My new Kahr T9...I like it a lot

[photoman12001]

I've had an NYPD trade-in K9 since 2012 that I like a lot and it's my primary CCW. The T9 has been on my radar for about a year but they aren't too easy too find. The few used ones I've run across were priced about the same or higher than what I paid for this one new ($717 after all fees). When I saw Bud's Gun Shop had them in stock in December I put one on layaway and finally received it this week. It came with three factory magazines. I am pleased with the fit/finish except for the grips (see photos below). Like my K9, it has everything you need and nothing you don't which makes for a pistol with a nice, sleek look. The ergonomics of the pistol are great for me resulting in one of the most natural-pointing pistols I own. I would say my T9, SIG P225, and CZ P-01 are the best I own in this regard.

I did get a chance to shoot the T9 this afternoon, though only for a brief 50 rounds. I shot it along with my P225 and K9. The T9's great fit in my hand showed on the targets. I was very pleased with the results. I used all three of the included magazines and experienced no malfunctions of any kind. The magazines were a bit tough to load, especially the eighth round, but I'm sure that will get easier with time and use. The trigger is pretty nice but heavier than my K9's trigger. I look forward to shooting the T9 more as I'm sure its trigger will become lighter and smoother over time.

In regards to the grips, I emailed Kahr the photos I have posted below and they responded the next day. They agreed to send me a set of new grips and that will hopefully fix the fit issue. The protruding wood did dig into my hand while shooting. It was a little uncomfortable but only left a slight red mark. I would REALLY like a set of Hogue rubber grips like the K9 has. I would also settle for Hogue or VZ G-10 grips like I have on my SIG P225 (Hogue Piranhas) and CZ P-01 (VZ Frag Pattern). Those pistols would wear Hogue rubber grips if they were available but G-10 is the next best thing for me and it looks really nice.

The T9 is a bit pricy and can be hard to find but I'm glad I kept looking and picked one up. I think Bud's still has them in stock. If you like the K9 I would give the T9 a serious look. I'm happy to have both of them. I hope the T9 continues to be a trouble-free shooter because I don't see it, or my K9, going anywhere.

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

The T9 with my SIG P225 and K9.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/Group%20Photos/9mm%20Pistols/_DSC5632%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zps274 ngsqj.jpg

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

This is my CZ P-01 with VZ Frag Pattern grips.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/CZ/CZ%2075%20P-01/_DSC5577%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zpsqlu ytmhc.jpg

[b4uqzme]

Great pics as usual! I'm so glad you like your T9 and also glad that Kahr is setting you up with new grips. Hogue is usually much better than that. I have 2 sets of wood Kahr grips and another set of wood grips for a J-frame and they all fit perfect. I'm sure your next set will to.

[Bawanna]

Looks like the holes got put in the wrong spot on that right side panel. Hanging low on the backstrap and also on the side.

I know it's tough to get them right but still no excuse, shouldn't have made it out like that.

I've had a T9 hankering for a very long time. Only ever seen one in person, wanted it badly. Someday one will be mine.

Unless they make a T45, then all bets are off.

[Redstate]

Very nice review and photos. Thanks.

[Alfonse]

Suddenly I want a T9! Very sweet pistol.

[Redstate]

Here you go, Alfonse: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_51/products_id/411550637

[photoman12001]

Looks like the holes got put in the wrong spot on that right side panel. Hanging low on the backstrap and also on the side.

That is my guess. I messed with it a little yesterday and it sits properly without screws but as I tighten the top screw the panel is pulled out of position. The wood grips look nice but I would strongly prefer rubber or G-10.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

Did you receive your new grips photoman? I'm asking because now that I have my T9 back I see the my right grip panel has the exact same problem. Did Kahr want you to send back the old grips before they would send you new ones? I emailed Kahr last night and got a response to that effect and I really do not want to be without a fully functional gun for another week or however long it takes on the turn around.

[photoman12001]

Kahr did send the new grips but I've been out of town. My wife said they arrived though. Kahr sent the new grips with a return label to send the old ones back. I should be home in a few days to see if this fixed the issue. I'm really hoping our frames were not drilled/tapped incorrectly for the grip screws.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

Agreed, I hope the frame is not the issue considering my frame was just replaced. I emailed Kahr back asking them to send out a new set of grips along with an RMA label, I really do not feel that I should have to be without parts through no fault of my own. I am still considering getting a second set of grips just to play with, I want to smooth them out a bit and bob the back side some. Or maybe I'll see if Bawanna will make me some new ones, his work is amazing!

[JohnR]

The T9 has to go down as one of the all time most aesthetically pleasing firearms.

[Bawanna]

While I've pretty much abandoned making Kahr grips (too frustrating) I'd love to make a set of T grips, mostly cause I'd have to get one in hand to make a set.
I've only seen and held (for a long time) one T9 but it was amazing. Felt so gosh durn nice in my hand I really didn't want to put it back down. The seller at the show was sympathetic but it still didn't come home with me.

I still dream of a T45 but a T 9 would be just fine until that happens.

Actually your close enough we could maybe some day meet up half way and borrow it for a week but then again you'd be out of a gun too. I quit giving out loaners awhile back too, liabilities and lawyers ya know?

Plan B would be to order some smooth replacement handles from Kahr and come up with a plan and work them over to be one of a kind just for you.......

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I would be more than willing to meet you as close as need be for that to happen, and since I have my CW9 now I am not completely without a carry piece. Kahr is sending me a new set of grips (without having to send mine in first now) but I would still love to have your touch, especially after checking out your Emporium again. I'd be very interested in possibly using a different type or color of wood, I would love to have a black set of smooth, thinned down grips with a bobbed tail. Please feel free to message me about cost and such, for a custom item like this, the time frame is of little concern to me.

[JohnR]

Those pistols would wear Hogue rubber grips if they were available

If ever there were a need for 3D printing, this would be it. Someone able to duplicate the original grip dimensions, input it into the machine, load some soft-ish plastic into the hopper, and push the GO button. Maybe I need one of those "Fund me now" campaigns or whatever they're called.

[Alfonse]

If ever there were a need for 3D printing, this would be it. Someone able to duplicate the original grip dimensions, input it into the machine, load some soft-ish plastic into the hopper, and push the GO button. Maybe I need one of those "Fund me now" campaigns or whatever they're called.

The K9 is next on my list. MK grips are in the works currently. The biggest issue with Kahr grips from a cost standpoint is how thick they are with the back strap as part of the grip. Most of the material ends up being whittled away. The MK grips that are coming are G10. It is expensive and abrasive from a manufacturing point of view, but tough when done.

The printed prototypes I have been making I have taken shooting. The material is not all that strong, but seems to work fine for me when shooting. But, I don't think you wanted printed grips. They don't look that great and either have poor definition (0.006 inch layers) or are quite expensive for better resolution.

On the other hand, there are some urethanes that machine well and are not as expensive as G10 nor as abrasive. They are resistant to all the solvents and such too. Urethanes can also be used in molds and can use soft (aluminum) molds which are not as expensive to make. Another trait of urethane is it can be made in a range of hardness-es. In other words, it can have a "soft" feel like you seen in automobile interior parts (or kind of like the Hogue grips). A third option is Micarta, in linen or with paper layers. It is strong, no matter how that sounds. The layers can also have different colors that show when machined in the texture and contours.

I want to get some MK grips out the door, but can model anything at this point. Don't give up. I can model any of them. The K9 and T9 grips are even thicker than the standard MK grips and take quite a bit more material.

It is great to see these posts though so I can see what folks might like.

[photoman12001]

I definitely want customized grips for mine. I messaged VZ and Hogue about G-10s but I doubt that will lead anywhere. At the very least I would be interested in customizing a set of the Hogues if I can get a set that fits the gun from the factory.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I have talked briefly with a local company that does 3D printing and they said they would be happy to scan the existing grips and make some new ones for me. If I were to go that route, I would want a rubberized type material rather than G10 or some other hard surface. I have also talked to another place that does Cerakote and if I can get Bawanna to do me up some nice black wood grip panels, I will be having the T9 coated in some shade of black to match. I've always likes black pistols with dark grips and have yet to see any pics of a T9 with a non-factory finish so it would be even more unique.

[photoman12001]

The new grips do fit my gun better than the original ones. I won't call the fit ideal but it's better and it works. I'd still like some Hogue rubber wrap-arounds on it though, or at least some G-10 grips. The new ones seem to be a little thicker than the original grips, especially at the very top portions. The color is aslo lighter on the new set. As long as this T9 continues to be as reliable and accurate as it was the first time I shot it, it will likely be one of my favorite 9mm pistols. At the very least, I would like to explore getting these grips customized a bit, maybe with some stippling on the smooth sections.

It was disappointing to discover that the Ed Brown 1911 slim gip screws would not work on the T9 as they did with my K9. Those look a lot better to me. The Hogue wood grips are too thick. I might shorten some standerd 1911 screws, which are too long.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/Kahr/_DSC5639%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zps67x 91kdi.jpg

[Dreams_of_Steel]

That is one beautiful collection! I'm a big fan of Benchmade knives as well, lost one in the woods a couple years ago and still need to replace it. Their factory outlet is about 20 minutes from my house, and tomorrow is my day off...it may be the perfect time to upgrade from the CRKT Ignitor I've been carrying since losing the Benchmade. Luckily it's perfectly legal to carry an auto opener here in Oregon, I'm thinking of CLA 4300 or the AFO 9051.

[b4uqzme]

Photoman,

You might have some good candidates there for a thinnerization. It would provide a good opportunity to fix that front strap miss-fit too. http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?26731-Thinner

I'm thinking of getting me some of them thin-headed grip screws like your K9. They look great and it's easy to shorten 'em up if necessary.

[Bawanna]

Wonder if that's a misfit or camera angle. I know I see pictures sometimes of mine and I think to myself, there's no way I screwed them up that bad. Camera angle can really mess with a person.

[b4uqzme]

Yeah...it could be a shadow from the K9...

[photoman12001]

There is definitely some angle and shadow trickery going on in that photo. The grip fit isn't perfect but it's nowhere near as bad as it appears in the photo.

I do love my Benchmades. I've got several different models and most recently acquired my second 950-1401 (orange-handled Rift).

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Knives/Benchmade/_DSC5833%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zpsxul lnjvq.jpg


I've been on an Emerson kick and acquired several over the past few weeks. I also have a CQC-10 that should be here in a few days.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Knives/Emerson/_DSC5834%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel%208_zpsv3k 4qr3j.jpg

[Bawanna]

Nice, love the CZ too. Another one on my someday list.

[photoman12001]

Given its size, ergonomics, capacity, accuracy, and reliability I consider the P-01 to be the best all-around 9mm I have owned. My SIG P225/P6 are a close second but the P-01 beats them because it almost doubles the capacity but the guns are very similar in size. If the T9 continues to shoot well I would consider it in the top three with big points for all stainless construction and a consistent (non DA/SA) trigger). To me, a P-01 in all stainless would be the ultimate 9mm pistol, though I don't forsee mine disintegrating any time soon. The trigger created by Cajun Gun Works is phenomenal and easily the best trigger on any centerfire pistol I own.

The P225/P6 has been around a while and it's discontinued but i still think it's one of the best 9mm pistols despite all the new stuff coming out over the past few years. The P239 is nice too but I prefer the P225.

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/SIG%20Sauer/_DSC5634%20Edit%20Layers%201024%20Pixel_zpsdspwevn x.jpg

http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y433/photoman12001/Firearms/SIG%20Sauer/SIG%20P239/_DSC5155EditLayers1024Pixel8_zpsca5573dd.jpg

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I got my set of replacement grip panels today, going to be sending them back tomorrow and requesting yet another set partially due to the mismatched wood grain and color, but mostly because of the missing piece of material at the mounting hole. I can't say I'm that surprised, I swear this gun is cursed!
12527

[photoman12001]

Wow, that's pretty bad. It's nuts that made it past any kind of quality control check.
My replacements aren't perfect but they are much better than the originals and I'm happy with the gun overall now.

[Dreams_of_Steel]

I agree, the grip screw falls right through the mounting hole. It surprises me as well that this set made it through QC. Also, the 2 grip panels they sent me were no where near matching as far as color and grain go. I am just going to stick with the ones that were on the new frame when they sent it back and wait for Bawanna to have time to work on it. I considered trying to modify them myself but I'm no wood worker.