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Chaplain
01-30-2016, 07:05 PM
:frown:

I went to the range. I’m trying to be better about that. Aimed RA4xxx down range. Pulled trigger. Click - no bang. What? It never failed with good ammo before. Tap - rack...click. Tap - rack...click. RATS!

Pulled the other P380 out of the case. Bang..bang.....bang..bang....bang..bang....bang, all day long. (Or for 100 rounds, whichever came first.)

I ordered TWO strikers from Kahr, and two striker springs (and a guide, just in case). I did this even before I stripped the slide. Regular shipping was a couple of days.

Consistent with other reports, I did get some light strikes some time ago, but then the pistol worked fine. But after some thought, and stripping the slide - I have, perhaps a theory...or maybe an hypothesis.

When I stripped the slide, sure ‘nuff the striker was broken. I’m not set up for pics, but there are other pics on the forum. Same-same so it seems. However, I could not fit the two pieces back together. I would have to pry the main body of the striker open to get the business end to fit together. What I think may have happened in this circumstance is that stress fractures occurred in the weak(est) portion of the striker. The fractures may have gone all the way through and produced a two piece striker - and the thing may have still functioned! If the pieces were held together in the confines of the striker channel this (now group of parts) may have functioned for a while. The striker spacer (#21 on the Kahr diagram) merely pushes on the broken piece and the primer is usually struck hard enough. But sometimes, the forces on the system pushes the (now detached by fracture) ‘ears’ a bit outwards, dissipating some energy, and resulting in a light strike.

Eventually, the dynamic forces either abrade the fractured joint, or work the now detached ears enough, or just by random chance, the business end of the striker gets knocked completely out of position. Now we know we have a broken striker.

If this hypothesis is correct, even disassembly may not reveal the problem. Fractures in metal can be really tiny (microscopic). The thing that makes me think this might be the case (at least some of the time) is my experience of a previous episode of light strikes, and, other reports of episodic light strikes. The system seems too simple to have occasional light strikes unless something is really not right (like the added variable of a detached striker point).

On disassembly I noted two other anomalies.

The striker spring was a little ‘wigglely’. It was not like this at the previous slide disassembly. Also, the original spring had the same number of coils as a new replacement from Kahr, but measures 5/16" shorter.

Careful inspection of the striker spacer revealed a tiny burr on the outside radius near the trailing edge. This was corrected and the part was recycled (‘cause I didn’t have another one and wanted to take the gun to the range with the new striker and spring). I don’t remember this being there on any previous disassembly, but I wasn’t looking as closely as I am now.

The striker in the Kahr 380 is, for at least a small sample, problematic. My RA4xxx was not purchased new. Perhaps the PO had a problem. Perhaps the PO dry fired it too much. Perhaps I did.

At the range:

RA4xxx, with a new striker and striker spring worked flawlessly (for 100+ rounds). I have new recoil springs on order. No dry firing in the future for this P380.

The future:

I ordered a spare striker. At the moment I consider strikers a ‘wear-out’ part. At the moment, I think would be good to replace a striker at the first sign of an otherwise inexplicable light strike.

There may be something fundamentally ‘unscalable’ in the Kahr design. There may be some unaccounted for dynamic forces in the very compact spaces of the 380. There may be nothing wrong at all, except some tolerances may be all go the wrong direction at the same time. There may be a single cause for the seemingly higher than expected striker failures in Kahr 380. But there may not be a single cause. Eventually someone will figure it out.

Bills1873
01-30-2016, 07:31 PM
http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?28038-Kahr-380-Striker-Ultimate-Fix

This may help!

Alfonse
01-30-2016, 08:23 PM
http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?28038-Kahr-380-Striker-Ultimate-Fix

This may help!

And, we should have them to ship in the next week!

Chaplain
01-30-2016, 09:49 PM
Just looking at the picture it looks like a good solution. I will feel a whole lot better about reliability after installation and testing.

Ronni3_J
01-31-2016, 11:20 AM
Sorry to hear. With all this talk of broken strikers I ended up pulling mine apart to inspect and clean!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

gun papa
01-31-2016, 11:24 PM
And, we should have them to ship in the next week!

What is the word on shipped price?

Alfonse
01-31-2016, 11:34 PM
What is the word on shipped price?

To be decided yet.

November
02-02-2016, 03:20 PM
To be decided yet.

I'll be interested in one of these!

gun papa
02-02-2016, 03:32 PM
Kahr insists that this is not a widespread problem.

topgun1953
02-02-2016, 05:32 PM
Yeah....I've broken four. The last time I had a spare that I installed, but in emails with Jay about something else, he said that really shouldn't be happening and urged me to send it in. They replaced the slide and barrel too, this time. I thought cool! But my other slide and barrel were all broken in and running like a Swiss clock. Now I'm finding I'll have to run a few hundred rounds through the new slide and barrel to break it in.... I don't carry it much. Preference is given to my sig p938.

Alfonse
02-02-2016, 07:03 PM
I will have the parts by the end of day Thursday, according to the tracking. I do need to measure and do final testing. They will be on the market by Monday or sooner depending on how my schedule works out.

Chaplain
02-02-2016, 10:08 PM
Kahr insists that this is not a widespread problem.

Based on what? Number of units sold? This is likely the only data point available to Kahr.

In these United States the largest percentage of firearms sold make (maybe) a few trips to the range, then sit in the box/drawer/safe/etc. Even many police officers do not shoot except for a bit of practice before annual or semi-annual qualification. Relatively few firearms ever have hundreds, let alone 1000's of rounds during the whole period of ownership.

An interesting question is: What is the incidence of striker breakage per 1000 rounds in units that fire 100 rounds+ per month? There is likely no good way to obtain this data, hence we are left with guesses based on anecdotal observation. The thing is, Kahr probably isn't much better off than us peons on the internet. There just does not seem to be a reliable way to gather legitimate statistically significant data without the expense of military contract type trials testing.

gun papa
02-03-2016, 03:23 PM
In all my years I have never heard of a gun sans a CZ52, with as many broken firing pins.

How many broken striker guns have been returned, or reported just on this page?

Alfonse
02-04-2016, 05:40 PM
Almost there now:

https://lakelinellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lakeline-Ultimate-Striker-Kahr-380-resize.jpg

I just need to get out and do final range testing in the morning. I should probably get a bullet trap, but the range is much more rewarding. But, everything sure looks great on the strikers.

And, a photo that lets you see some of the differences:

https://lakelinellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Lakeline-Ultimate-Striker-versus-Factory-Striker-resized.jpg

https://lakelinellc.com/shop/ultimate-striker-solution-for-kahr-380-pistols/

RRP
02-04-2016, 06:35 PM
What is the round count fired by your final design, production, test striker?

Alfonse
02-05-2016, 12:47 AM
What is the round count fired by your final design, production, test striker?

Going up more tomorrow, still counting. Dry fires are over 500, but then I had to run to a meeting.

Alfonse
02-05-2016, 01:50 PM
Just returned from the range, and all is a go. They worked with every ammunition I had, except the Perfecta which wouldn't chamber. I've read about issues with Perfecta and Fiochi, and now I got to experience it. The rounds won't even go into the chamber. But, I only had one box to try.

I am pretty certain, You. Can't. Break. These. Strikers! (https://lakelinellc.com/shop/ultimate-striker-solution-for-kahr-380-pistols/) LOL

Bobshouse
02-05-2016, 02:07 PM
Just returned from the range, and all is a go. They worked with every ammunition I had, except the Perfecta which wouldn't chamber. I've read about issues with Perfecta and Fiochi, and now I got to experience it. The rounds won't even go into the chamber. But, I only had one box to try.

I am pretty certain, You. Can't. Break. These. Followers! (https://lakelinellc.com/shop/ultimate-striker-solution-for-kahr-380-pistols/) LOL

Oh, shoot...I was waiting for the STRIKERs...lol, actually I already ordered one.

Alfonse
02-05-2016, 04:12 PM
Oh, shoot...I was waiting for the STRIKERs...lol, actually I already ordered one.

Edited, using the correct word may not be my strong suit! :D Too many followers, finally some strikers....

dirtengineer
02-05-2016, 04:25 PM
You confused me so much that I purchased a striker and a follower!

Alfonse
02-05-2016, 04:38 PM
You confused me so much that I purchased a striker and a follower!

Perfect, that should make you right! (Hoping he knows that I don't offer strikers and followers in the same caliber ;))

dirtengineer
02-05-2016, 06:23 PM
Yep. I have a CW380 and a CM9.

Alfonse
02-05-2016, 06:53 PM
Yep. I have a CW380 and a CM9.

A pistol for every occasion, or style of dress, those two are. Thanks again!

dsk
02-06-2016, 12:06 AM
I'm really glad that the aftermarket has stepped up to the plate and come up with improvements to the Kahr .380s. They are really nice pistols, but they suffer from several inherent design flaws that Kahr should have taken care of years ago. I finally convinced myself that the OEM magazine follower and springs are problematic, for after I updated all my mags with MagGuts kits not only did I get an extra round of capacity but the difficulties getting rounds to chamber by hand and issues with last-round slide lockback went away as well. And now it appears we have a solution for the weak, breakage-prone factory striker as well. At least let's hope so. I already ordered one of these from Alfonse and will give it a workout once I receive it. That really only leaves two remaining gripes I have with the Kahrs... the way they go through springs like a spoiled kid with Halloween candy, and the fact that any dirt or brass shavings inside the striker channel shuts them down cold. I now wish Wolff would come out with a replacement spring pak for these little guns, because the OEM Kahr springs are all crap.

Alfonse
02-06-2016, 08:47 AM
Funny you mention springs. My CW380 is working fine, but I noted yesterday after cleaning it that the recoil springs were not much longer than the guide rod anymore and easy to assemble. It is probably getting near time for new ones.

I do know some gurus with springs. Might be worth talking to them to see if a different type of spring might be an improvement.

gun papa
02-06-2016, 01:30 PM
I bought the S7 steel Lakeline striker. I was surprised that is was just $35. I was expecting $60.

Bobshouse
02-06-2016, 02:36 PM
I bought the S7 steel Lakeline striker. I was surprised that is was just $35. I was expecting $60.

Is that permission to charge your card an additional $25? Really is a decent price considering it will be the last striker you will need to buy!

My original hasn't broke, but I can always use a backup.

dsk
02-06-2016, 03:11 PM
I would expect a striker machined out of S7 tool steel and properly hardened to cost at least what Lakeline charges for it. Anyone who whines that it isn't $16 like the OEM part also needs to remember that it isn't a mass-produced component like the factory Kahr part is.

Bobshouse
02-06-2016, 03:22 PM
Actually, its two parts...the striker and the spacer, both together at Kahr costs a little more than 23.00...helluva good deal from Alfonse!

Bills1873
02-06-2016, 05:51 PM
I hope Kahr doesn't correct the issue, so Al can make some mulah for all his efforts. Unless, of course, they purchase the solution from him.

Alfonse
02-06-2016, 06:29 PM
I hope Kahr doesn't correct the issue, so Al can make some mulah for all his efforts. Unless, of course, they purchase the solution from him.

I hope they do. There are still plenty of pistols already out there that people want reliable that I won't have any problem selling what I am making. There are lots of opportunities to improve things or make accessories. I like working on really great things, and Kahr makes a very nice product.

And, thanks all for the kind words and the business.

Alfonse
02-06-2016, 06:33 PM
I bought the S7 steel Lakeline striker. I was surprised that is was just $35. I was expecting $60.

I was really just debating between $34.99 or $39.99. It is not an easy part to machine and takes some pretty unusual machinery. I would have had this part out 6 months ago if it was just run on a lathe with some post mill work. But, it would have been way too expensive, like over $100. Fortunately, I found a shop with the right kind of equipment and expertise. The parts are really nice. I am eager for folks to get them and see them.

gun papa
02-07-2016, 06:17 AM
If these parts are the real answer to this needless failing of what otherwise is a great little gun, I commend you for achievement in so quickly answering the call that I and others had only hoped for, and for doing it for a reasonable price.
I have my fingers crossed that redemption for the little CW380 is at hand.

Chaplain
02-07-2016, 05:34 PM
If these parts are the real answer to this needless failing of what otherwise is a great little gun, I commend you for achievement in so quickly answering the call that I and others had only hoped for, and for doing it for a reasonable price.
I have my fingers crossed that redemption for the little CW380 is at hand.

The little p/cw380 has 2 flaws that belong to it alone and one or two that may be shared by some other Kahr pistols (or so it seems to me).

Flaw 1: strikers break.
Flaw 2: the 'foot' of the striker hits the next round in the mag if the cycling of the slide does not move the next round in the mag forward a bit.
Flaw 3: there seems to be too little clearance between the extractor and the bolt face for some brands of ammo.
Flaw 4: the next round in the mag occasionally nose-dives.

Flaw 1 & 2 above are supposed to be addressed with the now available aftermarket striker.

I have a hypothesis. Could it be that if the 'foot' of the striker hits the next round in the mag that this would cause a downward acceleration of the striker point causing a unforeseen dynamic stress? Where the striker point attaches to the main body is the thinnest portion of the part; that is where it will flex the most. Hence fractures along the crystalline structure of the steel begin; and once started eventually produce a broken part. I have only heard of the foot impinging on the next round in the mag in the 380. Does this happen in any other Kahr model? If not, this is a potential dynamic force that is unique to the 380 and perhaps the whole or partial cause of the broken striker syndrome. It looks to me that the design of the replacement striker, if it eliminates the foot hitting the next round may have eliminated this dynamic force. Additionally, a beefed up part of high quality material will account for any other reason. Testing and time will tell, but it seems to me that it is highly probable that Flaws 1 & 2 are resolved with the aftermarket striker.

Flaw 3 is maybe not a real flaw. Tolerances are just real tight. Kahrs seem to be built really tight. Hence the recommended 200 round break-in. Sometimes tight tolerances are not a good thing in the real world. The mod of taking a few thousandths off the front of the round part where the extractor seats in the slide is reported to solve this.

Flaw 4 is a matter of mag follower design. Or so it seems. Again there are aftermarket solutions.

Why hasn't Kahr made changes? I'll bet most Kahrs sold do not have these problems, or don't get enough use for them to appear. It seems that kahr is selling most of everything they make. So, if the problem children can be fixed most of the time; it is difficult for a smaller manufacturer to cost justify tooling and production changes. Look how many shops over the years 'fixed' 1911 pattern pistols. It used to be that a new 1911 would work will with 230rg FMJ, but look out if you used anything else. Adjustments had to be made.

In the case of the Kahr 380, now that the aftermarket striker is a available, all the mods are well within the skill level of someone who is willing to detail strip the slide assembly. (well the extractor mod might be a little scary for some, but it is a cheap part - and if you stick to quality ammo it is likely unnecessary for most).

The serious Kahr 380 user simply has to pay more attention to the weapon than those who carry other options. To get real sights, and great revolver like smooth double action trigger pull, light weight, and a thin form factor I am willing to spend the few extra dollars needed for a better striker and better mag parts. The rest is just elbow grease.

dsk
02-07-2016, 06:24 PM
Flaw 4: the next round in the mag occasionally nose-dives.

Flaw 4 is a matter of mag follower design. Or so it seems. Again there are aftermarket solutions.


Flaw 4 is solved using the MagGuts kits. The reliability of my P380 took a quantum leap forward once I ditched the OEM followers and went with the split steel followers in the MagGuts. I can now also chamber the first round by slingshot method, something I couldn't do before. The extra round of capacity is just a bonus.

Bobshouse
02-08-2016, 03:27 PM
Well, I just received my striker that I ordered from Alfonse for my P380. Going to install it and keep the original for a backup...lol, a backup that I will never need, right Alfonse?

Sure got here quick! Thanks, and you will be hearing from me again if I get to buy my PM9.

Chaplain
02-08-2016, 06:04 PM
Flaw 4 is solved using the MagGuts kits. The reliability of my P380 took a quantum leap forward once I ditched the OEM followers and went with the split steel followers in the MagGuts. I can now also chamber the first round by slingshot method, something I couldn't do before. The extra round of capacity is just a bonus.
I am really happy to hear this. I have not had much problem with nose dives. I have had none with Hornady XTP my EDC ammo. Until the striker broke I had flawless performance with premium ammo. Any feeding problems were with sketchy ammo, like Tula. I even did pretty well with WWB. However, my goal is to have flawless performance with anything I can get. Because - remember the ammo famine..

On another note: When I got home today there was a little envelope from Lakeline LLC in the mailbox. Hip-hip-hooray!

I stripped down both p380 pistols (one at a time). The Lakeline strikers, in addition to being 'beefier' where the Kahr strikers break also are dimensionally slightly different from the Kahr striker. Upon assembly (which was flawless) the first thing I did was to put a snap cap in a mag and insert that mag into the pistol AFTER cycling the slide. I then pointed the empty weapon in a safe direction and pulled the trigger. I pulled the mag out and checked the position of the snap-cap round in the mag. Gloria in excelsis Deo. The dummy round in the mag did not move! I really really like this change, even before getting to the range.

Looking in the empty mag well with a pen light I can just barely see the striker foot, or maybe not, when I sight along the flat edge of the back of the mag well. Clearly, the Lakeline LLC striker is not just a beefed up part, it gives every indication of a well engineered upgrade to the internal workings of the P/CW380. I believe MAJ Boothroyd would approve.

Since I had them available I installed new striker springs (previously for the silver slide p380, and with the striker change out on the black p380).

If I am within range of a range at lunchtime tomorrow I have about 200 rounds of Sig 100gr FMJ for testing.

Oh!, one more thing. This just may be 'impression' but I do have the impression that the pistols do just feel better. So OK, detailed cleaning, fresh lube, and new striker springs probably have something to do with it. But, there is that little dimensional change that might just change the dynamic just a wee little bit.

Can't wait to get to the range.

gun papa
02-08-2016, 06:56 PM
Maybe a dumb question, but, any worry about rust with the treated s7 steel striker?

Alfonse
02-08-2016, 07:50 PM
Maybe a dumb question, but, any worry about rust with the treated s7 steel striker?

The grade of stainless Kahr uses on the slides will rust. The spring is also untreated, so if rust is an issue, it already should be.

S7 is also used in firing pins for other firearms without issue. That said, worry if you like.

Ronni3_J
02-08-2016, 08:56 PM
Kahr uses 400 series SS and yes it will rust . 304 or better is the SS you want for rust prevention.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

gun papa
02-08-2016, 10:36 PM
The grade of stainless Kahr uses on the slides will rust. The spring is also untreated, so if rust is an issue, it already should be.

S7 is also used in firing pins for other firearms without issue. That said, worry if you like.

Not worried, just a question.

dsk
02-08-2016, 10:43 PM
I received my striker today as well, and installed it this evening. I'm really impressed with the quality of the new striker appearance-wise, and it looks like more like a $70 part than a $35 one (don't get any ideas now, Alfonse...). I'll try the pistol out in the next day or two and see how well it runs. I'm actually lucky that I'll be able to do so, for as I was struggling to reassemble the slide the striker spring and guide shot away and bounced off the wall inside my very crowded and messy garage. It was only by a sheer miracle that the plastic guide rod landed at my feet and the spring was soon found resting on the roof of my SUV. Given all the possibilities of where it could have landed I am one lucky SOB tonight!

BTW I'm glad the new striker is made of carbon steel. Stainless steel is more prone to stress fractures, thus defeating the whole purpose of this endeavor. If your striker starts to rust you're already going to have problems elsewhere on the pistol.

Alfonse
02-08-2016, 11:17 PM
Well, I just received my striker that I ordered from Alfonse for my P380. Going to install it and keep the original for a backup...lol, a backup that I will never need, right Alfonse?

Sure got here quick! Thanks, and you will be hearing from me again if I get to buy my PM9.

I believe that spare will fossilize before you need it! :)

Alfonse
02-08-2016, 11:20 PM
I received my striker today as well, and installed it this evening. I'm really impressed with the quality of the new striker appearance-wise, and it looks like more like a $70 part than a $35 one (don't get any ideas now, Alfonse...). I'll try the pistol out in the next day or two and see how well it runs. I'm actually lucky that I'll be able to do so, for as I was struggling to reassemble the slide the striker spring and guide shot away and bounced off the wall inside my very crowded and messy garage. It was only by a sheer miracle that the plastic guide rod landed at my feet and the spring was soon found resting on the roof of my SUV. Given all the possibilities of where it could have landed I am one lucky SOB tonight!

BTW I'm glad the new striker is made of carbon steel. Stainless steel is more prone to stress fractures, thus defeating the whole purpose of this endeavor. If your striker starts to rust you're already going to have problems elsewhere on the pistol.


Yeah, sometimes stripping the slide is easy and other times...

I had no idea the extractor rod and spring could shoot so far until about the 20th time I was putting one together. Glad you like the parts so far. Thanks all.

dsk
02-09-2016, 06:37 PM
I ran 100 rounds through my P380 today. There were no problems that I could attribute to the new striker, so that part is good. The first 50 rounds sailed through without a problem, then as my pistol seems to like doing it started getting light firing pin hits and misfires (3 total), then settled down and ran the rest of the second box without issue. My pistol always does this, even with the original striker. I believe what happens is the fouling builds up in the chamber, solidifies as I set the pistol down after the first box of ammo and let it cool for a few minutes, then causes failures to completely go into battery until it heats up or burns out. Each time the striker didn't make a solid CLICK, but more like a mushy one. I have some fresh recoil springs in my parts box so I think it's time to swap them out.

Bobshouse
02-09-2016, 07:36 PM
Alfonse's website shows out of stock for the strikers...that was quick! When will you have more incoming? I just told a friend about them and he wanted one.

Glad to hear the report dsk, I still haven't been able to try mine but I'll be at the club/range tomorrow.

Alfonse
02-09-2016, 07:55 PM
Alfonse's website shows out of stock for the strikers...that was quick! When will you have more incoming? I just told a friend about them and he wanted one.



Oops, that isn't correct. I just fixed it. I am getting my accounting software tied into my web store, and I didn't have my inventory correct in the accounting when it synched. That pretty much showed stock on everything out. I can sure cause lots of havoc quickly with these computer thingies! Anyway, all fixed.

Chaplain
02-10-2016, 06:43 PM
OK, I've been to the range. Fired my EDC p380 with the new striker installed. Worked every time. Didn't have much time at the range, so just about 100 rounds down range. My confidence in the new striker set is really high at this point, but this is early in the game. By-the-way, I am torture testing the new striker, dry fired at least 100 times before going to the range. Then about 100 rounds at the range. Then disassemble to clean the striker channel. Initial observation is that the Lakeline striker does not show 'burnishing' on one side more than the other like the stock part. The very light wear marks were symmetric. I think this bodes well for future performance. I am, at least initially, impressed! Thanks Alfonse!

Alfonse
02-10-2016, 07:56 PM
OK, I've been to the range. Fired my EDC p380 with the new striker installed. Worked every time. Didn't have much time at the range, so just about 100 rounds down range. My confidence in the new striker set is really high at this point, but this is early in the game. By-the-way, I am torture testing the new striker, dry fired at least 100 times before going to the range. Then about 100 rounds at the range. Then disassemble to clean the striker channel. Initial observation is that the Lakeline striker does not show 'burnishing' on one side more than the other like the stock part. The very light wear marks were symmetric. I think this bodes well for future performance. I am, at least initially, impressed! Thanks Alfonse!

Beautiful.

Bobshouse
02-10-2016, 09:37 PM
Basically the same report as Chaplain, absolutely no problems. Only thing I have to add is that I pulled my mag several times during the session and the round at the top of the magazine was still in place with no forward movement! The indents on the primer showed good, solid hits.

Thanks for a great product Alfonse!

Alfonse
02-10-2016, 10:09 PM
It is the kind of product that when all is well, it isn't really exciting. But, it should help keep your .380 plugging away without drama. Thanks for the great report!

dsk
02-11-2016, 01:25 PM
I installed fresh recoil springs in mine the other night, but I'll need to buy some more ammo before I can test it out again. At this point though I'm chasing down other gremlins, not anything related to the new striker which is clearly a superior part just from looking at it. When I look at the OEM Kahr striker I don't see how that flimsy thing CAN'T break after a few hundred rounds.

gun papa
02-11-2016, 04:38 PM
I received my Lakelinellc S7 striker last night, and installed it this morning. I was able to go out and fire the gun and here is my report and some things I have learned about this gun.

Firstly. The gun likes conical shaped bullets period. I have a mag guts installed but still had several nose dives, but only with the round shaped bullets. Flawless feeding with conical bullets.

I fired over 100rds. 50 HPR 90 Gr. conical Hollow points (US made), 50 PPU round nose FMJ (Made in Serbia) ,and about 20 handloads round nose. Slow fire, rapid fire.

The striker functioned perfectly throughout. No light strikes, even with the harder PPU primers. The strikes were consistent. I like the HPR ammo. From what I see it has good penetration. Light recoiling. With the proper bullet shape and confidence that the striker is not going to fail, I feel Like I can once again trust the CW380 as a carry gun.

I want to thank lakeline for redeeming the gun and my confidence in it.



http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/gunpapa/Cases_zpsrzjnh0t9.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/gunpapa/media/Cases_zpsrzjnh0t9.jpg.html)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y131/gunpapa/Kahr%20CW_zpsrku9s1la.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/gunpapa/media/Kahr%20CW_zpsrku9s1la.jpg.html)

Alfonse
02-11-2016, 04:45 PM
I want to thank lakeline for redeeming the gun and my confidence in it.

Thank you for having confidence to buy our part. I like your photos. That is the same thing I did.

I have boxes of spent shells, primers up, shot with the factory primer and compared them to boxes of spent shells shot with the Lakeline part. I couldn't tell any difference, so beyond checking dimensions, that was the best way I could tell if the part functioned properly.

Thank you for the great report as well!

gun papa
02-11-2016, 06:49 PM
Thank you for having confidence to buy our part. I like your photos. That is the same thing I did.

I have boxes of spent shells, primers up, shot with the factory primer and compared them to boxes of spent shells shot with the Lakeline part. I couldn't tell any difference, so beyond checking dimensions, that was the best way I could tell if the part functioned properly.

Thank you for the great report as well!

The received striker was beautiful. Great attention to detsil, and beefed up exactly where it needed to be.

Bobshouse
02-11-2016, 08:11 PM
Great attention to detsil.

Well, we all can't be perfcet, but those strikers are pretty dang close. :w00t:

wkfg
02-11-2016, 09:46 PM
I learned tonight as I replaced my striker what Kahr did to remedy light strikes on the second trip back to the factory. This was after I told them that the striker seemed to be dragging on the hammer block. They ground a few thousandths off the circumference of the striker where the spacer goes through, and ground a flat bevel at the rear top of the striker at around 20 degrees. Both freehand on a bench grinder. Perhaps another piece of the Kahr puzzle as it has run 100% after being serviced.

gun papa
02-11-2016, 09:52 PM
Well, we all can't be perfcet, but those strikers are pretty dang close. :w00t:

Ha ha. Exactly.

Alfonse
02-11-2016, 10:19 PM
I learned tonight as I replaced my striker what Kahr did to remedy light strikes on the second trip back to the factory. This was after I told them that the striker seemed to be dragging on the hammer block. They ground a few thousandths off the circumference of the striker where the spacer goes through, and ground a flat bevel at the rear top of the striker at around 20 degrees. Both freehand on a bench grinder. Perhaps another piece of the Kahr puzzle as it has run 100% after being serviced.

I'm not quite picturing what they did. Can you post a picture? I am curious. Thanks!

Chaplain
02-12-2016, 05:25 PM
Another quick session at the range. 100 rounds FMJ. No problems. Checked a couple of times to see if the foot of the striker is moving the next round. All looks good. confidence is rising.

topgun1953
02-13-2016, 04:32 PM
100 rounds through my P380 today. Had some weird FTfeed issues but likely due to me monkeying around with the extractor. The striker really does look like it will last a life time. Now, I really do want to carry it again, but I have a sig P938 and it's only a wee bit larger with the added punch of 9mm. Good to know though, once I have the feeding issue resolved, I can carry the 380 with confidence when needed! Still, it's a fun gun to shoot at the range. Thanks Alfonse for investing the time and energy in this product!

dsk
03-01-2016, 06:22 PM
100 more rounds through my P380 as well today, with fresh recoil springs in addition to the new striker. My pistol has become sooooo predictable, and today didn't disappoint. Fire 50 rounds out of a clean weapon, no matter what brand or type of ammo... No malfunctions at all. Solid primer hits. Let the pistol cool for a few minutes while I shoot something else, then go back to it. Two rounds out of the second 50 failed to fire and had light primer strikes. They fired when re-chambered. This pistol does this EVERY single time I take it to the range. 50 times... perfect. Next 50... stumble. This a dependable weapon as long as it is squeaky-clean and lubricated. Dirty, I wouldn't trust it to fire.

My next mod will be to polish the snot out of the feed ramp. Maybe that will help the rounds to fully chamber.

gun papa
03-01-2016, 10:56 PM
100 more rounds through my P380 as well today, with fresh recoil springs in addition to the new striker. My pistol has become sooooo predictable, and today didn't disappoint. Fire 50 rounds out of a clean weapon, no matter what brand or type of ammo... No malfunctions at all. Solid primer hits. Let the pistol cool for a few minutes while I shoot something else, then go back to it. Two rounds out of the second 50 failed to fire and had light primer strikes. They fired when re-chambered. This pistol does this EVERY single time I take it to the range. 50 times... perfect. Next 50... stumble. This a dependable weapon as long as it is squeaky-clean and lubricated. Dirty, I wouldn't trust it to fire.

My next mod will be to polish the snot out of the feed ramp. Maybe that will help the rounds to fully chamber.

What striker are you using?

dsk
03-01-2016, 11:35 PM
The new Lakeline striker. It's not the problem, as my pistol did this before with the OEM one as well. From what I am able to determine as soon as fouling builds up it either slows the slide or cushions the chambering of the fresh round and the slide stops just shy of being in full battery. With each light primer strike the "click" of the striker release felt very mushy.

topgun1953
03-02-2016, 11:22 AM
I've got 300 through mine now. Kahr replaced the slide and barrel (wish they didn't) when they replaced the striker (4th). Shortly after this, I bought the Lakeline striker. I feel like I'm 'rebreaking in" the gun but it will run at least 50 rounds of PMC fmj befor I have a misfeed. No failure to fires. I must have run 1000 rounds through the old barrel/slide before the P380 was running like a top. I suspect it will take the same this time. No worries though...I don't usually carry it and it really fun to shoot...most every weekend! Thought I would never ever do this but I have polished the chamber and ramp...and last week took a grinder to the ramp where it joins the chamber in an attempt to increase the radius. I figure, what the heck....

Alfonse
06-22-2016, 02:07 PM
Wanted to check in with folks on this product. I haven't had a single complaint on it, and am just checking in to see that all are happy with it. The one in my CW380 is sure outlasting recoil springs, but that is another story to stay tuned on!

z8894
06-22-2016, 03:58 PM
Mine is working fine. I'm very sure it will way out last the recoil springs. If there is any news on recoil springs, I'll be interested to hear it.

Alfonse
06-22-2016, 05:13 PM
Mine is working fine. I'm very sure it will way out last the recoil springs. If there is any news on recoil springs, I'll be interested to hear it.

I've been working quite a bit with springs lately. The cw/p 380s are on my project list for springs. Thanks!

topgun1953
06-22-2016, 05:16 PM
I've been working quite a bit with springs lately. The cw/p 380s are on my project list for springs. Thanks!

Mine is running fine! Yes....recoil springs!

Alfonse
06-22-2016, 05:37 PM
Mine is running fine! Yes....recoil springs!

Don't forget about mag springs, and maybe a unique follower design...

dirtengineer
06-22-2016, 06:16 PM
Make it work and take my money!