CM9 slide locking up

[John in AR]

I have two CM9's, and like them so well that I bought a third for one of my grown sons as a ccw piece. Two of the three are fine, but on one of mine, the slide often will lock up at around 3/8" of rearward travel. Never has happened when firing, but when hand-cycling it will happen maybe one time out of ten or so; maybe more than that.

I mean "locked up" - where I can't pull it back any further and I can't push it back into battery. Takes a VERY hard palm-heel hit to the back of the slide to get it to go back into battery. Obviously this is disconcerting when it happens when trying to unload the gun, having a live round in the chamber.

I'm a long-time shooter, but am newish to Kahr's - any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[topgun1953]

just for grins, turn the slide over and make sure the striker can easily be pulled back and there is no binding....nothing definite...just a hunch.

[Scarywoody]

I assume you are cycling the pistol without a magazine. When you field strip it do you see any worn or peened areas? Definitely follow Topgun1953's suggestion. I would also polish the bearing and the ramp area on the slide. I've had hang ups when these areas are rough. At least it will smooth out the action. Make sure all the springs are in straight and good shape. If issues continue, take and post some pictures.

[muggsy]

At 1/4" of rearward slide travel the barrel should start to disengage from the slide and drop down at the rear. Is this where you slide is hanging up?

[CJB]

When it IS cycling correctly, its probably prudent to dismount the slide/barrel from the frame, for a closer look at things.

Thinking out loud.. something amiss with the operation of the cam, or the plunger in the slide. Trigger bar/disconnect troubles. Barrel lock-up woes. Totally unsure how it would happen but possibly ejector issue. Most of those should be fairly obvious except barrel lock-up issues which may take some careful examination.

Other than looking to confirm, I'd say its a Kahr issue, they're really good with warranty.