Kahr Standard vs. Elite

[g_one]

While reading up on Kahr's MK40, I noticed that their steel framed guns come in both a standard and Elite versions. The Elite version, according to their website, has a few customizations aimed at both ease of reloading, and better feeding for a wider variety of rounds.

Does anyone have any knowledge/experience on their Elite vs Standard models? I'm asking primarily because the MK40 would be a self defense gun for me, and given the problems that some subcompacts have feeding SD JHP's, the Elite may be a necessity for me. On the other hand, if this is purely a marketing ploy, or one of those "nice to have but not necessary" features, I would just assume not pay the extra money for it.

 

[dfariswheel]

Mostly it's cosmetics, although the beveled magazine well and polished feed ramps may be worth it. For the money, I'd buy the standard and if I wanted the mag well bevel or need a feed ramp polish job, you could have a local gunsmith do it or with such a simple job, you could do it yourself.

Here's the standard MK40 specs:
http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-MK40.asp

Here's the Elite Mk40 specs:
http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-MK40-Elite.asp

 

[usp9]

Just as a personal observation regarding Kahr feed ramps... I've owned seven Kahrs and all of them came with a slick, polished ramp, ready for feeding. Hard to imagine it being more polished.

The beveled mag well is a nice feature of some use. The polished slide is of no practical use, only a cosmetic difference. Personally, I wouldn't want a polished slide on a CCW. IMHO, the Elite "upgrade" offers little for the expense.