Kahr MK9 Elite *range report*

[HighVelocity]

I took my new favorite pocket pistol to the firing line today for a workout. Accompanying me were 200 rounds of 115gr Blazer aluminum, 150 rounds of Remington UMC 115gr FMJ, 100 rounds of Blazer Brass 115gr, 50 rounds of some old Federal 115gr Hi-Shok JHP and 50 rounds of Speer 124gr +P Gold Dot JHP.

It was an indoor range and all shots were fired from a standing position at a distance of 7 yards (21ft).

First, I shot up all the Blazer aluminum and brass. 250 rounds and not a single malfunction. One thing I noticed right away though is this little dude needs some skateboard tape on the front strap. There's not a whole lot of grip surface and what there is is a little on the slippery side.
Accuracy with the Blazer was about what I expected. Fair but not fabulous.

Next I went through the 150 rounds of Remington. I had one occasion where the slide locked back with 3 rounds left in the mag. I believe it was caused by my thumb bumping it though as it never happened again.

The Federal Hi-Shok (old red/white box) was totally reliable, which really isn't a surprise since it's got to be the smallest hp opening ever. This ammo was fun to shoot though as it was a bit hotter than the Blazer and Rem UMC. Again, zero malfunctions.

Lastly, the Gold Dots. This is the ammo I carry when I carry a 9mm. It's been 100% reliable and accurate in everything I've tried it in including pistols and carbines.
With the little Kahr it didn't disappoint. I was able to put all 50 rounds into one hole at 7 yards. There wasn't much more muzzle flash than the Blazer and there was less than the Federal.
Recoil was moderate and easily manageable.

As for the gun itself, it has a great feel to it. It's very balanced and the trigger is exceptional for a striker fired pistol.

I recommend anyone looking for a reliable, powerful pocket sized pistol to give the MK9 a chance.

 

[gulogulo1970]

Nice group, even if it is only 7 yards.

Can you get all of you fingers on the grip or is your little finger hanging off?

 

[Trip20]

Nice.
That makes me sick.
If that were my target, the bullet holes would be out to the edges of that inner orange circle... :banghead:

 

[HighVelocity]

Thanks. I just finished putting some skateboard tape on the front strap and the front of the trigger gaurd. I can't wait to get back out there and shoot it some more!

Nope, my pinky and a big part of my hand don't even fit on the gun. Didn't seem to be a problem though.

 

[VTKFJoe]

I was able to put all 50 rounds into one hole at 7 yards. - Nice shootin. I hown a PM9, I have it with me most of the time and love it. Much like you, my pinky and most of the bottom of my hand hang off the grip but it shoots great and works well for pocket carry. I look forward to trying the MK9 when I can.

Joe

 

[MarshallDodge]

Nice Shootin!

I love my E9.

 

[Ichiro]

I'm intrigued by your sidearm and your shooting skills.

How do you carry it, where did you buy it, and how much did it set you back, if you don't mind my asking?

~Ichiro

 

[Rob1035]

I wish I could shoot my G26 that well

I really need to practice more, my groups are about double that size

 

[HighVelocity]

Thanks again. The pistol is really easy to shoot. The trigger is better than any other striker fired pistol I've ever tried.

Ichiro, I bought it locally second hand for less than retail.
So far I've haven't found a holster that I really like for it but I'm working on that.

 

[Ichiro]

I'd think the MK could be a really decent pocket piece. Does it seem too heavy or big for a pants pocket? A belt is fine, but if it can be easily concealed in a pocket, so much the better.

I'm impressed with the Kahr and I like 9mm. Also, knowing that an actual person can shoot such a small gun like that gives me hope.

~Ichiro

 

[HighVelocity]

Pocket carry

Pocket carry is definitely the way to go with this one. It's not too heavy for blue jeans or lightweight slacks. I have a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster for it but retention is an issue. The gun comes out too easily. I think leather would be better and I have a Galco horsehide pocket holster coming.

 

[Ichiro]

I need to rent one of those. Thanks for the help.

I've got a Nemesis for my SP-101, and it is definitely slippery. Sort of a mass-market holster that helps a bit, but doesn't really fit the gun.

~Ichiro

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Okay you have my attention.

The Kahr's I've handled in shops have had superb triggers, like a good DA revolver-type pull, I like that.

How's the MK9 compare to a J-frame snubby size-wise? Smaller, isn't it? Just as good for pocket carry? And isn't 9mm a bit hotter than .38+P out of a snubby?

Do you guys with the small Kahrs find them easier to shoot accurately than a J-frame .38? To me, accuracy with my 442 is quite a challenge, I couldn't duplicate your target, that is for sure.

 

[Nail Shooter]

"How's the MK9 compare to a J-frame snubby size-wise? Smaller, isn't it? Just as good for pocket carry? And isn't 9mm a bit hotter than .38+P out of a snubby?"
____________________________

I have carried an MK9 for about 4 yrs (both pocket and OWB). It's a great little gun. It is smaller than a J frame in every dimension, and I feel, easier to pocket carry. The little Kahr is pretty heavy, so you better have a good belt on! You can shoot +p ammo out of the Kahr too. As far as accuracy goes, mine will do pretty close to the picture posted, as will a J frame in the right hands. YMMV

NS

 

[Dollar An Hour]

It is smaller than a J frame in every dimension, and I feel, easier to pocket carry. The little Kahr is pretty heavy, so you better have a good belt on! You can shoot +p ammo out of the Kahr too. As far as accuracy goes, mine will do pretty close to the picture posted, as will a J frame in the right hands. YMMV

NS

I did notice when handling Kahrs that the MK9 is a heavy little piece. I think the PM9 is better suited to pocket carry, but of course the MK9 will shoot a little sweeter with the extra weight and the polymer Kahrs don't quite have the stellar reputation that the all-metal Kahrs do when you start looking around.

I just wonder if it's easier to shoot accurately and quickly than a J-frame. I guess either is a good tool, but requires alot of practice. I know that's true of my 442.

 

[..]

You shoot a hell of a lot better with it than I did.

 

[Nail Shooter]

"I just wonder if it's easier to shoot accurately and quickly than a J-frame."
____________________________

Dollar An Hour,

I have both J frames and an MK9. My Kahr is an early one w/o the "elite" trigger so it has a very long pull--compared to say, a Glock. I have found that this long pull makes double taps slower, and maybe less accurate too--but only when you really push for speed. When slow shooting for accuracy, the Kahr will put 'em where you want 'em.

357's in a J frame are pretty wild, so it takes good mindset to keep it under control. My J frames are very accurate too. Shooting either one FAST is not easy, but both are accurate if you can take your time.

NS