Problem with Kahr Magazines

[dave606]

I have been researching the kahr pm's for quite some time now. Trying to decide if i should buy, and which to buy, the 9mm or 40s&w. However i see over and over about FTF, and a must to charge them with the slide release. A very good video on you tube regarding the magazines bothers me. If you load 6, or 7 rounds on the extended mag, the rounds on top point down and not up, to feed properly. Why can't kahr fix this? I really want to buy one, for carry, but am worried about reliability. I know people will say they are not having problems, but i see too many on the forums. Why can't i find Glock problems? Is replacing the magazines with pro mags really the way to go? I love the pistols, how do i get the confidence to buy a pistol for carry that i have reservations about?

[jackblack73]

I've seen that video on YouTube. I don't know if Kahr changed the design of the follower or something, but the top round doesn't point down on my recently purchased PM9 mags. I noticed the second round does point down a little though. Regardless, my PM9 fed flawlessly with its first 120 rounds.

I also had no problem charging my gun by using the sling shot technique. The reason why it doesn't work for some people is because they ride the slide forward without knowing. If you pull the slide back and release, like a true sling shot, it shouldn't be a problem.

[Mits3kgt88]

Sufficient lubrication is a must. I've found this out with my P40. It had failure to feed problems while using Rem-oil. I noticed that the lubricant would evaporate and cause it to FTF. I switched to Hoppe's Elite oil and my problems were solved. I'm not saying that Rem-oil is no good, I'm saying that Kahrs like it wet. You could also try grease. I heard that Mili-comm TW25b is good stuff.

I also make it habit to clean and lube my PM40 once a week whether it has been fired or not to ensure reliability and make sure too much lint doesn't collect on it. I pocket and IWB it daily.

[garyb]

I have a new PM40 which was properly prepped and have never had an FTE or FTF. I know that guys experience this and it is "usually" for a reason...the mags have the springs installed improperly or they ride the slide forward. When I install the mag, I make sure the round is pointed up and all the rounds are seated well to the rear in the mag. My mags are waxed inside and out, so everything slips well. My mag springs are installed correctly. My PM40 is prepped properly. I dry fire practice with it daily for about 5 minutes and have become very familiar with my piece. I know it's workings. It takes time to get used to any firearm, and the Kahr PM40 is no different. They are very well made and many, many owners are very pleased with them. I love the way my PM40 shoots and how it feels. I plan to shoot IDPA with it this year. I also use a Crimson Trace Laser and am very pleased with it. When you read about problems with a quality firearm like Kahr, Glock, etc..., question the article and ask yourself if it could be the shooter or the gun, or perhaps an incompatibility of the two. Know your sword. I compared the Glock 27 to the Kahr PM40 and found (hands down) that I liked the Kahr much better because I shot it more accurately and it concealed better. You will be very pleased with the PM series if you take the time to do things the right way, work with it and get used to it. It won't take long before you develop full confidence in it as a reliable, effective carry piece. However, every purchaser must decide based on their own research, demands and desires. The decision is entirely up to you. Best of luck to you.

[RONDO]

Hey Dave606! I'm a new guy to the forum too .. just found it! :yo: I've been through the same thought process as you though ... here is what I figured out.
First, I bought a black P380 w/NS love it. Goes bang every time, very accurate, nifty lil gun.
Second, I bought a PM..9044N, ... same results;)!
Third, I bought a PM4544N, ... Outstanding!:D
Fourth, tommorrow I pick up a PM4044N ... and am confident it'll be a winner too:rolleyes:
I read a lot of pros/cons , does /don'ts on forums and many reviews and concluded the following:
Small, powerful pistols can be a little tempermental so clean & break-in according to the manufactures guidelines. Use good quality ammo, no reloads or steel cartridges ... cheap stuff brings failure potential. Always use a firm consistant grip. Some folks will knock a fine product no matter what. Every high quality manufacturer may occasionaly have an anomoly. Kahr products are outstanding as is their customer service.
Having said all that, I can tell you I absolutely love these little guns and following the above guidelines, find them to be precise & incredibly reliable. I believe you will too!:yo:

[dave606]

It is really nice to see such quick responses. You guys have helped me make my decision, I'll keep you posted.

[Jeremiah/Az]

I have a P380 & a PM9 that have been flawless. I think most people do not report good things, only problems.

Glocks do have problems. They are called Ka-booms, mostly in the .40's. The unsupported case blows out the mag.

[kahrseye]

When I found the PM9, I had to have it. It was about the same size as the .380 I was carrying and a larger caliber. Then came the PM45, I always wanted a to carry a .45 but most weren't small enough to carry. When I saw the P380 I knew it would be perfect for my girlfriend and I'm sure she would concur. Just recently I came across an MK9 Elite and had to have it. None of these guns have had any issues whatsoever. Maybe I've been lucky? I don't think so. The guy I bought the MK9 from told me he had issues with it jamming. After talking to him briefly I determined it was operator error and he agreed. He just didn't know how to shoot a small auto. One word of advice though: These guns can be very addictive.

[JLeephoto]

Glocks without a doubt are super reliable, BUT they still don't make a single stack 9mm close to the size and weight of the Kahr PM9, maybe due to how tough it is to make such a small pistol reliable. That said, my PM9 has been perfect with all my mags since break-in. I did do all the recommended break-in procedures. Based on my research, you are going to need to exhaustively test any of these subcompact, lightweight pocket pistols to assure reliability. I decided to just pick the pocket pistol I liked best and then do whatever was necessary to make it reliable. It was worth it to me to get something that was so easy to carry. Fortunately, not much has been needed for my Kahr.

[josp]

I'm issued a Glock.
I choose to carry two Kahrs instead (CW9 and PM9)
Nuff said.