CW380 slide issue; advice needed

[bobbyh]

My CW380 was purchased earlier this year and I have 500 rds. through the pistol. I had a few FTF in the beginning, but have been trouble free for the past 250 rds.

Problem: Today at the range I noticed when I went to drop the slide release on the first mag the first round jammed. I cleared the jam and tried the procedure again and all was well through the 72 rds. I put through it today.

However; when I rack the slide back manually I can feel it being grabby or gritty after about the first 1/4" or so of pull.

When I took it apart today to clean it I noticed the slight gouging around the relief area shown in the photos. I don't know if I missed it before or if this is a recent happening? It looks worse than it feels I think. It's smooth on the underside; but I can feel a bit of a protrusion on the side of the rail that would meet the frame.

http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/saltyme/slideshow/

I was wondering if this would cause my hang up and FTF or if this might be a normal occurrence?

If this is a problem would I return it to Kahr, hopefully under warranty, or can I smooth it out without making it worse? It looks like any material removed would leave a gap in the middle.

I appreciate any help in this matter.

Thanks,
Bobby

[Tslepebull]

Mine had the same flashing in the slide stop cut. I used a chainsaw file and some polishing compound to clean it up. Most of the grittiness you are feeling is likely the rough mill marks on the slide rails. Use some 800 grit wet/dry paper on a popsicle stick to smooth the roughest of them

[MarkB1]

Now I know another reason the CW380 is cheaper than the P380!

[Tslepebull]

I would be curious to see a high definition close-up photograph of a p380 slide to compare.

[bobbyh]

Mine had the same flashing in the slide stop cut. I used a chainsaw file and some polishing compound to clean it up. Most of the grittiness you are feeling is likely the rough mill marks on the slide rails. Use some 800 grit wet/dry paper on a popsicle stick to smooth the roughest of them

I think I'm going to give what you suggested a try. Hopefully I can clean it up without causing any functional damage. I have seem more than a few people with the same issue with their Kahr.

The pistol has been pretty damn good over the course of 500 rounds. I'm confident by cleaning up that area it will function even better in the future.

I'll update this thread after I fix it up and put some more rounds down range.

Thanks!