New Member with an MK40

[Flieger]

Hello Everyone,
This is my first post and would like to introduce myself. I am 54 and retired from the USN with a few obsessions, one being firearms.
I would be embarrassed to admit how many I own, but my newest aquisition is a Kahr MK40. Instant love. I have for years had my eyes on the MK series and this past weekend I was paying a visit to a sporting goods store looking a a Kimber Solo when the MK grabbed me.
I have no problem with the weight, I actually prefer all metal.

So instantly out to field I went and tried out a box of 50. I must admit the first shot was a surprise, no limp wristing this one. I go have a couple of questions and hope you can help.

I want to change the guide rod assembly from the stock plastic to all metal, preferably stainless.
The barrel was a bit of movement in battery, just a minor wiggle but it doesn't effect the acurracy. I was quite surprised with my first box, but is a very small minor movement normal?
The barrel also has a phosphate finish which I marred up with 50 rounds. That may have to go.

Anyway, I am glad I found the forum and am very glad to be here. Any advise of course would be appreciated.

Thanks all.

[b4uqzme]

Hello, welcome.

Yes you can get a stainless guide rod from Kahr. http://www.kahr.com/guide-rods-and-barrels/kahr-stainless-steel-guide-rod-mk-series.asp.

Regarding the barrel movement in battery: my barrels lock up tight to the slide but there is a tiny bit of wobble in the slide to the frame. Is that what you are noticing? If so, I'd consider that normal.

I've never seen a phosphate finish on a Kahr barrel. They are nickel plated and pretty durable. It's normal to see some scuffing especially at the hood. Scuffs ok. But not peening. Is it possible that your barrel was refinished? I agree...it would have to go. Maybe the nickel plating beneath is still good.

There's some real smart fellas on this forum and maybe they can confirm.

Enjoy. I too prefer the stainless Kahrs.

[b4uqzme]

Oh, and Wolff makes guide rods and springs too. I assume your purchase was used? A recoil spring change could be a good idea. The stiffer the better. Reduces felt recoil plus ensures good operation. http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=1&mID=29

[Flieger]

Oh, and Wolff makes guide rods and springs too. I assume your purchase was used? A recoil spring change could be a good idea. The stiffer the better. Reduces felt recoil plus ensures good operation. http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=1&mID=29

Thanks b4,
I appreciate the help. It may have been used but showed no sign of it. Absolutely spotless, but given the rarity of the model, I was sure there was a previous owner, but was incorrect.

Out of curiosity, I called the store where I purchased it and they assure me it was new.

And yes, the very minor wiggle it exactly what I was referring to. Nice to see I'm not the only person with insomnia. At 0200, what are we doing up?

[b4uqzme]

Do you use photobucket? Pics please. We love pics. :o

[Flieger]

Do you use photobucket? Pics please. We love pics. :o

Don't the rules state you need 30 posts before being able to post pics? If so, I'll try to do a lot of talking.

[b4uqzme]

You can post a link to photobucket photos before you hit 30 if you click the add image icon in the toolbar.

[xsailer]

Flieger,
First, welcome to a good informative and provocative sometimes forum. I certainly enjoy it as a "newbie". Your MK is what I want eventually. I bought a used K9 and although not shot more than a couple of boxes thru it and I like it a lot. It is heavy as you say. The folks that carry the MK say they don't mind the weight and maybe it's more manageable than the K9. I'm sticking with 9mm so I keep my eye out looking. Probably with have to trade the K when I find one.
I would think if the phosphate finish shows wear with just your use of 50 then it must have been used very little or new. I plan on polishing my barrel in the future as other on the forum have done.
Again Welcome
bob

[berettabone]

All normal stuff.................I would go with the Wolff rod and springs.....use them in my MK9 and they're less hassle than the Kahr spring..........seemed to smooth it out a bit also.

[Flieger]

The wolff is more funtional, but the Kahr is better looking.

Thank you for the welcome and the advice concerning the guide rod.

I will try and post a picture as soon as I get back home.