Is there some trick to taking a Kahr pistol apart?

[jpruitt]

Trying to break it down for cleaning, the manual says:

"Draw the slide about 3/4 inch to the rear so that the relief cut in the slide aligns with the slide stop."

Ok, so far so good, but...

"Tap the slide stop out of the pistol from right to left with a light, non-marring hammer or plastic screwdriver handle."

Aside from the fact that I don't relish the thought of beating my gun to take it apart, the first step above is a two-hand job. At least I don't see how anyone could pull and hold that slide back one-handed. So if I'm using both hands for that, what hand am I supposed to use to to tap out the slide stop?

Is there some special way I should be holding the gun that makes it easier (or possible) to pull and hold the slide back with one hand?

 

[Ed4032]

I have a short oak dowl that I use. Line up the marks with the dowl resting against the pin. When they line up push the pin with the dowl. That should get it started. Then hold the slide back enough to release tension on the pin and pull it on out.

 

[siggy]

Get on youtube and type in field stripping a kahr and you will see the way to hold the slide back one handed

 

[MJ_ATL]

The first few times (5 or so) you take it apart you'll need to push the slide stop out. Use something wooden or plastic. I think I used the flat end of a cleaning brush to get it out. Yes, it was a PITA to get disassembled. Also, ABSOLUTELY MAKE SURE that the recoil spring does not slip through the hole for the guide rod. It's extremely fun to get it apart to fix that little goof.

 

[dfariswheel]

Also, Kahr sells a plastic disassembly "block" device that's inserted into the open slide, and the block holds the slide in exactly the right position.

The Kahr slide has to be in EXACTLY the right position, or it won't disassemble.
Use a plastic screwdriver handle to give the stop a bump to start it out.

Buy the disassembly block direct from Kahr, or you can make one.

http://www.kahr.com/Case-and-Tools/Kahr-Take-Down-Block-Only-K-Series-and-E9.asp

 

[hAkron]

Did you remove the magazine? I know this is obvious, but I've over looked it once or twice on various guns and it will usually cause the gun to not come apart.

 

[Mudinyeri]

I have two Kahrs and I've never had to use anything more than finger pressure to remove the takedown pin/slide release lever.

One tip: The manual says to align the witness marks. That's not always the case. The notch in the slide has to align with the keeper tab of the takedown pin/slide release lever.

This guy has a pretty good take-down video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBDcifPT-Ag

 

[jpruitt]

Thanks for the help, everyone, but as it turns out I'm an idiot and had the slide pulled back a tad too far . Once I got it lined up right it popped out with no trouble.