Kahr loosening up after break-in

[olympicmotorcars]

This may somewhat pertain to my thread about premature slide lock. My PM40 was flawless ( like many other peoples here ) when I got it . Never gave me any malfunctions even during break in ( except for the extended magazine which I quickly convinced kahr to swap out for a flush magazine ).

Suddenly about 6 months ago I started having trouble with broken followers, premature slide lock, and dented guide rods. ( I think my round count at this point is getting close to 2500 rounds )

Like everyone here, I had to use the slide lock to chamber rounds when it was newer, but after about 700 - 800 rounds I discovered I no longer had to do that, I could just gently ride the slide closed on a round, almost as easy as my Glock.
I could also just pop out the slide stop with my finger instead of using a screw driver. Trigger seemed to be even smoother also.

I am now thinking this "loosening up" was just enough to make things go slightly out-of-spec and cause my problems.

I am not doing anything different, same ammo, same grip, same everything, ( heck, I usually even go the range at the same day and time )

I am wondering if the all steel guns ( like a K 40 I have been wanting ) would be a little more durable ?

[muggsy]

I doubt that the problems that you are experiencing are related to the polymer frame. I've always preferred steel over polymer except for concealed carry. You can't beat polymer for the weight savings. I'd contact Kahr about the problems and see what they have to say.

[leftysixty]

I used to have a PM40. At your round count I would think that it may need a new recoil spring. The .40 has a sharp recoil pulse and is known to be hard on springs.

I would try the spring and see what happens.

My PM40 also developed a barrel peening issue which Kahr fixed at no charge.

Good luck.

[CJB]

I see multiple issues.

First - followers breaking, may not have happened with new, full strength recoil spring. Now that things are looser, you're barrel ramp is tapping the follower and you're getting breaks. Replace recoil spring, have barrel ramp reworked (or do it yourself in just a few minutes of file and sandpaper time).

Next - premature ejlockulation. Again, a problem made worse with a loose recoil spring. Check that slide stop spring for proper tension, fitment, and strength. It may need replacing too. And... that recoil spring assembly!

And finally, dented guide rods.... hello... recoil spring assembly, once again.

So, three problems, all very fixable, all centered about manifestations that a worn recoil spring will promote.

This is not a steel vs poly issue. It called "shoot it like you stole the fokker"..... It just needs a little TLC, thats all.

[olympicmotorcars]

thanks for the replies everybody. I really do not think it is the recoil spring assembly though, I have changed it three times now, with no difference in results.

[CJB]

Yes, but have you checked barrel clearance? Have you checked the slide stop spring?

[jocko]

This may somewhat pertain to my thread about premature slide lock. My PM40 was flawless ( like many other peoples here ) when I got it . Never gave me any malfunctions even during break in ( except for the extended magazine which I quickly convinced kahr to swap out for a flush magazine ).

Suddenly about 6 months ago I started having trouble with broken followers, premature slide lock, and dented guide rods. ( I think my round count at this point is getting close to 2500 rounds )

Like everyone here, I had to use the slide lock to chamber rounds when it was newer, but after about 700 - 800 rounds I discovered I no longer had to do that, I could just gently ride the slide closed on a round, almost as easy as my Glock.
I could also just pop out the slide stop with my finger instead of using a screw driver. Trigger seemed to be even smoother also.

I am now thinking this "loosening up" was just enough to make things go slightly out-of-spec and cause my problems.

I am not doing anything different, same ammo, same grip, same everything, ( heck, I usually even go the range at the same day and time )

I am wondering if the all steel guns ( like a K 40 I have been wanting ) would be a little more durable ?

it back, IMO if it is breaking followers now, it ain't gonna get better.Ur kahr has loosened up, call it what ever u want it is now smoother, easier to had rack etc, To me all signs of "loosened up". A great thing 99% of the time in ur case what I think is that some things have loosened up and some haver not budged one bit, therefore there is a chage in ur gun. i. e. reakin followers. Let kahr have it back to do what they do to broken followers and the issue. Not a disgrace to have to send it back. If u like the gun, u will do it, . U have tried 3 recoil assemblys and to no avail. so that tells me the 4th isn't gonna be any better. Bottomline for me anyways is that NO FEED RAMP SHOULD BE BUSINTING INTO MAGAZINE FOLLOWERS. oN ANY MAKERS GUNS...

I don't think polymer has anything todo wit it either, We have seen this in the MK models some to, and they are all steel. even steel gus smooth out, callit what u want. Email kahr after Christmas holidays is over, state ur case and ask for a pick up. Ur return will be fast and u will have full faith again in the little gun that really can.. Just sayin

[olympicmotorcars]

I probably should have clarified in my post. I already sent it in to Kahr and the breaking of the followers seem to be solved. Kahr trimmed the barrel ramp, and It ha not cracked any followers since I got it back from them.