MK40 vs MK40 Elite

[Flieger]

I know its been asked before, but if you don't mind, I've been contemplating a new Elite. I already own a standard model, but I've seen some of the small touches done to the Elite model and I can't seem to stop thinking about adding one to the collection.

For those of you that own one, is the Elite worth the extra dough?

Thanks for putting up with a repeatedly asked question.

[Barth]

I know its been asked before, but if you don't mind, I've been contemplating a new Elite. I already own a standard model, but I've seen some of the small touches done to the Elite model and I can't seem to stop thinking about adding one to the collection.

For those of you that own one, is the Elite worth the extra dough?

Thanks for putting up with a repeatedly asked question.

I own a MK40 Elite.
IMHO - it's good to be Elite - LOL!
I feel the standard MKs are sent to the custom shop for hand fitting and polishing.
Then they ascend to Elite status.
http://i1361.photobucket.com/albums/r678/barthunderwood/Mobile%20Uploads/Photo1139_zps15634674.jpg

[berettabone]

I guess you have to look at it like this.................if you were to pay someone to do what is done to the Elite model, it would probably cost you in the range of $250-350. Conservative????? I have had that problem, seeing a firearm and wanting it. Luckily, I have learned to curb those tendencies, and over the years, have used the barter/trade system, and have been able to shoot/own firearms that I normally wouldn't get a chance to check out. I do see used one's, if that's an option...........have seen some very nice used one's, unfortunately, they were priced accordingly. Life is short, if the cash is there, buy it. You can always sell the other one.:) I feel that night sights on a point and shoot firearm are kind of redundant............I don't notice any sharp edges when I carry, so the "rounding" of the frame wouldn't be an issue for me. It is a fine looking firearm, that's for sure. I like mine the way it is.:)

[CPTKILLER]

My MK9 does the job fine.

[b4uqzme]

The Elites are more polished but that's only on the outside. Which you prefer is ... Well ... Your preference. :) And the value of your preference is pretty subjective too.

I too find myself Googling "best this or that". But in truth, most of those questions are asking for preferences and opinions...questions we can really only answer for ourselves.

[b4uqzme]

Maybe you Elite owners can confirm whether or not there are any internal differences that would justify the price. It is my understanding that there are not.

[Flieger]

I think the internal aspect is my main concern. Whether or not extra time is spent by Kahr to perfect and inspect. What we call trigger jobs, polishing feed ramps and so on.

I can't complain at all about my current MK, I've had it for quite some time and it works fantastically. I was just considering treating myself to a new toy and Kahr is on my list.

By the way, thanks everyone for help. If help is what you need, you guys are great!!

[O'Dell]

My "regular" MK40N is one of my best shooting pistols and goes bang every time. What else do I need?

[jocko]

I think the internal aspect is my main concern. Whether or not extra time is spent by Kahr to perfect and inspect. What we call trigger jobs, polishing feed ramps and so on.

I can't complain at all about my current MK, I've had it for quite some time and it works fantastically. I was just considering treating myself to a new toy and Kahr is on my list.

By the way, thanks everyone for help. If help is what you need, you guys are great!!


I don';t think ANY elite kahr gets a factory trigger job, ur basically getting a cosmetic finished gun and possbly a mag well taper but internally they are all the same..Just sayin

[DavidS]

You want an Elite, go get an Elite.
Deciding not to buy an Elite because it is "basically the same" as an MK is the same as deciding not to buy another .40 cal because it is "basically the same" as the .40 cal you already own since it shoots the same ammo.

[Barth]

https://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-MK40-Elite.asp
Elite 2003
The polished stainless steel finish and laser etching on the frame are available on all Kahr Elite 2003 pistols - the K9, MK9, K40 and the MK40. The lustrous finish complements our innovative designs and solid construction. The magazine well is beveled for easier magazine reloading. The feed ramp on the barrel is polished to a high luster to insure reliable feeding with all types of ammo. Laser engraving on the frame provides the finishing touch to the polished stainless steel - for an appearance as impressive as its capabilities.

I also believe there is a subtle deburring melted treatment that's part of the polishing.
Asked my trusted gunsmith what he could to to improve the Elite?
His response was nothing.

IMHO the Elite is worth every penny.

Barth

[Big Sexy]

Both my K9 and MK40 are Elite versions, so I don't have a direct comparison with the standard models handy. I was under the impression that the Elites had "improved" triggers as well, at least initially, but I could be wrong on that.

Personally, I can think of 2 improvements that could still be done to the Elites: 1. Front strap checkering, or at least horizontal grooves. 2. Stainless steel guide rod.

[Alfonse]

Personally, I can think of 2 improvements that could still be done to the Elites: 1. Front strap checkering, or at least horizontal grooves. 2. Stainless steel guide rod.

I agree, particularly front strap checkering would be nice on all MKs and K series.

[b4uqzme]

Both my K9 and MK40 are Elite versions, so I don't have a direct comparison with the standard models handy. I was under the impression that the Elites had "improved" triggers as well, at least initially, but I could be wrong on that...

Yes and no. The older K9s evolved into an NYPD trigger. That made room for an "Elite" model with a lighter trigger and an "Elite" trigger retrofit for those who wanted to convert their K9 standard models. After Kahr severed ties with the NYPD, they started installing elite tiggers in all K9s. MK9s have always had elite triggers...both models.

Disclaimer. It's been a long while since I researched this. I believe the difference between an NYPD trigger and an Elite trigger was just the pull weight. You might want to confirm that.

[b4uqzme]

+1 on the front strap checkering.

[jocko]

Yes and no. The older K9s evolved into an NYPD trigger. That made room for an "Elite" model with a lighter trigger and an "Elite" trigger retrofit for those who wanted to convert their K9 standard models. After Kahr severed ties with the NYPD, they started installing elite tiggers in all K9s. MK9s have always had elite triggers...both models.

Disclaimer. It's been a long while since I researched this. I believe the difference between an NYPD trigger and an Elite trigger was just the pull weight. You might want to confirm that.

WRONG; the difference in the nypd trigger and the elite trigger was simply the nypd trigger was 1/8" longer trigger pull, the weight was never changed.. everyone seems to make such a big deal with this 1/8" trigger length of the BAD BAD nypd trigger. I shoot myt nypd K9 better than my PMJ9 with elite trigger, just sayin. Kahrs exit from the NY system was more plitical than anything. No big loss to kahr I am sure and alot of nice K9 NYPD models hit the market for awhile and I think now most are bought up. Many officers still own theirs but are not allowed to carry it for duty purposes. The elite trigger today is on all kahrs and the enhanced kahr has even an 1/8" shorter trigger travel than the elite trigger but it has an external safety to. So basically the kahr trigger system has traversed from 1/2" trigger(nypd) pull to 3/8" (elite)_ trigger pull to enhancfed 1/4" travel, all with the same striker poundage spring.

[jocko]

Elite 2003
The polished stainless steel finish and laser etching on the frame are available on all Kahr Elite 2003 pistols - the K9, MK9, K40 and the MK40. The lustrous finish complements our innovative designs and solid construction. The magazine well is beveled for easier magazine reloading. The feed ramp on the barrel is polished to a high luster to insure reliable feeding with all types of ammo. Laser engraving on the frame provides the finishing touch to the polished stainless steel - for an appearance as impressive as its capabilities.

for the extrra bucks u get a polished slide and a beveled mag well all kahr feed ramps are highly pol;ished. Kahr doesn't out in sh!t part in theor utter models. They are all of the same quality, be they elite or standard.

[b4uqzme]

WRONG...
I figgered you'd set me straight...

[Barth]

Elite 2003
The polished stainless steel finish and laser etching on the frame are available on all Kahr Elite 2003 pistols - the K9, MK9, K40 and the MK40. The lustrous finish complements our innovative designs and solid construction. The magazine well is beveled for easier magazine reloading. The feed ramp on the barrel is polished to a high luster to insure reliable feeding with all types of ammo. Laser engraving on the frame provides the finishing touch to the polished stainless steel - for an appearance as impressive as its capabilities.

for the extrra bucks u get a polished slide and a beveled mag well all kahr feed ramps are highly pol;ished. Kahr doesn't out in sh!t part in theor utter models. They are all of the same quality, be they elite or standard.

And just how many Elites do you own?
I'm just saying... LOL!:p
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/474x/a1/13/1e/a1131eff7b1690ed2678254e67141a59.jpg

[Nimrod]

The story that I've heard is that originally the Elite 2003 was better polished internally to provide a smoother trigger pull and increased feed reliability. Shortly after that, Kahr started polishing the internals of all their guns the same. My first Kahr was a PM9. The feed ramp had a mirror finish and the trigger pull was as smooth as could be. So I guess that story may be true. Six years ago I bought a K9 Elite 2003 to replace the PM9 as my EDC. I paid the extra $ for the Elite just because I like the looks of it and not because I thought it was a "better" gun than the standard model. About three years ago I bought a MK40 Elite to replace the K9 as my EDC. Again I chose the Elite over the standard model simply because I wanted it.

I believe the standard model and the Elite model will perform the same. Both models will be great shooters. If you like the looks of the Elite and are willing to pay the price, then do so. Otherwise, buy the standard model. I think you will be happy with either model.

[BigHairyGobbler]

From what I've read, the K9 is the only Kahr that has internal mods done to it (e.g. trigger pull length shortened by 1/8" and the mag tapered).

[Alfonse]

From what I've read, the K9 is the only Kahr that has internal mods done to it (e.g. trigger pull length shortened by 1/8" and the mag tapered).

I believe that was back in the day of the NY trigger, which is no longer in production. All triggers are the same now.

[nrccali]

I have a buddy that has the standard mk9 and I have the elite. we both think that his standard mk9 actually has a better trigger, and has far less rounds through it. The only differences we notice are the elite has a higher luster to the slide and frame, the mag well is beveled (which he took a file and 5 minutes to do to his, and the laser engraved "elite 03". They both have the same barrels with high polished feed ramps. I would suggest a standard mk9 and take 5 minutes to bevel your own mag well with a set of nicholson files. Just my $0.02 in saving $100.