K9 sights

[newbs]

I have an old model K9 built exactly right except for the sights. I have looked and can't find any adjustable sights for any K9, let alone an old K9. Any suggestions out there? Does anyone have the angle cuts on the dovetail for custom sights? I can't even find that. Thanks to anyone that responds.

[gb6491]

The now defunct Micro Machine Company (MMC) made adjustable sights for the old style Kahr dovetail. They can sometimes be found on auction sites (here's one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/MMC-Adjustable-Tactical-Handgun-Rear-Sight-For-Kahr-Arms-K-MK-P-PM-T-amp-TP-/272097431004?nma=true&si=8M5DNEyd%252BhSZwl9OWQ8in3dp%252BGw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) that sold in January of this year). I found one some time back on Gunbroker:
http://i56.tinypic.com/wh1hz7.jpg
The sight is drifted for windage and there's a screw on the right side that moves the sight leaf for elevation changes:
http://i54.tinypic.com/t0709k.jpg
Beyond that, it's likely you'll need custom work done.
Meprolight offers an adjustable sight for Kahr pistols (http://www.themakogroup.com/self-illuminated-night-sights/kahr-ad-com-adjustable-sight-kahr-k-p-mk-pm.html); maybe one of those could be made to fit the old dovetail.
Dawson Precision makes adjustable sights for various firearms and they make sights for Kahr pistols. A call to them might reap some advice/suggestions as to a solution for you.
Novak also makes adjustable sights (https://www.novaksights.com/Products.aspx?CAT=9607). Perhaps the old K9 slide could be cut to accept one of those.
You might even call Kahr to see if the new style dovetail can be cut over the old style.
Regards,
Greg

[finpro]

I recently bought and installed Meprolight adjustable night sights on my K9. I bought them from Brownell's and they were sent from the US importer of Meprolight sights, The Mako Group. See: http://www.themakogroup.com/self-illuminated-night-sights/pistols-handguns/kahr/kahr-ad-com-adjustable-sight-kahr-k-p-mk-pm.html (To find them on the brownells.com website, use the Meprolight model number - "ML25123" for a search. The sights themselves are basically fine. Unfortunately, the rear sight installed by hand with no resistance whatsoever and the two set screws were not long enough to reach the slide and hold. My email to Mako was not answered. I wish I could have found longer screws, but eventually installed the rear sight using Loctite 620, which is much stronger than their threadlocker version, to install the sights. (It may be difficult to remove them, if I ever have to do it. For now, it is fine with me.) Once installed, the sights work fine, even though, with the top of the front sight aligned with the top of the rear sight, part of the front tritium white circle is covered by the bottom of the rear sight slot. That said, I was able to adjust my K9 to hit at POA and this is a very accurate setup for me. I am comfortable working on my pistols and, even knowing the shortcomings of this setup, I would do it again. Obviously, YMMV.

I installed the same type of sights on a Glock and they are perfect. I highly recommend them on a Glock.

[Alfonse]

I recently bought and installed Meprolight adjustable night sights on my K9. I bought them from Brownell's and they were sent from the US importer of Meprolight sights, The Mako Group. See: http://www.themakogroup.com/self-illuminated-night-sights/pistols-handguns/kahr/kahr-ad-com-adjustable-sight-kahr-k-p-mk-pm.html (To find them on the brownells.com website, use the Meprolight model number - "ML25123" for a search. The sights themselves are basically fine. Unfortunately, the rear sight installed by hand with no resistance whatsoever and the two set screws were not long enough to reach the slide and hold. My email to Mako was not answered. I wish I could have found longer screws, but eventually installed the rear sight using Loctite 620, which is much stronger than their threadlocker version, to install the sights. (It may be difficult to remove them, if I ever have to do it. For now, it is fine with me.) Once installed, the sights work fine, even though, with the top of the front sight aligned with the top of the rear sight, part of the front tritium white circle is covered by the bottom of the rear sight slot. That said, I was able to adjust my K9 to hit at POA and this is a very accurate setup for me. I am comfortable working on my pistols and, even knowing the shortcomings of this setup, I would do it again. Obviously, YMMV.

I installed the same type of sights on a Glock and they are perfect. I highly recommend them on a Glock.

Thanks for sharing! I looked those up and was wondering about them. I think they look pretty good.

[ZardozCZ]

I recently bought and installed Meprolight adjustable night sights on my K9. I bought them from Brownell's and they were sent from the US importer of Meprolight sights, The Mako Group. See: http://www.themakogroup.com/self-illuminated-night-sights/pistols-handguns/kahr/kahr-ad-com-adjustable-sight-kahr-k-p-mk-pm.html (To find them on the brownells.com website, use the Meprolight model number - "ML25123" for a search..

Thanks! Just what my old K9 and old eyes need!

[finpro]

Just to be clear, these Meprolight sights are made to fit the new Kahr dovetail cuts. I would love to learn what would have to be done to install new dovetail sights into old pattern dovetails.

If you cannot find an adjustable sight set that fits the old dovetails, you might adjust the current sights by filing down the front or rear sight depending on the needed adjustment. On a K9, with its short sight radius, the adjustment needed will likely be small. Alternatively, you might call Dawson Precision to ask if they will make a custom front sight if you can supply them with the required height. While I like my adjustable night sights, I realize, that on a Kahr, it is really likely to be a one time adjustment and, if this adjustment could be done in an alternative way, this might be better. It would certainly be cheaper. Also, the Meprolight adjustable sights are about 1/8" taller than original sights, in case this makes a difference to you. Good luck.

[ZardozCZ]

Just to be clear, these Meprolight sights are made to fit the new Kahr dovetail cuts. I would love to learn what would have to be done to install new dovetail sights into old pattern dovetails.

This caught my attention. How do I find out if my K9 (black, bought used) is old style or new style? Is there a S/N reference for this?

I have a tool for drifting windage so that's not a problem, but with my Kahrs, I'm finding that bullet weight and powder load has a big influence on elevation (especially with CM9 and MK9 short grip), so that's the goal for me. I'll pick a load for my K9 that gives me good groupings, then stick with that. Getting the sights dialed into that load would be great.

For a carry gun, I likely won't be thinking of POA/POI adjustments like I do in target shooting. I want the sights to be on, dead on. My life may depend on it. Black sights just don't cut it for me, the bigger brighter glowing sights really help, and illuminated fiber optic is the best when you can find it, for me anyway.

Thanks for you input, much appreciated!

[finpro]

The new sights began about 2004. They are indicated by a dimple on the rear underside of the slide between the striker safety and the rear of the slide. Look here: http://www.kahr.com//pistol-parts/kahr-033p4-old-style-rear-sight-033k9s.asp . From these photos, I think a new dovetail sight rear could be installed into the old dovetail with some filing and adhesive, as needed. I compared old and new front sights on two Kahrs and these seemed to be different as well, though, again, I think a new sight could be installed into an old pattern dovetail with some fitting. It would probably be better if you were not overly concerned with aesthetics.

I still like the idea of adjusting the sights by filing, if you can make that work. I suggest you find a commercial load you are happy to carry for defensive purposes and adjust the sights to these. (I like Federal HST cartridges, which are well-rated and come in different weights and loadings. I suggest you try these, if you have not done so.)

A trick for precise metal removal is to place fine sandpaper on a large flat surface, like a glass top table, and, with the sandpaper only beneath what you want to sand down, and work it back and forth carefully. Done properly, the sights pressed down should make for consistent metal removal. If possible, you might stop short of removing as much as you think necessary and try it at the range. Since you are willing to replace your existing sights, I would try this on them first. Kahr non-night sights are very inexpensive, so you would not break the bank if you had to get replacements. If you do this, please let us know how it works. Inquiring minds want to know!