I'm Concerned About Quality

[paul3156]

I'm new to this thread and am / was considering a PM9. I was hoping to join this forum to learn how good the Kahrs really are. Instead I am hearing the exact same thing that's all over the internet. They are great guns - when they work. That may be okay for a range run but if I'm going to bet my life on a gun I need it to be 100% reliable. Please explain why I'm wrong as I really want to like (and buy) a PM9. The size, weight and accuracy is impressive but the G26 is looking better and better. These guns are quite expensive I don't feel I should have to send it back to Kahr several times to maybe end up with a good (reliable) gun. Plus there are stories in this forum where the shipping to Kahr is at the owners expense - further increasing the cost of the gun. Where is quality control? Help.

[LordJ]

I'm sorry but I don't see a question in that post, except "where is quality control?". What is it you would like to know? Yes, some people seem to have issues, but there are way more on this forum that don't. I can't speak for everyone else but my cm9 has over 1000 flawless rounds through it. There is also a thread for positive feedback on cm9/pm9 full of the same experience as mine.

[bulldog62]

My PM-9 is good to go along with my CW40 and my dad's P380. A buddy had a CM-9 which had to be sent back but fixed quick. Had I researched such info as this forum I might be inclined to think otherwise.
I am happy Kahr owner and trust mine.

[Markis82]

You will find the same sort of thing on any firearms forum. You hear, see, and read about the problems which are a small % of all owners. You never hear, see, or read about all of the thousands of guns that work 100% properly. The quality of the Kahr lines are second to none. I trust my life, and others lives to a Kahr everyday.

[RedRyder]

Honestly, I asked the same questions after I bought my P9. Reading so many problems had me asking why I bought this gun. Then after several flawless range experiences, I consider it to be my 'go to' gun. I agree with other posters that you generally hear mostly about the bad but few feel compelled to sound off when their gun passes all the required tests. Just like the old commercial "Try it Mikey, you'll like it." OR something like that anyway.

I bought mine on gunbroker and was really worried since I wanted the Kahr but had not found this forum until after I had purchased. Mine had a couple hundred rounds thru it from previous owner and I wondered if this was problem gun that he was selling to rid himself of a headache. Proved to not be the case, love mine and hope if you decide to get one, you'll have same experience. :D

[Bill K]

Welcome to KahrTalk.

The search for 100% reliability is what drives many to purchase revolvers instead of semi autos. Even a revolver can fail but I feel, from reading your post, you'd be better off with one than a Kahr or anyother pistol for that matter.

[Infidel proud]

If you are worried about spending that much on a pistol that you don't yet trust, maybe give the CM9 a hard look...Thats the one i ended up with (its my 6th kahr mind you) but it has had almost 1000 flawless rounds through it and couldn't be happier...

Anyway happy hunting...

[chrish]

I'm on my 3rd Kahr, sold the first for size issues (PM9) where I felt it was too small for my hands, just personal preference. Now have a P9 and TP9. With all 3, never a single issue. I followed the break in rules, lube rules here...at least for the break-in period. I'm probably not the most anal gun cleaner around, and some would probably consider me a bit lax. I don't clean mine after every range trip because I try to go once a week or more. So I clean mine maybe once per month, which translates to probably every 400-500 rounds per gun. I probably have 5000+ rounds thru my P9, maybe 1000-1500 thru my TP9. They run reliabably clean or semi-dirty.

I think Jocko, another member here, is up to like 1 million gazillion rounds thru his Kahr (joke, but it's a freakin high count).

Are there lemons around, sure. But as mentioned above, I think if you look at any given brand/model you can find enough complaints about it to not buy it. You see the complaints and never see the stats on actual happy owners w/ reliable pistols.

If you are a bit leary, a C series is always an option at close to $200 less than the equivalent P series. Not a whole lot of difference if you ask me. Where it counts in the reliability area, they (C vs P) are exactly the same.

[GROTMAN]

I too had some reservations about buying a pm9 after reading about some of the problems people have reported,and looked at some other options but kept coming back to the pm9. Decided to take a chance and bought my pm9 back in January and now have over 1400 problem free rounds through it. So based on my experience I would say go for it !!!

[O'Dell]

I don't know how many pistols I've owned since I started shooting them over forty-five years ago, but it probably is well into three digits. I have never found a more reliable brand than Kahr. I've had seven, and currently have four, [one's a PM9] without one failure. I can say the same about SIG and HK, but they're larger and heavier and harder to conceal. I can't claim the same for Browning, Colt, Kimber, STI, and certainly not Taurus or KelTec. Even though I have quite a few to choose from, 75% of the time the gun on my belt or in my pocket is a Kahr. I will say that I properly prep every pistol I buy before I shoot it and have always done so.

I can't personally speak for Glock because I've never owned or wanted one - two big and clunky for me, and I can't get them to point well. However, my son is a big fan, but even he won't claim perfect reliability.

[skiflydive]

Take a look here

http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=13168 (http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=13168)

[Dirt doc]

I have owned 3 Kahrs and still own 2. The accuracy and function of my PM9 and PM45 are such that I am fully confident in them as my carry pieces. The P9 I used to own functioned perfectly after 200 rounds but for some reason I didn't shoot it as well as my PM9 or PM45. I own, shoot and enjoy a Kimber, a Sig, S&W's, Rugers, Tauruses and Springers but mostly I carry Kahrs.

[yqtszhj]

Buy yourself a CM9 and 500 rounds of ammo and go enjoy yourself. If you're going to get a PM9 get the black one. I have had 2 Kahrs and they have been the most flawless guns I own. They are thin, light, and shoot very well. The trigger is super smooth. If you get one of the 1% that may have a problem Kahr will fix it. If you have an issue the folks here can give you guidance and you'll be up and running. If you are going to carry a 9mm every day get a Kahr.

[muggsy]

I'm new to this thread and am / was considering a PM9. I was hoping to join this forum to learn how good the Kahrs really are. Instead I am hearing the exact same thing that's all over the internet. They are great guns - when they work. That may be okay for a range run but if I'm going to bet my life on a gun I need it to be 100% reliable. Please explain why I'm wrong as I really want to like (and buy) a PM9. The size, weight and accuracy is impressive but the G26 is looking better and better. These guns are quite expensive I don't feel I should have to send it back to Kahr several times to maybe end up with a good (reliable) gun. Plus there are stories in this forum where the shipping to Kahr is at the owners expense - further increasing the cost of the gun. Where is quality control? Help.

I trust my life to my Kahr CM9 every day. If it should fail for any reason I have my Kahr P380 for back-up. All guns are mechanical contrivances. As such all guns are subject to failures. Even revolvers have been known to fail. Ammunition has been know to fail. What you are looking for does not exist. In the last six hundred rounds of ammunition that I ran through my CM9 I had one failure to fire and that was due to a bad primer and not the fault of the gun.

[OnTarget31]

I too trust my life to a CM9 daily, with no worries about reliability. It will also go where a Glock 26 will not, in the pocket. People will say that the G26 will fit into the pocket, but they are BIG pockets. Great gun, great company and if anything does go wrong they will take care of you. No matter what the product is you will always hear more of the negative comments than good ones, not much to talk about when it runs smooth as butter! Good luck.

[Dore]

My CM40 started off a little rocky with a broken mag follower, but Kahr did me right and sent me a couple more. After replacing it, it's ate everthing I've fed it 100%, no problems. Even crap like Tula.

[paul3156]

First I would like to say thank you for all of the prompt and encouraging replies. I realize no gun (or anything else for that matter is 100 perfect). I also realize that it is human nature to complain loudly when something does not work correctly and say nothing when it does - possibly explaining the critical comments in this and other forums. I think I may give it go - still have to do some more research. Again thank you for your support and encouragement.

[Bawanna]

You ain't seen nothing yet. Buy one and if you have problems, that's when the help and support will really come through. We got some pretty sharp cookies around here and a lot of folks ready to help.

I'm ready to help too, just hope someday to be a sharp cookie too but time is short ya know?

[Frayed Knot]

I also realize that it is human nature to complain loudly when something does not work correctly and say nothing when it does


You hit the nail on the head. I'm seriously thinking about getting my third Kahr and I completely trust the two I already have (CW9 & CM9).

[downtownv]

I have 2 Kahrs they always Bang, when I squeeze the trigger. My recommendation for you is to look elsewhere, as You already have a tainted view. You will never be happy......

[TheTman]

I've been pretty happy with my 2 Kahrs, a CW40, and a CW45. The CW40 has been fine from day one, I had some problems with the way I held it which caused it to jam. Once I corrected my shooting technique it's been flawless.
My CW45 on the otherhand, is on it's 2nd trip to the factory, trip number 1 was the trigger quit resetting after firing a shot, and they fixed it and had it back in my hands in exactly 1 week, and it's been very reliable. I did have some trouble with some +P rounds, and a new recoil spring fixed that. It's back to the factory for the 2nd time, due to it not working with the 7 round magazines. That's not that big of a deal, but if they offer 7 round mags, instead of 6, I'd like to carry a 7 round as my spare mag.
So my experience with Kahr, is that if you do have a problem, they are very quick to resolve it. I've never sent a gun in for repair and had it fixed and back in my hand in a week before. I was very impressed by that. They are also picking up the shipping again on the 2nd trip to figure out why it won't feed from the 7 round mags.
The PM9 and CM9 seem to have a very good track record, with many good range reports and very few problems. All brands of pistols have problems, none are perfect. Even revolvers, I've had to send 1 revolver in for service, a Charter Arms .44 that was getting light strikes on the primer, and am getting ready to send a Smith and Wesson 686 in for a loose front sight, which I can probably fix myself, but I'd just as soon S&W take care of it rather than risk my marring up the barrel.
If you're leery of Kahr, Beretta has their Nano, S&W has their Shield, Kimber has their Solo, all are newer designs than the PM9, so not sure of their long term reliability. What I am sure of is that Kahr's customer service has been great to me.
One of our members has over 30,000 rounds through his PM9 and it's still running fine.

[pocket pistol]

I'm not the guy that says everything I got is great. You know the guy I'm talking about. I'm honest about the stuff I buy. I have the CM9. I had like 2 jams in my first 150 shots. I'm over 500 rounds now and haven't had a problem since those early 2. I love the pistol. It's my daily carry. If I didn't trust it I'd carry one of my other pistols.

Buy one. You wont be disappointed. I think most of the problems were early on. Most of the more recent buyers I think have had good results. I want you to get one, do the prep and lube, and get your first hundred rounds through it, and get on here and brag about it.

[jmek]

Hello and buy that PM9. My first was a P9 which was flawless from the get go. I sold it years back and always regretted it. I then purchased a P45 about 8 months ago and after 150 rounds is also flawless.

[JFootin]

IMO, don't buy the PM9 thinking that the CM9 must be some cheap POS. Definitely get the PM9 if you have to have the black DLC finish. But if matte stainless works for you, get the CM9. It is built with every bit the same quality as the PM9, just with a few cosmetic changes to lower the price.

[paul3156]

JFootin - Thanks for your input but if I decide to go with a Kahr it will be the PM9. I prefer the black and would like to go with the polygonal barrel. I don't mind spending a couple hundred more for something this important that will last a long time.

I really do appreciate everyone's input - this forum is great and its members appear to be honest, reputable, and devoid of the bickering I see on on forums - an example for others to follow.

[Longitude Zero]

My CW45 and CM9 are fantastic performers.

[CJB]

Three flawless Kahrs here!

[DKD]

I am going to jump in here and offer my two cents worth. Yes I tend to be opinionated, old school old fart and as such really don;t give a rats ass what many others think especially when it comes to the, weekend warriors who couldn't find their ass with both hands and a search warrant, on line complainers...boo hooo my pistol is this or that.....now that we got that out of the way.
One thing first.....I have been around firearms all of my life and like many on this board have had our share of pistols from many manufactures. Surely I can't be that lucky over the past 40 or so years. Please keep in mind this is based upon my personal experience and that of many people around me over the years. I feel very comfortable in saying 75% of all the complaints I have seen and read about can be tracked down, back to the user or operator error. These small pistols are in fact more prone to failures to feed, and or extract than full sized autos and that is a function of design. You as a shooter need to beon your game and do your part, be it proper prepping, maintanance, and shooting form for things to be near 100%. When you add the compactnness factor with very tight spec tolerances is when you start stacking the deck against yourself if you don't do your part. I feel comfortable in saying that most of these smallish pocket pistols really should not a persons first firearm. I would recommend that one start with a good revolver then progress to an automatic and a larger one at that. Just my take on things.

[JFootin]

JFootin - Thanks for your input but if I decide to go with a Kahr it will be the PM9. I prefer the black and would like to go with the polygonal barrel. I don't mind spending a couple hundred more for something this important that will last a long time.

Good for you! Read it again and you'll see that you agree with my advice. That black DLC fininsh is ultra cool! You can also get factory installed night sights on the PM9.

The polygonal rifled barrel over the conventional rifling (read: normal and in the very large majority of guns ever produced) is a wash, IMO. I have yet to see anyone prove any increase in velocity or accuracy through those 3" barrels. In fact, what I have seen is the opposite - greater speed with the conventional barrels in these Kahrs.

I wish you good success with your PM9! Here is your smily! :) I reserve the wide grin smily (:D) for CM9 purchasers because, on top of knowing what a fine weapon they have purchased, they have the added pleasure of knowing what a great price they paid for such a perfect CC weapon! :D

[paul3156]

I just got back from my LGS. I went there to rent a Glock 26 and a PM9. The Glock 26 was very nice and fit my had well. It was accurate at the range and I was pleased with its and my performance. The Kahr PM9 was a different story. When I held it I was suprised how light it was but at the same time it didn't fit my hand as well as the Glock. I also was unable to fire it as the rental unit was out for repair. The helpful woman at my LGS seemed frustrated when she said it just needed a spring but they couldn't get any parts - it always has to be sent out. Now I know you're thinking rental guns are used and abused and that's probably true but it still has to be sent back to Kahr. If this happens to me a couple / few times do I need a backup gun for when it decides to fail or just needs routine maintenance? When I asked her when she thought it would be back she said "she had no idea - it's been out for a while". It seems my LGS has made my previous point for me. I do not want a gun that's not reliable or available (sent back home for repair). Glock has won this one. I still do appreciate everyone's input and advice here - I just have one more question - Given my situation what would you do?

[Markis82]

Funny, you seem to be in the minority in both points. First I'd like to say that I'm a Glock owner and love them. But you must be the person Glock designed their grip to. The biggest aftermarket modification done to Glocks beside changing the sights must be grip modification. There are many companies who specialize in it. There are at least 3 different grip mods out there. Finger bumps removal, front strap reduction, blackstrap reduction, etc... To say it fits your hand well is unusual. Also, most say that Kahrs fit their hand perfectly. Again I'll stress that Kahrs are no more unreliable than Glocks. However, you must go with what makes you confident.

[O'Dell]

I just got back from my LGS. I went there to rent a Glock 26 and a PM9. The Glock 26 was very nice and fit my had well. It was accurate at the range and I was pleased with its and my performance. The Kahr PM9 was a different story. When I held it I was suprised how light it was but at the same time it didn't fit my hand as well as the Glock. I also was unable to fire it as the rental unit was out for repair. The helpful woman at my LGS seemed frustrated when she said it just needed a spring but they couldn't get any parts - it always has to be sent out. Now I know you're thinking rental guns are used and abused and that's probably true but it still has to be sent back to Kahr. If this happens to me a couple / few times do I need a backup gun for when it decides to fail or just needs routine maintenance? When I asked her when she thought it would be back she said "she had no idea - it's been out for a while". It seems my LGS has made my previous point for me. I do not want a gun that's not reliable or available (sent back home for repair). Glock has won this one. I still do appreciate everyone's input and advice here - I just have one more question - Given my situation what would you do?

Since you ask, I'll answer, but this is strictly my opinion and worth exact what you paid for it. If the Glock works for you, buy it. They don't work for me. I have shot my son's Glocks many times, and the only one that I can get my fingers around is a 36. Even that one does not point well for me, and consequently, I don't shoot Glocks well. None of the many pistols I've owned from a Browning HP in 1966 to the latest Kahr MK40 in February has caused me this problem. BTW, this has labeled me a Glock hater, but I don't hate them, I just can't shoot them. So, as I said, if it fits you, by all means get it.

As for Kahr CS, I mentioned I have had seven over the last five or six years. None has gone back for any malfunction, but I did have a cosmetic problem on my PM45. I bought the gun used and it had a deep scratch on the slide. I called Kahr thinking I needed to buy a new slide. They said send it back and they'd see what could be done. They paid shipping and got the gun back to me in about a week with a new slide, recoil assy, and a polished feed ramp. All was handled under warranty. This was about four years ago, and I don't know what would happen today under the same circumstances.

[ilmbaba]

What would I do if I were you? I bought a Glock 36 (about the same size as the 26). I have 2 other Glocks, a 20SF and a 21SF, but I just didn't like the way the 36 felt. Add to that the fact that I came across several complaints about the 36, and I ended up trading it out before I ever fired a shot. I bought the CM40, the inexpensive version of the PM40 (equivalent to the PM9). I went with the CM40 because it has standard rifling and I can shoot lead cast reloads through it (can't do that with the PM series, or the Glocks for that matter).
I was looking for a pocket carry gun, and the G36 was way to big for that. The CM40 is just right, and I opted for 1 less round in 40 S&W instead of the 9MM because of the added punch.
I took it out and it was great. Like what happened to Dore, my magazine follower broke on my first 5 shots. I didn't even realize it, except I had to adjust the follower to load the magazine each time. I went through 75 rounds in that session, and when I took the magazine apart afterwards to see what was happening, the follower came out in a few pieces.
I had read several negative things about Kahrs, but I had also read that alot of the initial problems were from people who didn't follow the prepping procedures posted on this forum. I followed them, and had no issues (except the follower). I heard that a broken follower is a somewhat common problem specific to the 40s, due in large part to what was probably a faulty manufacturing run. Everyone who replaced them said they did not have a repeat of the problem. Additionally, it seems that Kahr did a nice job of sending an extra follower, or an extra magazine at no charge.
I called them up, and they sent me an e-mail with a link to a pre-paid label. I sent it back 2 weeks ago, and it is scheduled to be delivered on Monday (of course, I'm out of town). I could have opted for them to just send me a new follower, and there are folks that have done that, but they offered to bring it back at no charge just so they could give it a once-over and make sure nothing was out of alignment.
I was unsure of how I felt about this, but after dealing with Kahr's CS, I went out and bought a CW45 (the Kahr I was originally looking at). I have read a few stories of problems with them too, and more great recovery stories about Customer Service. Overall, I thought it was a safe bet that if something did go sideways, Kahr would make it right.
You have to do what's right for you, and if you like the Glock more than the Kahr, it seems to be more of a case of "Who cares what anyone else would do." I love the Glocks I have. The sub-compacts are not very sub, and I believe I did the right thing ditching the G36 for the CM40. the CM40 will be my EDC after I finish the break-in. I did not have any of the operational issues you most commonly read about.
Honestly, if your LGS has had bad luck with Kahr repairs, you might want to ask them if they shipped it to Kahr or somewhere else. I find it hard to believe that Kahr would take an inordinate amount of time repairing a gun for a LGS that sells the Kahr line.
I'm hoping Kahr's next release will be a CM version of the PM45, because I would buy one.

[Russ]

I'm new to this thread and am / was considering a PM9. I was hoping to join this forum to learn how good the Kahrs really are. Instead I am hearing the exact same thing that's all over the internet. They are great guns - when they work. That may be okay for a range run but if I'm going to bet my life on a gun I need it to be 100% reliable. Please explain why I'm wrong as I really want to like (and buy) a PM9. The size, weight and accuracy is impressive but the G26 is looking better and better. These guns are quite expensive I don't feel I should have to send it back to Kahr several times to maybe end up with a good (reliable) gun. Plus there are stories in this forum where the shipping to Kahr is at the owners expense - further increasing the cost of the gun. Where is quality control? Help.

Paul

I am a simple guy and I am not interested in tinkering and fine tuning my conceal gun to ensure it goes bang with any type of ammo.

I have owned a Kahr CM9 and a Beretta Nano but honestly I just got tired of problem solving.

If you want a gun you can still pocket conceal that will fire everytime even if you don't clean it the S&W Shield is the weapon. It is about the size of a Glock 26 only in a single stack less than an inch wide.

It will probably end up as gun of the year which means you will need to get on a waiting list.

The price range is $399 to $449.

Russ

[Markis82]

Mr Shield went from Mr kahr to Mr Nano to now, Mr Shield. He seems to swoon after his lastest decision then drop it like a hot potato. As soon as that Shield hiccups who knows who he will be next. All semi's models (maybe not a individual gun) have an issue now and again. Go look at any forum. Even revolvers have an issue now and again. Russ got a Kahr that had an issue and a Nano that had an issue. Many people get either one and have no issues. Russ also got a Shield that has not had an issue yet. Many people get one that has an issue and they would say that they couldn't trust it. It proves nothing! Perfection does not exist. Both the Nano and the Shield designs are too new. All the bugs have not yet been discovered in either weapon. Kahr's pistol designs are tried and true. Proven to be a winner. Again, that Shield has a manual safety, a NEVER for me in my DAO carry weapon.

[Russ]

Paul:

You have some valid questions when it comes to quality and reliability especially when we are talking a ccw.

You can learn much if you visit multiple forums and read what owners are saying.

The Shield is an M&P which is not a new or unproven design.
If you fall in love with a Kahr go for it.

I am not a fly by the pants person that drops a gun with the first failure.
I shot 2 cases of ammo through the Kahr and Nano collectively and spent a lot of time on this forum and Beretta picking the minds of everyone.

I read a lot and crunched numbers trying to find the most reliable gun and in my search one statistic that I could not ignore was a post on the M&P forum where one observer noted 40 Shield owners collectively shot nearly 10,000 rounds with zero failures.

What I find impressive about that obsrevation is the fact we have 40 different shooters from all walks of life using a random mix of ammo with an average of 250 rounds fired each and not one failure.

Imagine you are in a college class with 40 people and you all take a 250 question exam and everyone scores 100%. (In my school days I personally never experienced such an outcome which makes the Shield in my opinion a very unique firearm.)

Good Luck,

Russ

[Markis82]

We all know the 1911 is a proven design. However, when they shrink it down to a 3" barrel all kinds of changes must occur. Therefore it is "new" design. The 3" 1911 has proven to be MUCH more problematic than the origional. Much the same way a 3" 1911 is a new design, the Shield is a new design. I'm sure you can ask 40 CM9 owners and find relieability. I am one. Thousands of rounds through my CM9 and not one failure, stove pipe, FTE, FTF or a hiccup of any kind. Or ask different 40 Shield owners and find failure. There are "lies, damn lies, and statistics." ~ Mark Twain among others. Furthermore, the Shield has not been around long enough to have enough data to make any conclusions. Best to stay with a design that was built from the ground up as a "pocket sized" gun. Rather than a gun that was redesigned to fit a popular market. If you buy say a BMW and the starter dies. You wouldn't say that all BMW's have problems. You wouldn't swear off BMW's, trade the car in and get an Audi. You have it fixed and move on. Yes, there are other people whose starter didn't die, who own different cars. However, their car isn't "just better." I'm sure some Wison, Les Baer, and Nighthawks have had some failures too. When you buy anything from a dishwasher to a gun, you are taking a chance.

[Russ]

Mark

I agree there are good guns and bad guns from every maker.

What I like about these gun forums over gun magazines is you get an honest assessment of a gun by an average Joe. Magazines live and die on advertising. You can't expect an honest report.

However on gun forums we have nothing to gain by sharing our real life experiences.

What am I going to gain if Paul buys a Kahr or a Shield?

I am just sharing my real life experience just like you and for me so far the Shield has been more reliable shooting the same number of rounds. If the Shield down the road decides to suddenly stop being reliable I am not too proud to look for a better mouse trap.

Thanks for your comments I really learn a lot on this forum and I appreciate different opinions
Russ

[Markis82]

Yes, I agree. We give opinions based on our experiences. Sometimes we fall into the trap of transposing our own personal experience on to the whole (because mine then all...). Because we experience something, really is not representative of the whole. We must understand our experience is just a micro amount of the picture.

[JrFreak]

I have a PM9 and never have had an issue with it.

[sharpenit]

I'm new to this thread and am / was considering a PM9. I was hoping to join this forum to learn how good the Kahrs really are. Instead I am hearing the exact same thing that's all over the internet. They are great guns - when they work. That may be okay for a range run but if I'm going to bet my life on a gun I need it to be 100% reliable. Please explain why I'm wrong as I really want to like (and buy) a PM9. The size, weight and accuracy is impressive but the G26 is looking better and better. These guns are quite expensive I don't feel I should have to send it back to Kahr several times to maybe end up with a good (reliable) gun. Plus there are stories in this forum where the shipping to Kahr is at the owners expense - further increasing the cost of the gun. Where is quality control? Help.

I had problems with my CM9 right out of the box. But Kahr customer service sent me a new recoil spring for free, and after about 450 rounds, the pistol began to work perfectly. I've put another 1,200 rounds through it since then without a problem and it is my EDC carry gun.

I now trust this particular CM9, but would I buy another Kahr, knowing that I might have to go through all that stress and worry again, not to mention expending nine boxes of ammo before it worked right? I'm not sure.

[GunJunkie]

I recently traded my MK9 for a CM9. I've had the MK9 since 1996 and shot it a bunch. Had a problem with the slide stop spring when it was new, but Kahr helped me resolve it and it was 100% afterwards. It was just heavy for it's size, and the attractive price and reputation of the CM9 led me to try one.
I do not regret my decision to replace the MK9 with the CM9. I can use my extra magazine and DeSantis holster and it is every bit as 'shootable' and accurate as the MK9.
I'm quite satisfied after about 200 rounds with many more to go.
:D

[hammerclaw56]

Rest assured that it's possible to have problems with anything man makes ,but these are some of the most reliable handguns available,I have a pm9 DLC that has around a thousand rounds throught her without the first problem of any kind .And that's with all types of ammo, Kahrs can't be beat for size and quality.

[ParabellumJ]

I own both a Glock and Kahr. Before I bought the Glock I researched and shot just about every 9mm polymer service pistol available with a 4" (or close to) barrel. What I found in my research was countless complaints of problems with the Gen 4 G19. I'm sure you are all aware of Glocks problems with the new Gen 4 recoil springs. Many people suggested a Gen 3 but they didn't fit my hand at all. The reduction in the gen 4 grip is what made it work for me. By this time Glock had all ready issued a third version of the new recoil spring, and I shot 3 different ones and various ranges and not had an issue with any of them. Despite all of the countless complaints with the Gen 4 Glocks, I bought one. I now have close to 4,000 rounds through it and have had not one single issue. I also am on my second Kahr, a PM9 that replaced a CM9. Both without a single misfire in 1,500 rounds between the 2. My PM9 did break a follower during break-in, and Kahr did an excellent job in resolving the issue at no expense to me.

My point here is this...No matter what gun you are researching on the internet you will find forums and videos and articles reporting problems. If you go by others negative experiences rather than judge for yourself you wont ever find a gun you believe is reliable. Would I buy another Glock? Absolutely, I believe they are as reliable as any gun out there. Would I buy another Kahr? Without hesitation. I also believe they are as reliable as any other gun out there. Would I trust my life to either? I do every day. If you shoot the Glock well, I would never not recommend anyone buy one. But don't judge kahrs based on reading reports of problems, and certainly don't judge them based on a range guns service record. My experience with Kahr has been fantastic. In fact I would like to find a NYPD K9 that I can make into a project gun.

[jocko]

a shame alot of people don't go into a gun buy with ur attitude to.Issues happen, just that some just cannot handle it, but maybe accept it with new car or refrigerator or..what ever..

[ratchetjaw]

I just got back from my LGS. I went there to rent a Glock 26 and a PM9. The Glock 26 was very nice and fit my had well. It was accurate at the range and I was pleased with its and my performance. The Kahr PM9 was a different story. When I held it I was suprised how light it was but at the same time it didn't fit my hand as well as the Glock. I also was unable to fire it as the rental unit was out for repair. The helpful woman at my LGS seemed frustrated when she said it just needed a spring but they couldn't get any parts - it always has to be sent out. Now I know you're thinking rental guns are used and abused and that's probably true but it still has to be sent back to Kahr. If this happens to me a couple / few times do I need a backup gun for when it decides to fail or just needs routine maintenance? When I asked her when she thought it would be back she said "she had no idea - it's been out for a while". It seems my LGS has made my previous point for me. I do not want a gun that's not reliable or available (sent back home for repair). Glock has won this one. I still do appreciate everyone's input and advice here - I just have one more question - Given my situation what would you do?

I am just now back with kahr (a sweet shooting cm9) but own more Glocks and m&p's than anything. Based off the Glock. 26 fitting your hand, mainly hip carry and not pocket carry is planned. Get the Glock 26

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[johnh]

My experience has been 100% with every Kahr I have owned, before and after doing this forum. Four guns and likely to be five before the year is out. The pattern I have seen time and time again on this forum is people buying a new gun, firing a few magazines, and reporting "issues" that are clearly addressed by the break-in requirement. That and "my mags don't drop free". Read the manual, do the break-in, use good ammo, do not modify the gun in any number of bizarre ways, and it will work. If it does not after that, call Kahr.

[1984]

Just buy both.

The glock 26 should always have more capacity than the Kahr.

The Kahr should always be lighter and more concealable.

I have both and if my experience holds you'll find that:
- reliability is about the same
- both take the same ammo just as well

You'll eventually find you end up carrying one or the other more often because you shoot it better or carry it better or trust it more or whatever. Once you do, sell the one you don't carry as often and buy a (used if needed) backup for the carry gun.

All you are out is a few bucks for the now unused hoslters and a little lost on the new/used exchange.

When you figure you'll be conservatively practicing with ammo at $10.00-$20.00 per month x 12 months x 20+ years, the cost of trying both and then getting the gun, the right gun for you, is pretty small.

And if you don't intend to spend that much in practice then probably doesn't matter which gun is more reliable.