Any reason I should or shouldn't buy a Kahr?

[Blackadder]

I have never owned a Kahr, but I've shot a few and liked them very much.

Currently, I'm looking at an MK40, but just can't seem to take the plunge after reading some negative feedback about reliability of these guns.

My current CCW is a Glock 36, but I wanted something a little smaller for hot-weather. Being a die-hard Glock fan, do you think I'll be frustrated owning a (seemingly) more tempramental MK40?

I'd appreciate ya'll knocking me off the fence, one way or the other.

[nuparadigm]

I sold my G36 (which was feeding unreliably with hollow points) to finance my purchase of a Kahr P45. There was an initial problem with the Slide Lock (probably because the weapon I bought was a "showcase" model). I sent it back to Kahr and it's been running fine ever since. It's so accurate that it's scary. I'm glad that I bought it ... I carry it daily.
Break-in photo is .HERE (http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_Forum/viewtopic.php?t=3212&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0)

[dinger2008]

I really like the Kahr T9. Just bought one :) My normal carry weapon is a Glock 27 with Pearce +0 with two spare mags (using Pow'r ball ammo = highly recommended) with a Crimson Trace package. The Glock scores negative points from me because it is so snappy due to the size, but a great gun nevertheless (1 jam in ~15000 rounds). The Kahr feels a little better because of the longer grips in my case and is extremely accurate at 7 yards. Since I just bought it, though, I can't give you much advise other than it is much narrower than a glock, which is great for me since I am 6 feet tall and ~140 lbs. I am going to start carrying the Kahr as primary and Glock as secondary, so I will be able to tell you more in a few weeks if you want to PM me. Oh, went with a 9mm for less recoil and cheaper ammo.

[mecenas1991]

Your asking advice if your idea of gettting a Kahr pistol is a good one is akin to a question: did I marry a right woman?.
Perhaps reading through various threads will give you some feeling about that, but I sincerely doubt it.
If you decide to buy one and you are happy with it - then whomever suggested it was wonderful. If you bought a proverbial lemon, you will be upset at those who said "buy".
Either way, there is no guarantee that you married the right woman. Only the experience will tell.

[Blackadder]

Originally posted by mecenas1991
Your asking advice if your idea of gettting a Kahr pistol is a good one is akin to a question: did I marry a right woman?.
Perhaps reading through various threads will give you some feeling about that, but I sincerely doubt it.
If you decide to buy one and you are happy with it - then whomever suggested it was wonderful. If you bought a proverbial lemon, you will be upset at those who said "buy".
Either way, there is no guarantee that you married the right woman. Only the experience will tell.

Thanks for the "Dr. Phil" moment.

I really just wanted to know how reliable and maintainable Kahr pistols are, and I appreciate the comments to that effect.

Honestly, I'm not to keen on buying anything that has a record of returned trips to the factory in order to function properly.

But I might buy the Kahr anyway...

...pretty sure I'll keep the woman too.

[Blackadder]

Originally posted by nuparadigm
I sold my G36 (which was feeding unreliably with hollow points) to finance my purchase of a Kahr P45. There was an initial problem with the Slide Lock (probably because the weapon I bought was a "showcase" model). I sent it back to Kahr and it's been running fine ever since. It's so accurate that it's scary. I'm glad that I bought it ... I carry it daily.
Break-in photo is .HERE (http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_Forum/viewtopic.php?t=3212&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0)

If it were a little smaller, I might have to look into the P45.

Thanks for the good info.

[Seabee]

I had the same problem also. I have read many bad reports on certain Kahr pistols. I have also read some very glowing reports. I went ahead and bought an MK9 03 Elite last week. I should have it by the end of the week (hopefully shipping wont take too long). It fit all the criteria that I had for a small, full power handgun. I took the risk. Hopefully I will not be dissapointed. If so, it's just money, and just one more step to the "perfect" CCW. I have a good feeling that I will be happy.

[Kalmah]

There are a lot of posts by people having problems with their Kahrs. And I believe they really are having these issues. But just how widespread are these problems? Are 10% of all Kahrs lemons? 1%? 0.1%? More? Less? There's no way to know.

All manufacturers crank out the occasional lemon. I bought a brand new Kimber - supposedly a top of the line company - that malfunctioned on the third round I shot through it and had to go back to the factory. I ordered a new Ruger Super Blackhawk - another top of the line company - that arrived with a cylinder that wouldn't lock in place. Yet I have a PM9 - supposedly the biggest problem child of all the Kahr models - that has been absolutely flawless from day one. You roll the dice with any firearm you buy.

If you want a Kahr, buy one.

[Tork]

i bought one used (p-40)... maybe the reason i have problems, but i'm going to get rid of it. i've had failures where the slide lock stays open... wich i repaired... i've replaced the same mag follower twice in a short amount of time, and now i'm getting FTF's and the primer isnt even dented. i tore it down to clean/inspect the firing pin assembly and in doing so i lost the spring that's part of the extractor assembly. i have been waiting for over 4 weeks now for a new spring, i have not gotten anyone to return my emails, and my card hasnt been billed, so i know it isnt in transit.

but since the kahr has been down i started carrying my springfield xd-9 sc. which has been reliable over thousands of rounds. i may suck it up, and deal with the weight difference. i have NEVER had a range session where the kahr was 100%. and there has only been one FTF in my springfield, and it was the primer's fault.

any suckers want a p-40 in PA?? i'll send you the springs when they come to me... if they come to me

will trade for a xd-40 sc

[LGCubana]

Originally posted by Blackadder
...Currently, I'm looking at an MK40, but just can't seem to take the plunge after reading some negative feedback about reliability of these guns...

The overwhelming majority of negative posts are directed towards the PM series; not the Ks or MKs.

I've owned 3 MKs. All were 100%.

[Blackadder]

Originally posted by LGCubana
The overwhelming majority of negative posts are directed towards the PM series; not the Ks or MKs.

I've owned 3 MKs. All were 100%.

I appreciate the good word. MK40 it is.