New member - former Kahr guy

[Jaguar]

Hello Kahr enthusiasts.

I picked up a P40 about 10 years ago and kept it until recently. I found the recoil too brutal to deal with at the range and decided to trade it in on a G19. Now I find the Glock too much of brick to carry everyday epically here in the Texas summer, and not as good a shooter as the Kahr so I am looking to get back into a Kahr, only a K series this time.

I also miss the feel of steel. I loved the slimness of the P series for carry, but I think the K would be just as easy to carry and manageable at the range, plus it feels like a solid gun. I don't have the funds to buy everything I want (all of them), but I did come into some money so I want a K9 or K40.

So what's the prevailing opinions, pros and cons, between the 9 and the 40? What's the price points on each new and used? Would a new one be worth the extra cash or should I just go with used? Wood grips, good or bad (I like the look of wood).

Fishing for opinions. Nice to meet you all,

Jag

[Tinman507]

You can get a NYPD trade in K9 for about $420.00 Awesome firearm. Even if they're a little crudded up, they clean up nicely and shoot fantastically.

Aim Surplus (http://www.aimsurplus.com/) has them back in stock as of yesterday.

[Deano]

Welcome to the forum. To state the obvious, the K series is going to be a good bit heavier, so you'll need a good gun belt. The 9 mm is obviously going to be easier and cheaper to get ammo for, so I guess that's a consideration. The 40 will be a bit thicker and heavier, and thicker means harder to conceal. I guess it all boils down to which caliber you feel you can handle and shoot well. Any way you could rent both and then decide?

As for grips, get what's most comfortable and you can hang on to the best. If it's your EDC gun, who really cares what the grips look like, as long as they feel good in your hand and you shoot it well.

[chrish]

Are you sold on steel because of the P40 experience or you just want steel this time? The 9mm polymer models are much more 'shooting friendly' in that regard. 9 is Kahr's sweet spot and that caliber in the poly Kahrs is pretty much a cake shoot compared to the same gun in 40.

In that regard, I'd still give the poly 9mm models a look, particularly the P9 or CW9. Decent length grip like the K9 and alot cheaper (new).

But if you want steel for other reasons, please disregard. You can't go wrong w/ a K series. I'd agree w/ Tinman on looking for a NYPD K9, they are pretty gently used (backup guns) and are all over the place these days.

These days, with the modern bullet technology in 9mm, I wouldn't personally consider a 40 anymore. I like to have fun shooting and anything 40 or anything in 9mm +P even is just not my idea of a fun day at the range. With modern 9mm tech, you can get a super effective round in 147gr, and in a steel gun, a +P 124gr that are more than easy to shoot in 9mm.

I shoot 147gr 9mm standard loads as both my target/plinker/practice round and carry a 147gr SD round. Totally happy w/ that. Totally trust that. I can spend an entire afternoon at the range, hundreds of rounds, and my hands and wrists are no worse for the wear when I head home.

Just my 2 cents.

[jocko]

I kinda agree with chrish: unless ur sold on steel only, then the K9 kahr is IMO the way to go. U have had enough of the 40 cal stuff,now buy a gun you can shoot with no pain and less cost. BUT BUT BUT if ur after a super nice poly k size kahr buy the P9 and u will have an ultra light k size 9mm that willjust so nice to carry, and so nice to shoot also. Just sayin.

tinman point aout the uded NYPD K9 is dead on. those are super guns, some look worse than others but IMO none are shot much, just abused as a carry gun but being stainless just a damn good cleaning is all that isneeded. So far those on this fourm who have bought a used one have had no complaints--and they are at least broken in, ...

I have a used NYPD tha tI bought a few years ago and it has never given one issue. I magna ported it and it shoots like a dream. IO one of the most attrctive all steel guns on the market, not ut one leve ron the damn gun so no clutter, just total class..

[voodoo54]

I've owned both a K9 and K40. I see no difference in weight and size. The only decision you sould have to make is between 9mm and .40 cal and the pros and cons of these two calibers.

[Jaguar]

Thanks for all the fast answers. You guys are on top of things here.

Tinman, thanks for the link. I've been looking at the NYPD castoffs but they have been out for a while. Now that they are back, I may pull the trigger on one.

Deano, yup, I believe in a good belt even with the polymer frames. I didn't put much thought into the ammo question, but a K9 would be interchangeable with the G19, I plan to keep the Glock. And yes, being able to change out the grips is a good thing, I'm thinking the wood would do better letting a cover garment slide over it than the textured soft polymer grips. Maybe the polymer for range sessions...

chrish, maybe it was that the P40 soured me, but the polymer frames are just not my thing right now. I am really set on the steel frame, weight be damned. I really wanted a K40 when I got my P40, slick salesman and availability, but now I have my mind set on an all steel Kahr.

Thanks again. Glad I found this forum.

Jag

[Jaguar]

On the NYPD guns. How difficult is it to take down the slide to clean. I never did it on my P40, so this is new to me, I just cleaned what I could see and never had an issue. I have read here Tinman telling folks to take the slide apart and clean the striker channel, is this something an average Joe can do?

[jocko]

not a big deal at all. every owner should do it at least once and then they can use the clean out hole.

u might wantto look over on the kahr tech section and there is anexcellent tutorial about slide disassembly. it is a peace of cake.

then u might wnt to hit on the propper prpping f ur kahr thread on the kahr tech section to. It tells u how to use that little clean out hole on the bottom of ur slide to keep that striker channel clean..

[Bawanna]

On the NYPD guns. How difficult is it to take down the slide to clean. I never did it on my P40, so this is new to me, I just cleaned what I could see and never had an issue. I have read here Tinman telling folks to take the slide apart and clean the striker channel, is this something an average Joe can do?

Piece of cake, I've done it a couple times last time just this last weekend. even a cave man can do it.



joe

[7shot]

I've owned both a K9 and K40. I see no difference in weight and size. The only decision you sould have to make is between 9mm and .40 cal and the pros and cons of these two calibers.

Totally agree with voodoo54...

The only difference between a K9 and K40 is the amount of ammo the weapon holds...9, 7 rounds and the 40, 6 rounds.

Personally I prefer the 9mm...manufactures offer various grain sizes that give excellent penetration results.

[chrish]

I'd be looking at the k9 then, no question. Weight of a steel kahr is still ounces less than most full size poly guns out there, definitely concealable, just not pocketable bc of weight. I expect, never shot one, that a k9 is the ultimate shooting concealed 9mm on the planet...save maybe a t9.

[JFootin]

I'd be looking at the k9 then, no question. Weight of a steel kahr is still ounces less than most full size poly guns out there, definitely concealable, just not pocketable bc of weight. I expect, never shot one, that a k9 is the ultimate shooting concealed 9mm on the planet...save maybe a t9.

The K9 is Kahr's firstborn, the cream of the crop! No sweeter gun to carry on your waist. No need to go any smaller or lighter for waist carry. JMHO.

[Obiwan]

I own a K40 and love it. It helps that i get free ammo (a very limited supply) from my agency. If I had to buy all of my ammo, i'd look for a K9. It should also be a real pussycat in recoil as the K40 isn't bad at all.

[Jaguar]

I will give the police return K9 a try, if I can pick one up in time. Gotta wait for some paperwork to clear before spending money, so hopfully in the next week or two if not sooner.

And yes, I believe in proper equipment. I have a sturdy Galco gun belt, and plan to get a crossbreed supertuck. I have used this rig on the P40 and the G19 and it works well. I plan to pick up a Glock OWB for winter carry as the size of the Glock and an IWB do not agree with me.

I really can't see the K9 being much heavier than the G19 with a full magazine, but I may be mistaken.

Jag

[Jaguar]

Dang it, decided to pull the trigger on the AIM Surplus K9, and they sold out. I snoozed, I lost. Guess I'll jump on it when they get them back in stock.

Jag

[Tinman507]

Put your email on the notify list.
They get em in all the time.

[Jaguar]

I did, just my timing as usual. :rolleyes:

Actually got my wife on board and everything. I actually thought the stars were aligned then... pft.

Oh well, when you say "all the time" what are you meaning? Every other month? Every few weeks? A couple days after they run out? Do I look desperate? :der:

[Tinman507]

Every couple of days.

[Jaguar]

Ah, whew, thanks man, I feel better now. :D

[Deano]

I did, just my timing as usual. :rolleyes:

Actually got my wife on board and everything. I actually thought the stars were aligned then... pft.

Oh well, when you say "all the time" what are you meaning? Every other month? Every few weeks? A couple days after they run out? Do I look desperate? :der:
I snoozed on a Ruger SR1911. Waited a day too long, and now they're un-findable. You're not the only one with a slow trigger finger.

[Jaguar]

I snoozed on a Ruger SR1911. Waited a day too long, and now they're un-findable. You're not the only one with a slow trigger finger.

I will take it as a lesson, see the target, pull the trigger. Don't wait for the target to turn broad side with a bulls eye on it.

:33:

[Tinman507]

Out of curiosity I checked Aim on Tuesday to see if they had one. I put my email on the list and was notified on Thursday they had one.
The minute you get the email, nail it down.

[tv_racin_fan]

If you were closer I would let you play with my babies.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/tv_racin_fan/PairofK9s.jpg

[Jaguar]

If you were closer I would let you play with my babies.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/tv_racin_fan/PairofK9s.jpg

You are a cruel, cruel man. Who did the stippling on the one on the right? Looks good.

[kerby9mm]

I have a mk9 & mk40 and a Steel Kahr only fan. If it were up to me to choose between the two calibers for EDC. IMO it would be the 9mm. I got the 40 just because I wanted it. As others have stated the nine is fine. Between used NYPD and new with warranty,yours since new and Elite trigger your decision and your money. I came close to buying a used K9 but decided not to because the slide had side to side play as my mk's do not. Might not even had been an issue except in my mind.

[ParabellumJ]

Looks like you are sold on the NYPD K9, so I will reinforce your wise choice. As far as caliber, well my name ain't ParabellumJ for nut'n. 9mm is easily my preferred choice. I personally don't care for the way .40 shoots, so I only consider 9mm or .45 for defensive, but thats just me. As far as what gun, my next Kahr is most definitely going to be a NYPD K9, but right now it is 3rd or 4th on the list (the list is long) and before any new gun comes a new house (my wife would literally shoot me if I bought another gun right now, seriously). On the plus side, I just put in an offer on a house today, but since its a short sale it may be a few months before we can close. That K9 may be a year out for me :( Good luck and welcome.

[tv_racin_fan]

You are a cruel, cruel man. Who did the stippling on the one on the right? Looks good.

Jag that is something like skateboard tape. My guess is it was done by Cylinder and Slide. Back when I first heard of Kahr the Kahr website had option for you to order your Kahr caressed by them and this one has what appeared to be the mid priced option. Target Crown, slight melt job, polished and contoured trigger, beveled mag well, recontoured slide release and that "tape".

Fact is I had never heard of Kahr until my wife was looking for a handgun and decided she wanted a PM9 except for the price. I went home and checked em out then told her IF she wanted a Kahr I thought she would be better off with the MK9 (I was afraid the recoil might bother her with the PM9) but when we went back to order an MK the distributor didn't have one and the LGS had a CW9 in stock. The wife liked the price on it much better and the size seemed to me that it would be ok on recoil (the wife has no issue with the recoil so in that I was right).

I was just looking on a swap n sell section of a forum I mess about on and found that caressed K9. So I made the deal. The wife touched it and said she knew which Kahr she was going to carry so I set out to find another K9 and within a month got lucky on that same forum. If I could swing it I would pick up a couple more for my children... I like em that much.

[Jaguar]

All right, now that I've set my mind to this, I believe I need a few things. First, since it is a police trade in and I don't know the history, I want to get a new recoil spring and striker spring. I also need a spare magazine or two. I also want the wood grips, if I don't like em, I'll put them up for sale.

In light of this, should I get it all at Kahr, or use Wolff for the springs and Kahr for the mags and grips?

I've also read here some of the trade ins come with night sights and that is hit or miss if they are still any good. If I need new sights, direct from Kahr or go with Novak or Meprolite?

[tv_racin_fan]

Kahr springs ARE Wolff springs. IMHO always use genuine Kahr mags.

As for the wood grips give the others a try first. IF they turn out to be the softer version you will not be dissapointed and you can always get wood.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/137664/wolff-recoil-spring-kahr-k-9-k-40-20-lb-factory-rating-9mm-luger

I am pretty sure the spring comes as a set and you may prefer to order the reduced power spring. I seriously need to take mine back apart and determine which springs I have in them. The reduced power springs were originally a lady Kahr option since the K9 is a bit tough for women to rack the slide (my wife found she can not rack the slide to her satisfaction so while she would prefer to carry the K9 she carries the CW9 instead.. turns out I could have saved the $350 I gave for that second K9...) I wouldn't run a heck of a bunch of +p ammo with the reduced power spring myself.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/386219/wolff-recoil-spring-kahr-k-9-k-40-18-lb-reduced-power

I dunno that I would replace the springs unless the gun doesn't function tho, since a spring generally loses power thru action and those trade ins will have been backup guns carried alot and used a little.

[Jaguar]

Back in stock at AIM Surplus.

Placed my order for a police cast off K9 at AIM. Of course I got jumpy and ordered two, had to email them and ask to drop one order. Can't wait to get it in my hands and relieve it of it's crud.

On a happy note, they lowered the price from 419 to 399. Hope that isn't indicative of the condition. :eek:

[jocko]

other than maybe being crusty as hell, I just don't think ur gonna hurt a K9. Being kahr even had their own armorer with the NYPD, there should be no reason why any K9 would be worn or have any worn parts in it. They received free kahr armorers service on their K9. One has to realizae that being in NY city at best these K9' were shot at the police indoor ranges and therefore certainly not alot of rounds have been out of the gun. being an off duty gun, they probalby were neglected as far as looks goes, but I would certainly think these gun are allin excellent condition. Just sayin

[Jaguar]

That's why I didn't hesitate to pull the trigger this time, just wish I hadn't accidentally double tapped. LOL

[chipD]

Congrats jag, I sure like mine. Let us know what you think of it and how it runs for ya.