Old School K9 Still Shoots

[Zeke38]

https://i.imgur.com/RNjQ2vn.jpg?1


One of the better groups I have fired. This K9 hate 124grain Gold Dots, but as you can see it loves Blazer Brass 115 grainers.

Obviously the blazer FMJ is a practice round, so I need to find a comparable round in a SD loading. I have a CW9 that loves the 124 GDs. Now to find one SD ammo they both like.

The K9 is a second year production firearm.

I normally post in revolvers, but the Kahr system just works for me.

[JodyH]

I'm a big fan of the Kahr trigger for pocket carry and AIWB.
Very shootable triggers if you've ever done much revolver training.
I wish someone would come out with a nice set of thin G10 grips for the K9 and MK9.

I've won several bets shooting micro Kahrs at distance. Amazingly accurate little guns if you have a smooth trigger press.

[MattyD380]

The K9 has been on my radar lately. I'm mainly a DA/SA fan, but I appreciate a smooth and consistent DA pull. Thinking a Kahr could work for me--sometimes I just want something a bit thinner than my P239. And I don't generally love run-of-the-mill SFA triggers. (I realize Kahrs are technically SFA... but I get the impression they're kind of their own thing.)

One question...

I remember a few years back, Kahr offered a "Standard" (NYPD?) trigger and an "Elite" trigger in the K9. Is that still a thing? Or do all Kahrs have "Elite" triggers now? I ask because I think I'd want the most "double-action-y" feeling trigger I could get. My worry is that the Elite would be lighter than I'd want it to be.

[Zeke38]

The Kahr NYPD was a mandated 10-12 pouns trigger, they do the same thing to the Glocks.

I've owned 6 Kahrs. A CW45,CM45, CW40, CW9,CM9, and the K9. Oops I forgot I had a K40 for a short while.

Still own and shoot the 45s, a CW9, and the K9. None of them are slouches in the accuracy department. The K9 is the tightest shooter followed by the CW45 and then the CW9.

All the triggers are very smooth and range between 5 and 6 pounds. As Jody remarked: they are a great square gun for old revolver shooters.

The CW 9 is limited in sights but it is nice to carry if you're going to be on your feet all day. Didn't care for either of the 40 cal Kahrs.

Considering a P45.

[MattyD380]

The Kahr NYPD was a mandated 10-12 pouns trigger, they do the same thing to the Glocks.

I've owned 6 Kahrs. A CW45,CM45, CW40, CW9,CM9, and the K9. Oops I forgot I had a K40 for a short while.

Still own and shoot the 45s, a CW9, and the K9. None of them are slouches in the accuracy department. The K9 is the tightest shooter followed by the CW45 and then the CW9.

All the triggers are very smooth and range between 5 and 6 pounds. As Jody remarked: they are a great square gun for old revolver shooters.

The CW 9 is limited in sights but it is nice to carry if you're going to be on your feet all day. Didn't care for either of the 40 cal Kahrs.

Considering a P45.

Yeah, I can see your K9 will definitely get the job done. Nice shooting.

I think I read that Kahr never actually acquiesced to the NYPD's request for a 12lb trigger? Not 100% sure though.

But 5 - 6 lbs seems in line with what I've read. If it has a long enough draw, I suppose I could live with that. I dry fired a Kahr once at a gun show, a long time ago. But that didn't really leave much of an impression, one way or another. The K9 and T9 have always caught my eye--and the design always seemed cool, from a mechanical perspective. Just always seemed to gravitate to more "mainstream" offerings.

[RevolverRob]

I expected...something different in this thread...

42749

[Randy Harris]

https://i.imgur.com/RNjQ2vn.jpg?1


One of the better groups I have fired. This K9 hate 124grain Gold Dots, but as you can see it loves Blazer Brass 115 grainers.

Obviously the blazer FMJ is a practice round, so I need to find a comparable round in a SD loading. I have a CW9 that loves the 124 GDs. Now to find one SD ammo they both like.

The K9 is a second year production firearm.

I normally post in revolvers, but the Kahr system just works for me.


I think a lot of it might also have to do with the shooter.... nice work.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

The K9 has been on my radar lately. I'm mainly a DA/SA fan, but I appreciate a smooth and consistent DA pull. Thinking a Kahr could work for me--sometimes I just want something a bit thinner than my P239. And I don't generally love run-of-the-mill SFA triggers. (I realize Kahrs are technically SFA... but I get the impression they're kind of their own thing.)

One question...

I remember a few years back, Kahr offered a "Standard" (NYPD?) trigger and an "Elite" trigger in the K9. Is that still a thing? Or do all Kahrs have "Elite" triggers now? I ask because I think I'd want the most "double-action-y" feeling trigger I could get. My worry is that the Elite would be lighter than I'd want it to be.

Find a local range where you can rent them, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I'm a DA/SA guy and would feel totally comfortable with a Kahr trigger, including AIWB.

The K9 I shot was the easiest gun to shoot well I have ever tried in that size class. Of course, it was also the heaviest gun I have ever tried in that size class. The trigger for me was the ideal balance between shootability and safety for a pocket pistol.

Reading about their hit or miss reliability plus the lack of sight options has kept me with a G43 so far. I'm really hoping the Naroh N1 provides a Kahr like trigger while solving those other issues.

[MattyD380]

Find a local range where you can rent them, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I'm a DA/SA guy and would feel totally comfortable with a Kahr trigger, including AIWB.

The K9 I shot was the easiest gun to shoot well I have ever tried in that size class. Of course, it was also the heaviest gun I have ever tried in that size class. The trigger for me was the ideal balance between shootability and safety for a pocket pistol.

Reading about their hit or miss reliability plus the lack of sight options has kept me with a G43 so far. I'm really hoping the Naroh N1 provides a Kahr like trigger while solving those other issues.

Cool. I appreciate the input. I’m kinda approaching it from a similar perspective, so your insight makes sense.

With respect to reliability... I get the sense that the P380 is more or less a train wreck and people have occasional issues with other models. But I’m hard pressed to find negative reports (forums, Youtube, etc) on the K9. I guess since it’s the OG of the lineup.

And by “OG” I mean... “Original Gun.”;)

[TicTacticalTimmy]

Cool. I appreciate the input. I’m kinda approaching it from a similar perspective, so your insight makes sense.

With respect to reliability... I get the sense that the P380 is more or less a train wreck and people have occasional issues with other models. But I’m hard pressed to negative reports (forums, Youtube, etc) on the K9. I guess since it’s the OG of the lineup.

Yeah plus it is quite a bit more expensive so they probably do a few more QC steps. Lots of good deals for used K9s on Armslist.

[gunrascal]

Are there any down sides to Kahr?

[Sal Picante]

Are there any down sides to Kahr?

In general?

Long trigger pull with a reset that is pretty much all the way back...

QC can be hit or miss.

"Break-in period" on a new gun.

Magazines can sometimes disassemble - the detent on the floorplate is kinda shallow.

That said, I really like my PM9. It is a setup well, shoots well, and for a single stack, subcompact 9mm, it is pretty consistent.

[boing]

Magazines can sometimes disassemble - the detent on the floorplate is kinda shallow.

Are spare mags still known to spit out the top round sometimes? That was an issue years ago when I carried a K9 from the 2nd year of production, or thereabouts.

[Trooper224]

This is an old school K9. First year production.
https://a4.pbase.com/o9/64/521964/1/154609667.wIg20XuE.003.JPG

[Trooper224]

Are spare mags still known to spit out the top round sometimes? That was an issue years ago when I carried a K9 from the 2nd year of production, or thereabouts.

Yes.

[JodyH]

Are spare mags still known to spit out the top round sometimes? That was an issue years ago when I carried a K9 from the 2nd year of production, or thereabouts.
Pocket carried a spare mag in a DeSantis Mag-Packer for years with no problem.
Loose mag in my pocket or in my range bag will turn into a Pez dispenser.

On the 9mm mags make sure when you seat the last round in the mag you feel the "click", this minimizes the Pez effect somewhat.
I don't really know what the "click" is, but I do know it when I feel it while loading.

For PM9's there's five things to do for reliability.
#1 : Read the damn manual. Use the slide stop to feed the first round. Slingshotting the slide is iffy.
#2 : Install a Wolff XP 20.5# recoil spring (replace every 1000 rounds), increases slingshot reliability and increases all around reliability. Note, I only replace the outer spring regularly, never touched the inner spring.
#3 : Make sure your bullet nose profile doesn't bump the slide stop, very lightly file the stop or change bullet styles to remedy if you lock open with rounds still in the mag.
#4 : Lightly contour the bottom of the feed ramp so it doesn't touch the magazine follower if you have a problem with broken followers.
#5 : Make sure the slide stop spring is in the correct position before pushing the pin back home on re-assembly after take down. This spring is easily screwed up and it's easy to screw up the polymer frame if you're ham handed in replacing it.

[Doc_Glock]

Pocket carried a spare mag in a DeSantis Mag-Packer for years with no problem.
Loose mag in my pocket or in my range bag will turn into a Pez dispenser.

On the 9mm mags make sure when you seat the last round in the mag you feel the "click", this minimizes the Pez effect somewhat.
I don't really know what the "click" is, but I do know it when I feel it while loading.

For PM9's there's five things to do for reliability.
#1 : Read the damn manual. Use the slide stop to feed the first round. Slingshotting the slide is iffy.
#2 : Install a Wolff XP 20.5# recoil spring (replace every 1000 rounds), increases slingshot reliability and increases all around reliability. Note, I only replace the outer spring regularly, never touched the inner spring.
#3 : Make sure your bullet nose profile doesn't bump the slide stop, very lightly file the stop or change bullet styles to remedy if you lock open with rounds still in the mag.
#4 : Lightly contour the bottom of the feed ramp so it doesn't touch the magazine follower if you have a problem with broken followers.
#5 : Make sure the slide stop spring is in the correct position before pushing the pin back home on re-assembly after take down. This spring is easily screwed up and it's easy to screw up the polymer frame if you're ham handed in replacing it.

#6: stick with the six round magazines.

[0ddl0t]

Are spare mags still known to spit out the top round sometimes? That was an issue years ago when I carried a K9 from the 2nd year of production, or thereabouts.

Lakeline LLC makes metal followers that solved the issue for me. In 2017 Kahr redesigned their plastic followers to be like the Lakeline ones, but I have not personally tried them. I haven't heard of new owners having problems though.

[Rex G]

My early stainless K9 was picky about its ammo, though it was 100% with Federal 9BPLE, so life was good, until my source for 9BPLE dried-up. When I decided that the only auto-pistols I would keep would be 1911, I sold or traded the K9. I later relaxed my all-1911 standard, and have been contemplating re-acquiring a K9, especially now that my “primary” carry side is shifting lefty.

I do, indeed, recall being annoyed by the top round being spit out of the spare mags, but do not remember if that affected my decision to sell my K9.

My wife’s early K9, an unusual variant or model with the frame having the contours of a special run that may have been called the “Lady Kahr,” or something like that, but the weapon not being so marked, seems to like all 9mm ammo. This is a factor in my contemplating re-acquiring a K9.

[MattyD380]

So were the early ones more finicky with ammo? Or is it just kinda luck of the draw.

I might pick one up later this year. Probably buy a new one—at least I’m covered if there are any issues. Unfortunately, it’s just not a gun you find for rent at most ranges.

[boing]

My understanding is the earlier guns had tight chambers, and later ones were opened up a bit from the factory. I don’t know when that transition took place, but I had the chamber reamed on mine to fix ammo sensitivity.

[MattyD380]

My understanding is the earlier guns had tight chambers, and later ones were opened up a bit from the factory. I don’t know when that transition took place, but I had the chamber reamed on mine to fix ammo sensitivity.

Gotcha. Thanks.

[Redhat]

I always like the idea of the K9. Never owned one though, the closest I ever got was a CW9 and though I had no reliability problems with it, I just couldn't make friends with the trigger.

[sparkyfender]

I had an early K9, foolishly traded it off.

[Chuck Whitlock]

https://i.imgur.com/RNjQ2vn.jpg?1


Looks just like the one I rescued about a year ago from the used counter at the LGS. Couldn't go wrong for 3.5 bills. Mine seems to like 124 grain ammo alright.
I already had a CW9. My plan was to carry the CW9 and train with the K9. Turns out that I like the K9 better.....even rides better in my belt. Much smoother and more refined than the CW9 in every way. The CW9 is regulated to BUG duty on my vest at work, or carried opposite the K9 if I'm not toting the P250c for some reason.


Are spare mags still known to spit out the top round sometimes? That was an issue years ago when I carried a K9 from the 2nd year of production, or thereabouts.

I carry the spare in my left pocket in a Sneaky Pete pocket protector. When I take it out of the pocket or put it in, I just make sure the top round is pushed back. It will walk if I ignore it, though.
https://sneakypeteholsters.com/9mm-magazine-pocket-protectors/


This is an old school K9. First year production.
https://a4.pbase.com/o9/64/521964/1/154609667.wIg20XuE.003.JPG

I had a blued K40 which was a nice shooter, but it would rust if you looked at it with moist eyes.

[Jeff22]

I bought a Kahr P9 in 9mm right after they came out in the spring of 2000.

I bought a used Kahr K9 from a friend in 2010. (I’m at least the 3rd owner. The K9 has the Birdsong Black-Teflon finish and XS big dot night sights)

I bought a used Kahr T9 from a different friend in 2012. This particular gun had very few rounds through it. (He bought the gun for his wife, who really wasn’t interested, and they they got divorced and he didn’t want to keep the gun because he was afraid it had crazy on it. It seems okay to me)

I've fired all three guns a lot without any problems (particularly the original P9) (I usually run about 500 rnds a year through each gun). A few years ago I standardized on the Glock 43 for off duty carry, so I haven’t carried any of the Kahr pistols “for real” since.

The Kahr trigger stroke is a little weird and some people really don’t like it. I was able to adjust to the trigger stroke without any problems. There is no sear reset, and that drives some people crazy. The trigger reminds me of a stock Smith & Wesson M&P pistol.

I like the Kahr pistols for concealment purposes because they're THIN. I have big hands and long fingers. Oddly enough, the Kahr K9 or P9 feels MUCH better in my hand than a Glock 26 or 27. YMMV

Anecdotal evidence would suggest that Kahr pistols in calibers other than 9mm or in the smaller frame sizes sometimes have functioning and reliability issues.

I have a friend who bought a very slightly used Kahr CW9 and he had problems with it malfunctioning – oftentimes the slide would not go fully into battery. He took it to a gunsmith a few times and tried other springs and nothing worked.

I finally borrowed it and put 600 rnds of NATO spec 9mm ball through it, and the problem went away. The gun just needed to be broken in a little. I DID find that the gun worked better initially if I loaded the 7 round magazines with only 6 rounds to begin with. The spring tension (on the magazine) was very high and I suspect it was impeding slide travel, causing the failure to go into battery.

Research on several forums devoted to the Kahr pistols revealed that this was a common problem. I did not experience such problem with my new P9 or the other used guns I bought.

My friend has VERY small hands and he could never get the CW9 to run reliably so he sold it and bought a Smith & Wesson Shield.

I think JodyH's list of troubleshooting tips might be quite useful