Recent Kahr p380 experience?

[d'zaster]

Hey Guys,
I bought a P380 in early Jan this year. I knew I was taking a chance with this company based on the mix of good and bad reviews.

Lousy performance right out of the box and it seems to be needing an extended break-in period. I sent it back and they had for 2 months. Claim to have installed a stronger spring and made some adjustment to the ejector. It's a bit better but I rarely get a full magazine through it without hiccups. Yes, some ammo is better than others. At the moment, my 95 grain hardball hand loads are the most reliable.

The super small size is great for pocket carry and it's notably accurate with a nice trigger but is this just a complete waste of money from a reliability point of view?

I am keen to find out what brand/load ammo works for those of you who got through the break-in and are happy. Has anybody taken their P380 to a gunsmith to get it working right? Any advice is appreciated.


Thanks!!!

 

[C0untZer0]

Eeee Yie Yie

I am picking up a CM9 tomorrow .

I don't want any problems.

 

[Elvis1]

I will repeat my self again for those who didn't see my posts in other threads: when you get a new kahr, run it w/about 20 rounds ball, then run it with about 20 rounds of +p. Take it apart oil it till its dripping wet, repeat now with 50 ball then 20-25 defense ammo, keeping it "over oiled" and continue till round count is over 300. Only then clean and re-oil (kind of dry ala Glock style) and it should be fully reliable then. If not try switching ammo (use quality defense ammo) and find what works. I have a few kahrs and mine all had issues for the first 300 rounds, broke in they are 100% reliable. I now only break in my kahrs with quality name brand defence ammo and go 40 rounds std pressure 20 rounds +p. This seems to speed up the process. I can't stress enough on how much the heavy oiling helps in break in. But start 1st box dry then go to wet.
Elvis

 

[Elvis1]

As far as what ammo works for me in my p380? Pretty much anything at this point, but I carry Federal Hydrashok 95gr. That's one I never had a problem with even during break in. Second choice would be Hornady critical defense.

 

[CPO15]

I have to second the comments from Elvis1. I own four Kahrs, followed the prep thread from Kahrtalk.com (basically lubricant and 300 slide rackings) and never had an issue.

The p380, however, seems to need new recoil springs as a regular diet. Maybe around 800 to 1000 rounds.

 

[MagnunJoe]

My P380 came with the dual spring system, does yours?

 

[d'zaster]

Thanks Elvis 1 and CPO15. I will definitely try the "over oiled" condition this weekend.

 

[d'zaster]

What is the indication that the spring needs to be replaced? Does is lose strength of break?

 

[d'zaster]

Yes double spring. I am actually not sure if the original was a single but the new spring is stronger. My inexpensive Miwall loads, which are lighter, consistently FTE (stove pipe) with the new spring. No problem running these loads (or any other ammo I have tried) through my Walther PP.