Kahr S9

[DT Guy]

So it looks like Kahr has updated their budget 'CW' line, adding three dot sights and a second magazine: Kahr S9

Certainly, they have to have been feeling the pressure from S&W Shields selling well below $300, Walther's price reduction on the PPS (I bought my M1 for ~$600, now they're on sale for $300 at times) and others. With those prices, the CW series probably stopped being the value it was for some people, and I'm sure Kahr is trying to get back into that game.

One interesting note (via this month's American Riflemen) is Kahr's assertion that their new gun no longer needs the much-discussed, much-reviled '200 round break-in' they used to state. Apparently, they've built hydraulic machines which cycle the pistols hundreds of times before shipping, which acts at the 'break-in.'

I like Kahr pistols; I've owned 6-8 over the years, and still own a CW380, which has been flawless. I got rid of my next-to-last Kahr, a CW45, after it took two trips back to the mothership, and still wouldn't cycle reliably.

I'd like to try a 9S, but that would be the key word; 'try.' I'd need a chance to shoot the one I was looking at for 2-300 rounds to see if it's one of the Kahr's that works (I've had several) or one of the Kahr's that won't (I've had a couple.)

Larry

 

[Jim Watson]

Apparently, they've built hydraulic machines which cycle the pistols hundreds of times before shipping, which acts at the 'break-in.'

This is something I have really wondered about. It ought to be done, especially on certain brands of expensive 1911s whose vendors will tell you to shoot it for 500 rounds before reporting any faults.

My CW9 NRA Banquet special edition has been fully reliable. My old E9 was shooting well in a lot less than 200 rounds but it kicked its plastic front sight off and had to go back for a replacement.

 

[Tirod]

What usually happens is some easing of edges and higher polish on critical parts. Most of that can be incorporated during the actual fabrication of the part. "Break in" is mostly that - having mating parts which have knocked off any roughness. Don't make them rough in the first place and voila, you have a better gun with no break in requirements.

Note the poster would still do it. So would I.

 

[wally]

Customer support at S&W blows away what you get from Kahr. At least Kahr has good on-line parts ordering, although I started to debate the merit of spending $75 to fix a $300 pistol ($15 shipping was a real slap in the face!).

The only thing Kahr has going for it now days is that its still the best "revolver-like" semi-auto pistol trigger if this is what you want. My Shield has mostly replaced my Kahr for carry, but the little CM40 still works well as a backup in my boot.

 

[CoalTrain49]

although I started to debate the merit of spending $75 to fix a $300 pistol ($15 shipping was a real slap in the face!).

Pretty soon you will be able to buy a $100 pistol. All they have to do is figure out how to make MIM barrels. Should happen any day now.

 

[wally]

In fairness I should point out that my $75 repair parts list (recoil spring, striker spring, striker, & extractor) was after ~10000 rounds of shooting, I got it late 2005. Spent way more on the ammo I've shot through it than I did on the pistol and parts to get it running right again. But $15 shipping on $60 worth of parts that weigh a few ounces is a rip!