning part of the money spent on a Kahr.
In my opinion, most quality handguns are overpriced.
And they all turn out occasional lemons.
With most guns made by Kahr, do you get the same quality, workmanship, and reliability as other $500+ guns, (Glock, H&K, Sig, S&W, etc)?
Yes, you do.
To say that Kahrs are overpriced in today's handgun market is a joke.
Do a search on "Kimber" on www.1911forums.com.
How is a Kahr overpriced at $500, yet a Sig is a good value at $700?
Uh Huh.
At least some Americans are earning part of the money spent on a Kahr.
In my opinion, most quality handguns are overpriced.
And they all turn out occasional lemons.
With most guns made by Kahr, do you get the same quality, workmanship, and reliability as other $500+ guns, (Glock, H&K, Sig, S&W, etc)?
Yes, you do.
My P-9 would not make it through 2 mags without a malfunction
Often it was the case stuck under the extractor...sometimes a failure to go into battery.
With 6 different types of factory ammo and over 500 rounds
It made 3 trips back to KAhr before we agreed to give up and they sent me a new weapon...and MK9 Elite w/ NS...which was flawless from the start.
I have no use for an undependable pistol.....
It got real old real fast....several wasted trips to the range
I will never be that patient again...doesn't work ...send it in.
Often it was the case stuck under the extractor...sometimes a failure to go into battery.
With 6 different types of factory ammo and over 500 rounds
It made 3 trips back to KAhr before we agreed to give up and they sent me a new weapon...and MK9 Elite w/ NS...which was flawless from the start.
I have no use for an undependable pistol.....
It got real old real fast....several wasted trips to the range
I will never be that patient again...doesn't work ...send it in.
fastbolt
Member
Glad your friend is going to get his problems addressed, and hopefully resolved ...
Funny how this is something that's sometimes mentioned in threads about Kahr's, though, namely that the company is familiar with the cause of the problem(s) and knows how to fix them.
My friend who owns the new PM9 has been trying to sell it. He simply won't accept erratic and unreliable functioning from a new weapon, after a couple of range sessions, and especially one which costs so much in the first place. He's been spoiled by many years of flawless functioning from his issued S&W and personally owned HK.
I can say that the last 3 Kahr .40's that came through our range, and which I also handled and fired, in addition to qualifying the owners with them, all exhibited reliable functioning. I can't say the same for the last 2-3 9mm Kahrs, although I saw someone complete the 36-round CCW course of fire using a P9 the other night, without experiencing any malfunctions.
Funny how this is something that's sometimes mentioned in threads about Kahr's, though, namely that the company is familiar with the cause of the problem(s) and knows how to fix them.
My friend who owns the new PM9 has been trying to sell it. He simply won't accept erratic and unreliable functioning from a new weapon, after a couple of range sessions, and especially one which costs so much in the first place. He's been spoiled by many years of flawless functioning from his issued S&W and personally owned HK.
I can say that the last 3 Kahr .40's that came through our range, and which I also handled and fired, in addition to qualifying the owners with them, all exhibited reliable functioning. I can't say the same for the last 2-3 9mm Kahrs, although I saw someone complete the 36-round CCW course of fire using a P9 the other night, without experiencing any malfunctions.
RealGun
Member
The problem I would see is that anecdotes about problems or exceptional reliability do not constitute a useful survey nor form a fair characterization of the pistol or the company. if I wanted to, I could make the most idolized company or pistol sound like crap. I could also make a pistol or company sound much better than it really is. All I can conclude is that there are good ones, bad ones, and that I am one of the lucky ones. I think the most useful anecdotes are those about how Kahr fixed the problem.
I would agree about the need for recalls on "known problems", keeping in mind that having that policy would raise the prices. The alternative is to wait until a problem is reported and to address it quickly without charge. As we see here, spin control does matter, so the low profile approach does have its merits.
Boy, I would not think much of someone selling a pistol that was known not to function properly, especially when they were free to return it to Kahr to have it fixed.
I would agree about the need for recalls on "known problems", keeping in mind that having that policy would raise the prices. The alternative is to wait until a problem is reported and to address it quickly without charge. As we see here, spin control does matter, so the low profile approach does have its merits.
Boy, I would not think much of someone selling a pistol that was known not to function properly, especially when they were free to return it to Kahr to have it fixed.
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