Educate Me: K40 Wilson Custom

[detsgt696]

Hi All,
I currently own (3) Kahrs. MK9, MK40, K9, all elites. My LGS has a K40 Wilson Custom which has caught my eye. Seems to have very little use. I've searched, but can't find too much info on this particular gun. Serial #DH00XX.

1) What did the Wilson Custom work consist of ?
2) Approx how old is this gun ?
3) What black coating is on the slide ?
4) Is this gun stainless or carbon steel ?
5) Pros/cons of carbon steel ?
6) The slide to frame fit is looser than my other Kahrs, Reason ?
7) What did these sell for new ?

Appreciate any and all info....Thanks.......

[AJBert]

First I've heard of one. Mayhaps the original owner sent it off to Wilson for some work?

[berettabone]

I don't know all the technical, but, I believe that they had a limited run in 1998. Checkered strap, black Teflon(Armor Tuff) slide, hard chromed frame, slide stop bevel, mag well bevel. Night sights, and polishing of all internals(trigger and striker). I believe you can still send firearms to Wilson for upgrading. I have heard that they made 50 of the 40's and 25 of the 9's. A rare piece if it's part of the run. Unless, the previous owner sent it in and had these things done himself. If you check the new member area sticky-serial numbers, might help with the date?

[RevRay]

A while back someone posted about finding one of the Wilson MK9's (?). I tried searching for it but I couldn't find the thread. Anyway, it definitely involved a new coating, and I think a trigger job. And the 50 & 25 limited editions sound right too.

[detsgt696]

Somebody here gotta know the whole story.
Is this a buy or an avoid ?

[berettabone]

Sometimes, the WHOLE story isn't always available. You could contact someone at Kahr, and see if they have info. Either way............whether it's a limited run or a personal custom, it's a great find. Kind of surprised that someone hasn't snapped it up already. If you already own Kahr's, then you know what you'd be getting into. If it's a good price, I'd jump on it. Can't tell you why the slide has more play than your others. I can't find the serial number listed. Under new members, there is a thread about someone purchasing one, with pictures. It's about 3/4 of the way down the first page.

[Bawanna]

Actually I think it was more of a Wilson thing than a Kahr thing.

They just did their magic and spruced them up some. I don't recall if they were marketed by Kahr or by Wilson.

It would definitely not be a turn away. If it's decent and they are'nt gouging you price wise I'd say it would be an excellent gun.

[detsgt696]

Just saw one on "Armslist". A K9. Owner states 25 K9's & 50 K40's were made in 1998. Selling for $900.
So, what's it worth ?

[jim6172]

My Wilson k9
sold by Kahr box marked k9,9mm Wilson Combat model K9095
yes there were 25 K9s and 50 K40s total
mine happens to be number 7 of 25
this is the post on this forum
http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=20948
latest values on the K9 run between $1000 and $1400 depending on location and shape of the gun, k40 should be approx the same
Frame is Stainless but hardchrome coated and the slide is carbon steel with a black teflon coating 30 lpi checkering and action work mine has a very nice trigger and very accurate
jim

[detsgt696]

Jim, thanks for sharing.
Looks great !

[gb6491]

Here's a screen capture from the Kahr website circa 1999 (via the Wayback Machine):
http://i40.tinypic.com/t98n7p.jpg
Suggested retail price (Effective: January 1, 2000) was $1310.00
Regards,
Greg

[detsgt696]

Excellent info ! Thanks gb6491

[jim6172]

Thanks Greg always wondered what mine sold for new, surprisingly it still books about the same 13 years later.
jim

[RevRay]

detsgt696, you never said what the asking price was, but whatever it was it's at least low enough to have you thinking about it. However, on the off chance that you just like the general look, and you don't feel the need for all the extra Wilson bells & whistles, you can get a cheaper model with a similar look & feel. I picked up my E9 below about three months ago off Gunbroker for $400. However, I do completely understand the whole "bird in the hand" thing too. And I definitely understand the whole "limited edition" thing too.

http://www.kahrtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=117&pictureid=748

[RevRay]

Forget everything I just said ... I forgot you're looking at a K40.

[detsgt696]

Not everything. A lot of what you say is true. Bird in the hand, limited edition........

[berettabone]

I've got one of the MK LTD's with the birdsong slide, a bit less rare than the one your looking at...................made 400...........couldn't pass it up.........probably paid a bit more than I wanted, but wouldn't ever get rid of it now. Just buy the darn thing. You know you want to.............................