Older K9 Worth It?

[cygnl7]

I have wanted a Kahr for a long time, and I am finally in the market for one. I really like the metal framed guns and am looking for a K9. I have been researching a lot (my wife would say obsessively!) about what is available, but am still learning.

I found a black K9 locally that someone is asking $450 for (but I think they are willing to bend a little). It looks like it is in great shape, comes with a set of wood grips along with the rubber grips, and two magazines. The current owner replaced the recoil spring and two mag springs. I would be the third owner, and it sounds like there isn't much more than 200 rounds through it (1st owner "barely used" and 2nd owner 200 rounds). It has the older frame without the depressed area for the slide stop. It's serial number starts with AE4, so it is an older one (circa 1996?). That is where my questions start.

Is there a way to tell if it is the carbon steel or stainless slide? Does "stainless" stamped somewhere mean anything about the slide? The finish sure looks like the same finish as the blackened stainless to me, but I am not sure. But that's only looking at pictures so far. I know the last digit of a model number will reveal this informatin but I don't yet know the model number; where can one find that? This will be for carry, and my sweat has been known to rust slides, but should I even worry about the slide material?

Overall, is this a good deal for one of the older models?

I appreciate greatly any guidance!

[hss.strat]

I'd want him to come down to $400. I bought my carbon steel k9 for $350. I love it though, not a single problem with it.

Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

[FLBri]

I can't answer the question about slide material ... I didn't know that they made early slides with carbon steel. I've only been into Kahrs for a couple years.

But I will say this ... that sounds like a very fair price considering the addition of wood grips, especially if you can do the deal for $400 (but even $450 doesn't sound bad). I would buy it, and at that price you can always resell without losing anything to get exactly what you want, when you find it.

[yqtszhj]

I think 400 would be good and 450 not too bad.

For carbon steel compared to stainless I would think a refrigerator magnet might tell you. Stainless usually doesn't take a magnet too well.

[ripley16]

From that early, it is probably carbon steel slide. IMHO, the price is a bit high. Usually early K9s go for less than $400.

[gunmut]

I bought one of the older K9 carbon steel about year ago for $399. I bought from a dealer so I had to add tax. Just the pistole, two mags and box + papers.

Look the box over closely, I found some text on the box that let me know it had the Black T fininsh. This was an option back in the 90's. Some guys here gave me some info on the finish. I love the gun; great shooter and really smooth tight slide frame fit.

[Greg]

First post here for me also cygnl7.

I own an older K9, bought last fall and manufactured in 1997. It has a steel nickel plated frame and "stainless" is stamped on the right side of the black slide near the front. I'll try to post some pictures later.

200 rounds is barely broken in, the previous owners must not have been shooters. I shot 150 thru my gun yesterday before the weather tuned bad here in northwest PA. I've shot 6 or 7 different brands of FMJ and 2 brands of JHP with zero failures to fire or eject. Additionally the gun is very accurate with an excellent trigger.

Also wood grips look nice but the first thing anyone that has ever handled my pistol says is "I really like the feel of those rubber grips".

Obviously get the lowest price you can, what is the gun worth to you is the question. You can find the price of a new one for comparison. I believe you would be happy with this gun and taken care of it should give many years of service.

BTW check the link (http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=9964).

[jocko]

IMO itis a carbon steel frame. Offer lowers. 200, 1000, 5000 rounds, u can't tell any difference. These are one tuff sob's and they won';t show wear and tear, abuse,yes but that is owner fault andnot the gun. So fear not on the round count, most pwners indeed don't shoot 1000's of rounds.. I would noit fear a carbon steel model, other than certainly more maintenance but years ago most all guns were blued steel and not stainless.

Can u do a pre test range firing on the gun to be assured it is OK before buying? That would tell u a hell of alot more. When a gun goes bang every time it sooths any thoughts of "did I maybe pay to much". If u bought iit for a $100 and it didn't work, u also cans ay u did not get a good deal. U have no warranty, I think u know that, so just give it some serious thought... Indeed the ruber grips are awesome, why kahr ever got away from them is beyhond me. mY older K9 has the rubber grips and there just ain'tnothing like them in feel, thinness and shooting comfort.

Also remember u might have alittle more difficult time in finding any different sights for your K9 to as the older models had a different dovetail cut in them. Kahrs has a photo on their webb site in how to look to see if u have the newer slide verses the older style but IMO ur slide is the older version. U can find good night sights yet, u just gotta be careful how u order them. I would suggest ifu do that, go through kahr to do it..THEY KNOW.

[TucsonMTB]

Hey cygnl7 and Greg! Welcome to the forum!

At the risk of sounding trite, it's probably worth saying that value is in the eye of the beholder. If you like the pistol enough to reach an understanding with the existing owner . . . then that is a good price. :D

I haven't purchased any used Kahr pistols. But, I have three used 1911s that I really enjoy. I can't remember ever having a conversation with another shooter about any of them during which the question of price came up. Nice comments about appearance, trigger quality, accuracy and good feel in the hand all come to mind. Price? Nope. YMMV but I'll bet not much. ;)

[cygnl7]

Thanks for all the input. I really do appreciate it.

I guess my biggest worry right now is that I have had a slide start to rust before when carrying IWB. But that was a blued Kel-Tec. And the holster didn't protect between the gun and me much. I'll get a better holster that has leather covering the entire slide this time (thinking supertuck). That's why the question about carbon steel vs stainless.

[jocko]

save up another month and buy a new K9, it will have the elite trigger on it also, where as I would bet ur K9 has the NYPD trigger, U WILL BE GETTINGF A 5 YEAR WARRANTY, the latest of any in house changes to the k9 also and all stainless,

Buds seems tohave always good prices on kahrs. take ur time on this .. To save maybe a 100 bucks might in the end not be worht it at all. My opinion and mineonly is 450 seems on the high side for an all carbon steel K9

[cygnl7]

yeah, I've decided to pass for now. And then another popped up for 350! Decisions, decisions. But I am with you, jokco. I am not looking for "vintage" but really want the latest improvements.

Thanks for the input everyone!

[hss.strat]

Well if you end up with one that has checkered wood grips on it, let me know. i'll take 'em.

[Kahrnavour]

get it along with a Mitch Rosen Leather Clipper inside the pants holster for @ $60 bucks. Nothing will touch your body. No sweat, no problem. the Clipper is a little higher on the body side and the gun will touch all leather, love it.

[Kahrnavour]

Vintage ... I have a first edition M-61 S&W Escort. Made in 1971 for only 2 months. Would never want to give it up. Not a M61-1 or M61-2 just plain old M-61. Had it for years

[ripley16]

yeah, I've decided to pass for now. And then another popped up for 350! Decisions, decisions.


That's where the price should be, IMHO.