Aluminum guide rods?

[LRR]

Anyone seen an aluminum guide rod on a kahr?

[Bawanna]

I don't think I have.

[jeepster09]

I would think aluminum would wear to fast. Plastic is forgiving and stainless adds weight [and don't wear much].

[LRR]

I have an E9 that uses an aluminum guide rod. Looks like original equipment. I’ll probably replace it with a steel one.

[Cotay]

My K9 (circa 1995) has an aluminum rod. I am the second owner (purchased in 2002) and I hadn't noticed that mine was bending a bit on the head. I've ordered a stainless steel replacement since I don't like the amount of wear and bending that I'm seeing for the low round count of this weapon.

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOSby3R4ipI2suD5KJdOCofgbCn5XLif2_G9Fmvhttps://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOSby3R4ipI2suD5KJdOCofgbCn5XLif2_G9Fmvhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/96gBtiBYQu5364rA8

[I_Like_Turtles]

Those may be out there and I am sure someone made an aftermarket replacement because people go for those things and if there is a market, someone will make it.

I don't see the value though: for a K9/K40 or E9 the buyer clearly wasn't that concerned with weight (or they would not have bought an all-steel handgun in the first place) so an aluminum guide rod isn't a priority. For a polymer gun, the weapon is already pretty light, so why an aluminum rod?

Aluminum is lighter but it is also less flexible, prone to cracking, and is much softer---it wears away much more quickly.

[wyntrout]

I had a rust problem with the steel guide rod in my P380, vintage 2010... one of the first night-sight version. Even monthly cleaning and not shooting it as my EDC, there was always a mess of rust which kind of got on the frame and the spring. The slide lock pin and the spring would also be rusty. I ordered and got the stainless one from LL and went ahead and got the improved striker from Al as well. My rust problem is gone, thankfully.

I used to carry my P40 as my EDC, but the P380 fits better now that my pants have shrunk a bit. :D I did start carrying two spare 7-round mags instead of just one, as well, since things are getting slightly more desperate these days. I'm still using the Underwood 90-gr GD's at 1,200 fps, or slightly less with the 2.5" barrel. I would like to find something that penetrates enough with enough expansion in a standard pressure load, though.

I had ordered a case of the new Federal 99-grain HST's, but then saw Lucky Gunner's updated test with that... too much penetration and no expansion! I cancelled the order and am still looking, but the time is bad to be buying ammo now. Pickin's are slim and deliveries slow.

[I_Like_Turtles]

I am of the mind "if it doesn't expand in gel, it won't expand at all." I could be wrong of course, but only a double-blind random sample test will show it. Any volunteers? Free N95 masks to the first dozen to sign up! LOL

Glad you got your rust problem figured out.....are you in a very humid area? Do you carry your handgun against your skin? Do you get rained on often?

I too plan to carry 2 mags instead of just one and my new High Noon Holsters "Double Take" 2 mag pouch came in and is currently on quarantine for 6 days. No word on how long the virus can last on leather but I am going to assume 3 days like on steel and then flip it over, giving the other side access to air for 3 days.

Sorry you are having problems with ammo supply. After the ammo shortage of 2014 and me getting caught with no defensive ammo in .38 SPL and working nights at a Stop & Rob, I decided that would never happen to me again and I took steps to prevent it.

[wyntrout]

NE FL. Jacksonville... surrounded by waterways with the Atlantic about 12 miles to the East, and I can see the the St Johns River about 130 yards away. It has brackish water and there is salt in the air. I keep the humidity down around 40% inside but it's definitely humid a lot here.

I wear a Crossbreed Minituck... a hybrid with leather on the inside, including a sweat shield, and Kydex that holds the pistol. Unfortunately, I opted for the regular black cow leather for the P380, but my other pistols ride in the horsehide versions which are more tolerant of sweat.

I have lots of ammo, but am wanting to shift to a standard pressure defense ammo because the +P is harder for me to stay in the bullseye.

With the ammo panic again, it's hard to find anything and there is a wait if they do have it. I'm not looking that hard, though. I really ought to get back to carrying my P40 with Lucky Gunner's #1 pick in defensive ammo, the Remington 180-gr Golden Saber. I have the Winchester Ranger-T for .45 and several choices for 9mm.

[I_Like_Turtles]

Maybe it is the humid area then. I am in WV and it gets humid in the summertime (at least since I became an adult) but I have never had rust issues. For me, all semi autos go OWB while revolvers go in pocket holster or (on occasion) on the ankle for a New York Reload. I am never without a tucked-in tee shirt, no matter what shirt I am wearing over it and no matter the climate, including south and southeast Asia.

[wyntrout]

I buy Large Tees and Polos with long tails... Duluth... and never tuck... loose tails and easy to draw from IWB with one hand. I wear my P380 all of the time, even though there's a hi-cap Glock sitting with a foot or two, no matter where I'm at in the house.

For doctors visits or deep concealment, I wear a soft IWB Uncle Mike's holster and move it to my shorts pocket... except that one time... I wasn't expecting a prostate check and had to drop trou... with my P40 and a extra mag carrier prominently displayed when I sheepishly complied. The doctor never said a word. I always wear the P380 and switch it to my pocket with no extra mag at the doctors' office visits... does add a pound to my weight. :-D

[I_Like_Turtles]

You never tuck? I don't think we can be friends. LOL

My doc carries as does his nurses and two of the nurses are vocal about it. They have seen me lay my holstered handgun on the table prior to a physical....sometimes I forget to leave it in the car.

I donate all my old NRA magazines to them for their waiting room.