My Kahr MK9 "Two-Tone"....

[Kentucky Rifle]

A call to Kahr confirmed my suspicions. I was wrong about the type of steel that the slide is made from. It isn't black coated stainless, it made from black coated "tool steel". The frame is definitely stainless though. ("Stainless" is stamped on the side.) I think maybe the two different types of steel sliding on each other is what makes this MK9 so smooth. (Opinions welcomed.) I've read, in gun mags, that tool steel moves more slickly over stainless steel, however I really never gave that a second thought. Now, I'm beginning to believe it myself. This "two-tone" had the slickest moving slide in the Kahr showcase. (Thus, it's what came home with me. )
Secondly, I love the way this heavy little pistol shoots. It's a pleasure! My first 9MM...Who would have thought I'd like 9MM's so much? I think I need some more pistols chambered in 9MM ... you know--just to "compare". (My wife just rolled her eyes.)
I would like to hear if anyone agrees with what I read about the two different types of steels "sliding" more slickly.

KR

 

[PCRCCW]

Actually "Tool Steel" is a misnomer...like Stainless steel is as a title for steel.
There are over 800 kinds of Stainless Steel.....Tool steel is just a steel that hardens easily and machines well.

What you have is a 4140 Carbon based ChromeMoly steel slide. Typical of any quality gun.....CZ, Kimber, even Armscorp and RIA use it. Its the steel most guns are made from.

Actually, the SS and 4140 may have better lubricity than say both pcs being stainless but not as much as two 4140 parts would have.

Tolerances, finish and other criteria affect how it slides and feels......
You may just have a very nice finish on the sliding surfaces on both materials that would explain it also.......

Shoot well.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

PCRCCW...

Thank you. I wondered if maybe I just "got a good one". I had no intention of buying an MK9...I went to buy a MP9, but it just wasn't as smooth. Even when I field stripped it, it felt rough. Maybe all the "roughness" would have worked itself out, other people have told me so. I still intend to buy one. (When I find a smooth "running" one. )

KR