Long wait on K9 Elite '03. (is this normal?)

[snail50]

After calling every Kahr Dealer in S FL for price & availability, I ordered a K9 Elite 2003 w/NS from a LGS in October. Everyone I called (about 12 dealers) said they didn't have it in stock, and that it would be about 3 weeks. The shop I eventually ordered it from had the best price by a good margin, and they also said it would be 3 weeks.

Now it's been about 2 months.

I've been spoiled so far because all of the other guns I bought recently were in my hands in under 2 weeks if coming in from out-of-state. This is the first time in many years I've actually ordered a gun that a seller didn't have in inventory & readily available to sell.

I call the LGS every 2 weeks or so to see if there's an update, but it's always the same thing: still on back order; supplier (not Kahr) doesn't know when they'll get it. They said that the Elite 03 is limited production, and I should check back in early January because (and I'm paraphrasing now) the Elites are pretty much spoken for before they are made, so I have to wait until the one with my name on it is built. Makes sense, I guess.

I'm not in an emergency rush to get the gun, but I'm wondering if this kind of wait normal.

What's kind of funny is that my Sparks VMII will get here long before the Kahr does (holster should arrive today/tomorrow), and I figgered it would be the reverse.



;c


UPDATE: Got it yesterday.

Haven't shot it yet, but I'm very pleased so far. The polished surfaces aren't too "bright," so the matte/polished combo is a nice effect. The trigger is smooth & light. The night sights are easy to pick up in low light, too. I tried it out in the holster to see how it carried, and it's very comfortable and conceals easily (won't use it for carry until I have a few hundred rounds through it).

[Crackotage]

My dealer became a Kahr dealer to order aK9 elite for me. After a month a half of Kahr telling him it would ship next week each time he called, I canceled the order. I was looking forward to owning a Kahr K9 but unless I find one on a shops shelf I guess I never will.

[Bongo972]

I'm in the same boat. I'm looking Christmas before I can get mine with factory night sights.

[snail50]

...at least I'm not alone in this.

FWIW, I got my Sparks VMII for the K9 yesterday, and it looks/wears great (empty, that is)...now if only the damn gun would get here.

I have a VMII for my CZ75 compact, and it hides that gun pretty well, so it should make the smaller K9 almost disappear.

[ABC3]

snail50;

I just rec'd a K40 and a K9 (both Elite) with no wait whatsoever. I purchased them from Shulers in GA. They got them from a FL Dist. I paid $637.99

And you will love them. Great little carry gun.

Good luck

[snail50]

thanks for that info, ABC. that's about what I'm paying for mine...if I ever get it, LOL.

[Joaquin]

ABC3: I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have not been able to shoot a K40 and I don't know anyone who has both the K9 and the K40.

How does the recoil feel with the K40 as compared to the K9? For me, it's pretty minimal with the K9, but the 40 is generally a much heavier feeling round in most guns I've shot (apart from my Springfield XD40, where its unbeleivably gentle).

Back on topic, I too have had trouble getting an Elite K9, but James at Ordnance Outsellers can get you a testfired K9 (non-elite) at a very good price. I spoke to him this morning.

[ABC3]

Joaquin;

I carry the K9 most of the time & gave the K40 to my son as a BUG.

The K40 has more recoil (est. 20% + more)

But really not bad. The only reason I got the K9 is that I have other 9mm that I can share ammo with and I don't own another 40.

The only problem I have had is the mags. Both of the guns are perfect but the top of the mags are so sharp they will cut your fingers. Brain @ Kahr, said that he would replace them if I couldn't get the problem worked out.

Either the 9 or the 40 is a great gun. But I would get the Elite 03.

Good luck.

[Joaquin]

Thanks for the information ABC3! What in particular do you prefer about the Elite as opposed to the "plain jane" K9? As I understand it, all the newer Kahrs have the Elite trigger (except for the those guns that have the new New York trigger). Is it the bevelling that makes it worth the extra $? Did you get night sights? I've ordered mine with the meprolights.

[ABC3]

Joaquin;

I liked the polished slide,the bevelling, the dehorning and yes I got the "nightsights". I have heard that the trigger was the same but I am not sure about that. It has a long pull but you'll get accustomed to it, after a few rounds.

The real reason, I guess, it just fit my hand. I have about 2000 rds thru her and not ONE problem of any kind. I carry her in a Alessi CQS/s and a Sparks VM11 for heavy concealment. The only problem, again, is the mags. They are very sharp and will cut.

I also carry others as well: Kobra Carry, SW 1911sc, Les Baer TRS but for a smaller gun - you just can't beat the Kahr.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy her.

Al

[snail50]

good info.

I was considering the K40 as well due to the more powerful cartridge, but I have several other 9mms already, and I didn't feel like having to stock up on a new caliber.

how does the K9 carry in the VMII?

[ABC3]

snail50:

The K9 rides great in the VM11 (generally in the summer) but I'm starting to carry more in the Alessi CQC/s. Rides high and tight under a jacket or shirt during the winter months.

In fact I have a new CQC/s for my commanders arriving in todays mail.

Both are great holsters but a considerable wait. (you may be able to find one on the 1911 forum).

Keep one thing in mind as you select the K9 or the K40. It's not the caliber that counts - it's the placement of the first round.

Have a great day and stay safe.

Al

[snail50]

I agree that shot placement(& the right bullet) is key, which is why I have no qualms about choosing the K9... ;a