Kahr Slide Removal and Reassembly Method (unofficial)

[Ralph III]

Hello All,
I just wanted to share with folks the method I use to remove the slide from my Kahr S9 as I find it quite easy. I wanted to post this after seeing numerous people on YouTube struggle to remove or reassemble the slide while often having to use a tool. None of which is necessary. If you have a better method please feel free to post it. Note: Always make sure your firearm is unloaded prior to breaking it down!

Anyhow this is how I do it:

Place your thumb in the trigger guard area. Then put your index finger (same hand) on the front of the slide and use it to push the slide back. When it is in proper alignment you can then use the magazine to push the slide stop out. It's easy to manipulate the slide this way and no additional tools are required.

Now, if you use your other hand to apply pressure on the slide stop (pin side) while doing the above it will lock the slide into alignment automatically! You can then use your fingers or the magazine to finish removing the slide stop. This allows removal of the slide in the dark or without ever having to look for alignment!

Reassembly is the same way. When you first put the slide back on the gun go ahead and insert the slide stop into the hole. While applying pressure to the slide stop push the slide back. The pin will automatically lock into position without ever having to actually align it. Easy Peasy!

I hope this was helpful.

God Bless,
Ralph

[DJK11]

For the life of me I just don’t understand why some have problems with slide removal of a Kahr. The process can’t be more straightforward. Maybe its my old arthritic hands but I can field strip my Kahr’s in a few seconds. Most are surprised how easy and quickly they are disassembled and reassembled. Also, using a tool like a screwdriver blade to remove the pin, come on really! If one needs to field strip in the field do you carry a screwdriver! Not everyone carries a multi tool or knife. If you can’t pull the pin by grasping the lever, use the magazine to push the pin loose.

Now back to coffee and danish.

[dustnchips]

I use the handle on the cleaning rod to start the pin. Plastic so non maring if I slip

[dao]

Generally, when they've been apart a few dozen times the pin becomes easy enough to be pushed out with your index finger. Something to look forward to. :)

[DavidR]

My 9mm Kahrs are easy to strip but not so much with the CT380. Stiff recoil spring and that pin will not push out with just my finger. Not a big deal but definitely my most difficult pistol to field strip.

[Ralph III]

quote by dustnchips......"I use the handle on the cleaning rod to start the pin. Plastic so non maring if I slip"

Thanks Dustnchips. The purpose of my post however was in part to convey to folks that you don't need any additional tools to break a Kahr down.



quote by dao......"Generally, when they've been apart a few dozen times the pin becomes easy enough to be pushed out with your index finger. Something to look forward to."

That seems to be correct as it is getting easier and easier to remove my S9 slide. I still have to use something on occasion to help get the slide stop started though but it is becoming less frequent.

Irrespective, you still have to align the slide properly in order to remove the slide stop. I wanted to convey two points to folks with my post.

1. No additional tools beyond the pistol itself is needed to break down a Kahr.
2. You can actually feel when the slide is properly aligned -vs- having to see when it is properly aligned. I have problems seeing the two lines in dim lighting so being able to feel when it is aligned is much easier and quicker. It also allows field stripping in the dark whereas the later does not.

Take care,
Ralph

[187911]

I have two K40's, a K9, a MK40, and a MK9 so far.

https://i.imgur.com/gZgOH5q.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yCbw0Cu.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/CKMCZhB.jpg

Pictured left to right: K40 (purchased new a year ago), MK40 (manufactured 2000), and K40 (manufactured 2014).

The K40 on the far right was manufactured in 2014, it was purchased used a few years back, do it's not new and stiff. As you can see, the design of the slide stop area is different than the others. I CAN NOT field strip this gun or my K9 (same design) w/o using the bottom of mag or some other tool to initially nudge/start the slide stop out. The others I can easily do by hand without tools.

So three of my Kahrs I can do by hand, and the other two with the design on the far right I can't.

[Bawanna]

I believe the K on the right has the spring on the far side, it's a little different setup and one I much prefer. One of mine is that way and it doesn't have that tiny little spring which to me seems rather fragile although I've never had one go bad or needed to adjust any of mine so far.

[187911]

I believe the K on the right has the spring on the far side, it's a little different setup and one I much prefer. One of mine is that way and it doesn't have that tiny little spring which to me seems rather fragile although I've never had one go bad or needed to adjust any of mine so far.

Can you take yours down without using tools or tearing your finger up? The only reason why I prefer the design with the spring is because it takes no effort at all to break down. It's easier for me to line up and with a light push, the slide stop flies out.

[Bawanna]

I take them all down with ease, they are hard for that first tiny bit to pop the pin loose then no sweat.
I think I use the same system as described to hold the slide in position and can hold it all day. Sometimes after my Wheaties I can get them with my finger, other times I girlyman and tap it with whatever is handy.
I notice on my T9 I can push it out with my finger.

[dustnchips]

My PM 9 is easy to take down, but the CW380 with more take downs than I can count is still hard. I just can't get it started without something hard to get that first little push. Yes, you can use a mag or a bullet to push it, but I only take it down to clean it so why not use plastic that is at hand. I always prefer easy over hard.

[gb6491]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kul4VxcW3tA

[dustnchips]

My finger just ain,t that hard.

[Bawanna]

Back in the day I remember seeing video's of the guy that invented kuboton. He could do everything the kuboton could do with just his finger. It was pretty amazing.

[gb6491]

Back in the day I remember seeing video's of the guy that invented kuboton. He could do everything the kuboton could do with just his finger. It was pretty amazing.
Now there's a good reason/excuse/alibi to have a kubotan on your key ring/in your pocket....it's a Kahr disassembly tool:boink:

[gb6491]

Of course one could use their thumb instead of a finger:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dka54jH9po

[Bawanna]

Now there's a good reason/excuse/alibi to have a kubotan on your key ring/in your pocket....it's a Kahr disassembly tool:boink:

Good idea, maybe I'll spin some up. I made some several years ago before I had a lather, should be easy peasy with one.

[dao]

I'll bite, what's a kuboton?

[IDisposable]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubotan

[187911]

My PM 9 is easy to take down, but the CW380 with more take downs than I can count is still hard. I just can't get it started without something hard to get that first little push. Yes, you can use a mag or a bullet to push it, but I only take it down to clean it so why not use plastic that is at hand. I always prefer easy over hard.
Yea I have the same experience. Some just seem to be much more difficult than others. Not a big deal for me to use the bottom of a mag to start it off. I thought I knew what the issue was but I guess not.

[dao]

I guess I don't get out enough. Sounds painful. And effective in the right hands. I can also see how it could serve to get a stubborn take-down lever started on its way out. :)