Pit inside barrel of PM9

[Doobaru]

I have a PM9 that I bought new about 2 months ago. I have been using mostly WWB for practice and Rem Gld Sabers for practice and carry. Have about 350 rounds thru it.

After field stripping to clean, I noticed what seems to look like a pit, more like a scratch on the inside of the barrel. It is about 1/8" long, and is slightly raised. I thought it might be build-up but after a really good cleaning I ran a smooth piece of plastic over it, and it is definetly metal.

It has not affected accuracy at the range, but I am a little frustrated that I spent almost 600 on a pistol to find that I might need a new barrel already ;b .

Anyone experience this? I really do not want to send it to Kahr and have to wait on the turn-around but I think that might be my only option.

[warmrain]

Could be galling from the cutting tool...

Can you photo it for us?

I think you're right, it may need to be replaced. The only good news is that you only have to send to barrel, no FFL involvment required; it can go direct from you and direct back to you...

[Doobaru]

sorry no digital camera, spent all my last pennies on stuff gun related.

I have heard of some people just continuing to use guns with small imperfections in the barrel and it will eventually straighten out by itself.

Others say that will just lead to very bad things in the future.

I am just so irritated that I will have to be without my PM9 while I sit and wait for it to go all the way to Mass and back (live in AZ). This gun is so new and I have never had any problems as serious as this with any of my Glocks.

BTW does anyone know the turnaround time from Kahr? I have been waiting for my CCW license to come in the mail for about a month and half and it is driving me absolutely crazy!
;b

I love this piece and will never part with it, but I am having seconds thoughts about future Kahr purchases.

[warmrain]

Originally posted by Doobaru
I love this piece and will never part with it, but I am having seconds thoughts about future Kahr purchases.
Kahr's service is first rate. They have never questioned a warranty claim of mine, and I've had my share!

I would not give up on Kahr from just this experience. Yes, some imperfections get out there but they will always make it right.

If this is your only carry or the one your licensed with for CCW, let Dottie know and she will expidite for you, she's done that before for others...

Really, this is a great company... I've carried my MK9 Elite 98 or PM9 for several years, one or the other is always with me. They are fine products...

[Doobaru]

Not knocking Kahr really, I guess no company is 100% flawless in everything they put out.

I really, really, really like my PM9 as its size and 9mm +p capability is amazing. Fits my hand perfectly and tucks anywhere.

I am just a very impatient person when it comes to things I hold near and dear to my heart parting from my paws.

Have a G19 that would replace it during the turnaround time, but the whole idea of the PM9 was to replace the G19 as an everyday piece.

I just think that I will stick to Glocks in the future, because not only have all of mine ran 100% (minus human error) but all of them are flawless without even a superficial scratch on any of them thanks to the finish.

[warmrain]

Doobaru,
I have been temped by Glock's reliability as well, but the G26 just won't slip into my pocket like the PM9. Which is probably why you (an obvious Glock guy) own one... ;)

Living on the ocean, I like stainless too; but I've heard the Glock finish (Park' ?) is better then just "pretty good".

[Dandapani]

Originally posted by warmrain
I think you're right, it may need to be replaced. The only good news is that you only have to send to barrel, no FFL involvment required; it can go direct from you and direct back to you...

Just for the record, an FFL is NEVER needed for an owner to send their firearm back to the factory for repair and return. You just can't use the USPS for handguns, but must use FedEx or UPS.

[warmrain]

Originally posted by dmobrien2001
Just for the record, an FFL is NEVER needed for an owner to send their firearm back to the factory for repair and return. You just can't use the USPS for handguns, but must use FedEx or UPS.
Thanks for reminding me and pointing this out to others. I keep forgetting they can go back and forth to the manufacturer...

[Dandapani]

Originally posted by warmrain
Thanks for reminding me and pointing this out to others. I keep forgetting they can go back and forth to the manufacturer...

;c ;c ;c

[Big Bird]

A pit or scratch in a pistol barrel is nothing to get excited about. My first concern would be to see how it shot and what kind of accuracy you are getting. If that was an issue then I'd say send it back. If all seems in order it wouldn't bug me personally. You carry that gun enough its going to get scratched and the plastic will get slick with wear. I'm pretty sure Kahr barrels aren't fitted but call them first. All you may need to send back is the barrel which means you can send it via USPS if you want to...

[warmrain]

That's why I asked for a pic. I think it could be considered cosmetic only if the pistol is still accurate.

BTW, over another issue, I have confirmed with Dottie that barrels, slides and frames are not fitted; so that's not an issue.

[Michigun]

Originally posted by Doobaru
I am just a very impatient person…

VERY common with today’s youth Doobaru. ;)



You know, a quick trip to your local, trusted gun smith will probably tell you in a matter of minutes if your barrel is anything to worry about.

I’m with Big Bird on this one:

Originally posted by Big Bird
A pit or scratch in a pistol barrel is nothing to get excited about. My first concern would be to see how it shot and what kind of accuracy you are getting. If that was an issue then I'd say send it back. If all seems in order it wouldn't bug me personally. You carry that gun enough its going to get scratched and the plastic will get slick with wear.

[Doobaru]

Yeah I agree, we are a spoiled generation! (24 yrs old)

My only concern is that it is not a superficial scar since it is inside the barrel itself. There is a slight bur that it slightly raised from the rest of the bore surface. The gun still shoots fine and is accurate as ever, I just do not want anything catastrophic to happen to my hand or worse my PM9.

Called Kahr technical support and left a message. In the mean time I will take the advice and take a visit to the gunsmith and have him look at it.

Thank you for all of your responses.

[Doobaru]

Took the barrel to a gunsmith, he looked it over for about a minute under a light and told me that I should not worry about anything. He said that he has seen much worse with guns that functioned perfectly fine.

He just said to check it periodically to see if it gets larger or the small chance that there could be a fracture.

I think that I will still send it to Kahr and have them look at it to be sure. Just want to be positive it's okay and not take any chances of reliability with a carry piece.

[warmrain]

Originally posted by Doobaru
Took the barrel to a gunsmith, he looked it over for about a minute under a light and told me that I should not worry about anything. He said that he has seen much worse with guns that functioned perfectly fine.

He just said to check it periodically to see if it gets larger or the small chance that there could be a fracture.

I think that I will still send it to Kahr and have them look at it to be sure. Just want to be positive it's okay and not take any chances of reliability with a carry piece.
Not a bad idea, I'll be surprised if you get the same one back, unless it truely is a cosmetic only issue... Still, Kahr doesn't like this sort of thing.

In any case, it sounds like it's nothing of real consern :)

[Tough Guy Levi]

Howdy:

If it ain't broke, why fix it! I felt the same way Doobaru feels when I purchased my PM9 in June 05 only to learn my weapon's serial number (VA 59XX) was in the Kahr barrel recall range. Not even a week later, my replacement barrel was received from the factory after Kahr received my recalled barrel. Doobaru, is your PM 9 serial number in the barrel recall range? My PM 9 was manufactured in 2003 (sat on dealer's shelf?) yet purchased new in 05!!

Locally, I think I hold this years wait of 114 days for my CCW permit. My delay notice was caused by my fingerprints having to be "reviewed" manually in Sacramento instead of electronically plus a CA DOJ departments failure to request another department send Letter of Eligibility to my requesting agency. Talk about pulling one's hair (little left) out! In less than 30 days, other applicants in my classes had their permits.

Tough Guy Levi

[warmrain]

Be sure and check all the different serial number ranges in the barrel recall notice sticky thread...

[Doobaru]

Hey tough guy,

That is exactly the same reason why my CCW has been delayed so long, bad fingerprints. I have talked with people in the same CCW class as mine, and they got their permits after 3 weeks. I am at about 6 weeks and counting.;b

My PM9 is not in the recall it is a VB50**.

Still to hear from Kahr after leaving a message yesterday morning about an Auth# to send it back.

[Daubs]

Don't know if this is worth it, But you may want to send the whole slide w/barrel in to kahr. That way they can drop it on a lower receiver and test to make sure it feeds OK. I've heard that kahr will buff the feed ramp and chamber if there are feeding problems.

Just a thought. ;)

BTW: I had to send back 3 New Bushmaster AR15 barrels back-to-back before I got one with a good chamber. So it's not just Kahr that has problems.

[Doobaru]

My PM9 barrel is not under the recall, and feeds 100% reliably. My PM9 does not need its ramp polished as I have not had any issues.

Everytime I try calling Kahr (long distance 4x) I end up on hold for a few minutes and than it goes to a recording to leave a message. Left messages without 1 return phone call. Does anyone actually work in their technical department? Or are they just too busy fixing things?

Everyone says Kahr customer support is first rate, but I have to honestly disagree with that statement. I think this may be because their pistols are selling so well, and do not have the man power to support the growing company.

Anyway, this will be my one and only purchase from Kahr. I think they could have at leeast had the decency to at least leave me a message telling me that they won't be calling me back about my barrel problem.

Frustrated.:(

[warmrain]

Doobaru,

Call 508-795-3919 ext 331 and talk to Dottie. Even though you are upset, speak calmly and with respect and she will make you very happy!

And don't forget this time of year people take time off to be with family and many business are a little short handed...

I think maybe you're upsetting yourself unnecessarily; didn't your gunsmith tell you already that it was no big deal... ;)

[Doobaru]

Well I finally got to speak with a human being after playing phone tag with Kahr for about 3 weeks. Dottie was very polite and was more than happy to send me a BRAND NEW barrel at no cost at all. She is even sending a prepaid envelope to send my barrel back to them.


Maybe my view towards Kahr was a little harsh, but they made up for it in the end. They are good folks at Kahr. I said I probably was not going to purchase another Kahr, but another PM9 just seems like the only pistol I would want right now.

[Mail Clerk]

Originally posted by Doobaru
I have a PM9 that I bought new about 2 months ago. I have been using mostly WWB for practice and Rem Gld Sabers for practice and carry. Have about 350 rounds thru it.

After field stripping to clean, I noticed what seems to look like a pit, more like a scratch on the inside of the barrel. It is about 1/8" long, and is slightly raised. I thought it might be build-up but after a really good cleaning I ran a smooth piece of plastic over it, and it is definetly metal.

It has not affected accuracy at the range, but I am a little frustrated that I spent almost 600 on a pistol to find that I might need a new barrel already ;b .

Anyone experience this? I really do not want to send it to Kahr and have to wait on the turn-around but I think that might be my only option.


Doobaru,

If that scratch is at the bottom of the rifling then doen't worry about it.I'll bet during the rifling phase of manufacturing the button was slightly dirty causing the effect you see inside the bore. Like the others have said if the scratch is small/light and you don't see any problem in your groupings then I'd let it go. It isn't worth the worry time. Consider polishing the inside using some JB Bore shine or Flintz or Semichrome. That might help. I do that to all my pistol/revolver barrels. The more you do it the easier to clean over time.