"B" Stamped on the Slide - Updated with reason

[larryz]

UPDATE -- Jay wrote back and let me know the "B" on the slide is an inspection mark with no other significance.

Hi, all -- was cleaning the P45 after my range trip, and noticed a "B" stamped on the bottom of the slide. Anyone seen this/knows what this means? It's NOT on the trigger guard on the frame...

I can do pics if you need to see them.

[ripley16]

I'm guessing it still means a blemished pistol. Maybe stamped on the slide because it's steel, not polymer. I have one, a blemished K9, with the B on the trigger guard, but of course it's steel. It's a great gun, B or no B and best of all, it was a really good deal.

[larryz]

I'm hoping it doesn't ... wouldn't a blemish have a B in the model number as well? This gun's model number is KP4543N.

I agree about the effect, which is nil -- this is a sweet shooter, and if there's a blemish, it's in a spot I can't see.

But if it IS a blemish, I'm a bit pissed that the retailer didn't point that out when I bought it... yes I got a good deal, but they advertised the price reduction as being on clearance, not blemished.

[AFDoc]

Whether or not a blemish wouldn't change the model number, only the serial number or some other mark, in this case the "B." Would have issue with seller if he didn't disclose though. Have you taken it up with him? You can also check with Kahr and they should be able to tell you what it was marked B for if you give them the serial number. Welcome to the forum.

[jocko]

they don't stamp B on poymer trigger guard for obvious reasons. Your warranty is less than the normal 5 years also. Kahr will not tell you why ur particular gun has a B stamp utter than they will tell u it is cosmetic SOMEWHERE. I. e, I doubt if there records show that there is a slight ble one inch from the front of the slide on the right sidek, if u get my point. Its a blem, and if u can't find it, then all the better to... Thats as far as they will go. IMO I would buy a blem every day of the week if the price was right to. nothing wrong with the internals of a blem, U got a good gun, just shoot it like u stole it

[Bawanna]

I turn my back for minutes and Jocko slips under the wire.

[downtownv]

Where the hell has he been hiding?
:behindsofa:

[ripley16]

I'm hoping it doesn't ... wouldn't a blemish have a B in the model number as well? This gun's model number is KP4543N.

The case holding my blemished K9 has two stickers. One is a normal Kahr sticker with a normal serial number and model number. There is a second sticker with a big
BLEMISH splashed on it with a B on the end of the model number. Maybe the second sticker was removed, or perhaps Kahr labels them differently these days. I've had this pistol for about 5 years.

[muggsy]

I heard that Jocko was out on a date with Monica. :)

[larryz]

Thanks for the replies. I have fired off a query on the Kahr website asking two questions: when was my pistol manufactured, and what does the "B" stand for.

I'll update when I get a response.

[DavidR]

But if it IS a blemish, I'm a bit pissed that the retailer didn't point that out when I bought it... yes I got a good deal, but they advertised the price reduction as being on clearance, not blemished.

If they knew they should have disclosed it.

[CJB]

We've seen strange marks INSIDE the slide from time to time. Always thought those were production marks, from a certain operator or machine or perhaps to denote a modified process they were monitoring. OTOH, if the B is on the hood of the slide, visible from the outside, then its a BLEM.

Hows the pistol look? Blemished usually have something like uneven stamping of letters or a ding in the metal. Dunno if any polymer frames would be "blems" as the cost to produce them is very low, might not be worth it. That is, the cost to the distribution channel is lower for blems, and the cost to just junk a polymer frame could be less than the reduction in price. Put another way (with fake numbers) if an unassembled frame cost $20 but they'd have to sell the pistol for $50 less than the regular price, it would be more profitable to just scrap the frame.

[larryz]

Definitely not visible unless you take down the pistol. I can't find anything wrong with slide or frame...

http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag244/z33511/P45insideslide_zpsd7755be4.jpg

[larryz]

Bump with update.

According to Jay@Kahr, the "B" is just an inspection mark. No other meaning.

[jocko]

They fokking new.

[ripley16]

Bump with update.

According to Jay@Kahr, the "B" is just an inspection mark. No other meaning.

One would naturally wonder why this is so rare. Aren't all slides inspected? No meaning? Hmmm...?? IMHO, an odd explanation.

[larryz]

Maybe it was one of the first blanks carved up by a new tool, or with a different set of instructions programmed, and they just want to see if it ever comes back with an issue...(?)

Owning only one P45, I don't know how rare this actually is... anyone else have a letter or number stamped on the underside of their slide -- any caliber, any finish...?

[CJB]

I can see - machine operator putting their mark on the parts, so that later an inspector can make an evaluation. I can see new tooling being proof run and a mark added. New programming... just what LarryZ said. Something was unique on that particular production run, and those got marked. Could be a new fixture for holding blanks while they get machined. Could be whole new machine. Ya just don't know. Maybe... they had a problem and went to the expense of further inspection, and marked the slides. I know my FNX-45 has markings in the slide, and on the barrel. Just inspection stuff.....