P380 Slide Release

[scotchlouis]

In the process of breaking in a new Kahr P380. Went to the range for the 2nd time today and so far:

100rds PMC fmj - 1 stovepipe, 1 double feed
100rds WWB - Flawless
40rds Corbon DPX - 1 light strike FTF

All malfunctions were within the first 120 rounds.

However, today (and I think once last range trip) upon inserting a full magazine with the slide locked back, the slide slipped forward on it's own and resulted in a failure to go into battery. I also find that sometimes I have to really slam the mag in, so that may have something to do with it. Although it could also be the problem, I don't think my thumb was resting on the slide release which could cause it to happen (it did however cause the slide not to lock back on last round which I remedied by keeping my thumbs down and away from the slide release while firing).

Anyone have this experience? Thanks

[jlottmc]

Sounds like the rear edge of that slide release is a bit rounded. As for the other malfs. just shoot that little thing some more, those tend to take a while to become right. Watch your thumbs, as that will cause a lot problems, whether or not you know you're doing it, also let another shooter, preferably one who is up on Kahrs take a spin with it. If they have the same problems, then it's time for parts, shooting left handed if right will also help show where the problem lies.

[jocko]

if you tend to slam the magazine in, expect sometimes the slide to release. I try when nserting the magazine to actually push in the mag release button to let the magazine slide past that area without having to put alot of pressure on mag insertion. It just might smooth out somewhat to. I wold doubt if you have any slide wear in that area. That is one very thick area . I think your P380 is doing super and u seem to know what your talking about to. so just keep an eye on that "wondering" thumb, as it is the culprit more than not..

[scotchlouis]

You're both probably right about the thumb interfering with the slide release. I slam the mag in only because it seems to need it in order to get the magazine in past the release area. Next time I'll try to press the button when changing mags, or just keep a close eye on where my thumb is and hopefully it will break in and soften up.

I have another 100rds plus another box of DPX on the way from CTD. Hopefully it will be 100% reliable after that. It's a really great little pistol. :)

[jocko]

shoot good amercian made ammo fmj, preferably for break in and then go to the defense round of ur choice and test out. DPS is one heh of a great round, if it works great in that little gun, stick with it..;

[scotchlouis]

I did however have one light strike ftf with the DPX. Could that be a result of a gun that's not broken in, or more likely to be a bad round? I didn't try to fire that round again.

[scotchlouis]

Just got back from putting another 100 rounds through the p380. 100 rds of PMC went flawless. I made sure to keep the thumb out of the way of the slide release, and it didn't fail at all to lock back after the last round even once. No malfunctions of any kind.

However, I shot a mag full of Corbon DPX once again just to be sure that it's reliable for my carry ammo. The slide locked back on the 3rd round of a full magazine. First time that happened. I'm not sure if my thumb somehow got in the way and engaged the slide lock, or if it was the ammo. I ended up releasing the slide and continued shooting normally. I really like the idea of carrying the DPX, but not if it's going to make the gun malfunction. Do you think it could be the ammo that caused it, or more likely my thumb would have been the cause, or something else?