KAHR MK? General Info Request

[Damyanky]

Hi All;
This is my first post here. I'm in the process of reviewing my next handgun purchase and have decided it will be an auto either 9mm or .40. I am pretty much decided on a KAHR but cant pick and choose. I know they are smaller than most to start off and having big mitts doesnt help... being in the hot and humid south kind of forces my hand for a carry weapon. Ideally It would be MK? Elite in .357 Sig but they dont make it.. the money isnt a problem as I've been packratting it away for a while. I already own a 1911, G36, J Frame 642 and several .22's but none are truly suitable for all time carry for various reasons to do with size/weight.
Anyone have any experience carrying/using one concealed and how does it handle for one with big paws ?
Thanks in advance..

 

[Zundfolge]

I wonder if you can get a .357sig barrel for an MK40 (I seem to remember someone trying to put together a group buy for Bar-Sto .357sig K40 barrels a few years ago on a forum somewhere).


I've owned both an MK40 and an MK9. I love my MK9 (and should have never sold the 40, but I think the 9 shoots better).


I have average sized hands and have no problem with the small grip of the MK, and with Pearce grip extensions I imagine even someone with big paws shouldn't have any trouble shooting one.

Best thing is how well they carry ... with a good holster you can forget they are there.

 

[duncan]

Heck, just bought a 357 sig barrel for my Glock 20.

If I can grab one for my Kahr PM9, that would be awesome.

I recommend the PM9 for its size but they do make a 40 cal for more punch. Rather have great placement for such a small gun.

 

[buckshott]

MK40

I have the MK40 and love it. It is very well made. Conceales well in a front pocket with a pocket holster. A little heavy, but with the pocket holster, you can get used to it pretty quick.

 

[marklbucla]

My MK9 conceals extremely well. I needed something small since I'm a small guy.

I don't like the DAO trigger because it's so different from my SA guns. If you've got big hands, then it might be a tad too small for you.

 

[bulbboy]

I have the Kahr MK9 - its a little smaller than my Glock 27 and conceals very nicely. Its a touch to heavy for me to pocket carry but others seem to do it with no problem. I love this gun and its a blast to shoot!

 

[gazpacho]

Owned an MK9 for awhile.

In comparison to your 642, the MK9 will feel like it weighs three times as much, unless you have it tucked in the pocket of some VERY sturdy pants, or a good holster. In that case, it will only weight twice as much. The trigger will be VERY similar to your 642, but a little lighter and a little smoother. Recoil will be in the same neighborhood. The accuracy of the MK9 should be a bit better than the 642. The one downside I found with the MK9 is the difficult in racking the slide. The spring is VERY heavy. I would suspect the MK40 is heavier.

 

[Damyanky]

I didnt expect so many responses but thats a good thing, Thanks All. I have sent off an email to KAHR about the possibility of a bbl change for the MK40 to .357 Sig or a new caliber gun, either way I will post their response here for all to read should they respond.
The weight seems to be my biggest concern.. the 642 is light enough but too fat.. the G36 is OK on the width but way to heavy.. maybe the polymer frame ???
I want XS express big dot tritium sights as I have on my G36 and plan to take the sharp edges off myself. Bead blasting will be next.
I guess the only way will be to belly up to the next area gun show and pester the rep/dealer.
Thanks again for all the responses.

 

[1557]

You'll get all kinds of resonses. Some have had negative experiences with Kahr,including myself. The steel Kahrs seem to be more reliable,generally,than the polymer ones. The one I had was an MK9 and was reliable in the extreme,eating everything I chose to feed it.
Problem was the inaccuracy. NO,it wasn't me. I can shoot,and had no problem with other examples of Kahrs,just this particular gun.I replaced it with a Mod 60 357 S&W.
I think Kahr makes a fine product but they do have a QC issue,which is a human problem.If they'll get on top of that and correct it,ALL their guns will be great,but as long as the QC is up and down continuously there will be bad examples getting out to the shooting public. My own experience left a bad taste in my mouth for Kahr in general. I may try another in the future.If I do it will be the original size K9.

 

[Damyanky]

UPDATE NEW KAHR

Figured I should update all who helped out.. I purchased a PM9 trading in my G36. Its is about 4 weeks old with 900 rounds through it, dehorned, almost melted, trigger guard opened slightly on the bottom to remove the depression for fat fingers, I used a low setting on the heat gun and held it in place while it cooled, and it shoots better than me.. I wasted the 1st 500 rounds trying to shoot it like a target gun with the sights and finally gave up with groups around 6"-7" at 15'. I then reverted to point and shoot with double taps and full mag rapid fire and things improved greatly down to 3"-4" groups.. surprise, I found its niche... strange but true ! I removed the sights will fill in the dovetails with fitted SS blanks soon as I can find them and put a gold shotgun bead on the front..

pure pocket monster, and to think I was considering a .380 ha!

I love this little beast better than my .45.
Thanks for all the advise.. it really helped.


Damyanky

 

[Alan Fud]

Don't like it for carrying but the MK9 one heck of a shooter!