Kahr Stainless or Wolff Rod for MK40

[seed]

I am considering replacing my stock rod with either a Kahr factory stainless or Wolff rod (and springs). But I hesitate because it took me quite a while and a bit of detective work to get my MK40 Elite 98 to function 100%. Am I senselessly worrying or do my concerns have some merit? What have you heard and or what are your experiences with the change-over to either of these options?

I should mention that the MK40 is my primary carry gun and anything less than 100% reliability is unacceptable to me. Thanx.

,seed.

 

[hifi]

I am also considering it, but am leaning towards the factory part even though it supposedly has to be 'fitted'. I'm not a big fan of aftermarket parts nor Wolff because of past experience with their springs, but it seems like the part they sell is pretty decent. I don't know, I just might try both! My MK9 has been 100% so far with the factory guide rod that is part plastic.

 

[wally]

If it aint broke, don't fix it!.

--wally.

 

[hifi]

I agree. I can't stand plastic on my guns though!

 

[hifi]

*bump*

 

[seed]

If it aint broke, don't fix it!.

That is actually what is giving me the most pause. However, I wish to have the steel there precisely for the reason of less chance of breakage. But I love how reliable my MK40 has become after my initial struggles and don't want to do anything which could jeopardize its reliability. That is also the reason why I hesitate to use the next strongest spring, which I am also considering.

Hifi, what problems did you have with Wolff springs?

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Seems pretty simple, to me.

This is obviously going to nag at you.

Buy a metal one and hang onto the plastic one. If the new one doesn't work to your satisfaction, consider it money down the drain, and reinstall the plastic one.

But, that said, I agree with those who say, if its not broke, don't fix it. (I really don't think plastic is all that bad, by the way. It depends on the design of the gun and the composition of the plastic. Some plastic guide rods are almost indestructible -- my CZ guide rods, for example -- and, some aren't.) I have a Kahr P9 and it seems fine. (Have you heard/read of guide rod problems in the Kahr line of weapons?)

Mark Twain once wrote something about what happens if you find you've got a hole in your trousers: you can't keep your fingers out of the hole. He said it in a way that was far funnier, but it was a good capsule analysis of human nature. Some folks are the same way with their guns: if something can be changed, it will be changed... They can't help themselves.

 

[seed]

I recently purchased and installed the Wolff recoil assembly and standard 20.5 pound springs. Although, I have yet to shoot it, I can say that it seems as if the Wolff set up is smoother, stronger and more consistent in its feel. The quality improvement seems obvious and I feel highly confident that it will work admirably in my MK40. I will have to wait until next week to try it out and know with absolute certainty, but I cannot imagine how it would cause a problem in functioning during firing. I will keep you posted.

 

[seed]

Walt,

Sorry I did not respond sooner, but it was your post that sealed the deal for me. And to answer your question about whether or not I have read and or heard about the plastic rods breaking, the answer is yes. And although I am referring specifically to the Kahr MK's, I have also heard of them breaking in Glocks as well (although, much less commonly).

 

[JNewell]

Although I generally am a strong believer in "if it ain't broke don't fix it," I long ago replaced the stock guide rod in my MK9 with the Wolff rod and have had absolutely zero problems with it after much use that includes a good bit of +P. If you choose to install it, I think you'll probably have the same results. Good luck either way.

 

[hifi]

Seed, I was wondering how it worked out for ya??

 

[seed]

Seed, I was wondering how it worked out for ya??

Sadly, I haven't had the chance to try it out yet...I also have a PM-9 with new recoil assembly and buffed barrel I have to bring along for a function check. Wait, that's not all...I just purchased a Glock 20 and have eight boxes of Double Tap ammo to put through it (although I doubt all will be used on one trip). So the range is calling...Unfortunately, so is my job...and fortunately, so is a hot 25 year old stewardess I recently met ... Makes me think back to the movie, "Full Metal Jacket": "This is my rifle, this is my gun..." You know the rest.