Slide defect/wear issue, in the slide release recess region

[erichard]

I haven't used the CW380 in a while because it had worked so well the last time I used it, but decided to clean it tonight and check a couple things out of curiosity. In cleaning the gun's slide in the long channel that connects to the polymer lower assembly/grip, I used a Q-tip swab to mop out the debris. What I noticed was that the fibers off the Q-tip were hanging in that little recess where the slide lock release sits when the gun is assembled fully. Looking at it closer, it seems the metal at the very apex of that arch has eroded away enough that you can see through the metal right there. Because it's sharp due to the thinness of this eroded metal, it seems like it may be shaving the polymer part of the gun ever so little each time the slide it racked. I was quite surprised.

Anybody seen this before? Think they'll replace the slide or gun as a whole if the polymer has been shaved at all? Seem the metal was very, very thin there to start. Is that true of your guns as well?

Here's a couple pics:

[Bawanna]

erichard, I'd send that picture to Kahr customer service and see what they say about it.

To me that isn't a structural high wear area and I think it could just be filed or dremeled away, but that should be their call.

I've never seen one like that before, obviously a void that went unnoticed.

They may want to just replace the slide for ya or agree that it can be cleaned up.

[erichard]

Thanks. I'm not sure if it's a void or if the machining was simply too deep leaving only a sliver of metal between the slide's channel and the slide stop release hole. And that metal easily wore away as it was so thin. Check your guns and see if yours is thin there too (anyone). I wonder if they are all thin there of if mine was unusually that way. I've only put maybe 500 or 600 rounds through it, so it's definitely not from overuse. Some would say that's the real break in amount for these guns. Guess I "broke" it in, he, he.

[SlowBurn]

I never noticed it before, but my P380 has that same shaped hole there. I got it used and it has 2000 or more rounds through it. Works fine and I'm not sure I want it "fixed," but I'll be curious to hear what Kahr says to you about it.
On the other hand, I also have a CW380 which is around 600 rounds now. No hole in that one and its not thin there either.

[muggsy]

My P380 shows no wear what-so-ever in that area. I can't see it causing a function problem, but it is a cosmetic defect. Send pictures to Kahr.

[b4uqzme]

... Works fine and I'm not sure I want it "fixed," ...

^^^ very wise... :yo:

[muggsy]

^^^ very wise... :yo:

Yeah, that defect shouldn't cause a problem until well after the warranty expires. :)

[SlowBurn]

Yeah, that defect shouldn't cause a problem until well after the warranty expires. :)
Bought that p380 used so it never had a legal warranty for me. But I've had it serviced gratis by Kahr. They never even asked about warranty info. Bet they'll do it again if I want to send it in for this.

[Bawanna]

I bet they would too. Contrary to popular belief I think they adhere to the right thing to do philosophy.

[muggsy]

If it's a defect in material or workmanship Kahr should repair or replace it regardless of warranty and I believe that Kahr will. Kahr stands behind their products. They would be damn fools to stand in front of them. :)

[kenemoore]

They would be damn fools to stand in front of them. :)

^^^Great wisdom this Muggsy has.

[yqtszhj]

I think I like slowburns statement, if it works not sure i'd "fix" it. I'd let kahr see the pictures though.

[yqtszhj]

^^^Great wisdom this Muggsy has.

It's that vacation he's been on I bet.

[alltimeqb]

So??? Did Kahr take care of the repair or did they say that it's ok, it won't effect the function of the gun?

[muggsy]

It's that vacation he's been on I bet.

The vacation starts in June. I've been doing plenty of practicing, though. :)

[erichard]

So??? Did Kahr take care of the repair or did they say that it's ok, it won't effect the function of the gun?

I have to wait till Tuesday after the holiday to speak with them. I'll follow up.

I'm not sure how it can be OK if the sharp edges kind of scrape the polymer beneath, but we'll see. I do think the current function is OK. I just worry about it degrading the gun down the road.

[SlowBurn]

I have to wait till Tuesday after the holiday to speak with them. I'll follow up.

What'd they say?

[sffone]

Even if it's under warranty it could still cost you a bit. I recently had to return a P380 for warranty work and the Kahr tech with whom I spoke refused to send me a prepaid shipping label; so it cost me $32 to return the 380 because I was told that it had to be sent "overnight air."

[erichard]

Got busy. Hopefully will call tomorrow.

[erichard]

I emailed the photos and story and here's the response this afternoon:

"Thank you for purchasing a Kahr Arms/Auto Ordnance product. We are sorry
you are experiencing this issue. This is a common occurrence with our CW380
pistols. This is due to the design of the slide. The dangling piece can be
removed without causing any functional issues with your firearm. If you
would like to perform this work yourself we recommend a small file be used
in this area to carefully deburr the slide. If you would like we can
establish an RMA for you to return your firearm for service. Here is a link
to our online RMA request form."

[SlowBurn]

I don't know what's "dangling." Unless they mean that lip is excess metal?

[erichard]

On mine, it's wafer thin near the hole, so it's very easy for the metal to bend back and down if snagged somehow. I think that's what he means by dangle. I guess I'll be filing it down a bit to be snag-free.

I like the gun a lot, but it is as though I've bought the beta version of what will someday be a great gun.

Makes a great summer carry gun I'm finding. Very easy to conceal and very comfortable.

[SlowBurn]

I'd either send it in or leave it alone. Still not sure what they mean and one way to find out is send it in and see what they do. As long as they pay shipping.

[CJB]

Looks to me like that area is paper thin anyway. That spot is not a structural area, but a clearance cut. If they replaced the slide, it wouldn't be guaranteed to be much better, so I'd just deburr it and "shoot the fokker like you stole it"