Returning to full battery

[Kegster]

My wife and I went to the range today and each put a 100 rounds through our new P9's. So far she has about 180 rounds and I have about a 160.

The the first 50 rounds through mine were Remington UMC 115gr. without one misfire and always returned to battery.

Today I shot the same ammo 50 rounds and had at least 10 times the slide did not return to full battery. Anywhere from a 1/16" to an 1/8" out. I would bump the slide closed with my thumb and continue to fire. I had two rounds from the same box(Rem UMC 115gr)that the striker struck the primer but did not fire! I set these 2 rounds aside. All the while thinking that maybe I'm limp wristing and the slide may not have returned to battery and caused a misfire.
I asked one of the range guys and before I said what I thought it was he said looks as though the slide may have not closed.

I bought another box but this time I bought PMC 115gr FMJ(on sale 4.99 50 rounds). Concentrating now on my wrist I did not have one misfire and the slide returned fully each time.

My wife had several instances the slide did not return to full battery (1/16" and one time about 3/8")I told her she was probably limp wristing and she began not to have problems after that.

So from what I describe does it sound like I am correct or is it our guns, ammo or both?

Also one more thing.
I consistently shoot left and sometimes high and to the left of the bullseye at 25 yds. This is the first handgun I have owned and wonder if with more practice I will get better. So what am I doing wrong? Any pointers to straighter shooting and getting in the bullseye. I did notice that after 100 rounds today I was hitting the target more and not just all around on the paper.

Thanks, keg

[Article2]

I consistently shoot left and sometimes high and to the left

Are you placing the pad of your finger or the first joint on the trigger? If you are shooting right handed using the pad could put you off to the left. Make sure the trigger is firmly in the joint. I used to shoot my PM9 with the same results. Becoming more aware of finger placement helped me.

[Dandapani]

did you clean and LUBE your PM9s from last range time?

[patman]

Did you clean and lube them before shooting them the first time?They are shipped with cosmolene (not sure I spelled that right) or some other thick anti corrosion substance on them and that could account for them being "sticky".You should always clean and lube a new pistol/rifle before shooting it.

[hogship]

I was going to say clean and lube.....but, Dan and Patman said it first.

Until your new Kahrs are solidly broke in, the clean and lube routine may be more important.

hog

[Kegster]

Before I ever bought any ammo I bought the guns, brought them home and field stripped and cleaned and oiled. I also did this after its first and second trip to the range.

It was mentioned about lube, but all I used was oil. Should I use something else on the slide?

As far as shooting left or high and left I have been trying different finger placement on the trigger. And I have been trying different hand grip positions.

Remember this is my first handgun and have only had a basic handgun class that mostly delt with gun safety and not shooting techniques.

Thanks, keg

[Article2]

You might find this useful:

Link to Sportshooter site (http://www.sportshooter.com/improving/)

Scroll down to the section titled "Let your tax dollars teach you how to shoot better". Download both the "Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide" and the "Correction Target". Interesting stuff.

[patman]

Some guys like to use those $1,000,000 synthetic man made wonder lube 9,000 gimmicks,but I use standard gun oil.Once in a great while I'll apply a small amount of another type of lube (ancient Chinese secret).Never have any problems.Some Hoppes #9 or Outers Gunslick is all you really need.Use the money you save for extra mags or ammo.:)

[c_w_cunningham]

My PM9 occasionally did this for about the first 250 rounds. I think it was probably a combination of new-not-broken-in-yet syndrome, and the fact that it is the smallest gun I own so I wasn't used to shooting it and limped it some. My P9 I've never had any problems with, even during the manual's suggested 200 round break-in period. As far as lube goes, I don't use anything special, just some BreakFree CLP. I'm not sure what Kahr recommends, or even if it matters as long as you use a quality oil intended for firearms use. I used to use Hoppe's, and wouldn't feel bad about using it now, I just think CLP is a bit better(my opinion), for not much more money.

[rcprothero]

115 grain is practice ammo. The PM9 was designed for 145 to 160 grain. The higher pressure puts more umph in the slide. Your defensive ammo should be picked with this in mind.

[rcprothero]

Go to this site and it should help.
http://sportshooter.com/improving/targetgallery.htm