Kahr PM9 Recall: response from Kahr

[Badger Arms]

I sent my serial number to Kahr and asked them about the rumored recall for PM9 pistol and got this response:

Good morning,

This wasn't technically a recall. It was actually an offer to polish the feed ramp of any pistol that had a serial number that was alpha-numerical and started with VB which obviously yours does. The only problem that these had was that they had trouble loading Spear Gold Dot ammo. If you avoid this ammo then you will not have a problem. If you would like us to polish the feed ramp we would be more than happy to do that. The turn around time right now, however, is about a month. Polishing the feed ramp is something you can do yourself with a dremmel tool and a polishing attachment or you may have your local gunsmith do it. Please advise if you would like us to perform this service.

Thank you,

Glen Malo
Kahr Customer Service

So, if your pistol has a "VB" prefix, then you should avoid Gold Dot. I would avoid Gold Dot even if you did have a polished feed ramp. I'm not going to let my pistol be out of commission for a month, I'll polish the ramp myself.

 

[CPshooter]

Typical response from Kahr. It doesn't surprise me that the turn around time is a month, considering how many people probably return their pistol to them because they aren't functioning properly. My pm9 (bought it new a couple years ago) wouldn't feed FMJ let alone Gold Dots. The trigger wouldn't reset either. I'd pull the trigger and nothing would happen. Sent it to them on my tab, and they supposedly fixed the problems and polished the feed ramp. They also said they "upgraded" a few parts that had been updated since my particular pm9 was manufactured. I got the pistol back and it still wouldn't function properly. I sold the darn thing.

It also doesn't surprise me that they told you that you can polish the feed ramp yourself. Most manufacturers would completely advise against it as it needs to be done right or you can make the problem worse. It also avoids any warranty issues that might come up if someone butchers the job at home. I guess Kahr just doesn't seem to care all that much. What's new?

I know I always have to chime in with negative comments about Kahr, but I assure you it's because 1) I just can't help it, and 2) I like to make it known that Kahr stinks as a company and people should be aware that there are better places to spend your money. I lost $300 because I decided to buy a pm9. I'd hate for anyone else to go through what I did.

Have a nice day! -CP

 

[ScareyH22A]

Must've had an older model CPshooter. I have heard nothing but good things about PM9's recently.

 

[outerlimit]

I lost $300 because I decided to buy a pm9.

You're doing good, since that's about $200 under dealer cost.

 

[krs]

You're doing good, since that's about $200 under dealer cost.

He said that he sold the gun. Do you know what 'net loss' means?

I had a similar experience with a PM9 to CPShooter's, sold mine for a $100. net loss, which is that I received $100. less for the gun at sale than I had paid for it originally. See?

 

[Badger Arms]

All I can say about my Kahr is it's been 100% reliable. I posted the above email because I was interested in what EVERYBODY ELSE was saying about theirs. Honestly, every company has their lemons.

This is a minimal-sized subcompact. There's a reason that they don't ALL make them that size. It's a fine line between reliability and size. The smaller you make it the more it relies on ammunition uniformity and shooting technique.

wouldn't feed FMJ let alone Gold Dots

You presume that your gun liked those bullet profiles? It's common knowledge that 22lr guns and especially .22 pistols have certain ammo that they like and certain that they choke on. The smaller you make a pistol, the more you amplify factors that are insignificant to larger pistols. Think about the Beretta model 21. Mine were reliable with about half the loads out there. 9mm Ammo is no exception. They have several different bullet profiles. Trying Silvertip ammo is my litmus test. If it feeds Winchester Silvertip, that's what you should shoot. I seriously doubt that the factory used Gold Dots or FMJ to function test their pistols.

 

[geronimo509]

I have two MK9's. One had to be sent back for locking back in the middle of the mag. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet and see if it works.

My other MK9 has been flawless even through the break in period.
ps. I use Gold Dots

I trust the one everyday and carry it in my pocket almost everyday.

I cannot say anything about the polymer models

 

[WRGADog]

I have a Kahr PM9 and Kahr P380

I have put approximately 700 rounds through each and they work flawlessly. Initally, I had a problem with the backs breaking out of the magazines on the P380. However, Kahr took care of the problem as soon as I returned the faulty mags. I carry my PM9 without hesitation and with complete confidence each day .

 

[WVleo]

My carry round , which I have had no issues with ( recently ran off another 50 of them ) is the Speer GoldDot 124gr. +P . I get a nice grouping at 7 yards . I did polish this PM9 Myself, but I go gently over all My weapons . .....WVleo

 

[Voland]

I got the same response a few months back. I also have about 300 rounds in mine without a single problem. Shot Winchester white box bulk, gold dots and other jhp and fmj rounds with no issues. I got it used so the previous owner had some rounds down the pipe...

I would work with Kahr to get the problems resolved. I think this pistol is worth the time...

V.