Kahr T9 - In the beginning...

[Dreams_of_Steel]

Last night I picked up my "new" Kahr T9 from my FFL that I purchased from budsgunshop.com. It was late and the shop actually stayed open late to get me my gun, so my initial inspection was less than thorough. As I looked it over I noticed a fair amount of grime and grit, what I took to be packing grease. Once I got it home and broke it down, I noticed how dirty it really was in there. After a good cleaning, I also noticed some wear marks on the slide and barrel, as well as on the breech face. Needless to say, I don't feel that this is a "brand new" gun. I am wondering if Buds Gun Shop has a retail store and shooting range or something, or if this is a return. I took pics after the cleaning to show what I am referring to. I would welcome any input regarding these marks, not that I think it will affect the guns performance. The bore looks close to new so I doubt there have been many rounds through it at all. Anyway, this is just the beginning of my journey into KahrLand, I am going shooting on Wednesday so I will be posting performance details after I get back.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll1/Dreams_of_steel/Breech_face_01_zpsmrkbdn2a.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Dreams_of_steel/media/Breech_face_01_zpsmrkbdn2a.jpg.html)

Here are some new pics with (hopefully) better lighting and angles.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll1/Dreams_of_steel/IMG_0059_zpsdd1trjk7.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Dreams_of_steel/media/IMG_0059_zpsdd1trjk7.jpg.html)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll1/Dreams_of_steel/IMG_0060_zpsm3jfnxdu.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Dreams_of_steel/media/IMG_0060_zpsm3jfnxdu.jpg.html)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll1/Dreams_of_steel/IMG_0063_zpsyz5t7l41.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Dreams_of_steel/media/IMG_0063_zpsyz5t7l41.jpg.html)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll1/Dreams_of_steel/IMG_0065_zpsmyelbwtp.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Dreams_of_steel/media/IMG_0065_zpsmyelbwtp.jpg.html)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll1/Dreams_of_steel/IMG_0066_zps4nodmnzs.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Dreams_of_steel/media/IMG_0066_zps4nodmnzs.jpg.html)
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll1/Dreams_of_steel/IMG_0067_zpsqujbjrml.jpg (http://s284.photobucket.com/user/Dreams_of_steel/media/IMG_0067_zpsqujbjrml.jpg.html)

[Nytcrawler93]

Clean and lube the hell out of it. It was shot at the factory. I would rack the slide a few dozen times as well. My PM9 was gritty when I got it but it is butter after 300 plus rounds.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Redstate]

That is a beautiful pistol. I doubt it is a used pistol; I can only tell you they are test fired at Kahr. Check out the link here to FAQ on the Kahr website:
http://www.kahr.com/faq.asp#q9

Also, you can email Kahr, or call them, and they can give you a manufacture date for your pistol if your give them the serial number.

[berettabone]

If those are pics after it was cleaned, I would not be happy at all..................especially the last two pics. I have almost 1000 rds. through my Kahr, and it doesn't look close to that................

[cobrasjp]

If those are pics after it was cleaned, I would not be happy at all..................especially the last two pics. I have almost 1000 rds. through my Kahr, and it doesn't look close to that................
^^^ What he said.

I would send those pictures to Kahr. Ask them if those marks are normal for a new pistol.

I would also contact Bud's and see what they say about it.

[berettabone]

The end of the barrel and feed ramp shouldn't look like that(beat up)before even being shot by the owner...........................the end of the frame shouldn't look like that either. If it was a used gun, so be it, but in this case, that's ridiculous. Kudos to all of you who continue to say "just shoot it like to stole it", and 'It won't affect the operation." No excuse at all............................................... ......I'd be pissed................and yes, Bud's does have a shooting range........I don't know if it's connected to the main store or not.

[Alfonse]

I really can't tell from the photos. I like my pistols to be pretty much pristine. The light is difficult for me to tell what is going on, if anything, on the barrel. Is that sort of burnishing on the end of the frame? Are there little dings? If so, that shouldn't be. I have had some issues with shipping at times, but I don't see how that could be from shipping.

Those are beautiful pistols though! I also don't see what the smear is on the slide in the first pic. It almost looks like it is brass colored. Does it clean off?

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I emailed these pics to Kahr this morning, hopefully I will hear something back soon. The more I look at the gun the more annoyed I get. If it wasn't the "top of the line" I wouldn't care quite as much, but with a piece this pricey I really feel like it should be as close to flawless as it can be. If anyone has further input on the wear marks I would be very interested to hear your thoughts.

[berettabone]

Seeing some of the new pics, in some places, it won't have any effect, because the slide doesn't ride on those places. Just some awful machining. The feed ramp and end of barrel, the bottom part of the slide in front, and the discolored part and dings in the front part of the frame are ridiculous. IMPO, if it was only supposedly test fired, you my friend have a used and battered firearm, that was handled in rough an irresponsible manor.

[Alfonse]

Either you put up new photos, or being on this better computer really helps me see what is going on. I would be irritated by much of that. The finish inside the frame is atrocious. The dings and burnishes on the outside of the frame are irritating too. That doesn't look like the way it would have been shipped from the factory.

[Redstate]

Looking forward to hearing what Kahr says.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

Since I had not heard anything as of this morning, I called Kahr Customer Service and was told that the dings and scratches were most likely "part of the manufacturing process" and the scratches under the slide were from test firing. I remain unconvinced. I ended up having to work today (I was planning on doing some test firing of my own) so now it will have to wait until Sunday. I am excited to put some rounds down range, this is going to be my daily CC piece so the cosmetics of it are really a moot point. The parts that concern me are the feed ramp and slide near the near the extractor. I will post updates once I put some lead down range.

[berettabone]

I am slowly rethinking my position on Kahr's customer service. Sorry, but for a supposed new firearm, it looks like s#!t. I think me feels some hot air getting blown you know where............some of the things in the pics, just couldn't be to that degree, with a test fire only.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I wonder if anyone from Kahr reads these posts or frequents these forums. If I had a company with forums dedicated to my products, I know I would be. I am awaiting a response from Bud's as well, in hopes that they may help me out. I noticed when the package shipped from them, it was not from their normal Kentucky address but one from Minnesota. I wonder if this was sitting in some other shop and Bud's had to get it from somewhere other than their normal warehouse. Maybe they have multiple storage places around the country. *shrug* I hope that the gun runs flawlessly but if I have any trouble with it I will be sending it back to Kahr. Time will tell.

[Redstate]

Since I had not heard anything as of this morning, I called Kahr Customer Service and was told that the dings and scratches were most likely "part of the manufacturing process" and the scratches under the slide were from test firing. ...

Did they tell you this after looking at the photos you sent them? In any event, I hope to hear a very positive range report from you.

[marshal kane]

I've come to expect interior surfaces of a slide and frame to show tool and wear marks. The exterior of the pistol looks pristine with the exception of the underside of the slide at the muzzle but that could also be from wear. I would shoot it and see how it functions, you might come to think of it as a "keeper". In any event, you are under warranty so you can return it to Kahr for refinishing if needed. BTW, some negative comments are to be expected.

[b4uqzme]

I get that, in order to buy polymer Kahrs for under $300 retail, we end users should expect a few interior imperfections...as long as they don't hinder performance. But the SS Kahrs hold a place dear to my heart. And if yours is typical of recent production, Kahr needs to step up their game...in order to keep the stainless models special. JMHO.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I fully agree b4. I purchased this pistol specifically because it is their "flagship" model, supposed to be the top of the line. The finish quality and attention to detail is just not what I expected. My $199.00 Black Friday special Tisas 1911 has as-good-as build quality and machine work. Granted, it's black parkerized finish has already seen some wear but that's because I beat the crap out of it. If it was a Wilson Combat or a Nighthawk I would be more careful. This Kahr T9 is going to be my daily CC tool and I fully expect it to acquire some "character" over time, but I much prefer to put the scratches and dings there myself.

[photoman12001]

Well I don't like to hear this. I put a T9 on layaway at Buds in December and I've been anxiously waiting to get it. I paid it off last week and it's supposed to deliver to my FFL Monday. I hope I don't see issues like this. My K9 is my primary CCW and I've been looking for a T9 for a while. Mine shipped from Lexington, KY.

[hardknocks1]

I had bought a firearm from buds but it wasn't right and I didn't accept it.
FFl sent it back and they sent another no charge.
Read buds rules on their website.

[Redstate]

Good luck to you Photoman. I would not be concerned. I bought a "blemished" K9 from Bud's last December, and it was (still is) great. Let us know how you like it.

[targetshooter]

I've been dealing with Bud's for 20 years - first in their Paris location and now in Lexington. They do have multiple ship from locations, I also think they sometimes ship from distributors. In both locations their range was attached to the retail store. Based on my interface with their personnel, I would say they are straight players and would not sell a used weapon as a new one. Could there be a mistake in the back area of the store, ???. Did the unit packaging look new - was the box clean, was the paperwork sealed in the little plastic envelope, ...

Kahr quality ? The interior of the slide and frame on my P380 purchased in 2013 were very rough compared to my PM9 purchased in 2006. I will be picking up a PM45 tomorrow. I'm now curious to see what the interior looks like. In my conversations with Kahr, maybe only two or three times, I would say, they put function first, exterior looks second and interior condition not relevant. I must also say, I cleaned up the P380, followed the forum break in and it has ran without any issues.

[photoman12001]

I bought a used Beretta 87 from Bud's a couple of years ago that might as well have been new so I had no reservations about buying the T9 from them. I'll just have to see how it looks on Monday. I'm not really concerned with the finish on the interior. My CZs are pretty rough on the inside but they look great on the outside and they're great shooters.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/Beretta/Beretta%2087/_DSC7092EditLayers1024Pixel8_zps2b532948.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/CZ/_DSC5486EditLayers1024Pixel8_zps207825cd.jpg

[Dreams_of_Steel]

My T9 is back at the factory right now, and I am confident they will be able to fix the issues with it. To agree with a previous poster, I wish now that I had not accepted the transfer, hindsight being 20/20 and all. Now, it is what it is. If the pros at Kahr can fix the functional issue mine had and help out the finish a bit, I'll be happy. I'm thinking about going against my original intention and getting a P9 for carry and keeping the T9 for a range only gun. I think you made an excellent purchase and I can't wait to see the pics!

[b4uqzme]

^^^ refreshing attitude there DoS. I wish you the best and agree a P9 will make you a terrific carry piece. And I 2nd your comment about photoman's pics. He ain't photoman for nuttin'. :D

[b4uqzme]

J.D.,

Those (aluminum are they?) CZ mag base plates are hot. Where do you get them?

[photoman12001]

J.D.,

Those (aluminum are they?) CZ mag base plates are hot. Where do you get them?

I bought the P-01 used after the previous owner sent it to Cajun Gun Works for a Pro Package. I'm not sure where its base plates came from but I think they are aluminum.

The base plates on the full-size stainless are made by Patterson Precision Design (http://www.ppdbillet.com/CZ_75_Base_Plate.htm) and those are stainless steel. They are a little pricy but worth it to me due to the high quality and how good they make the gun look

Sorry to derail the thread. I will post photos of the T9 after I get it.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/CZ/CZ%2075%20B/_DSC5483EditLayers1024Pixel8_zps34bb7b8c.jpg

[Redstate]

Love that CZ.

[photoman12001]

I picked up my T9 tonight. I haven't gotten to examine it in depth but I field stripped it and did not see the issues shown in the OP's photos aside from some light vertical lines on the breech face. There was nothing that screamed to me of an issue though. I will examine it in better light tomorrow and try to get some photos. Hopefully I can shoot it before I leave the country for a few weeks.

I will point out a + and a - I've noticed so far:
+ It's easier to field strip than my NYPD K9.
- I'm not too impressed with the fit of the grips. I think I will be wishing Hogue made rubber grips for the T9.

[Redstate]

Look forward to your range report.

[photoman12001]

I snapped a few quick photos to show what is going on with the grips. The right grip panel sits low, enough so that it sits below the frame and the sharp edge digs uncomfortably into my hand. I'm going to send the photos to Kahr and hope they will replace the grips and that fixes it. I hope the frame is not drilled incorrectly for the grip screws. I really don't want to send it to the factory.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/Kahr/Kahr%20T9/IMG_1334%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zpsetc n36pu.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/Kahr/Kahr%20T9/IMG_1331%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zpsybx o7clq.jpg

[Alfonse]

It is more likely the grip. There is a bevel needed at the top of the channels that form the slot the back of the frame rides in. If it isn't fully cut, it would cause the grip to not fully seat at the top of the frame. There are other spots too that could cause it. The easiest might be to take the grips off. Then, watch from the other side as you try to seat the ill fitting side in place. There is probably one spot with a bit of extra material on that grip keeping it from seating. Lately, I've been fitting quite a few grips on metal Kahrs.

[photoman12001]

Kahr was very fast to respond to my email and new grips are coming. If I see fit issues with the new ones I might explore it further.

I am super anxious to shoot this T9, hopefully tomorrow. It has a very instinctive feel for me. When I close my eyes, thrust the gun out from my chest into a shooting position, and open my eyes the sights are always dead-on aligned. There are a few others that work like that for me: SIG P225/228/229, CZ P-01. My K9 and SIG P239s work like that probably 75% of the time.

[laserfish]

Congrats. Mine is the same way, point and shoot very accurately, even more so than my K. Just wish it was a 45.

[Alfonse]

Kahr was very fast to respond to my email and new grips are coming.

I expect that will fix you right up.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I want to get a second set of grips and sand them down to give the T9 a "bobbed" style, I think it will be easier and more comfortable to carry that way. I also recently got some of the steel base plates for my CW9's magazines and i plan to do the same for my T9 mags. I have already noticed that it prints even less when carrying. My next project is to figure out some way of closing the gap between the bottom of the mag and the grips / mag well... not sure how that will work out though. Sorry you had problems photoman, glad Kahr is taking care of you.

[eligius]

Had the same issue with my T40-looked like somebody used a coarse file to file down the rails. Couldn't stand it and ended up selling the gun taking a heavy beating (40% what I paid for). Btw I bought the gun from Buds Gun Shop. Mistake, should have inspect it more carefully.

[photoman12001]

Back from the dead.
I should have updated the thread long ago. Kahr sent me new grips and they fit my T9 well. I really like my T9. It's an awesome size and a good shooter.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/Kahr/Kahr%20T9/_DSC5631%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zpsc2m eugf4.jpg

My K9 is probably still my all-around favorite Kahr but if the T9 had more grip options it would surpass the K9.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/EDC/7D7F9C99-0508-4608-9BC1-15FB19F1E1A8_zpsjwd41iw6.jpg

[Bills1873]

Beautiful pair!

[Bawanna]

I've had a hankering for a long time for a T9. This isn't helping me one little bit. And I'm a devout 45 guy.

[Phish]

Gorgeous T9
!!