kahr K9 Elite Info Request

[nero45acp]

For years I've used a Colt Detective Special as a nightstand gun, but recently I've been thinking about using a mid-sized or compact 9mm autoloader. I have a SIG P225 and thought about using that, but I'd prefer something a little smaller. After a little research, it seems like the Kahr K9 Elite 2003 (K9098A) with a stainless steel guide-rod and big dot tritium sights would be what I'm looking for. But I have a few questions and was hoping that you'll could help.

1) How does the K9's reliability compare with a SIG P225 or P239? (I would be using Winchester 115gr Super-X Silvertip hollow points)

2) Is the bore axis of the K9 lower than the SIG P225?

3) How is the trigger on the K9 Elite?

4) How difficult is the take down and cleaning of the K9 compared to the P225?

5) Is the "trigger reach" (distance from the back of the grip frame to the face of the trigger) less than the P225?

6) How long do tritium sights last?

Also, I'd appreciate any general opinions/input on the K9 Elite, especially as to how it compares with the SIG P225 or P239. Thanks.


nero

 

[joegerardi]

For years I've used a Colt Detective Special as a nightstand gun, but recently I've been thinking about using a mid-sized or compact 9mm autoloader. I have a SIG P225 and thought about using that, but I'd prefer something a little smaller. After a little research, it seems like the Kahr K9 Elite 2003 (K9098A) with a stainless steel guide-rod and big dot tritium sights would be what I'm looking for. But I have a few questions and was hoping that you'll could help.

I have a K40 Elite 98, so I'll jump in here.

1) How does the K9's reliability compare with a SIG P225 or P239? (I would be using Winchester 115gr Super-X Silvertip hollow points)

There's a definite break-in period on this pistol of between 200-500 rounds. The chamber is very tight, and there's some FTFs during this period. After the break-in, mine has been 100%, regardless of what I feed it.

2) Is the bore axis of the K9 lower than the SIG P225?

Considerably lower. SIGs have a rather high bore axis, and the Kahrs were designed to sit low in the hand. I also have a SIG P228, so I can make a direct comparison here.

3) How is the trigger on the K9 Elite?

Beautiful. Very smooth, and consistent pull all the way to the break with no stacking. When I learned to shoot from the former senior pistol instructor at Parris Island, he said that the pistol going off should surprise you. The Kahr (and the SIG for that matter) do this. Also, the reset is very short.

4) How difficult is the take down and cleaning of the K9 compared to the P225?

A little more difficult. The SIGs rotating takedown lever is great. On the Kahr, you have to actually knock the pin out with something to remove it at the beginning. Later on, you will be able to pop it out with your finger, but it has to be completely removed. Aside from this, they're just about identical.

5) Is the "trigger reach" (distance from the back of the grip frame to the face of the trigger) less than the P225?

The reach is pretty close compared to the P228, but the Kahr's is smoother, with a more consistent feel. This is to be expected. The SIG is DA/SA and the Kahr is DA only, so they could work the trigger to get a very smooth travel right at the design stage.

6) How long do tritium sights last?

If I remember correctly, Tritiuum night sights have a half-life of 10 years. That said, my 1991-built P228's nite sights are still VERY bright.

As you can tell I love my Kahr. I also love my SIG. They are both excellent pistols. The K40 is my night table gun, and I carry the SIG regularly. One other thing: The P225's finish will wear. Expect this. My P228 is going out for refinishing soon. It's the nature of the beast. The Kahr, made of Stainless and polished beautifully will never have that problem. They are both accurate, and IMHO, either will be an excellent choice.

..Joe

 

[nero45acp]

Joe, thank you very much for your excellent and informative reply.


nero

 

[dfariswheel]

You're going from one "Gold Standard" defense weapon to another with the Kahr.
The Colt Detective Special was the "Gold Standard" in defense autos from 1927 to the mid to late 1960's.

The Kahr is todays "Gold Standard", and it doesn't get much better than the K9 model.

Your questions, as I can answer them:
1. WHATEVER bugs there were in the K9 have been long since worked out, and the K9 is as close to a totally reliable pistol as exists.

I also use the Winchester Silver Tip, but you MAY need to experiment with other brands/types of ammo to suit your particular gun.
Arbitrarily deciding to use one brand of ammo may not be a good idea, until you know your particular gun "likes" that ammo.

The key to Kahr reliability is to do as the factory recommends: Shoot 200 rounds through the gun as a break in before trusting it.

2. The Kahr is a significantly smaller gun than the P225, so the bore axis is lower.

3. The Kahr trigger is famous for it's "feel". Most people say it feels like a well-tuned S&W revolver trigger, and this is one reason for the Kahr's roaring success in the market.

4. The Kahr may give you a little trouble on take down, ONLY because the gun will be new, and tight.
Kahr sells a take down block that may help, but the actual process of disassembly is VERY simple.
You line up the slide notch with the front end of the slide stop, push out and remove the slide stop, and the slide and barrel come off the frame.
All that's left is to remove the recoil spring and guide, and slide the barrel out.

5. I'm sure the trigger reach on the Kahr is shorter. Again, the Kahr is a smaller gun than the Sig.

6. Tritium sights are usually guaranteed for 10 to 15 years, and remain usable for between 15 to 20 years.

As far as overall quality of the Kahr, it's the first "mini" auto ever authorized by the New York City Police dept as an off duty gun.
When as Conservative and hide-bound an organization as the NYPD OK's something, you KNOW it's good.

Most Kahr K9 owners are VERY pleased with their guns, and they have one of the best reputations in the market for CCW guns.

As a personal recommendation, the K9 is my personal defense gun, and is the only the only small auto I've ever really trusted.

 

[nero45acp]

dfariswheel, thank you for your reply. I couldn't ask for a better pistol recommendation than yours. I have read many of your posts on this and the Colt forum, and I have the utmost respect for your expertise and input.


nero