Is a Kahr worth it?

[iamhistory]

Hey All.........

I was checking out two models of Kahr pistols this evening and the price tag was pretty steep. Around $629 for a Kahr 9mm and for the .40 cal model was over $640

I really liked looking them over. They LOOK like they would be nice little carry pieces and fun to shoot. I have never handled or fired a Kahr model pistol and was wondering what those of you who have think of them. Are they worth the bucks? If not, why not.......if so, how do they compare to other top model pistols?

 

[bad_dad_brad]

The early Kahr's when they first came out were great guns. I have one of the first MK9s. It is a little watch piece of a pistol. The trigger is as smooth as the smoothest tricked out DA revolver.

Back then they were just a little over $500, well worth it. I can't comment on today's product but my baby Kahr from the past is a one of a kind classic firearm.

 

[mete]

Kahr has gotten a very good reputation. Excellent 7 lb DAO trigger.The way to go for concealable pistol.

 

[AF_INT1N0]

Own a K-40 Elite.

Love it.

BTW I got it used for about $500.

 

[Zundfolge]

I used to have an MK40 Elite98 that I deeply regret selling (sold it and an Alessi Talon Plus holster for $450)

look around for used if you want to save a few pennies. Some of the dealers who use the online auctions have them for better prices then that.


As for carrying, I think Kahrs are among the best CCW pistols on the market. My MK40 carried like a dream, and they shoot well too. If you go for a K9 or K40 those are probably the best balance of shootablilty and carryability (look ma, I'm makin' up words!)

 

[Jonathan]

I special-ordered one several years ago before Kahr was as mainsteam as they are now. It cost me about $620 for the pistol and a total of three magazines.

It is absolutely worth it, although I believe you should be able to find them slightly cheaper now (link).


Mine had a bit of roughness to the disconnect mechanism that had no effect on function, and it smoothed out after about a day of shooting. That is the only fault I've had with it (and it's gone now): I have yet to have a failure.


Comparisons:
The only thing that's really comparable is a Glock. The triggers are really worlds apart: the Kahr is more similar to a finely tuned revolver than it is to the Glock. My Kahr is a steel version, and the overall fit and finish is much nicer than I was expecting. As far as striker guns go, the quality reminds me more of a P7 than a Glock. The stock rubber grip is very comfortable, it is very compact (especially thin), and it has a low bore axis made possible by an offset barrel/frame connection: strip it and check out the engineering.

The recoil is stout but controllable: just today I was reviewing some old video from the range of a first-time-shooter who had no problem with aimed rapid fire (send me an email if you'd care for action footage).

The only thing that could be done to improve this would be to shorten and lighten the trigger. Since I don't think that's possible while retaining a safe operation, you'll have to be satisfied with revolver-like trigger action. It would also be wonderful to see a longer barrel version that retains the shorter grip, but it does work fine as it is.


Overall, highly recommended.

 

[bratch]

I really enjoy mine. Look into the TP series they seem to be had for around 5 bills and the MK9 which goes for 4-450.

 

[SnakeEater]

I just bought a NIB MK9 BOX version for $425 OTD at my local dealer. It's my wifes Christmas present as a matter of fact. I plan on really wringing this thing out because she will be carrying it regularly.

 

[71Commander]

I have several 1911's with custom holsters for each one and my Kahr, K9 gets about 50% of my hip time.

It's just a dream to carry. Have it wrapped in a Alessi Talon. Just pick it up and go.

 

[fecmech]

I bought a K-9 version back in the spring and to date have put over 3K rounds thru it mostly cast reloads. The gun has been 100% reliable and I have had 0 malfunctions even in the first 200 rounds. I don't clean it very often cause I shoot it almost every day, it has probably been cleaned about 4 times so far. I get some minor throat leading whick I brush out if I'm going to shoot jacketed next. Great gun!

 

[Mixlesplick]

I was a little nervous about purchasing a Kahr because I had read about a lot of people having problems with them. Most of the problems were with the P series guns.

I bought a K40 stainless and after a few break in problems and installing a 23 pound spring it shoots great and carries great. I looked at a lot of guns for ccw and this one just seemed to be the best for me. I use a Threat Solutions UCR kydex holster, often directly against my skin, and I hardly notice I am carrying a gun.

If you get a Kahr I would recommend sticking with the steel frames and don't get discouraged if there are minor problems during the break in period. The price is a little steep but I think it is worth it.

 

[saltydog452]

Kahr pistols..

The steel frame Kahr feels almost as comfortable as a Browning Hi-Power. I also have a plastic frame Kahr. I use the steel frame (K-9) for practice and as a 'bedroom' gun, the plastic (P-9) Kahr for carry. Both use the same holsters, mags, ammo, have the same trigger stroke and similar sights.

Factory tritium sights are on the K-9, Ashley Outdoors ' Big Dot' tritium sights are on the P-9.

With the Kahrs, a Smith and Wesson J Frame Bodyguard, and a NAA .32 Guardian, my Concealed Carry options are pretty well covered. In cool weather a S&W 3" Mdl 13 or a 'Tunerized' Colt Officers Model might find their way into the mix as well.

If you are getting the impression that I like the Kahrs, you are correct.

salty.

 

[Jim PHL]

Another vote "for". I always considered my K40 to be perfect for home, auto, concealed carry and even some competitions (tactical style - not tack-driving). It's sitting in my dealers showcase on consignment (I switched to full-size 1911 for fun shooting and a micro-1911 for carry) but if it doesn't get sold soon I may have to go back and get it!

 

[mini14jac]

I had a MK9 that I loved.
It was a little heavy for pocket carry but dead-on reliable and accurate.
Traded it for a PM9.

I've read of some plastic Kahrs with teething problems, but mine has been 100% through 1200 rounds.

I hope you can find a better price, but they are quality guns.

 

[Zach S]

I got a PM9 to carry when my attire didnt alow the use of my Government Colt or 4" Kimber. I thought about a Kel-tec (the price was more attractive), but the trigger is so long on them I short-stroked it a lot. Someone let me try their PM9 at the range one day I had had one on order shortly after, I traded my G17 in towards it and never looked back, although I do wish the Kahr had the short trigger reset that glock does (ironicly I'm thinking about another glock, just because I can get 33 round mags without going broke - Its a stupid reason, but still a reason, lol).

I cant cant shoot it very accurately because most of my trigger time is with a 1911 (probably more than 95%) and the SA trigger has me spoiled. But its a very accurate pistol, a buddy of mine got a ~4" group out of it @ 25 yards.

Its never failed, but I cant tell you how many rounds I've put through it. I know at least 500, I dont trust a pistol until then. But if I had to guess I'd say about 800 rounds.

 

[71Commander]

At my age, I can't even see 25 yds, but at 20, with my K9, I can keep it on COM easily.

 

[Zach S]

Eh, my accuracy drops off beyond 15 yards. At 15 I do fine. At 16 I dont.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I have seen much lower prices recently than when they originally came out in polymer. They are nicely made, though I did sell mine, it was a nice piece.

 

[unreal45]

They are almost as good as a J frame for ccw.

 

[ThirdShiftRich]

I have had a flawlessly functioning MK9 Elite98 for a couple years now. I recently purchased a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for it, and it hides pretty well in cargo pants or jeans, even in the back pocket. I haven't had to do any maintenance on it other than the usual clean & oil.

 

[halvey]

FWIW, there's a thread on this board bashing their customer service.

I shot a PM9 and it was about the nicest stock DA trigger I ever fired. Very small yet controllable. I wanted something a bit bigger so I tried the .40 version. Yikes! That thing snapped like crazy!

I plan on getting a PM9 if we ever get this CCW issue settled here, but may get the .45 version if that pans out.

 

[Zackmeister]

I like my K9. It is a great size and feels really good in my hands. My only gripe is that there is significant play between the slide and frame. Then again, it is a used gun and it doesn't seem to effect the functionality of it.

 

[SaLted_peanUTs]

I have a K40 Covert I picked up used in great condition for $350. I was suprised at how well it shot and its accuracy. It conceals well and carries quite nicely. If I'm packing its almost always the Kahr.

 

[Fudgie Ghost]

I traded my G26 about (2) years ago for a used K9. I love my Glocks, but for concealability the G26, like me, was a little too chunky.

I don't carry every day (I live in NYS), but when I do carry to the range, or when I've carried in PA or FLA, the gun has been very comfortable. I don't think I've had any failures that were gun related. BTW, my gun was made in 1996. I recently found out how to take apart the extractor/ejector, and I don't think those pieces/slide had been cleaned in a loooonnnnggg time. But the gun worked fine.

I just had mine refinished (www.shootiniron.com) in satin nickel. Do a search on my user name and check out the photos. I can't attach photo's that I've already posted in another thread (WUWT?)

So, yeah, see if you can find a used K9. From what people have said here and elsewhere, those "early" guns may even be better than the current models.

 

[corncob]

Lone voice of dissent

My wife and I rented a PM9 at a range. I assumed the feeding problems were due to the fact that it was a rental, but found it unpleasant to shoot. The grip was just too small and the trigger stroke too long. The trigger didn't break until the nail of my index finger was digging into my thumb. Granted that I shoot (and carry, always) a 4 inch Aluminum-framed Kimber, so take my comments with a grain of salt. My wife, who has small hands, prefers the chunkier grip of the Glock 19, and also appreciates its added mass when it comes to recoil and muzzle flip even with the added bulk.

Aparently the Kahrs are well-liked, but a little out-of-the-ordinary, so I would heartily suggest you find a way to shoot one before plopping down your money, if at all possible.