MK9 Slide crack issues

[CPL88]

Hello, I was wondering if Kahr redesigned the MK9 slide in regards to the slide cracking between the barrel hole and guide rod hole. I had owned a Kahr MK9 Elite 98 back in 2002 or so and the slide cracked between the barrel hole and guide rod hole. Kahr replaced it, but I feared it would crack again so I sold it. I recently purchased a K9 Elite 2003 and I love it. I was thinking about getting the MK9 Elite 2003, but was worried about the slide cracking. Thanks

[Bawanna]

Haven't heard much about that happening in a very long time.

I don't think it's a viable concern as it would effect all the MK's and K's since they are basically the same.

[b4uqzme]

Agreed. Don't let that keep you from a really great gun.

[CJB]

You're the first I've heard of it.... but there could have been others.... its a non-issue today.

The slide is made from solid. Two things would promote a crack - first is just some hidden screw up in the stock they used - happens! Second is they needed add stress relief in the form of radii to sharp corners. Considering the design and manufaturing dates to 1995, by 2003 or so, you'd think any such stress releif would have been already figured out. So... I'm just guessing they got raw material with hidden inclusions - or sub spec qualities, that caused the stress relief to be inadequate. My vote is material.

Heck- Ruger had Redhawk barrels coming apart because of a change in the lube they used on the threads! Extra slippery meant the barrels were fit in a way that over torqued them.

[b4uqzme]

Heck- Ruger had Redhawk barrels coming apart because of a change in the lube they used on the threads! Extra slippery meant the barrels were fit in a way that over torqued them.

Yup --- I've seen posts about that --- but I'm still looking for a 4 inch 45 colt Redhawk.

[CPL88]

Thanks for the replies. I will be getting a MK9 Elite 03 eventually. I always liked the looks of the MK9, but had the issue years ago with the earlier model MK9 Elite 98 and I shied away from MK9 models. Kahr was excellent in replacing the slide, but I worried it would crack again so I sold it. It probably never would of not cracked again and if it did I'm sure Kahr would of replaced it again.

[ffemt]

I just checked my MK9, I've got a crack too..

http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz29/joecristi/Calguns%20ARF/4D18B3CE-2E74-453E-9F80-EE774F7E17AF_zpsgwobmjb7.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/joecristi/media/Calguns%20ARF/4D18B3CE-2E74-453E-9F80-EE774F7E17AF_zpsgwobmjb7.jpg.html)

[ReManG]

I just checked my MK9, I've got a crack too..


What year/timeframe is your Mk9? My GC7XXX with ~500 down the pipe is fine.....

[jocko]

send those photos to kahr, attn; Jay (email). that slide needs to be replaced... what ur seein is so so so rare, that it shold be of no concern. Kahr will make it right, no doubt is is bad material or combination of improper hardening etc. I have been on here since day one and I don't think I have seen or heard of more than 6. Never good when it happens to you but sh!t happens..

[ffemt]

What year/timeframe is your Mk9? My GC7XXX with ~500 down the pipe is fine.....
Its GC22XX with about 1500 rounds through.

send those photos to kahr, attn; Jay (email). that slide needs to be replaced... what ur seein is so so so rare, that it shold be of no concern. Kahr will make it right, no doubt is is bad material or combination of improper hardening etc. I have been on here since day one and I don't think I have seen or heard of more than 6. Never good when it happens to you but sh!t happens..
Could you PM me Jay's email? Glad to hear its a rare thing..hopefully have this sorted out soon.

[ffemt]

I sent my MK9 back to Kahr on the 4th, I just received it today. 3 day turnaround time with a new slide and barrel, they covered all costs and shipping. Very impressed!

[Redstate]

Great to hear that Kahr took great care of you.

[CJB]

yup

[CPTKILLER]

This is caused by typically bad heat treating. Get it replace!

[airny]

Mine has a crack also. I sent it to Kahr and they replaced the slide and got it back in 8 days, did not pay a cent. Thank You Ian and Jay.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh173/erniequion/20150521_000819.jpg

[Redstate]

Airny, glad to hear they took good care of you. How old was the MK9?

[airny]

I had this since 1999, well over a 1000 rounds, I stop counting after that. I kept it in the safe for couple of years when the polymer frames started being more popular and and bought one to replace my MK9. One day I had an itch to take it out and fire couple of round through it (I kinda miss her) and while carefully cleaning it I noticed a line between the barrel hole and the guide rod hole and I thought it was just some stain. But when I took a good look at it with my magnifying glass (my eyes are not as good as it use to be) the line went all the way from the front to the back of the slide. I emailed Kahr arms right away and they responded quickly. They sent me a per-paid FedEx label and got my baby back in 8 day's. I have to say Kahr customer service is great no hassle at all.

[Redstate]

Thanks for informing us of the age of your MK9. I haven't heard or read of any newer ones having any issues like yours.

[dhdekay]

I thought I would update the thread with another issue successfully resolved. I noticed a crack between the barrel and guide rod hole in my MK9 Elite recently while doing a good cleaning. It's a 2006 I purchased used in 2007. I hadn't shot it in a few years (which is why I was cleaning it up) and uncertain when it appeared.

I emailed Kahr and ONE MINUTE later got a response. They apologized and said they would send an RMA. I got my Fedex label emailed and off it went. Got it back in just over a week. Another example of great customer service!

[CPTKILLER]

Superb service.