Is the K9 one of the best?

[Wisewolfhowling]

Up until less then a year ago I had never shot a khar. Sure I had seen them in the magazines and wanted to try them out but for some reason took my time getting one. I finally broke down and bought a police trade in K9 and what did I find out? I absolutely love this gun! It shoots good, it is built solid, and is the perfect size in my opinion for ccw. I know some are going to argue that the pm9 is better for ccw but I like the extra weight and the full grip I can get on the gun.
Now I know this site is going to be biased and like me we like the kahrs, but on another web site I was trying to explain how good the guns are and some people were comparing them to kel tech. This leaves me to one conclusion" they have never really shot or handled a kahr". Of course this site was trying hard to promote sig. They finally got tired of me debating that they deleted me out of the thread LOL. I even told them kahr might not be the best gun out there "for me it is" but it is definitely not in the same category as kel tech and like I told them I would put my K9 up against there sig 290 any day of the week. So in my humble opinion I think the K9 is one of the "Greats" and will always be a viable choice as a ccw.

[Tslepebull]

If your holster selection is good, weight will not be an issue. We are spoiled with the light weight designs that have been released in the last 20 years and have forgotten that many (myself included) CC'd K-frame revolvers very successfully. My 2.5" S&W model 66 weighs 34 oz and nobody ever printed me carrying it.

Your K9 will serve you well.

[ripley16]

The Kahr concept and general design are certainly one of the best for a concealed handgun. The sizes, weights and thin profiles are perfect. Where Kahr suffers in reputation are in the two most criticized areas; the "break in period" and Kahr's lack of rock solid reliability. The "greats" in the gun world do not have these handicaps.

Were the guns more reliable, then indeed the Kahr would be a great brand. I'm a huge Kahr fan, but the truth is I don't view them with anywhere near the awe that I do a Heckler Koch's product. My dream gun is a merger of Kahr and HK... a Heckler Kahr... a gun this small, this thin, this reliable, this perfect.

[kerby9mm]

IMO a bigger gun is easier to make run reliably and HKs are bigger that Kahrs. I respect the Kahrs for what they are and they aren't Kel tecs

[Wisewolfhowling]

The Kahr concept and general design are certainly one of the best for a concealed handgun. The sizes, weights and thin profiles are perfect. Where Kahr suffers in reputation are in the two most criticized areas; the "break in period" and Kahr's lack of rock solid reliability. The "greats" in the gun world do not have these handicaps.

Were the guns more reliable, then indeed the Kahr would be a great brand. I'm a huge Kahr fan, but the truth is I don't view them with anywhere near the awe that I do a Heckler Koch's product. My dream gun is a merger of Kahr and HK... a Heckler Kahr... a gun this small, this thin, this reliable, this perfect.

Are the reliability issues more towards the newer guns " polymer " or all kahr's in general? When researching the K9 before buying one I didn't see a lot of talk about reliability issues.

[Bawanna]

The Kahrs are small packages and less forgiving than larger counterparts. I admire that Kahr is honest and states clearly that a break in is a good thing.

I think more than anything it gets a new owner and perhaps new shooter an opportunity to bond with the gun. They don't always need a break in at all but often times a combination of new shooter and a tight unforgiving gun make bad things happen.

There were very few issues with the K's and MK's. I had a peening issue with my early K40 but after that no issues since.

Those unknowing or those that ride for a specific brand will always find bad things to say about the ones they don't know about and usually have never had experience with.

The little 380 admittedly had a lot of issues. I think those have been worked out now and the new ones coming off the line are trouble free, hardly hear about any anymore.

Other than the lighter weight of the PM, the K has no downfalls. A good belt and holster and it'll be a winner.

[jocko]

IMO a bigger gun is easier to make run reliably and HKs are bigger that Kahrs. I respect the Kahrs for what they are and they aren't Kel tecs

totally right.. Just sayin

[ripley16]

Are the reliability issues more towards the newer guns " polymer " or all kahr's in general? When researching the K9 before buying one I didn't see a lot of talk about reliability issues.

I'd say that's pretty accurate and a good point. Of the entire Kahr line, the K9 has the best reputation. The biggest criticism the K9 may have faced is the trigger. Why one trigger for the K9 and another for the rest of the line has always been a mystery to me persoanally.

The K9 and HK P2000sk aren't that far apart in size or weight.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/kahrandHk006.jpg

[jocko]

my two cents: probalby at the time the K9 was being made the NYPD expressed their demands and kahr just made the nypd trigger as standard unless otherwise specified.

I realy hav eno criticism towards either triger system in the K9 over my PM9. I truthfully cannot tell thge difference, some claim they can, evidentely they are much better at feeling 1/8" travel than I am. Certainily in a SHTF situation one willnever know the difference.

Today the KL9's are all elite trigger with special order being now the nypd trigger system and that is now due to tyhe fact that kahr is no longer on the nypd approved carry list, so the nypd trigger will probably in time just dissappear to. Course now as most realize we now have 3 different trigger systems. nypd, elite and enhanced.

More than likely down the road we will hear jof people not being hapy abouyt the elite trigger system, yadda yadda.

[tek610]

I completely agree Wisewolf- My new K9 Elite should be waiting for me at my FFL on Thursday :)

[jocko]

normally when an owner has an issue with any handgun, it hits every gun forum he can get on. Normally when we have zero issues. It never gets posted. Just the nature of the beast, and then add to that one has to sife the sh!t from the gold on the internet also.

U know the internet is like Obummer. It lies alot.. Just sayin

[Bug Splat]

I love my K40. I spent many years trying to find the best carry pistol for me and the K40 was my first pick. I stupidly sold it to fund another carry pistol and cycle went on for 10 years before I realized the K40 was the best. I bought a K40 again and will not sell it again.

I have never had a jam with either K40. I am not a fan of the poly Kahr's, they just don't feel as nice. I also think the risk of jams increase with the lighter weight. Not to say they are not reliable but it requires a much stronger grip to not limp wrist.

[Short Bus]

I agree that the K is the perfect size, but my flavor is a little lighter. The P9 (or P/CW in whatever cal. you like, the deal I found was a P9) is the best choice for me. The MK/PM/CM's are a little small to me, I like to get all my fingers on the grip.

[kahrsport]

what i love about my four kahrs are that they look like normal guns, compact, functional, optional of ss (black) or poly, and that they are usa...

they may not win the beauty pagent, may not yet build the glock reputation, but they sure come close tho...

[jocko]

actually I think the K9 kahrs are as nice a lookin gun as any oh the market. not any craphangingoff the sides of the gun. extremely clean lines.Polys are never as pretty as steel, but that is where it ends thoughto. Give me poly any day for ccw.

[Nimrod]

I have several guns, three of which are Kahrs. My K9 Elite is my favorite gun. It was my EDC for three years but now I use my new MK40 as my EDC. I taught my daughter and two grandsons to shoot with the K9. I shoot best with the K9. It is extremely accurate and the trigger is the smoothest I have ever felt. I use this gun when I have to requalify for my CHL. It is also the gun my daughter chose to use when she got her CHL.

Most people that buy Kahr models that have been on the market for a while have few if any problems. Its the new models that tend to have most problems. Eventually Kahr will work them out. If you buy a new Kahr, go through the breakin period and work out any problems you may have, even if it means sending it back to Kahr once, or even twice (this would be rare). The effort is worth it. Once you get the bugs out and get the gun broke in, it will be 100% reliable. I bet my life on mine.

Kahrs are designed for concealed carry. I personally think that they are the best gun available for concealed carry and that is why I carry Kahrs. If I thought there was a better one available, that is what I would carry. There are many guns better suited for exposed carry, but not for concealed carry.

Sorry, I am starting to ramble. I love my Kahrs.

[7shot]

The first time I shot my buddies K9 I was sold and quickly got rid of my LC9. The only issue I had with mine was it didn't want to feed 124 or 137 gr Gold Dot HP's. Kept nose diving. So switched to Hornady 137 gr Critical Duty and have had no issues sinse. It's a great pistol and even prefer it over my XDm.

[wyntrout]

I finally added a P9 to my Kahrs and it's like my K9 weighing 8 ounces less. I just need to put a metal base plate and O-ring on the mag for CCW. I've been CC'ing my P40 like that and it's only a tiny bit more to hide than the PM9 or PM45.

Wynn:)

[FrankinCA]

I have other firearms, but the two I keep loaded are a Sig P220 and a K9.

Mine is from the 90's. Other than Meprolight night sights (which still glow), it's stock. I've run about 1k through it. Never missed a beat.

[tv_racin_fan]

Wisewolf my wife purchased our first Kahr. A CW9. I have to admit that we have had some issues. We are new to semi auto handguns and handguns this size of any type. Being a new gun to newbs I was still a bit miffed that I had some issues. I didn't let it upset us tho as the issues were mainly with the wife shooting and I guessed it was her grip more than anything. She could try to run a mag and have issue and I would take it reload and run the mag clean. But then now and then I would reload again and the dern thing would nose dive on me. She has either tightened up her grip or the gun has broken in because I can not recall an issue in our last three range trips.

I liked the feel of her CW9 so much I found myself a K9 (I like steel better than polymer but the CW is awesome). OMGAWD I am in love... or maybe it is lust. I had some issues with my K9 even tho it was used but it seems to have cleaned up as I can not recall an issue in those last range trips either.

IF you have some issues I bet someone here can help solve them.

My wife touched my K9 and her first words were "I know which Kahr I am going to carry".. I started looking for another one before we ever hit the range. I found one and got it only to find out that the wife can not run the slide to her satisfaction. It is a bit stiffer than the CW even with the reduced power springs.

If I had the cash I would buy CWs for my daughters and a K9 for my son. Tho he likes his SIG just fine...

Alas I like the feel of a revolver and sometimes I just have to carry a Ruger SP101 in 357 with some awesome Bawanna grips. When he gets the issue solved with the Kahr K9 grips I'll have a set on my K9.

[Wisewolfhowling]

I also have a sp101 I carry if not the k9. My sp is short barrel and does not have spur on hammer.
When you say the slide on the k9 is stiff are you trying to sling shot the slide to chamber the first round? If I try this my slide is extremely stiff but the manual calls out to have the slide back when inserting mag and use slide stop to release the slide. When working my gun like this I don't seem to have a problem.
I do understand carrying a revolver, some times I just feel the need to carry a wheel gun:-)

[kahrsport]

^^ the cw9 is a such a useful gun, more so than the k9, but the k9 just oh so right...

i had a sig a while back and liked much for it's beauty but for sure i never thought it could match my cw9 in terms of performance tho...

the k9 is just the right natural progression of things once you own a cw9...

[jocko]

well said.. I nver was a sig fan, just don't normally like big guns

[espresso]

the k9 is just the right natural progression of things once you own a cw9...

Ditto on that.

I liked my CW9 so much I just had to have the all metal big brother so I picked up a used one a few weeks ago.

I don't see me getting rid of my CW9 though. It's a fantastic gun especially for the price.

[ripley16]

Much as I like and enjoy my Kahrs, I have a hard time lumping the K9 into a "Great" catagory. The term should be used for the few really well designed and executed guns. Kahrs bring many admirable features to the table, but the flaws make the gun less than perfect. Were these flaws corrected, and the manufacturing quality executed better, there's no doubt the guns would be great.

* Who here hasn't complained about the magazines and the built in propensity to nosedive?

* Another chronic mag problem is that they shed rounds when carried in a pocket or pouch.

* Many complaints of spring problems, both recoil and slide stop lever springs.

* Kahrs seem more prone to light strikes than other brands.

* Loading proceedures chase off many people that want to slingshot a slide.

* Nickle coating problems surface now and then.

As much as I like my Kahrs, they just aren't, IMHO, a brand that instills absolute trust. And that fact seems to be what a truely great gun, especially one intened for carry and protection, should be associated with.

[kahrsport]

great is a really hard term to place on kahr esp so many brands with so many guns to choose from but i guess you have decide how much credit or how much a given attribute of the kahr gun is considered so invaluable that no other gun can give ya...

that said i have absolutely zero problems with my 4 kahrs except the mk9 with the serrations missing on one side (fixed by kahr)... with all different type of ammos too...

but i do agree the magazine is rather odd by design and so many stories, i guess a new mag means a new gun and that's not something easily done?...

[jocko]

Much as I like and enjoy my Kahrs, I have a hard time lumping the K9 into a "Great" catagory. The term should be used for the few really well designed and executed guns. Kahrs bring many admirable features to the table, but the flaws make the gun less than perfect. Were these flaws corrected, and the manufacturing quality executed better, there's no doubt the guns would be great.

* Who here hasn't complained about the magazines and the built in propencity to nosedive?

* Another chronic mag problem is that they shed rounds when carried in a pocket or pouch.

* Many complaints of spring problems, both recoil and slide stop lever springs.

* Kahrs seem more prone to light strikes than other brands.

* Loading proceedures chase off many people that want to slingshot a slide.

* Nickle coating problems surface now and then.

As much as I like my Kahrs, they just aren't, IMHO, a brand that instills absolute trust. And that fact seems to be what a truely great gun, especially one intened for carry and protection, should be associated with.

from being on here since the git go. most of what ur talkingab out doesn't relate to the K9. I guess Great is in the eyes of the beholder also. I put the glock in a great colum and I am sure many willdissagree with me. They have had many issues over theyears, and a list of internal changes that would choke a horse, but it is what it is. I certainly donm't put the 1911 in a Great category. Many do. Some put the HK in a great category, but I don't want a gun bigger than my house.

I put my PM9 as a great gun FOR ME. I absolutely truyst my PM9 (both of them_)

Great migbht be a term not to good for guns even:der: Just sayin

[Bawanna]

Damn commy! The 1911 is the greatest of the great. I agree on the others. I've often wonder if the controls on a HK could pull double duty as jack handles on my car jack, or pry bars for demolition work in construction.

Actually all guns are great, just some are greater than others.

[O'Dell]

Much as I like and enjoy my Kahrs, I have a hard time lumping the K9 into a "Great" catagory. The term should be used for the few really well designed and executed guns. Kahrs bring many admirable features to the table, but the flaws make the gun less than perfect. Were these flaws corrected, and the manufacturing quality executed better, there's no doubt the guns would be great.

* Who here hasn't complained about the magazines and the built in propensity to nosedive?

* Another chronic mag problem is that they shed rounds when carried in a pocket or pouch.

* Many complaints of spring problems, both recoil and slide stop lever springs.

* Kahrs seem more prone to light strikes than other brands.

* Loading proceedures chase off many people that want to slingshot a slide.

* Nickle coating problems surface now and then.

As much as I like my Kahrs, they just aren't, IMHO, a brand that instills absolute trust. And that fact seems to be what a truely great gun, especially one intened for carry and protection, should be associated with.

Maybe I've been fortunate, [Gee, I hate that word] but through seven Kahrs over five+ years I haven't had one of these problems. I do carry any extra mags in a tight pouch and I NEVER use extended mags in any pistol, so maybe two don't apply. BTW, I've never had a problem sling shotting a Kahr or any other pistol for that matter.

[O'Dell]

Some put the HK in a great category, but I don't want a gun bigger than my house.



I just looked at my HK45C and have decided that you have a very small house.:)

[jocko]

small house, yup , but big ideas.

For me anyhow a great gun to me is one that is with me 24/7 and I carried my J frame for many many years, It was a great gun. then along comes my PM9 and it is now with me 24/7 and I would not carry a gun that I don't trust. Never did, never will.

Sorry Bawanna, I speak the truth though. O'Dell that HK45C is a house compared to my T-Pee PM9, Helleven the HJK45C (compact, which is a joke) comaredto the PM45kahr. it is still a house compred to a T-Pee in the 45cal even..

[jocko]

Damn commy! The 1911 is the greatest of the great. I agree on the others. I've often wonder if the controls on a HK could pull double duty as jack handles on my car jack, or pry bars for demolition work in construction.

Actually all guns are great, just some are greater than others.

we don't call u the GREAT ONE for nuttin. Just sayin:der:

[O'Dell]

small house, yup , but big ideas.

For me anyhow a great gun to me is one that is with me 24/7 and I carried my J frame for many many years, It was a great gun. then along comes my PM9 and it is now with me 24/7 and I would not carry a gun that I don't trust. Never did, never will.

Sorry Bawanna, I speak the truth though. O'Dell that HK45C is a house compared to my T-Pee PM9, Helleven the HJK45C (compact, which is a joke) comaredto the PM45kahr. it is still a house compred to a T-Pee in the 45cal even..

I don't know what an HJK45C is but an HK45C is a compact, [note the "C"] and it's considerably smaller than a house. Admittedly, my full size USP 40 is, well, full sized, and is about the same size and weight as my SIG P220. However, both are great for home defense weapons as they both have excellent night sights, and I don't "carry" either of them. The HK is slightly greater because it has almost double the capacity.

I will not put down a Kahr, because I consider them great for their intended purpose, which is concealed carry. After all I have bought seven of them. If I'm forced to pocket carry, it will be the PM9, and if I can belt carry, in most cases it will be the CW45 or the MK40.

To me a great gun is one that you can take out of the box, clean, load, and not have a thought if it will perform as designed. So far that has been true of every Kahr, HK, SIG, and S&W I have ever owned. I can't say the same for all my 1911's, but it does apply to the SIGs and Springfields. I don't think you will ever find many people who have had an HK that wouldn't qualify, including the SEALS and Army Rangers.

[johnk568]

Howdy,

I have to agree with you on Springfields. They work right out of the box, accurate as heck, & reliable. I own 8 1911's, from 3" to 5", from 6 rounds to 14 rounds, and various colors, silver, green, & black. I also have a Rock Island Arms 1911, in 9 MM, which was new, and has 300 rounds down the tube, no malufuctions. My Colt WW1 reissue has had no problems out of the box, either

jkrzos

[jocko]

sorry about the missspell O'Del lI did mean the HK45C, it is small by their standards but very big by Kahr PM45 standards.4 sure I ain't knocking any HK, they are what they are, great gunsj, Just not small guns when ur comparing Kahrs to any HK

[Bawanna]

Hardly worth mentioning, you so rarely make a spelling error that it's just appalling when it does happen. Why make a mountain out of a mole hill?

[jocko]

yes it happens so rarely,that I can't believe O"Dell called me out on it even. Just sayin

[harrydog]

I love the K9. I have a PM9 also and love it as well but if I could only keep one I would have to choose the K9. A little harder to conceal but not that much harder and I think it is a better all around gun. Just the right size. A great design. I never had a malfunction with either of the two K9's that I've owned (knock on wood) even right out of the box.
I also agree that the 1911 is a great design. Maybe the greatest. There are so versions out there that are built to a price point and that's what gives the 1911 a spotty reputation for reliability but if you get a well made one, they are extremely reliable. Due to the design they require hand labor to build them properly so getting a good one usually means big bucks. But hey, you gotta spend your money on something.

[eltee]

I've had zero reliability issues with my K9, purchased in 2000, with a few thousand rounds through it. I've had zero reliability issues with my MK9, purchased in 1999 with thousands of rounds through it. Zero issues with my K40, except when I jacked up the recoil spring when disassembling (sic?). And (maybe best concealability to power ratio of all) my K40 covert, purchased used, with a few thousand rounds through it, works fine.

I think the PM series with polymer frame have helped create the reputation of reliability problems. I waited some time before getting into one. I think this forum did a lot in helping to figure out most common causes of problems. Finally got a bluntnosed one used earlier this year, and it did take some working things out with ammo and magazines/springs. I trust it now.

No doubt the HK's are fine guns, but the Kahrs are exceptionally shootable, with the finest double action trigger, and the best fit for those with smaller hands.

[kahrsport]

well op, i have a question for ya? what ya think of the cz75 full size?

[jocko]

I love the K9. I have a PM9 also and love it as well but if I could only keep one I would have to choose the K9. A little harder to conceal but not that much harder and I think it is a better all around gun. Just the right size. A great design. I never had a malfunction with either of the two K9's that I've owned (knock on wood) even right out of the box.
I also agree that the 1911 is a great design. Maybe the greatest. There are so versions out there that are built to a price point and that's what gives the 1911 a spotty reputation for reliability but if you get a well made one, they are extremely reliable. Due to the design they require hand labor to build them properly so getting a good one usually means big bucks. But hey, you gotta spend your money on something.

it seems to me as a non owner of any 1911, but reading and learninng alot, that the general consensou is if u buy a 1911, expect to hav eto tweek it somehow to ge tit totally reliably. But when we mention tweeks on this fourm, u would think we are asking one to kill his neighbor. Kimbers seem to be hight dollar guns and I sure read more than I think I should about issues from a new owner etc. Proabab ly no more beautiful semi made than the 1911 but lets face it very few out of the military packing boxes of government 1911's will do well with todayts HP ammo and many other rounds, without some serious things done to it. Most think nuttin about it either, so I guess its OK... Just sayin..

[jocko]

I love the K9. I have a PM9 also and love it as well but if I could only keep one I would have to choose the K9. A little harder to conceal but not that much harder and I think it is a better all around gun. Just the right size. A great design. I never had a malfunction with either of the two K9's that I've owned (knock on wood) even right out of the box.
I also agree that the 1911 is a great design. Maybe the greatest. There are so versions out there that are built to a price point and that's what gives the 1911 a spotty reputation for reliability but if you get a well made one, they are extremely reliable. Due to the design they require hand labor to build them properly so getting a good one usually means big bucks. But hey, you gotta spend your money on something.

um both also but if I could only keep one, the K9 would be gone in a heart beat simpley due to size and nuttin else. If it won't ride in my front pocket, then I really am not interested. My K9 is my home vanity gun and my range gun and I love to shoot it. I bought it used off of a op and have no clue as to how many rounds has been through it befire I got it, I knw O have put about 5K through it since and it has been flawless and it to meseems like so much of a classy gun to. With my rubber grips on it, makes it feel so so good. Just sayin copurse I had to magna port it to..:der:

[kahrsport]

the 1911 is a very sweet design... why? because it's one of the first... but so much improvements have been done on it that people forget the 1911 is a fanboy fetish thing more than a design thing... but i guess i have that fetish too...

[jocko]

well it could be worse, u might have had a foot fetish and then what??? Just sayin

[Bawanna]

Fanboy Fetish thing!??

It worked real fine for a 100 years before this tupperware stuff came out.

[jocko]

well u answered ur own question, ol 1911 hasbeen...

[harrydog]

The 1911's of old were very reliable but like I said, they were designed during a time when hand labor was cheap and each gun was hand fitted so tweaking was not normally necessary. Today, manufacturers try to make the 1911 using modern construction methods (no hand fitting) and that's where the problems arise.
Wilson, Ed Brown, Springfield Custom Shop are 1911's that have a considerable amount of hand fitting done to them and they are usually very reliable with no tweaking. Or one of the custom makers, usually a one man shop, where there is even more attention to detail. Of course all of these guns are expensive. They are not everyone's cup of tea and I definitely understand that.

[harrydog]

um both also but if I could only keep one, the K9 would be gone in a heart beat simpley due to size and nuttin else. If it won't ride in my front pocket, then I really am not interested.
The PM9 is at the upper range, size-wise, for pocket carry in my opinion. That's usually how I carry mine but it doesn't work in all pockets and I am always aware that it's there. I really prefer a good belt holster if I can dress around it. For pocket carry, I don't think anything beats a Seacamp but then you have to compromise on caliber. Still, there are times when carrying anything larger just won't work for me and a .32 is better than nothing.
But getting back on the subject, the K9 and the PM9 are the two best Kahrs in my opinion. They just got it right with both of those.

[K9_Two_Tone]

I agree that the K9 is a great gun, but one of the greatest? I really like it and it has never had an FTE or FTB. In fact, it's never not worked when I pulled the trigger. The standard factory grip is extremely comfortable too. The K9 will never leave this household.

But, I've recently acquired a CZ 75D Compact. It has rapidly become my favorite. Compared with the Kahr, the CZ grip shape is more ergonomic (in fact, it's better than any other pistol that I've owned!). Unlike the Kahr K9, the CZ's trigger reach is not cramped. The CZ 75D is both accurate and reliable. The CZ double action trigger is a little "gritty", but the single action is fine. The inside of the pistol looks like it was manufactured in a tank factory (pretty rough), but it works great. Beauty is as beauty does.

For comparison, I've owned a pair of HK P7s, a SIG P228, a SIG 220, a Colt Gold Cup, a Kimber CDP II Pro, a Walther PPK/S, and a Walther P5. Although every one of those pistols are finished much nicer, some may have smoother triggers, and all wear much more recognizable brand names. But, I wouldn't replace the CZ with any of them. The CZ is the greatest.

[wyntrout]

I like my K9, but I prefer something lighter for CC. I just got a P9... supposedly for my wife's get-home pistol... but it's much nicer for CW. I carry my P40 once in a while and it's a smidgen larger and heavier, but with the steel base plate and O-ring to stop the pinches, it's an easy carry, too.

Wynn:)

[Jeff00042]

I have faith in my K9 Elite and my PM9. However, the only auto I've owned that I call "great" is the HK P7 series. My PSP or M8/13 guns have never faltered. As for the 1911 guns, I'm just not into antiques.

[O'Dell]

yes it happens so rarely,that I can't believe O"Dell called me out on it even. Just sayin

It wasn't my intension to 'call you out'. I just thought that with your vast knowledge of and your unlimited contacts within the industry, You were privy to an HK model of which I was unaware. :rolleyes:

[jocko]

what are u drinkin????

[O'Dell]

what are u drinkin????

Coffee -Maxwell House original roast.

[kahrsport]

1911 is a great gun... i didn't wanna make someone mad so i said that... but really i much prefer the browning hipower over the 1911... i have two of them... they're are sweeeeeeeet... lump the cz75 and k9 in there and i am a happy man..,

[Bawanna]

1911 is a great gun... i didn't wanna make someone mad so i said that... but really i much prefer the browning hipower over the 1911... i have two of them... they're are sweeeeeeeet... lump the cz75 and k9 in there and i am a happy man..,

For an antique dinosaur has been we get along pretty good. I do like a Hi Power and have one. Waiting to hit the range with it to test a new spring. It's been a jamomatic for me from the day I got it but with the new spring it's ten times more ommpf on the slide so I'm confident it was just a very old tired recoil spring.

I just can't warm up to a 9 for a carry gun. I did just pick up an real man stopping Colt Vest Pocket in 25. 1940 give or take build. Heavy tiny little beast. Have to wear a opti visor to see the tiny little bullets. Elephant gun it ain't.
I've yet to acquire a CZ cept for my Cbob of course but I been wanting one. Nothing but good things heard about those.

[kahrsport]

yep, 1 of mine hipower needs a spring replacement soon cuz that thing been shootin for as long as i can remember... always reliable...

there's always a cz95 for more power...

[OlympicFox]

That's pretty much a given.

But, most of us aren't willing to carry Gov't 1911's, Sig P226's or Beretta 92's. So, we compromise shootabiliy, ultimate reliability, capacity as well as wardrobe requirements for something that's more suitable for everyday concealed carry.

I like to compare Kahr's to Porsches. Both are quite compact, engineered to a very high degree and offer levels of performance not found in more mundane brands. As a result, they require somewhat more involvement from their owners, yet like the Porsche, they also serve well as daily drivers - something you wouldn't want to do with a Ferrari.


IMO a bigger gun is easier to make run reliably and HKs are bigger that Kahrs. I respect the Kahrs for what they are and they aren't Kel tecs

[Wisewolfhowling]

After almost two years after I started this thread I figured it was time for an update. My daily ccw is still my K9 because I have yet to see or handle another gun that can change my mind. Like probably most people here guns are my hobby and i have my fair share including my cz p07 being my most recent purchase "really like this gun" and as a range toy or bed side gun its hard to beat but on the day to day when I walk out of the house I have my K9 because it's still for me the perfect size. Small enough to conceal well but still able to get a full grip on the gun. Also round capacity is more than my revolvers with faster reload. In my opinion it is a great gun.

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[downtownv]

Opinions are like rectums.... everyone has one.
Pick what you like and don't listen to others. To me the Sig p290 is a piece of sh!t, but that's just another opinion....

[OlympicFox]

I like the idea of updating this thread, so I'll throw in my 2-cents, too.

First, a disclaimer of sorts. I have several CCW guns, ranging from a Kahr P380 to an Ed Brown Special Forces Carry. What I carry on a given day depends mostly on what's on my itinerary that day. There's also the factor of what I want to carry that day.

While I'll probably never sell my K9, it has become a safe queen in the last year or so. I still like the size as well as the feel in the hand. Even though I shoot revolvers a lot (~15K rounds so far this year) the NYPD trigger in the K9 leaves something to be desired. For some reason, I find my 9mm S&W M&P Shield noticeably easier to shoot well. Since shot placement trumps caliber, being able to shoot it really well while shooting really quickly is paramount. Besides, the Shield weighs 22.9 oz vs. the K9's 29.7 oz fully loaded. That's a 23% reduction in weight which is quite apparant at the end of the day. The primary alternate EDC pistol is the Sig 1911 Ultra in 45ACP. The compact 1911 is a bit larger, but most of the dimensional differences are in the controls vs. the frame and slide. The 1911 also weighs a bit more; 11% more at 33.0 oz fully loaded.

As for the proverbial question (arguement?) 9mm vs. 45? Frankly, neither can carry a candle compared to a 308Win. There's a reason why they call pistol-caliber rifles "sub-rifles". But, since I've found it a bit inconvenient to carry a rifle, I carry pistols. The general rule of thumb is to carry the largest caliber that you can shoot well. OK, so what does "shoot well" mean. Most folks seem to go by the seat of the pants - they like the feel of a gun and that makes them feel good, so . . . I prefer something more numbers based.

I've used the "Bill Drill" for the last couple of years as my test for whether I can shoot a particular gun well. The gist of the Bill Drill is to shoot 6 shots into a 6-8" target (IPSC/USPSA A-Zone or IDPA's Down Zero) of a target at 7 yards in 3.0 seconds drawing from the holster. One of my earlier opportunities to test was to see how much better I could shoot my Kahr PM40 compared to my PM9. Turned out that I was just as fast and more accurate with the PM40, so the PM9 was sold. More recently, I compared several guns ranging from: Nighthawk 1911 (9mm ), Ed Brown 1911 (45ACP), S&W M&P Shield (9mm), XDm 3.8 Compact (9mm) and my S&W 686 (38 Special).

2.6 seconds: Nighthawk out of Blade-Tech StingRay Kydex OWB holster at 3 o'clock
2.7 seconds: S&W 86 revolver out of Blade-Tech StingRay Kydex OWB holster at 3 o'clock
3.0 seconds: M&P Shield out of an IWB leather holster at 4:30 well behind the hip
3.0 seconds: XDm out of an OWB leather pancake holster at 4:00 just behind the hip
3.2 seconds: Ed Brown Special Forces Carry out of an IWB leather holster at 4:30 well behind the hip


Clearly, the two IDPA competition rigs were fastest, but the little Shield not only made the grade time-wise, it shot a very nice compact group. The XDM should have been the Shield and may have if I carried/shot it more. While the Ed Brown was the slowest, I think giving up 0.2 seconds for the complete run of 6 shots was a fair trade for the additional power of the 45. Remember, that extra 0.2 seconds was from the buzzer to the LAST shot. The first shot times were tighter.

Someday, I'll run the K9 through the Bill Drill.



After almost two years after I started this thread I figured it was time for an update. My daily ccw is still my K9 because I have yet to see or handle another gun that can change my mind. Like probably most people here guns are my hobby and i have my fair share including my cz p07 being my most recent purchase "really like this gun" and as a range toy or bed side gun its hard to beat but on the day to day when I walk out of the house I have my K9 because it's still for me the perfect size. Small enough to conceal well but still able to get a full grip on the gun. Also round capacity is more than my revolvers with faster reload. In my opinion it is a great gun.

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[b4uqzme]

.... So in my humble opinion I think the K9 is one of the "Greats" and will always be a viable choice as a ccw.

+1 Great old thread. Although I prefer the MK9 and K40, I agree that the stainless Kahrs are "greats".

I didn't agree with all the posts...Ripley's complaint about the break-in period particularly got my dander up. I've never understood why people have issue with that. IMHO every pistol should endure a break-in before it becomes your EDC.

Glad it's still working for you wisewolfhowling.

[ripley16]

I didn't agree with all the posts...Ripley's complaint about the break-in period particularly got my dander up. I've never understood why people have issue with that. IMHO every pistol should endure a break-in before it becomes your EDC.



What I said was that Kahr's reputation, (within the gun owner world), suffers because of the break-in requirement and that their reliability rep is less that of other brands. I believe that is a factual statement, not an opinion. There's hardly a thread on a gun board concerning Kahrs that doesn't have a reliability, break in, magazine or other problem mentioned. As I said; I'm a Kahr fan. My two K9s have been good guns. However not all of my Kahrs have been reliable, before, during or after a break in period, and that is not an uncommon complaint. I stand by my opinion that a "Great" gun should have a solid reputation. Kahr, as a whole, does not. The common complaints are; nosedives, broken followers, break-in (requirement before factory repairs), plating failures, magazine problems, light strikes and many others. Simply too many quality issues to qualify among the class of greats, IMHO.

The K9 model does have a better reputation than several other models, but all Kahrs have certain common traits that many feel are less than perfect for daily carry.

Sorry about your dander.

[photoman12001]

I also find the K9 to be tops for an all occasions CCW. Mine is an NYPD trade-in. I added a ported barrel and plan to install XS Big Dot sights soon. For me it's the perfect combination of size, weight, capacity, recoil, reliability, and accuracy. I also got it for a steal. I can carry it with any clothing and I don't have to dress around it. It has been my go-to CCW for two years now.

For reference, I am 5'9"/150lbs and have average/medium hands.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/EDC/_DSC4714EditLayers1024Pixel8_zpsed69527f.jpg

I own and have owned a large variety of handguns. These are the ones I have carried extensively and they all lost out to the K9:

Glock 19
Glock 36
Glock 26
Beretta 85
Kimber Tactical Pro II (9mm)
SIG P230/232
SIG P239 (close second and serves as my secondary CCW)
SIG P238
HK P7
Kahr MK9
S&W 442
S&W 351PD
Springfield Armory V10

I recently acquired these two pistols. I am still testing them. They are awesome but I doubt they will unseat the K9:

S&W 3953
CZ 75 P-01

[Wisewolfhowling]

Photoman let me know how your testing turns out with the P-01. I have the P-07 and have been on the fence with getting the P-01 to work into rotation.

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[Bawanna]

We've whooped this pony till his backside is raw as hamburger but I admire Kahr for being honest and recommending the 200 round break in. They are one of the few that openly speak honestly. I too believe all new guns need a break in period, I'd go so far to say that even used guns require some break in.
This may not be the gun but the gun/owner relationship. I think this is part of the thinking behind Kahrs recommended 200 rounds.
Give an owner a chance to get used to the trigger and operation.

Most Kahrs I would say and especially those shot by people who have owned Kahrs before require no breakin. Some will balk a bit at first.
My PM45 was a prime example. Other than inspecting the striker channel to clarify the rumor of debri left behind I did nothing. No cleaning, no lubing, no racking, nothing. Shot 350 round first outing between two shooter. No issues.

So the recommended breakin at least to the enlightened isn't that big a deal.
My standards have lowered some but I used to require 1000 rounds without issue before a gun made it into the carry line up. Now I'm good with 2 or 300. Ammo is bloody expensive and hard to find ya know.

[photoman12001]

Photoman let me know how your testing turns out with the P-01. I have the P-07 and have been on the fence with getting the P-01 to work into rotation.

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My P-01 has been heavily modified by Cajun Gun Works. It is awesome and easily one of the best guns in my safe. It's actually pretty slim, especially for a double-stack 14 + 1, thanks to the custom grips. I just need to get a holster for it and try to carry it. As awesome as my P-01 is I still think my K9 will remain my primary CCW. I carry IWB so the slim K9 is the bee's knees.

I highly recommend a trip to CGW for your CZ though.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/CZ/CZ%2075%20P-01/_DSC4716EditLayers1024Pixel8_zpsc09f5255.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/CZ/CZ%2075%20P-01/_DSC4742EditLayers1024Pixel8_zps88443b2c.jpg

[Wisewolfhowling]

Photoman that is a sweet looking pistol! That is definitely on my short list.

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[b4uqzme]

...
So the recommended breakin at least to the enlightened isn't that big a deal.
...

Thanks Colonel. Every handgun I own has been through it's break-in and most of them were purchased used. That topic will always be an irritant for me but I'll get through it.

This thread is about the K9 and most of the shortcomings mentioned here do not apply to that model IMHO. The K9 was the result of Justin Moon's search for the perfect carry pistol and I think he got it as good as or better than anyone else.

I appreciate this thread. With all the focus on the polymer models, I don't think we can talk up the stainless Kahrs enough.

[cohoskip]

My MK9 is my favorite Kahr to shoot. I love the feel of an all steel pistol...

[Wisewolfhowling]

I agree that a lot of the polymer models or other polymer subjects from other manufacturers are nice and convenient guns but there is still a place for the steel guns. I personally prefer the steel over the polymer. Polymer might be lighter but the steel feels like it has more substance. If that makes since.

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[photoman12001]

I agree. There's nothing wrong with plastic guns but they aren't for everyone. I've had several Glocks, an HK USP, and an HK P30L. I recently sold the last of them because I just prefer metal frames. Plastic guns have definitely exploded in the market in recent years but I don't think the metals frames are going extinct any time soon, at least I hope not. I wasn't too excited to see Ruger's plastic revolvers but I guess they were at least innovative.

[Wisewolfhowling]

So here it is 2019 roughly 7 years since I acquired my Kahr K9 and I thought would be interesting to update my original post again. There have been a lot of nice concealable (single and double stacks) hit the market over the last few years. I have shot most of the newer offerings but as of today my K9 is still my daily carry. Sure it's still heavy for today's standards but for me there's just something about a steel gun that feels oh so right! I have even acquired a MK9 for those days I want something a little smaller (church). Both the K9 and MK9 are shooters! If I do my part they are sure to do there's. I know most people today are all about polymer and how light a gun is because we all know ounces count over a long day but with a good belt/holster setup the weight is a non issue for me. I carry them in the same Crossbread Supertuck ever since I started carrying the K9 6 or 7 years ago. As of the first of 2019 my gunbelt is from Kore Essentials. I use this setup all day everyday, it just works and works well. After all this time for me the K9 still checks all the boxes!

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[187911]

So here it is 2019 roughly 7 years since I acquired my Kahr K9 and I thought would be interesting to update my original post again. There have been a lot of nice concealable (single and double stacks) hit the market over the last few years. I have shot most of the newer offerings but as of today my K9 is still my daily carry. Sure it's still heavy for today's standards but for me there's just something about a steel gun that feels oh so right! I have even acquired a MK9 for those days I want something a little smaller (church). Both the K9 and MK9 are shooters! If I do my part they are sure to do there's. I know most people today are all about polymer and how light a gun is because we all know ounces count over a long day but with a good belt/holster setup the weight is a non issue for me. I carry them in the same Crossbread Supertuck ever since I started carrying the K9 6 or 7 years ago. As of the first of 2019 my gunbelt is from Kore Essentials. I use this setup all day everyday, it just works and works well. After all this time for me the K9 still checks all the boxes!

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I agree... I have more guns than I need, and most are carry sized. I have a few light weight polymer single stacks too, but there's something about metal framed guns. I have 2 K40s and a K9 now. I always wanted a MK9. A K9 or K40 convert would be the best of both worlds for me. Helpfully I'll come by one one day.

[OlympicFox]

It's been 8 years last week since I bought my K9. While it is still a great gun and IMHO a classic, it is my rarely EDC anymore. There are exceptions, such as when I've been shooting revolvers in competition because the trigger in the K9 is so much like my S&W 686. However, today my EDC is usually a 1911 because that's what I usually shoot in IDPA & USPSA. Like most of us, I still prefer steel over plastic.

16016

[Wisewolfhowling]

OlympicFox I have toyed with the idea of a 1911 such as a Colt defender but I'm the type of person who will research something to death before I make a purchase. During my research on the 1911 (as with most guns) I read as many articles of how the 1911 is unreliable as I do articles of praise for the old slabside. I don't have enough experience with a 1911 to speak intelligently one way or the other and I have not made up my mind if I want to venture down that rabbit trail. I do like DA/SA as I have my CZP01 and a CZP07. I almost wish I could get a 1911 design that was DA/SA but with the trigger of a 1911 that pushes straight back!

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[Alfonse]

I'll join in. I think Kahr is one of the greats. I've been messing with a lot of pistols the last few years, and none of them are without issues.

Looking at the start of this thread, Kel Tec isn't getting much love. I will say for Kel Tec, they haven't been coming out with bandwagon, me-too, style pistols. They have been putting out some unique stuff and they have some really fun offerings.

[Bawanna]

OlympicFox I have toyed with the idea of a 1911 such as a Colt defender but I'm the type of person who will research something to death before I make a purchase. During my research on the 1911 (as with most guns) I read as many articles of how the 1911 is unreliable as I do articles of praise for the old slabside. I don't have enough experience with a 1911 to speak intelligently one way or the other and I have not made up my mind if I want to venture down that rabbit trail. I do like DA/SA as I have my CZP01 and a CZP07. I almost wish I could get a 1911 design that was DA/SA but with the trigger of a 1911 that pushes straight back!

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Look at a Para Ordnance LDA. It doesn't have a straight pull trigger, it's more like a Kahr trigger, virtually no weight till you hit the release point and then it's 4 or 5lbs. Looks like a 1911, shoots like a 1911 but the hammer is always down. I have 3 and although I don't carry them much they are great guns. A little more margin for error than the typical 1911 and they look great like all 1911's.

[brooks]

Both the K9 and it's little brother the MK9 without a doubt are far superior to Sig, Glock, Kel Tech, M&P Shields and Rugers in quality and the way they shoot hands down! You just can't ask for a better pistol than these steel frame K Series Kahr pistols! I enjoy shooting the K9 and wouldn't take or either one of my two MK models. They both sport Texas made Dawson Precision fiber optic front sights.

[187911]

Both the K9 and it's little brother the MK9 without a doubt are far superior to Sig, Glock, Kel Tech, M&P Shields and Rugers in quality and the way they shoot hands down! You just can't ask for a better pistol than these steel frame K Series Kahr pistols! I enjoy shooting the K9 and wouldn't take or either one of my two MK models. They both sport Texas made Dawson Precision fiber optic front sights.

Which DP sight set did you purchase? You have a pic?

[travinh]

I am going to pickup my K9 Elite tomorrow. I paid $700 for it. I hope it will shoot as good as it looks.

[MMyers1970]

I am going to pickup my K9 Elite tomorrow. I paid $700 for it. I hope it will shoot as good as it looks.

The K9 is a good shooter, and the build quality on stainless Kahrs is as good as anything on the market. I like mine quite a bit. Congratulations!

[ripley16]

Being the one negative poster on the thread, I guess I should report in too with my own update. I'm glad to see Kahr changed it's follower design. A needed quality improvement made to fix a long time complaint. Kudos.

My only two remaining models, out of eight total, a K9 and TP9, are two of my favorites in my collection. However... in the time since this thread last ran my K9 broke. It broke in a manner that rendered the gun useless. Perhaps it was a fluke. The trigger bar rear end sheared off. But my already weak faith in the Kahr brand reliability is forever shattered. They are nice guns that I enjoy shooting but never will a Kahr be a carry gun for me.

I'm picky about reliability. I have to face facts. I own many brands of firearms but no other brand has given me the problems that my eight Kahrs have and now the one supposedly "rock solid" model has failed on me. There are too many good guns to choose from without having to hope one will work when I really need it based on it's other admittedly good qualities. My fault experiences with the Kahrs I've owned include; lightstrikes, both feed and ejection problems, broken followers, and then the broken trigger bar. I wish my experience was different but it is what it is.

I'm glad most of you have better Kahr experiences. A good, trusted gun is a comfort. I probably shoot more than most people and have been doing it for a long time. Maybe I put my guns through more... I don't know. What I do know is that I trust some other brands more. Not based on internet chatter but my own hands on experience.

[berettabone]

If I would have said this, I would have been called uncivil. Or of course, the "violet" reaction of stopping the posting. Great minds think alike:)

[Bawanna]

One thing that makes me proud of Kahrtalk is we don't pull the plug for speaking opinions right or wrong as they may be.

I guess there have been a few genuine brand bashers who were pretty much burrs under the saddle in all respects that got travel acommodations but for the most part it's still a free forum.

Even for folks with 380's. I hate myself for typing that, truly I do.

[187911]

Like my Kahrs. Never had an issue with them. I currently own five. Only one of them are new, and the other 4 were purchased used and have years on them. None had issues. Don't hear to many others complaining about them. Even members on the Glock for of all places seems to think highly of them, and they're usually the most critical bunch of them all. You got to have the worse luck ever to have gotten several that haven't been reliable.

Another thing I like about Kahr pistols is how inexpensive and readily available replacement components are compared to other companies. Most internal parts and springs are categorized and easily found on their website.

[187911]

OlympicFox I have toyed with the idea of a 1911 such as a Colt defender but I'm the type of person who will research something to death before I make a purchase. During my research on the 1911 (as with most guns) I read as many articles of how the 1911 is unreliable as I do articles of praise for the old slabside. I don't have enough experience with a 1911 to speak intelligently one way or the other and I have not made up my mind if I want to venture down that rabbit trail. I do like DA/SA as I have my CZP01 and a CZP07. I almost wish I could get a 1911 design that was DA/SA but with the trigger of a 1911 that pushes straight back!

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We're in the same boat...

I thought about carrying a 1911 too, but they're usually expensive, heavier, harder to break down, and have a safety on it to make up for the usually short/light trigger pull. I know they make some light weight aluminum frame 1911, but I prefer stainless.

Like you, I also have a CZ P01 and P07 compact. I Don't carry them over my K40 because they weigh unloaded about what my K40 weighs loaded, and they're bulkier thus harder to conceal.

[downtownv]

I was wondering how a post from 10/29/2012, rose from the crypt?:rolleyes:

[JackRyan]

I totally agree. Bigger guns like HK, and Sig cost more for a reason. Good always cost more. BUT the K9 and the K40 are the best of the smaller guns made

[harrydog]

16456
HK P2000 is not really that much bigger than the K9 but it holds almost twice as many rounds. Not difficult to conceal at all. I will concede that the K9, being a little thinner, is a bit easier to conceal. Everything is a compromise and you just have to find what you're comfortable with.

[harrydog]

16457
It's all relative.

[berettabone]

The K series is up there with the good, but once you go HK, you never want to go back to the ordinary. Dependability and trust issues have been a plague on Kahr, certain models more so than others. I am another who in all my years of shooting, never had an issue with any manufacturer other than Kahr. I loved my MK, but was never totally trusting in the design and function. When it's the only firearm manufacturer you have had issues with in 45+ yrs. of shooting, you pay close attention.........………………………………...……….

[leonidas]

I own 5 modern Sig Sauers, arguable some of the very best pistols ever made. I carry a Kahr K9.

[Zeke38]

https://i.imgur.com/dO55V00.jpg

My answer to your question! Best offhand group I ever shot in my life. That's the reason for the picture.

[Ralph III]

https://i.imgur.com/dO55V00.jpg

My answer to your question! Best offhand group I ever shot in my life. That's the reason for the picture.


That's an awesome grouping. I shoot the Weaver style as well.

*What type of sights do you have on your gun?
*Did you shoot the rounds one after the other or did you lower the gun and re-focus; then raise and fire for each successive shot? I'm just curious because it's not always easy to maintain complete focus when running a full magazine.

Take care,
Ralph

[Zeke38]

Thanks for asking Ralph! I shot the first three from the Weaver, after seeing what the group was shaping up to be extraordinary for me, then finished the group one shot and lower at a time. I've own Kahr pistols since the turn of the century and always pleased with such fine accuracy from such small platforms. I was a 1911 carrier for years but no more.

[rx7sig]

That's an awesome grouping. ... Did you shoot the rounds one after the other or did you lower the gun and re-focus; then raise and fire for each successive shot? I'm just curious because it's not always easy to maintain complete focus when running a full magazine.

Yes, I doubt I will ever be able to see groups like the one pictured. I practice with my K9 by drawing from concealment from my thumb-break holster (OWB, at 9:00), and shoot once and then again (not quite the speed of a "double tap", though in a quick succession), and then re-holster completely, and then repeat. Self-defense distances (~21' to ~35'). I move into a Modified Weaver stance as I begin my draw.

I mentally keep track of (1) how quickly I fire the first shot, (2) to what degree the first shot hits the mark (i.e., "accuracy"), and (3) how close to the first shot the second shot strikes the target (i.e., "precision"). I try to improve on all three of these "metrics."

My groups don't look anything like the group pictured.

I would like to incorporate movement into my practice. However, my local indoor range permits drawing from a holster, but does not permit moving while firing.

rx7sig

[I_Like_Turtles]

Yes, I doubt I will ever be able to see groups like the one pictured. I practice with my K9 by drawing from concealment from my thumb-break holster (OWB, at 9:00), and shoot once and then again (not quite the speed of a "double tap", though in a quick succession), and then re-holster completely, and then repeat. Self-defense distances (~21' to ~35'). I move into a Modified Weaver stance as I begin my draw.

I mentally keep track of (1) how quickly I fire the first shot, (2) to what degree the first shot hits the mark (i.e., "accuracy"), and (3) how close to the first shot the second shot strikes the target (i.e., "precision"). I try to improve on all three of these "metrics."

My groups don't look anything like the group pictured.

I would like to incorporate movement into my practice. However, my local indoor range permits drawing from a holster, but does not permit moving while firing.

rx7sig

Thumb break? Liked you before...like you even more now! :cool:

Sounds like you have a good practice system, keep it up.

[rx7sig]

Sounds like you have a good practice system, keep it up.

Thanks, @I_Like_Turtles. I am still relatively new at this, still trying to figure things out. I purchased my first pistol about three years ago, and my K9 about a a year and a half after that. What I described above seems to work for me, since I seem to be improving. One more thing: My "practice" ammo is my carry ammo (124 gr. Speer GD +P), so I am usually shooting the "real" stuff.

I do have some 115 gr. and 124 gr. Federal AE FMJ that I use, for now, whenever I am practicing one-handed or with my weak hand. I'll probably cease using this AE altogether sometime this summer once I get a bit more consistent.

rx7sig

[Zeke38]

rx7sig: I'm currently reading a book by Tom Givens called Concealed Carry Class and he advocates much of what you are using in your training regimen. Highly recommend it, a great read.

That group was slow squeezing and breathing with every round, no speed involved just shooting for group. I work a target regimen much like yours, taken from Givens teaching. Check it out!

[I_Like_Turtles]

Thanks, @I_Like_Turtles. I am still relatively new at this, still trying to figure things out. I purchased my first pistol about three years ago, and my K9 about a a year and a half after that. What I described above seems to work for me, since I seem to be improving. One more thing: My "practice" ammo is my carry ammo (124 gr. Speer GD +P), so I am usually shooting the "real" stuff.

I do have some 115 gr. and 124 gr. Federal AE FMJ that I use, for now, whenever I am practicing one-handed or with my weak hand. I'll probably cease using this AE altogether sometime this summer once I get a bit more consistent.

rx7sig

That's good. I have fired off a lot of the ammo that I carry----the "practice with what you carry" mentality. However, it does get expensive. So what I started doing was testing a variety of FMJ (practice) rounds until I found one that hit to the same point-of-aim as my carry load. Now my carry loads I do the same testing with. I'll choose those that do well in either real-world use or in gel and then put that through reliability testing, accuracy, and point-of-aim tests.

I desire rounds that hit dead on with my sights or slightly high.

So what I end up with is a cheap practice load that hits right where my carry loads hit. Since I don't reload, that can be a lot of testing.

So far, testing is complete for 4 of my carry revolvers plus all of my father's fixed sight home defense revolvers. I had just begun testing of both defensive and practice ammo in my carry semi autos, starting off with the Kahr P9 Covert, but then the virus arrived and I stopped going to the indoor gun range.

Since last August, that's been nearly 3000 rounds of .38 Special, 9mm Parabellum, and .45 ACP fired, split about evenly between FMJ and carry rounds.

Pre virus, I was shooting 50 to 300 rounds every week, two-hand, one-hand, one-handed-weak hand.

You keep up your training regimen....we need to be at our absolute best plus it's fun.

[leadcounsel]

I have probably a half dozen or a dozen Kahrs. My favorite is the K9.

In this awful market I lucked into a 2nd K9 today. Used but appears 99% condition, original serial number box and 3 mags. Only $500!

(Tried to upload pic but cannot figure it out. )

For a single stack carry gun it's honestly one of the best in my inventory. (Competitive with P9, Walther PPS, SW Shield. )

I normally carry 4 inch double stacks of the SigP229, CZ75 PCR, HK USPc, Glock23 type...

But when I need a BUG or discrete carry the Kahrs are a excellent pick.

[Old Jeep Guy]

Are all the early K9's made of stainless steel or did they make some out of steel. A friend told me some of the first ones were steel.

[Bawanna]

The early ones were steel.

[Canine Dave]

The early ones were steel.

Stains less?

[Bawanna]

The first ones were carbon steel.

[FreeMe]

The first Kahrs were carbon steel with a finish that I hesitate to call "blued" (it wasn't very pretty). Shortly into production there was a brief concurrent run of carbon steel with an excellent electroless nickel finish. Then they all went stainless. At least, that's how I remember it.

[Bawanna]

I recall there was a period where they used a Black T finish which is quite good. I assume that would have been during the carbon steel period at some point.

[FreeMe]

I recall there was a period where they used a Black T finish which is quite good. I assume that would have been during the carbon steel period at some point.

I forgot about those. Can't remember if they were out before or after the transition to stainless. Before would be a good assumption though. I might have verified that due to the wants I had for one, except that I've always thought that a black slide is highly desirable - even in a stainless pistol.