Kahr T9 - 300 rounds later... and the issue that started from the first empty mag

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I was able to get my new T9 out to the range today, and while every single round fed, fired, and extracted without issue, with all 3 factory new magazines the slide will not lock back after firing the last round. I know there have been multiple threads regarding similar problems but I could not find much about a fix for this especially on the T series. I noticed that all 3 of the mags now have gouges along the follower that were not there before I started the break-in. I will post some pics once I get home but I am very curious to find out how to resolve this or if the "fix" will be to send the gun and magazines into Kahr for repair. The shooting experience was fantastic and I do not regret for a second getting a steel frame Kahr. The trigger is smooth and crisp, and accuracy is amazing. If anyone has ideas about how to resolve this slide not locking back issue without sending it in, please let me know.

[ripley16]

Does it lock back when you manually rack the slide?
Could it be a thumb on the lever situation? Shoot single handed to see if it happens.
the small metal pin in the follower is present in all three mags I assume.

The slide lock is a real simple mechanical device. What prevents it's upward movement?

[Dreams_of_Steel]

Yes, the slide does lock back when manually cycling, with an empty mag or with snap caps. I fired the gun both 1 and 2 handed, same issue in both situations. I had also read about the "thumb on slide lock" issue on another thread so I ensured I was not touching the slide lock. I emailed Kahr and they are doing and RMA. (ugh) I was trying to avoid sending it in but if that's what it takes to fix it so be it. Maybe they can address the poor finish work on the frame and slide as well. I was thinking of ordering a stronger recoil spring and possibly some stronger mag springs like jocko has suggested in other threads but I feel like I should not have to replace parts on a brand new gun to make it function correctly.

[muggsy]

Far be it from me to cast aspersions, but could you possibly be allowing the pistol to free recoil too, much? It sounds as though the slide isn't going back far enough for the slide stop to capture it. Firm up those wrists and try again. Weak magazine springs could be the cause of the problem. Check to see if the mag springs were installed properly. Also, check to see if the followers slide freely and that the magazines are clean inside. (That should keep him busy for awhile.) :)

[Dreams_of_Steel]

It is possible that I was limp wristing, but I own half a dozen semi-autos in 9mm, .40SW and .45ACP and fire them all one and two handed. None of the others have this problem. With the weight of the T9 plus the low recoil due to design, I doubt it is the cause. I cleaned and sprayed the mags with Rem Oil before first use, and verified that the followers moved freely, but I have not checked the mag spring installation yet. If I can avoid sending it in for repair I would like to... but I'm hoping that if I do have to send it in they can address the frame finish issues as well.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I received a call from Casey at Kahr Customer Service this morning. He stated that the slide lock pin holes were misaligned during manufacture and because this could not be fixed, he used a brand new frame. He said he also replaced the barrel, polished the feed ramp and slide serrations, and refinished the slide before putting approx. 70 rounds through it with no problems. It sounds like all of my concerns have been addressed, although since I am getting a new frame, I have to pay a second FFL transfer / BGC fee. To me this is a small price to pay, although it would have been nice to not have to put out more money for an already expensive gun. All said, I am very happy with Kahr as a whole and glad they were able to resolve the issues.

[OldFatGuy]

Yes, the slide does lock back when manually cycling, with an empty mag or with snap caps. I fired the gun both 1 and 2 handed, same issue in both situations. I had also read about the "thumb on slide lock" issue on another thread so I ensured I was not touching the slide lock. I emailed Kahr and they are doing and RMA. (ugh) I was trying to avoid sending it in but if that's what it takes to fix it so be it. Maybe they can address the poor finish work on the frame and slide as well. I was thinking of ordering a stronger recoil spring and possibly some stronger mag springs like jocko has suggested in other threads but I feel like I should not have to replace parts on a brand new gun to make it function correctly.

Interesting, my is just the opposite. Doesn't lock while racking with an empty mag, but works fine at the range.

[ripley16]

Good to hear that there seems to be a positive solution. At least it is 70 rounds into it's 200 round break-in. Enjoy your new T9.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I picked up another case of Magtech 9mm yesterday as well so I have plenty of break-in rounds, I am looking forward to shooting the T9 and my CW9 side by side. The T9 will be here on Wednesday according to the Kahr rep, so Thursday is gonna be a good day.

[Redstate]

Glad they fixed it for you.

[laserfish]

Sorry to hear of your problems, but glad they found the problem. As the proud owner of a T9, you will love the way it shoots. I cleaned and polished my mags inside and out. Bought a used K9 that had this done and it makes a huge difference. Easy to do, just buffed them on a buffing wheel lightly.

[jocko]

Far be it from me to cast aspersions, but could you possibly be allowing the pistol to free recoil too, much? It sounds as though the slide isn't going back far enough for the slide stop to capture it. Firm up those wrists and try again. Weak magazine springs could be the cause of the problem. Check to see if the mag springs were installed properly. Also, check to see if the followers slide freely and that the magazines are clean inside. (That should keep him busy for awhile.) :)

along with whatu staed muggsy, I would suggest shooting defence sammo to see if that takes care of the issue. Kahrs are tight as a virgin's whatcha macolit. and need round sthrough them to get that recoil spring broken it. At least before sending it in try to soot it with defence ammo whih is hotter than fmj range fodder and see if that works. There is normally a reason why fmj amo is lower in price,and not that it inferior or poor quality but there is just less ump behind that round. Never hurt sto try this first, I never read that u tried this either, so if u did, then my point is a mute point.

I would advise visiiting the forum agenda and vind PROPPER PREPPING OF UR NEW KAHR. Some dandy tips in there for one to do before firing that first round. S\Often times alittle pre prepp of ur gun pays big dividends. I kow we all expect themto be fprect out of the box but we also know that is not always the way it works eiter I would think 300 rounds should be suffice for good break in also.

[muggsy]

It is possible that I was limp wristing, but I own half a dozen semi-autos in 9mm, .40SW and .45ACP and fire them all one and two handed. None of the others have this problem. With the weight of the T9 plus the low recoil due to design, I doubt it is the cause. I cleaned and sprayed the mags with Rem Oil before first use, and verified that the followers moved freely, but I have not checked the mag spring installation yet. If I can avoid sending it in for repair I would like to... but I'm hoping that if I do have to send it in they can address the frame finish issues as well.

You shouldn't lube the magazines. The magazines should be kept clean and dry. Lubing the mags will allow fouling to build up and you could experience feeding problems.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I forgot to ask Casey if he replaced the mag followers, since the ones that came with the gun ended up with grooves cut into them from the misalignment of the frame and slide. Maybe they just put new mags into the box... one can hope anyway. I will not be repeating the mistake of lubing the mags, although I'm confident that it did not contribute to my original issue. I am going to pick up the replacement in a couple hours, and I am so friggin' happy that I can't even sit still. Tomorrow is my day off so I'm going to complete the break-in, as well as put some rounds through the DPMS Oracle I am picking up at the same time. $500 for a new AR! I couldn't believe it at first but I'm glad I've held off on getting one until now, for that price I couldn't resist.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

Went to pick up the T9 after work, paid the second BGC/FFL fees, and then found out that Kahr did not put a copy of the FFL info in the box. Hoping the guy who worked on my gun will get it sent over first thing in the morning. Gotta say, I'm a bit frustrated at this point. One hopes that this is not standard practice for a firearms manufacturer and that this particular gun is cursed. I'm honestly tempted to just sell the dam thing and get a K9.

[ripley16]

... and then found out that Kahr did not put a copy of the FFL info in the box.

Did your dealer not get a copy in the first T9 transfer? That should suffice.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

The original transfer came from Bud's Gun Shop, not Kahr Arms. My state needs a copy with every transfer as well.

[ripley16]

I see, my mistake. A quick phone call for a faxed copy then. Waiting is torture.