Difference between Kahr K9 and E9

[braindead0]

Their site doesn't give much in the way of details, about the E9 (Economy series) it says:

The Kahr E9 is an economized version of the Kahr K9, based on the same design platform with the same reliability, accuracy and performance. Appearance features have been modified for greater product affordability

Anybody translate that from marketing speak to real world?

Thanks.

 

[Handy]

I called them once to ask. Near as I could tell, the difference was finish and sights. The E9 front sight is not dovetailed. The finish was something basic over carbon steel, like matte blue.

That's about it. If you can find one for a big enough difference over a K9, it's probably money well spent.

 

[braindead0]

Saw one at a gun show, looked new.. they were asking $399..which was way too high as far as I'm concerned..

I think the E9 has a polymer front sight as well..

 

[cratz2]

The front sight doesn't feel like polymer though I wasn't really checking for that.

The dovetailed front sight alone is going to cost upwards of $50. If you never have a desire for night sights, it's no big deal but I'd imagine a lot of folks carrying Kahrs are going to at least want the ability to install night sights.

I've played with a couple of the E9s. My wife has taken a liking to my P9 Covert. If I were to get her one, it would probably be the E9 for the added weight.

Mine has the night sights and it was pretty funny when I showed it to her. She never reads gun magazines or online stuff but the first thing she said about the sight swas 'Cool! They glow in the dark!' Then she asked why that would help? If you couldn't see the person, you probably shouldn't be shooting them and if you could see the person, night sights probably wouldn't help too much.

 

[braindead0]

My wife fell in love with the K9 at a shooting class she took (where the got to try out a lot of different autos).. Sounds like the E9 can't even take aftermarket sights.. so I'll definately stay away from that... she may not want them, but I'll probably shoot it too ;-)

 

[Jim Watson]

MY E9 has:
A plastic pegged-in front sight - replaced by Kahr on warranty after it shot loose.
"Simplified" contours - very boxy slide like Glock, front strap and dustcover look as-cast.
One-piece slide stop, probably cast, with stop screw in side of frame to keep it from bouncing around in recoil.
Hard plastic grips instead of Hogue rubber.
Very dull "charcoal" black oxide finish.

It came with only one magazine. A couple of extras and the shipping back to Kahr for a new front sight pretty well wiped out the price difference.

I have seen and read of different E9s. The last one I saw at a show had a white (stainless or plated) slide on a black frame. I didn't notice the slide nose shape or sight installation. I think they use them for parts cleanup for poorly finished or low demand stuff that has been laying around the factory.

 

[braindead0]

The kahr website only lists on E9, I think the slide is un-blued and slightly polished or something...

I'm pretty sure I'll get the K9 anyway, then a Tommy Gun and I'll be half way there for 3-gun matches ;-)

 

[Mike Irwin]

I actually don't see the price tag of $399 being all that bad, considering what some other small-frame 9s in the same class bring.

 

[braindead0]

Out here, that's probably just an okay price. The MSRP is $490, but for example I picked up my 4" SS GP-100 (adj sight, full underlug) which lists for $555 for $329.

Of course I probably could have beat him down, but I didn't bother cause I wasn't sure of the specs on the E9 (compared to the K9).. Now I know, and I'm glad I didn't bother ;-)

 

[Handy]

Kahr prices seem a might out of whack. I paid $320 for my mostly new MK9 2 years ago. Gunsamerica listing range is from $370 to $600 for a standard K9.

I would say, unless it is a particularly hard-to-find model, your goal for any Kahr should be the low $400s, lightly used. Subtract another $100 if it has "Economy" in the title.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Most gun prices seem to be out of whack right now.

At the recent show in Northern Virginia I saw 4 or 5 WELL used Model 10s, and not a single one of them was under $249.95.

WAY too much.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg, it seems.

 

[Handy]

Mike, I've stopped reading the tags at gun shows. They usually bear no relation to reality. I assume they thrive on poorly informed impulse purchases.


I hardily recommend Gunsamerica and Shotgun news for pricing advice. There are usually enough listings of a particular gun to get a feel for its market cost. I am sometimes just floored when someone states here what they paid for something. Maybe the extra price is worth it to some, no bargain hunting needed.

 

[braindead0]

I assume they thrive on poorly informed impulse purchases.

So true, I just sold the wife's (purchased before I met her) rather beat up Llama 9mm ($100) and Jennings J-22 ($50).

Couldn't believe one of the 'dealers' there actually paid that for them...