Kahrs: Love them, Hate them, or...?

[Tilos]

Kahr recently built a “break-in” machine that racks the slides 200 times at the factory before the pistols are shipped out. That was in response to the negative feedback about the original break-in recommendation.

No machine here...
I just drop the mag, put on some work gloves and just sling-shot rack the slide a couple of hundred times.
I do this to every new scrap-o-matic I buy, not just the Kahrs.
Oh, and this racking is done after a complete dis-assembly and lube.
So, no break-in ammo cost.
jmo,
.

 

[dfariswheel]

I bought a stainless K9 in 1997 after hearing good things about the design.
Once I found out how reliable it was, how well I shot it, and that it was about the same general size as my Walther PPK/s, I sold the Walther and have been daily carrying the K9 ever since.

Originally I only carried the Walther for times when I just couldn't carry a more substantial gun, and the K9 was a potential replacement in a more effective caliber.
I found the K9 to be astoundingly reliable, and the DA-only trigger and much simpler design then the Walther sold me.
I shot the K9 so well it became my daily carry.

It seems Kahr is at it's best in a steel model, and the "full size" "K" series seems to be the best of all for reliability and shoot-ability.
Back then the "full size" K9, (my how that's changed since the 90's) was about the same size as most .380 autos, but you got better sights, full power 9mm, and a simpler DA-only action.

When Justin Moon designed it, his idea was to provide police with a 9mm auto that that had a trigger that felt like a S&W DA revolver.
Anyone who grew up with revolvers usually transition to the Kahr with little effort, and I tell people to shoot them like it's a magazine fed revolver.
Since it has no manual safety and the long DA-only trigger is as safe as a revolver, the Kahr is a real "pull-point-shoot" defense gun.

Mine is totally reliable and wouldn't jam even with some really horrible Egyptian 1950's 9mm corrosive SMG ammo.
I keep it clean and lubed with a light coat of grease on the slide and frame rails and the barrel.
It rides in my Blackhawk Urban Carry fanny pack and always goes when I leave the house.



For special situations where a fanny pack would be out of place, I built a cross draw holster.......

 

[someguy2800]

I am a sucker for Kahrs because for some reason I think they are one of the best looking firearms every made. That's not a good reason to own a defensive pistol but it is what it is. I hate the factory trigger and I can't hit anything with them, and the magazines all hold 1 less round than there is room for.

My first was a new CW45 that was an unreliable feeder and you often had to beat on the back of the slide to get it to go into battery.

2nd was a CW380 that had a recoil spring so stiff that I could not grip it tightly enough to rack the slide. My fingers would slide right off the slide serrations. Only way I could charge it was to push the slide against a table. It was also unreliable and I could barely hit a silhouette at 10 yards with it.

3rd is a used P40. When I got it you could not get through 3 rounds without a miss feed, failure to go into battery, or failure to eject. This time I was determined to figure it out so after studying the failures and taking it apart to grind and reshape the extractor, tune the spring pressures, reshape the feed ramp and barrel hood about 50 times I got it to feed and cycle flawlessly. I also designed a new magazine follower for it that I had 3d printed in glass filled nylon that increases the magazine capacity from 6 to 7 without having to change the spring or base plate. I also shortened the bar to move the break point of the trigger forward about 1/4", added an internal overtravel stop to the trigger shoe, and a pretravel stop to the sear. The trigger now has an almost identical feel to my LC9s but about a lb heavier. That fixed my issues in being able to shoot it well and now I shoot it like a laser. One of my favorite firearms.

After finally finding success with my P40 I bought a new CW45 and gave it the same treatment to the trigger. This one has worked flawlessly without any modifications, so apparently kahr can occasionally produce a working firearm . I also replaced the magazine spring with one for a 7 round 1911 officer mag which allows the magazine to hold 7 instead of 6. I think its kind of a neat gun because it has a similar silhouette to a 1911, holds the same capacity as a 1911, but is 20 ounces instead of 40.

I would like to add a 2nd P40 and maybe a K40. I don't have any real interest in the 9mm kahrs just because there are so many other 9mm options. Maybe the upcoming double stack kahr, but based on all their other stuff I expect they will not bother to make a magazine that holds the same number of rounds as their competitors. I could see maybe trying a PM9 if I ran across one cheap enough. Yes I am stupid and a glutten for punishment.

 

[commygun]

I’ve had an MK40, a CW40, a CM9, but now have just a K40. Nothing wrong with any of them, but only the K40 was nice enough to survive periodic downsizing impulses. Quality gun with a great trigger!

 

[balin]

Been carrying my PM9 more often then not for 15 years. Great trigger, easy to carry, accurate, reliable. I find it very controllable considering the size.

 

[chaim]

I can't really vote since none of the options quite fit. Knee jerk, initial impression, I guess I'd say love, but is that accurate...

I have been a fan since I was reading about the K9 and K40 in gun mags 23 or 24 years ago. They seemed like great guns, and those (plus the MK series of course) were possibly the most concealable handguns out there (even though it would be quite some time before I could carry, I was always a fan of carry style guns).

A buddy of mine had a Kahr MK9 Elite in the early 2000s and that gun was sweet. Well made, comfortable to shoot, great trigger, I loved it. When the PM9 came out, he traded it and got a PM9. Almost every bit as nice as the MK9 (it didn't have the Elite trigger, but it was still a good trigger, and it wasn't as comfortable to shoot but was far from being difficult).

I wanted the PM9 for years, but it was always just a little expensive for my budget. When I got a gun in that niche, I couldn't find any PM9s around, and with the CM9 I just didn't "feel it", the trigger wasn't as nice, and there was something just not quite right. I ended up buying a SIG P290RS which I found I really loved and usually came with me on trips out of state as my carry gun (until Bruen, a MD carry permit wasn't possible, so I could only carry in states where I could use my UT non-resident permit). I then got a Pf9 for pocket carry since the P290 was a bit heavy, and with both guns (plus an LCP) there really wasn't a need for the PM9 and it was a lot of money to get just because I wanted one.

I still want a Kahr. I've been a fan for most of my adult life and I've never had one. With my current P365 (2 actually), I don't see the need for the PM9. However, the K9 and K40 still call out to me from time to time. Since I don't think a single stack Kahr will replace my P365 or snubs I still don't have a need for the polymer Kahrs. However, as a toy, the metal framed versions may be a lot of fun.

I also see the problems others have. Sure, if you get a good one, you will get a good one. However, there are a lot of problem Kahrs out there. I can excuse that on a Taurus (I do own a few, and have several revolvers on my wish list), but I can't with the prices you pay on a P/PM or K/MK series Kahr.

So, I think they are far better than "okay", I certainly don't hate them, but I'm not sure you can say I love them either. I like them and they are perpetually on my wish list, but I haven't broken down and bought one yet.

 

[someguy2800]

I am curious, is there anybody that likes that factory kahr trigger that didn't come from double action revolvers? I would think todays batch of 20 somethings that suckled on a glock 19 from birth would abhor the kahr trigger.

 

[Obturation]

I've had short life , poor quality and unreliable function from a couple cw models. The trigger is my least favorite of pretty much any other firearm. I really tried to like kahr, I bought 2 but it just didn't work out, still have one.
I don't like that they have such varied levels of quality between their pistol lines. Im sure a k9 is durable but in contrast the cw45 I had would lift the slide significantly with trigger pull by 250 rounds. Loose and nearly useless by 500. I think they'd do better to just make all their guns useable quality and they'd get less hate.

 

[Armybrat]

I'm a fan of kahr arms guns have been for years. My EDC is a PM45. I find this comment hilarious,is it satire of fact? I'm seriously asking as my PM45 was bought new was very tight. It also very smooth And right. But ran fine from round number one. So I'm honestly wondering if kahr actually has done this.

Also found this excerpt from the American Rifleman 2018 review of the S9 to be very interesting…

“Previous models had recommended in their manuals that the guns be broken-in with at least 200 rounds of ammunition, however, the cost of this break-in procedure dissuaded some potential customers from buying a CW9. Kahr’s solution was to build a hydraulic fixture to cycle each gun hundreds of times before shipping it out. This process breaks loose any microscopic burs and burnishes the metal parts, in effect, breaking the gun in at the factor.”

 

[megatronrules]

I have to say that while kahr seems to have had it's share of issues. This can be said for My gun maker or anything that's mass produced really. I do agree that kahr had an issue with quality control a while back. They were quick to address it though to their credit. Like the peening barrels on the early PM9's.

I will saw other than cosmetics my CM Nd CW guns seemed as tight and as well made as my P and PM series guns. And my MK40 was an elite 03 model and that thing **** great never had an issues of any kind and it was a beautiful gun too.

I had an early gen 3 Glock that gave me issues,Glock sent me a new recoil spring assembly and it ran fine after that. a 1911or two. I even had two S&W scandium J frames that had to replaced under warranty. So for me my kahr guns have been very reliable compared to others.im no fan boy of any brand,I've owned them all just about and oddly enough have gotten great and poor examples of them all more good than bad though. Also although I have a love for Colt 1911's,heck 1911 pistols are my favorite semi autos.

I'll admit they've had they're share of problems through the years too. Again I keep coming back to kahr arms because I wanted another PM45 as there's nothing else like it. And maybe I'm just blessed or lucky but so far my third PM45 in and total reliability. It's even smaller And lighter and easier to carry concealed than the Colt defender I had,and that was an easy gun too carry in it's own right.

 

[SeanSw]

My cm9 was junk, and so was the factory response to my problems. I liked the size and trigger quite a bit but I've basically sworn off them, although I do hear the metal pistols are better.

Outside of a Taurus that broke an extractor on the first shot it's probably the least reliable pistol I've ever had. The Taurus worked fine after a free repair.

 

[DeepSouth]

I am curious, is there anybody that likes that factory kahr trigger that didn't come from double action revolvers? I would think todays batch of 20 somethings that suckled on a glock 19 from birth would abhor the kahr trigger.

I cut my teeth on 1911 triggers, I really hated Glock triggers and the like, which still holds true. When I got my first KAHR I didn’t like the trigger nearly as much as 1911 trigger, but much more than Glock style.. again, still holds true.

Probably a decade later I started getting into the older Smiths, they are my favorite handguns nowadays, but I still much prefer a single action 1911 style trigger.

Not sure if that answers the question or not, but that’s how it went.

 

[Tallball]

I am curious, is there anybody that likes that factory kahr trigger that didn't come from double action revolvers? I would think todays batch of 20 somethings that suckled on a glock 19 from birth would abhor the kahr trigger.

Yeah, I shoot mostly revolvers. The Kahr triggers feel "normal" to me.

 

[Anchorite]

I had a CW9 for less than a year. I really like that gun for CCW use but it proved unreliable and the customer service was even worst. With less than 1000rd through the gun, the trigger bar broke. The customer service was very difficult to work with just to get an RMA number and then it took another 3 months to fix the gun. The repaired gun was never right it would light strike 2-3 rounds per box (even with premium ammo) and I never trusted it to carry after that. The idea of dealing with customer service against to fix the light strike issue was so repugnant that I traded it (with full disclosure) to a buddy for an XD-45. This was ~10 years ago and hopefully they have improved their customer service.

And I owe you a thanks. I was eyeing a CW9 at my local hardware/GS and passed on that deal based on your evaluation. Thank you sir.

 

[Doorstopper]

I pocket carry my k9 the most. Totally reliable, accurate and fun to shoot. A man at the range borrowed my k9 and put 7 rounds in one hole 15 yards.
Me not that good but does show what k9 Can do.
I have the options for others.

 

[HollowDawg]

Have carried an MK9 for many years. Zero issues w any ammo. Bought it because it was basically the only small auto in 9mm that was all steel/stainless. Not a fan of plastic pistols. Wish they would do a little bit of redesign to take the higher cap staggered mags such as SIG 365. Extremely well made/machined. Butter smooth trigger. Can't speak to any of their new manufacture quality.

 

[megatronrules]

Have carried an MK9 for many years. Zero issues w any ammo. Bought it because it was basically the only small auto in 9mm that was all steel/stainless. Not a fan of plastic pistols. Wish they would do a little bit of redesign to take the higher cap staggered mags such as SIG 365. Extremely well made/machined. Butter smooth trigger. Can't speak to any of their new manufacture quality.

Hallowdawg I agree with you on the steel frames kahr arms guns. I owned an MK40 elite03 model,that like you I felt was a very nicely made and machined pistol. **** great roo accurate and reliable with anything marked 40S&W I fed it.

I've also owned several polymer framed kahrs as well. Also very well made and all reliable with any ammo. My current kahr pistol and also my current EDC is a PM45 with the stainless slide. Beautiful gun very well made. It is also reliable and very soft and smoother shooting than a 18oz sub compact 45ACP has a right to be. I also had a PM9 which I sold to funs my PM45 purchase. That gun was 100% reliable as well. Only reason I sold it was because I wanted another PM45 to replace the one I had to sell 5 years ago. And the PM45 isn't much bigger or heavier,it conceals and Carey's just as well as the PM9 it replaced.

 

[JR24]

I’m indifferent. I shot one once and it was fine

Almost bought one during a live auction at some event (NRA or Ducks I think) but the price ballooned to unreasonable.

On occasion I kinda wish I had got it (same goes for a 226 Navy).

 

[dbmjr1]

Moon Kook-jin,( Justin Moon), owns Kahr Arms. Son of Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church.

I saw in interview long ago.

He was asked why 'Kahr'. He said he wanted it to sound 'German', cause nobody was going to buy a gun from some Asian guy.

I was impressed by that answer.

 

[Dan-O]

I bought a stainless K9 in 1997 after hearing good things about the design.
Once I found out how reliable it was, how well I shot it, and that it was about the same general size as my Walther PPK/s, I sold the Walther and have been daily carrying the K9 ever since.

Originally I only carried the Walther for times when I just couldn't carry a more substantial gun, and the K9 was a potential replacement in a more effective caliber.
I found the K9 to be astoundingly reliable, and the DA-only trigger and much simpler design then the Walther sold me.
I shot the K9 so well it became my daily carry.

It seems Kahr is at it's best in a steel model, and the "full size" "K" series seems to be the best of all for reliability and shoot-ability.
Back then the "full size" K9, (my how that's changed since the 90's) was about the same size as most .380 autos, but you got better sights, full power 9mm, and a simpler DA-only action.

When Justin Moon designed it, his idea was to provide police with a 9mm auto that that had a trigger that felt like a S&W DA revolver.
Anyone who grew up with revolvers usually transition to the Kahr with little effort, and I tell people to shoot them like it's a magazine fed revolver.
Since it has no manual safety and the long DA-only trigger is as safe as a revolver, the Kahr is a real "pull-point-shoot" defense gun.

Mine is totally reliable and wouldn't jam even with some really horrible Egyptian 1950's 9mm corrosive SMG ammo.
I keep it clean and lubed with a light coat of grease on the slide and frame rails and the barrel.
It rides in my Blackhawk Urban Carry fanny pack and always goes when I leave the house.
View attachment 1161898
View attachment 1161899

For special situations where a fanny pack would be out of place, I built a cross draw holster.......
View attachment 1161900
View attachment 1161901

Did you do the work on the front strap and and on the back? Looks great!!

 

[MikeInOr]

I have a CM9 and CM45. The CM45 is the smallest .45acp carry piece I could find. It is a bit smaller than my XDS .45acp. My CM9 is a great quality pistol but it is too big for me to pocket carry so I usually carry my DB9. I wish I had a CM40 instead of the CM9. I like the most powerful cartridges in the smallest reliable pistol that I can find for carrying and value cartridge power over round count.

The Kahr quality is very good. The triggers are very good. I prefer stainless carry pistols to finished pistols. No matter how hard the finish is it will wear over time. When a stainless slide gets carry marks a couple minutes with a scotch bright pad will easily take care of them.

I do have a third Kahr pistol that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE! A Desert Eagle "compact" L5 in .50ae.

 

[d'zaster]

I had a P380 that was not reliable. I did the recommended break in and returned it to the factory a couple times. They replaced it and not long after the replacement and break-in the 2nd P380 was reliably unreliable with various factory and hand loads. Could not cycle a full mag without FTF, FTE, fail to hold open the slide on an empty mag.....terrible. For me this was a real bummer as I liked the trigger, sights, small size for pocket carry and accuracy (better than G42). Based on this experience, I'll likely not consider Kahr in the future.

 

[AlexanderA]

Kahr has done a good job repopping the WW2 GI .45. It checks all the boxes except they had to put the Series 80 firing pin safety in it.

 

[Walkalong]

I don't care for them, the trigger pull/fit for my hand is poor.

 

[Taroman]

Love: