My MK9 is going back to Kahr.

[Genin]

Well, I am disappointed to say that my MK9 has developed the dreaded rear magwell crack. Son-of-a-B***. I am bummed to say the least, but I am extremely pleased with Kahr's customer service. I spoke to Adam and he said a few things that really caught my ear. First he said this is a known issue that they are aware of at Kahr and they are going to have to replace the frame. Even more interesting is that he said he thinks it's an issue with the company that does their "frame castings". I thought these were machined and not casts so........He even went on to say, I'm sure if you look at those areas you can see some rough spots and casting marks. Well what the crap?! Hahahaha. Anyhow, I am very happy that they seem like they are going to take care of it and he had a prepaid label to my e-mail in 5 minutes and I'll be mailing out my firearm tomorrow. He said just send the whole firearm in and they'll just replace the frame. I'm leaving my tfx sights on my slide (he said to) but I'm not sending it in with my g10 grips on, I'm afraid they'll got lost with the old frame or something. It's going in naked on the bottom.

Here's pics of the frame crack that has started to develop.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/image_zpsvifhvj06.jpeg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/image_zpsvifhvj06.jpeg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/image_zpsctgcac8y.jpeg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/image_zpsctgcac8y.jpeg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/image_zpsuaqzgcqe.jpeg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/image_zpsuaqzgcqe.jpeg.html)

[gb6491]

Here's hoping they get it back to you quickly.
Regards,
Greg

[Alfonse]

Sorry that happened. They will fix you up though. I think the frames are cast and then finish machined. What you were told confirms that to be the case.

[Redstate]

Really sorry to hear about this. I know they will make it right; however. it still sucks that it happened. I wonder if it was there but less visible when you first got the pistol. Now I have to go check my K9 and Mk9.
Please keep us posted.

[CPTKILLER]

This is crappy metallurgy, manufacturing, and even worse QA. This stinks. I would seriously considering asking Kahr for your money back. A repair is not really possible other than a replacement with no guarantee that it will be any better.

[Bawanna]

They won't repair, they will replace. It's also not a Kahr issue alone, every manufacture that uses castings occasionally deals with this.

The gun undoubtedly would still last a lifetime if left as is. Does it stink- yes. Will they take care of it, you bet your backside.

[Genin]

Greg,
Thank you. I hope so as well.

Alfonse,
I bet you are right. It seems to be the case.

Redstate,
I am a little OCD about this type of stuff so I can say without a doubt that there was no crack there before. I checked the pistol inside and out and know every imperfection and scratch on it by the end of the first evening I owned it. I check my firearms thoroughly during cleaning after range sessions and this just showed up after my last range session. Now mind you, I shoot often. This pistol has seen a lot of rounds in under a month, so if there was a void or something in the cast then I'm sure it was enough to cause it to crack. Shakes my confidence a little. Adam assured me that they'd make sure my replacement was looked over with a fine-toothed comb, especially in that area.

CPTKILLER,
I don't want to lie, I've thought about it. I'm nervous that my replacement may get the same issue 800-1000 rounds down the line and then it'll be off to repair again. I really like the all steel and size though, that's what brought me to the MK9. I'm willing to give them a second shot because I like the size and design so much. If I get really anxious about it, maybe I can see about getting a PM9 as a replacement. I know some buddies with those with lots of rounds through them and they seem to be doing great.

[Genin]

Bawanna,
You know, I looked at it and came to the same conclusion that it wouldn't affect the pistol regardless and it would operate fine with that crack...just don't like it.

[Redstate]

Genin, I can tell how much you like your MK9. I wouldn't just settle for a PM9 at this time. Give it another chance. As you said, "I know some buddies with those with lots of rounds through them and they seem to be doing great." You just got a bad one.

MY MK9 has 1035 rounds through it with no crack (knock on wood). My K9 has 580 rounds through it with no crack (knock on wood). Good luck in your decision. Of course, you could always save up for a PM9 to add to the stable or even get a CM9 in addition to your MK9.

[Bawanna]

Bawanna,
You know, I looked at it and came to the same conclusion that it wouldn't affect the pistol regardless and it would operate fine with that crack...just don't like it.

I agree and if you don't like it, that's reason enough to get it replaced. But as we both agree, the gun would still do it's job so it doesn't sway my confidence level in the least.

I'd certainly not part with it even if you get a PM or CM. The K and MK are cream of the crop. Just not much material at that point and a bad casting. Get it replaced and your good to go.

[kenemoore]

I would try to get them to pay for the FFL transfer fee for the "new" frame. They replaced the frame on my brand spanking new T9 and I had to eat the transfer cost. Not happy about that.

[Genin]

Redstate and Bawana,
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I definitely need them. Sent it out today, they should have it Thursday. This crap gives me anxiety lol.

[Genin]

Kene,
Good call. Thank you. I wasn't even thinking about that. You're right, I will have to pay that.

[Bawanna]

If you have a decent local dealer they usually won't gouge you on the transfer of a replacement.

One good reason to support you local gun shop.

Kahr will not pay it, I can almost assure you of that, many here have gone through it, don't seem right but the transfer is the feds not Kahr.

[Phish]

Ouch!! That sucks big time. Hopefully they take of you which I am sure they will.

[Genin]

Bawanna,
I do have a couple local gun shops that I'm in good with and have bought from. I'll see when it comes to that, if they'll cut me a deal.

Phish,
I'm sure they will too. Adam was great on the phone and very reassuring that they will take care of it.

[Genin]

Ok, confirmation was sent to me that Adam at Kahr signed for the package. I found it interesting that the same person has been handling this entire transaction with me so far. I really like that. I spoke to him on the phone, he sent me a fedex label and addressed Attention to himself, and he is the one that signed for it. Pretty cool. Hope to hear something from him soon.

[Genin]

Well already got a contact today that they have my new frame in hand and they will ship it to me once I get my FFL to them. I contacted the FFL I'm using and asked them to e-mail their FFL, so hopefully I'll have my new frame in my hand by the end of this week! Woot. I am a bit disappointed that I'm going to have to pay a stupid $35 FFL fee because of this crap, but I understand these things happen from time to time. I asked them to consider tossing in some extra mags to make right for the FFL fee, we will see if they do or not. I doubt they will. I hope my confidence comes back when I get the new frame. I was told by the tech, Rob, that I had on the phone that he was holding my new frame and that it was flawless and the magwell area was pristine with no crack etc. Just hope one doesn't develop over time with continued use. I'll keep everyone posted.

[Redstate]

Good news. Thanks for the update. I think you will be able to have full confidence in your new frame.

[Phish]

Sweet!!

[Bobshouse]

Just be glad you don't live in California. If you send in a gun for repair that has fallen off the "approved" list, the manufacturers cannot send you a new serialized frame if that is the repair needed. Sucks living here, but the rest of the country should be thankful for the breeze created by the state.

[jshamilt]

Will the new frame have a new serial number?

[wayneo1]

Sorry about your trouble but think of the bright side new frame new gun :) , plus your gun is going to be looked over by one person who is going to make sure the gun is good to go. Mine is over 8 years old never been back. I bought a new p380 for summer and it went back to kahr just a month ago. CS was really great. My problem was minor, the hash mark on the frame looked like someone tried a few strikes. sent a picture to them just asking is that the way they come out from the factory normally. sent me a tag and I sent it in they fixed it and even replaced my trigger because is wasn't right. It shot great before I sent it, but I couldn't believe that they made it even a better shooter. you will see. let us know how it shoots when you get it.

[Genin]

jshamilt,
Yes it will have a new serial number he said so that's why it has to go back to the FFL.

Thanks for all the support guys. I am sure that once it's back in my hands and I can give the magwell a good look over, I'll feel good about the whole thing. I was reassured by the tech on the phone that he was literally holding my new pistol and said it is pristine and they made sure to give it a real good inspection. I'm sure it will be perfect and last me a lifetime.

[Bawanna]

It's also important to remember the old one would have probably lasted a lifetime too.
Just a cosmetic defect that probably would never effect function which is a good thing.

I'm happy they stepped up and gave you a new frame and hope it's cosmetically perfect.

[gb6491]

jshamilt,
Yes it will have a new serial number he said so that's why it has to go back to the FFL.
....
Personally, I believe that's just Kahr's policy.

While some state/locales require that a replacement firearm must be transferred to the original owner through a licensed firearm dealer, federal law does not require that:
" ...It is held, therefore, that a firearms transaction record, Form 4473, shall not be required to record the disposition of a replacement firearm of the same kind and type where such a firearm is delivered by a licensee to the person from whom the malfunctioning or damaged firearm was received...." https://www.atf.gov/file/55561/download

It is probably easier (and with less risk to them) for Kahr to send the replacement back to an FFL holder rather than research local ordinances on the customers end (at least that's my guess and nothing more).

Regards,
Greg

[CPTKILLER]

I would think so.

[Genin]

bawana,
I'm a stippler and like to tinker with my firearms a lot so cosmetically things don't really bother me. I just worry when something shows obvious signs of structural weakness. Sure, that would not hamper function in the area, but if areas are cracking there, then perhaps other areas are weak that would affect function. Maybe a heat treat was wrong, etc. I am always a better safe than sorry. None of my guns are safe queens and please don't misconstrue my dislike for structural failures in a firearm as a personal need for it to be "cosmetically perfect".

Greg,
That would make sense since Glock sent me two pistols directly to me before, both being replacements during the first introduction to the Gen4 series when all the RSAs, ejectors, and extractors were not right.

[Genin]

Well update is that the pistol will be here tomorrow! Woot. I got a shipping notice in my e-mail. I am excited to get it in my hands again. It will have my old slide with my new frame, which I like since I don't feel it will need quite a break in period as my old one. I don't think I'll stipple this frame like I did my last one. The last one took me quite some time and I just don't think I want to put the effort in just in case the frame decides to crack again down the line. Kind of a waste of energy hahaha.

It did look and feel great though:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2039_zpsmii6xrus.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2039_zpsmii6xrus.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2041_zpsfqffajaq.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2041_zpsfqffajaq.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2035_zpsisgsiipp.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2035_zpsisgsiipp.jpg.html)

[Phish]

I like that stippling on the frame. Details on how you did this?

[Genin]

I used a wheeler bench block to hold my frame in position and I used a Starrett auto center punch. I don't know the exact model I have, I think it's the 18c. I would adjust it based on where I was stippling. On flat larger areas I could use it at full power, on angled areas or where the grip slightly rounded, I dialed it down for real tight control of the dimple placement. It wasn't hard to do, just took a really long time. Unfortunately, given that this frame cracked with use, I doubt I'll do it on my new one. I don't want to risk putting too much time and effort into something, just to send it back again.

[gb6491]

I used a wheeler bench block to hold my frame in position and I used a Starrett auto center punch. I don't know the exact model I have, I think it's the 18c. I would adjust it based on where I was stippling. On flat larger areas I could use it at full power, on angled areas or where the grip slightly rounded, I dialed it down for real tight control of the dimple placement. It wasn't hard to do, just took a really long time. Unfortunately, given that this frame cracked with use, I doubt I'll do it on my new one. I don't want to risk putting too much time and effort into something, just to send it back again.
Here's something less time consuming:
http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?19437-Front-strap-checkering&p=257045#post257045
Regards,
Greg

[Genin]

Thank you for the heads up Greg. I get my new frame tomorrow AM. It came in tonight but I couldn't make it over there in time.

[Bawanna]

I've used those fake checkering panels myself and they work very well.

Come in stainless or blued and they aren't terribly expensive as I recall.

[Genin]

Got my replacement! Has a little bit of a void in the front of the dust cover but the magwell area looks on point, so I am happy! My local gun shop only charged me $20 since they thought it was BS to have to pay the full $40 in such a short period of time (only owned it for a month or so). I'll post pics below.

Bawanna,
Did the piece shift around much when you shot it?

[Genin]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2100_zpssowegbwb.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2100_zpssowegbwb.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2098_zpsxkmnefei.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2098_zpsxkmnefei.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2093_zpsiojqbqkx.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2093_zpsiojqbqkx.jpg.html)
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2091_zpsl7sggumk.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2091_zpsl7sggumk.jpg.html)

[Genin]

This frame does have a bit more rough machine marks on the inside than the last one, but hey if it's tougher I'm happy.

[Ed M]

Glad this story had a happy ending. Looks great!

Any particular reason for mixing grip screws? I like the looks of the hex/torx head ones myself. Still trying to decide which ones to get.....

Do you use o-rings under the grip screws?

[Bawanna]

The fake checkering panel worked fine on my 1911. A detective at work put one on his and it did shift around regularly.

I think careful installation is the key. Getting it centered properly helps a lot.

I often thought of putting just a bit of silicone or something in a couple spots to make it even more secure.

[Genin]

Bawanna,
Thank you for the tips hombre.

Ed,
Good eye. I like the way it looks. I used the o-rings under the slotted screws because they are longer than others. The fancy ones I did not because they are not very long. I used a dab of blue loctite.

[Genin]

Ran like a top at the range. I put 100 through it today, with 20 of them being defensive holopoints and they all fed perfectly. Woot.

[Redstate]

Great to hear, Genin.

[Genin]

Thank you!

[Genin]

Had to wait till I got my butt on the laptop to post up the pic of the first mag through my replacement MK9 at 10 yards:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f54/GeninCloud/IMG_2106_zpscpdwi4mu.jpg (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/GeninCloud/media/IMG_2106_zpscpdwi4mu.jpg.html)

[Ed M]

Amazing little things, those MK9's.

That's some mighty fine marksmanship right there. As my range buddy would say, "That gun likes you!"

[CPTKILLER]

Excellent. I like mine a lot.

[Genin]

Ed,
thank you. Yes the MK9 shoots very well for me. I like the smooth trigger. It's like a really nice revolver.

CPT,
thank you