Polish PM9 barrel?

[fjrllc]

I've seen it mentioned in this forum and maybe others about people polishing the entire outside of the barrel of their PM9. I'm wondering what benefit this would carry? For mine I've only polished the feed ramp, in fact the gun was reliable before I did it but I did it anyway for good measure.

The only malfunctions I've experienced with the gun are FTBs during long range sessions, it starts to happen near 150 rds when the gun is very dirty. Obviously it's not a problem for CCW but is mildly annoying when I'm having a good day at the range and don't wanna quit. The slide stops maybe 1/8" away from closing after the barrel is already locked up so I don't think polishing the barrel would fix this.

Any input is appreciated - thanks.

[Michigun]

Originally posted by fjrllc
I've seen it mentioned in this forum and maybe others about people polishing the entire outside of the barrel of their PM9. I'm wondering what benefit this would carry? For mine I've only polished the feed ramp, in fact the gun was reliable before I did it but I did it anyway for good measure.

It just plain makes it smoother… basically what you’re doing is breaking in the barrel instantly (for the most part) instead of letting the rounds down range do it over time. ^c

(Polishing is a choice, some do it for looks, some do it to speed up the break-in process… you REALLY don’t have to polish of course as it’ll get done all by itself, in the important places, just by plain shooting it.)

Originally posted by fjrllc
The only malfunctions I've experienced with the gun are FTBs during long range sessions, it starts to happen near 150 rds when the gun is very dirty. Obviously it's not a problem for CCW but is mildly annoying when I'm having a good day at the range and don't wanna quit. The slide stops maybe 1/8" away from closing after the barrel is already locked up so I don't think polishing the barrel would fix this.

Some thoughts on the above:

Yeah, sure it could be do to a dirty gun during those extended range sessions, but it also could be do to all of the lube being burnt off leaving ya with a “dry gun”… or it could just plain be do to “shooter fatigue” that you just aren’t noticing.

I’d 1st try just re-lubing it after every 50-100 rounds or so & see what you find then… no need to all out clean it (however, it doesn’t take much while you’re there already to just wipe off the excess debris with a rag), just field strip it down & re-lube it… heck, don’t even field strip it down if ya don’t want, just lock back the slide & put a few drops of lube on the barrel & slide rails… let the slide go forward & put a drop on the barrel hood & where the front edge of the barrel hood contacts the slide. I’m betting going past that 150-round mark is no problem then. (And just as an FYI, I’ve found that Mobil-1 synthetic motor oil doesn’t burn off at all, so maybe just plain switching to a different/better lube is all that’s in order. ^c)

[powernoodle]

> polishing the entire outside of the barrel of their PM9. I'm wondering what benefit this would carry?

The benefit only accrues on those external areas of the barrel that make contact with the slide. Polishing the rest of the barrel is just to make it look nice, but doesn't help with function. :)

I've polished the barrels on my PM9 and P9, especially the ramp. Don't know if it needed it, but it can't hurt to slick things up.

best regards

[hayseed_40]

I polished the entire outside of my MK40 barrel for functionality. You are right not all needs - but it would look goofy if only streaks of the barrel were polished by wear.

Do not forget to polish the frame hole where the barrel reciprocates (means go back and forth to you in public schools). Also, touch up the slide underside where the barrel contacts.

By polishing you are making the surfaces uniform and they will not wear funny or uneven (and making marks on the barrel).

The Kahr's are so easy to polish. Why not do it?

[rcsc514]

I polished the outside of my PM40 barrel and the action is a lot smoother.