Carbon slide K9 or MK9 pre-purchase questions

[AFCop]

I have been wanting a K9 for concealed carry and carry around the homestead. Cant find any stainless in the area but called around to all the local gun stores and found a black K9 9090 (carbon slide) Ser. #AE37xx for $399.00. I haven't looked at it yet.

Other store I spoke with has two MK9's (not sure what type) in the price range of $600 - $750 if I remember correctly.

I really want a stainless model and now I am considering a MK9. I will go look at them today.

I like the feel of the full grip on the K9 but wish the mags fit flush. (I'm OK with the Kahr gap)

I like the idea of the short grip of MK9 for ease of carry on the hip. (Wont print as much or snag on chairs and dig into car seats and such.) But, I am wondering how well the MK9's shoot with the short grip.

In short:

1) Is there any drawback to the early carbon slide models, besides reduced corrosion resistance?

2) Is the shooting comfort afforded by the longer grip of the K9 worth the decreased conceal-ability?

3) Can magazine base plates make the 7 rd K9 mag fit as flush as the 6 rd MK9?

4) Does the short grip on the MK9 allow for a good purchase and quick follow up shots?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[b4uqzme]

Based on the prices you quoted, I'd choose the K9. Take care of the carbon steel and it should last lifetimes.

But I too couldn't find a K9 locally. I opted for an MK9 and have no regrets. I added a Pearce mag ext and ground it down to half size. Makes the grip perfect for me. I carry 7 round mags as spares for the extra capacity.

Have fun shopping.

[AFCop]

Thank you b4uqzme, How would you compare the MK9 grip to your K40 as far as recoil and follow up shots go? I owned a K40 and loved the way the grip fit my hand. I've shot other short, two finger grip guns, just curious what others think of them in relative comparison to the full size of the K series.

I do like the look of the Pearce grip extension. I have read on this forum that some people have trouble with their Pearce extensions working loose. Have you had that problem?

[b4uqzme]

Based on your experience with your K40 you are obviously gonna love a K9. 9mm stainless Kahrs are very soft shooters. Other than being shorter, an MK9 grip is the same. But that 3rd finger does help control muzzle flip and limpwristing type failures. That's why I added the mag ext. For me it's the best of both: concealable and shootable.

Any chance the gun store will let you shoot one of those MK9's?

[AFCop]

Looking at the Pearce extension, it does look like it would improve the shoot-ability of the easily concealed MK9.

The store that has the MK's doesn't have a range but I will look for a MK at the range that rents guns.

I am leaning away from the carbon K9. Based on it's serial number, the Crimson Trace grip wont fit it. I would like that option open in the future.

Thanks for your input.

[berettabone]

Considering what you would be using it for, and considering that an MK9 is capable of putting bullets through the same hole at 5-7 yds. and considering that if your not recoil sensitive, the MK9 should be your choice. 2 fingers on the firearm is plenty. If my wife can shoot it, so can you. Put a Pachmayr grip sleeve on it, and you'll have plenty of gription:p

[AFCop]

I'm not what I would consider sensitive to recoil. I do want to be able to get back on target quickly though. I believe the MK9 will do that better than my current subcompact polymer .40

Thanks for your input berettabone, I am looking forward to checking out those MK9's today.

[berettabone]

I also own a subcompact polymer .40......................they all have their different functions. If you already own a small firearm, your familiar with "small". I think that you'll like the MK, as long as you don't try to use it as a range gun. Not that there is anything wrong with a K model.........I am a bit prejudice.:)

[AFCop]

I considered the K40 a fun range gun. I really liked it but sold it a while back.

[Big Sexy]

I'm a huge fan of the MK series pistols, but I love the K9 as well. Unless you're planning to pocket carry, I'd go with the K9. The K9 is still very compact and conceals well for IWB or OWB carry, depending on your style of clothing and carry rig.

If you do opt for the K9, and if you prefer the all-stainless look and are concerned about corrosion, one option you can do is send it to Robar and get the entire pistol coated in NP3+. It gives the gun a soft silver gray look similar to stainless, it's extremely corrosion and wear-resistant, it's self-lubricating, and the slick surface makes parts easy to wipe clean.

[leftysixty]

As for the Pearce grip extensions, I have about six of them that I've used on a CW40 and PM40, several thousand rounds later I have never had a failure of any kind. They seem to work just as well as the factory base plates.

[Alfonse]

I am leaning away from the carbon K9. Based on it's serial number, the Crimson Trace grip wont fit it. I would like that option open in the future.


I don't believe the CT laser grip is still made for the MK9, if that is important to you.

[jocko]

I don't believe the CT laser grip is still made for the MK9, if that is important to you.

also some of the parts for that model are no longer available. Stay modern if u can. If I recall I think the trigger br might be obslete if anything ever happened to it.

[AFCop]

Thank you all for your advise and input.

I went to look at a few Kahrs yesterday. I found a nice looking MK9 Elite 03 (SN: GC3511) for a firm $600.
Also a well used, dirty but not too abused K40 Covert (SN DK1280) that the dealer would come down to $450. I know the Covert and Elite 03 are sought after and I wouldn't mind owning either one. I am looking for 9mm or I may have jumped on that Covert. I like the MK grip length as it seems it would carry better. I do think I would miss the feel of the K series grip. It feels like it was made to fill my hand.
When I had my K40 I was amazed at the comfort and control the grip afforded me. I can only assume it would be even better with 9mm.

I continued my search and found a pristine K9 stainless (SN: AR1XXX). The dealer let me break it down and it truly looks unfired. It is being sold on consignment for $490, I offered $450, the dealer left a message with the seller and I hope to hear back today. The K9 has been in the case for over a year so I am hopeful they will take my offer.

I will keep you posted and thanks again for your input.

[RevRay]

I hope you're able to get the K9 ... you'll like it. I had an E9 which I liked the feel of very much. I ended up using it for a partial trade on something else. My wife doesn't want me collecting guns, so I have to limit myself to about 3 guns that I'm actually going to use on a regular basis.

[AFCop]

Thanks Rev! I know I will like K9 and am looking forward to shooting and carrying it.

I don't consider myself a collector, but I have lost count of how many I have acquired. I just keep finding new reasons to acquire a new firearm :). Next I will need a new rifle to protect the chickens from the coyotes.

[sharpetop]

I've never had an issue with rust or otherwise with my carbon steel K40. I just wipe it down and lube every couple of weeks when it's in the carry mode.

[AFCop]

I picked up the Stainless K9 for $450 and couldn't be happier. I will clean, lube and break it in this weekend and report back next week with some pictures. The serial number is AR86XX, and the fired brass envelope is dated Jan 24 2005. The gun appears practically new.

What are the best rounds for break in as far as brand and bullet weight go?

Thanks

[AFCop]

I put some rounds through my new K9 and posted about it here. Thank you all again for your advice.

http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?26897-Happy-with-my-new-K9-stainless-Pictures&p=341773#post341773