New to me Kahr E9

[SlimeDog]

Hi all,

Last night, I purchased a Kahr E9 (KE9090) with 2 7-round magazines for $350. The original owner said that the pistol sat unfired in his safe since he purchased it new. It appears to be in perfect condition. The recoil spring is very strong - I had a difficult time holding the slide in the right position to push the slide stop lever out. The pistol is all black and appears to have a powder coat finish on the slide.

I have a few questions for the Kahr experts out there:

(1) Any idea what the finish and materials are? The slide does not appear to be blued or parkerized. I'll post a picture this evening. [ANSWER - KE9090 indicates a 9mm with a black oxide carbon steel slide. The frame is apparently blackened stainless steel.]

(2) It has a staked plastic front sight. Based on some youtube research, the sight looks like it might be the same as the CW/CM series. Is that correct? I'd like to get a front night sight for it, but want to make sure that Kahr part "KWTFNSKT" would actually fit and be the correct height. [ANSWER - Kahr confirmed that the E-series and C-series use the same front sight.]

(3) Kahr's website lists different part numbers for the K9 and E9, though they only differ in the suffix (e.g. the recoil springs are 005K9S and 005E9 respectively). Are they actually different, or are K9/E9 parts generally interchangable? [ANSWER - With the exception of the front sight and possibly grips, K9 and E9 parts are generally interchangable.]

I'm looking forward to sending some of my hoarded 9mm downrange Saturday morning.

Best,

-SlimeDog

NOTE - I also posted this to kahrtalk.com.

 

[usp9]

1 - The E9 was normally a blackened carbon steel slide with a stainless frame. There may also be some black steel frames as well, but most are two toned.

2 - The plastic front sight may be different than the current "C' series. A call or email to Kahr customer would give you the answer.

3- Most basic parts will interchange, such as springs, but some other parts may not. Again, a call to Kahr is in order.

 

[SlimeDog]

Thanks usp9. Today, I found a model number key in the newest Kahr manual. You are right about the slide - the last "0" in KE9090 corresponds to a black oxide carbon steel slide.

I also called Kahr today - the CW/CM series front sights are correct for the E series as well.

Best,

-SlimeDog

 

[usp9]

I also called Kahr today - the CW/CM series front sights are correct for the E series as well.

That's good to know. Since there were no replacement sights available when the E9s were produced, I wasn't sure they were machined to accept replacements and/or a nut to hold the sights. "C" series users report the use of locktite is a good idea.

The E9/K9 are shooters. Robust and fun. Enjoy it.

 

[SlimeDog]

Thanks - I'm taking it out today and will let you know how it runs. BTW, here's a picture:

 

[SlimeDog]

Had it to the range today. 100 rounds of WWB 115 and Winchester 124g NATO. I believe this was the first time it's been fired. No failures. After a few mags, it was shooting to point of aim. What a nice pistol!

 

[chris in va]

Mine is very similar, called the 'K9 Special Edition'. Black carbon slide and natural stainless frame. No failures at all that I can recall. It does have the longer 1/2" trigger pull and feels different from the P9 'elite' trigger. It's fine though.

 

[Snowdog]

For the first 10 years I had my CCW, I carried the K9 exclusively. I still have it and it has among the highest round count of all my pistols. This is impressive considering half or more of the rounds were +P (Georgia Arms and Winchester RA9124TP) and it predates the early upgraded frame (frame is not "reinforced").

Mine is the factory electroless nickel, which they ceased to offer shortly after their stainless K9s/K40s debuted.

It is on its 3rd recoil spring, so I'd put the round count somewhere between 6k and 8k. No breakages of any kind, super reliable and accurate.
My only gripe is the weight, but that's what you sometimes get with a solid, well built weapon.

I currently carry an M&P40c, but I wouldn't feel any less protected if I were to go back to carrying my trusty old K9. They are tanks!

Here's my old workhorse

 

[biohazurd]

You got your self a great deal there! I like alot of different kahr models but the full size ones have a certain elagance to them.

 

[SlimeDog]

Yeah, definitely a good deal. I really like the pistol. Thanks for the replies.