problem w/ my P40.....

[rmt22]

Took my P40 out to range yesterday and the slide release kept catching the slide after EVERY shot.

I have had the about 3 yrs and have put about 800rds through it during that time period.

Is it time to change out the spring? This is the first problem I have had with the gun and I think it is the best carry gun available IMO.

[LGCubana]

Could your thumb be engaging the slide stop when the gun recoils ?

[AZ Traveler]

It is my understanding that if you reassemble a polymer Kahr with a magazine in place the the Slide stop spring gets in the wrong position and will cause the condition you describe.

Just a thought.

[warmrain]

Originally posted by AZ Traveler
It is my understanding that if you reassemble a polymer Kahr with a magazine in place the the Slide stop spring gets in the wrong position and will cause the condition you describe.

Just a thought.
Correct 'traveler,
And I'm not sure if it's just the polymers... I think you hit this on the head.

rmt,
The correction is simply to disassemble and reassemble w/o the mag in place...

[AZ Traveler]

Thanks again for the kind words, Warmrain.

I think I've noticed this issue when reassembling my P40 Covert, but I can't say that have with my MK40. Most likely because I have never had any function issues with my MK40. I just clean it, shoot it and carry it. Only real issue I've had with the MK40 is my allergy to the Smooth Wood Grips.

[warmrain]

Originally posted by AZ Traveler
...Only real issue I've had with the MK40 is my allergy to the Smooth Wood Grips.
Are you serious!? ;P

[AZ Traveler]

Absolutely.

They created a rash on my back that took 6 to 8 weeks and 3 trips to the Doc. to clear up. I was carrying IWB without a Tee shirt between the grips and my skin.

I also develop a rash on my hand where the wood contacts my skin. About 3 days after a range session, it will break out, itch, crack and then peel after about 7 to 10 days. Then it will clear up. Use the wood grips again for another range session and the process starts over again.

I plan on sealing my grips with some Polyurethane, but I am waiting for better weather. I won't spray that stuff in the house. I also plan on wearing gloves and a dust mask when I work on them.

I don't really know if it is the oils in the wood or the wax on the grips that is the problem, however I do not want to inhale dust from either when I sand them. The Kahr website says the grips and finished with a Caranuba Wax.

The "problem" is that with the Smooth Wood grips the MK40 fits better in my hand and they look great, with Stainless Steel Hex Head Screws.

[warmrain]

Wow... ;P

You're going to have to get all that wax off of the wood and out of the grain, as you know, without destroying the look of the wood...

I was thinking of LP as well... That seems like the best solution (pun recognized but not intended).

We need a photo!

Good luck,

[AZ Traveler]

The good news is that they are Smooth Wood grips and not Checkered. If they were checkered they would have been sold by now.

I will have to dig the grips out and put them on for a picture.

[warmrain]

Originally posted by AZ Traveler
The good news is that they are Smooth Wood grips and not Checkered. If they were checkered they would have been sold by now.

I will have to dig the grips out and put them on for a picture.
I really like the heavily checkered double diamon rosewood grips on my 1911s for their ability to stick the gun in your hand no matter what, but once your hand is on the grip (acquiring before drawing) that is where it is going to be, good or bad. I have learned from some competition shooters that the smooth grip allow for a grip alteration without having to shift the pistol in your hand...

Interesting...

Now, how to strip the wax and not negatively effect the wood...?

Can you finish with a flat or semi-gloss LP? Won't LP normally be glass and therefor potentially slippery?

[AZ Traveler]

The Polyurethane I have is a Clear Stain finish.

[warmrain]

Originally posted by AZ Traveler
The Polyurethane I have is a Clear Stain finish. ;c ;c :cool:

[AZ Traveler]

Warmrain,

Here are a couple of pictures on my MK40 with the Wood Grips pre-refinishing.

[AZ Traveler]

And another.

[warmrain]

'Traveler,

Gosh those are purdy grips! I see why you want to make them work! :cool:

[rmt22]

I have stripped it down and put it together a few times and still having the same problem of slide catching after every shot.

I ordered a new spring and hopefully that will solve the problem. I have had the gun for 3 years and IT WAS my most reliable gun.

[rmt22]

it was the spring. I got the new one in from the factory today and it ran like a charm w/ a couple different kinds of ammo.

the overall length was maybe 3mm different then the old one. But I guess that was enough.