Options with a frame crack on a P9?

[Wombatz]

Howdy folk, new member, first post...

I discovered a frame crack on my 2000 vintage P9.

I called Kahr and got a return authorization. They noted that I need to send it 2nd day air via UPS or FedEx. At 2 pounds that seems to be around $35. I can live with that but I did call the shop where I purchased it since they should have the option of lower price shipping. They quoted $50 plus the actual shipping cost, or around $66. I then did some more web searching to find that "Next day air" might be required.

Recently I have been doing a lot of 22 and 45acp (a new 1911) shooting, so no great rush to deal with this.

Is there *any* other option other than sending it in for a full frame replacement?

http://www.wombatz.com/kahr/mid-IMG_1561.JPG

For the full 2.5M image:

http://www.wombatz.com/kahr/mid-IMG_1561.JPG

P.S. This one does suffer from the "walking trigger pin", so that adds to the weight of the "Just send it in you dope" argument.

[MW surveyor]

Welcome and nope! Can't see any other viable option but to send it in "you dope". :)

Who knows, may get all new parts out if also.

[Longitude Zero]

Yikes. I would not tolerate any "repair" for this. Total replaement is the only viable option you should accept.

[gb6491]

I would think anything you do to that would void any chance that Kahr would do a replacement without charging you for it. That said, you could just cut that piece off. The poly rails are not necessary for the pistol to function correctly; they just make installing the slide onto the metal rails easier.
Regards,
Greg

[Wombatz]

I would think anything you do to that would void any chance that Kahr would do a replacement without charging you for it. That said, you could just cut that piece off. The poly rails are not necessary for the pistol to function correctly; they just make installing the slide onto the metal rails easier.
Regards,
Greg

Very good point. I *was* considering the possibility of cutting it, but the idea of voiding the warranty should be enough to stop me.

[frank_drebin]

Ask them if you can cut that off and if it will void the warranty. I would cut it and shoot it. Does nothing...

[jocko]

[QUOTE=Wombatz;84790]Howdy folk, new member, first post...

I discovered a frame crack on my 2000 vintage P9.

I called Kahr and got a return authorization. They noted that I need to send it 2nd day air via UPS or FedEx. At 2 pounds that seems to be around $35. I can live with that but I did call the shop where I purchased it since they should have the option of lower price shipping. They quoted $50 plus the actual shipping cost, or around $66. I then did some more web searching to find that "Next day air" might be required.

Recently I have been doing a lot of 22 and 45acp (a new 1911) shooting, so no great rush to deal with this.

Is there *any* other option other than sending it in for a full frame replacement?

that is the first I have even seen,has to be a bad "something" to cause that. Here is where I see things. #1. send the damn lower back UPS, wrap it in a shoe type box and address it to K.I A. and nothing more, it will get there with no issues. for around $10 tops. It is UPS next day air policy and screw that, but thats ur call. I know I have done it many times in the past. Kahr will accept it. UPS will not ask but if they did you can tell them it is a high speed hole punch and let it be at that. They Won'ts.

#2. Your gun is out of warranty, Kahr cannot fix it, Kahr IMO will not replace it, again that will be ur option to. If they offer to replace it NC, then consider yourself lucky indeed, they can tell by the serial # how old the gun is and it is not a marginal 5 years BUT BUT BUT back then they also carried a life time warranty, so stick to that if they renig on anything.

#3. If they will not fix it NC and price you more than u are comfortable with for the lower part,just have them send the gun back and continue to shoot it like u stole it. I think I would cut that broken part off although it doesnt do anything once the slide is on the gun.

#4, decide to keep it and save all the hassle and expense and live with it. Kahr could IMO replace that lower for you at their dollar or shoot you a 50%price as this is not something you did and certtainly not somethg that kahr shold be proud of either. Knowing you will keep us informed.


PM sent.

[ripley16]

#1. send the damn lower back UPS, wrap it in a shoe type box and address it to K.I A. and nothing more, it will get there with no issues. for around $10 tops. It is UPS next day air policy and screw that, but thats ur call. I know I have done it many times in the past. Kahr will accept it. UPS will not ask but if they did you can tell them it is a high speed hole punch and let it be at that. They Won'ts.

Jocko, BATF frowns on those who break federal firearm laws. I wouldn't try that again. The risk is high IMHO.


From BATF;

B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?

A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]

http://www.cgwgun.com/shipping/batf.aspx

[jocko]

thanks, guess I just won't post what I do...

[Wombatz]

Progress (or lack thereof) report:

I was ready to let the original gun shop ship it back for me, and visited them yesterday. The guy I talked to was very helpful and in talking about how it works he noted that if the frame is replaced it will require another 10 day wait and DROS fees. So, if they do what I think they *have* to do to fix this, I will have another $65 charge and a waiting period to get it back.

I just called Kahr and they did confirm that no matter how I got it back to them, if the frame needs to be replaced they will have to ship it back to an FFL for re-DROS.

The gun is not an "Every day shooter" but I like it and want to keep it. I am currently back to considering the idea of trimming off the broken rail and doing some function tests.

[MW surveyor]

Well, if Kahr is not going to replace the frame for free.... I'd say cut away! Nothing really to lose.

[wyntrout]

For peace of mind, I would sent it back legally at the lowest rate possible and get it fixed correctly... most probably a new frame, which will require going through a dealer and a new yellow sheet. Been there, done that... just cost me another $25 through the FFL dealer I use. See if your dealer will accept and re-register the new gun/frame for you at NO or little cost.
Make sure you send enough gun back to Kahr... they may want the whole thing for fitting and testing... a good thing.

If you really want to risk it, you could try JB Weld or some similar product no the unused back portion... where nothings will strike it, to repair the split rail, but my vote is for the REAL repair at low cost to you with Kahr Customer Service. I think your pistol is old enough for the original lifetime warranty.

Wynn:)

[jocko]

for sure if u send it back be sure in BIG BOLKD print tolet them know that when u bought this gun it then carried a lifetime warranty on it.

[Wombatz]

The gun shop I have been dealing with is the one where I purchased it (over 10 years ago), and they are quoting full price for the DROS, so I am at:

$66 or so for shipping to Kahr.
$25+40 for DROS if they fix it correctly with a new frame.

I am now at $131 to fix a part that only helps guide the slide onto the frame during reassembly?

Otherwise I cut off that same part and the gun works just as good as it did before?

The above sounds very whiny, so I really should add: Thank you all very much for your input on this. I really do appreciate it.

[wyntrout]

It should only cost YOU to ship it to Kahr. They should fix it under warranty and return it at their cost. If your dealer wants to make money off you, look for another FFL dealer on any online auction site like Gunbroker.com using your zipcode. You can shop for a cheaper closer dealer. I use a guy that charges me $25 out the door for receiving the pistol, processing the paperwork and the phone call (NICS). The dealer at the range I use wanted $50 + NICS + tax... about $60! So I let my fingers do the walking and shopped for a better FFL using my zipcode on Gunbroker.com. Most gun auction sites have this feature... and a lot of online firearms dealers as well.

Wynn:)

[jocko]

The gun shop I have been dealing with is the one where I purchased it (over 10 years ago), and they are quoting full price for the DROS, so I am at:

$66 or so for shipping to Kahr.
$25+40 for DROS if they fix it correctly with a new frame.

I am now at $131 to fix a part that only helps guide the slide onto the frame during reassembly?

Otherwise I cut off that same part and the gun works just as good as it did before?

The above sounds very whiny, so I really should add: Thank you all very much for your input on this. I really do appreciate it.



for sure u know kahr cannot fix that lower part so it will have to be replaced and then rerigestered, etc. If they will warranty it, that is then IMO maybe worth the cost as they will pay to ship it back, but I would think a phone conversation with them prior to sending it back would verify if indeed they will warranty that. If they say they will not, then IMO, cut off that split part and just shoot the damn thing like u stole it. U will have to be alittle more careful in installing the slide on the gun but again that is not a real brainer either to figure out.

U might explain to kahr befrore u send it in to see if they will warranty it, I still think ur gun falls under their lifetime warranty and tell them u bought it originally to, not used, which I think u did anyhow. If they say they will take care of it under warranty, then ask if they want the entire gun back to test it out to. They might want to have the entire gun. anyway u go , with a new lower, it will have to go to a FFL dealer and he will charge u what ever. Kahr will not absorb any of that part.

take your time , talk to kahr, be nice, then think about it before doing anything.. If u don't want to spend another dime on the gun, then cut that split portion off and go for it..

[gb6491]

Hey Wombatz,
If you are still contemplating a DIY fix for this I have a suggestion. There is a discussion going on in the general forum in regards to a Glock grip reduction. This reminded me of something I read on another forum. A member there did a reduction by cutting his Glock's back strap, removing some material from the frame, then gluing the cut off piece back in place. Here's what he said about the glue he used to do it:
"Loctite Super-glue was used primarily to reattach the backstrap. The stuff dries as hard as steel (just about). I thought about filling the removed piece of backstrap with bed-liner or something so that I would have a big flat surface glue back on the mag' well. I may opt later to fill it with bed-liner or something for added strength, but it's not going anywhere."

Perhaps, the glue is worth a try on your gun. If it doesn't hold the piece could still be cut off.

For any interested the reduction threads are here:
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=81931
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=82022

Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Acraglas gel would would work well for that as well. I think I'm still in the send it back camp but if you go for your own fix the acraglas would do the job. It's tough stuff. You can even add the black dye so it all matches up pretty.

[Wombatz]

More than just contemplation at this point. I cut it off. Last weekend was just bowling instead of shooting Saturday and bowling Sunday. There is a good chance that I will get it out this coming Saturday to test it out. I did save the removed piece, but it does not seem it is needed. Reassembly is not at all difficult with that section missing.

P.S. If the Volquartsen sear for the Ruger Mark II arrives in time, I will be sure to get out to the range.

[Sgt01]

Don't sweat it. A couple of dabs of super glue and it'll look like new!
Seriously, I would just send it out to Kahr and have them give you a new frame. Personally, I'd be on the phone demanding (in a nice sort of way) a shipping tag since it's a warranty issue.

[jocko]

Personally for me I would give GB6491 suggestion a trial.; I have used that sh-t and trust me it is stronger than the twoparts it brings together. That top polymer rail is under no pressure one the slide is on the gun and, what do u have to lose??? I think that fix will work perfectly..

[TucsonMTB]

Personally for me I would give GB6491 suggestion a trial.; I have used that sh-t and trust me it is stronger than the twoparts it brings together. That top polymer rail is under no pressure one the slide is on the gun and, what do u have to lose??? I think that fix will work perfectly..
+1 . . .
http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE3-1145508dt.jpg

[Wombatz]

Original question poster here.

Reminder: I opted to just cut the darn thing off and pretend it was never there.

Final(?) update: Got to the range today. It worked just as well as it always has. I feel confident again to keep the P9 as my loaded and ready arm.

I will remember to always inspect that area after shooting to make sure that no further issues develop.

Once again; thank you all for your support, suggestions, opinions etc.

[wyntrout]

Going that way, my worry would be about the crack continuing, as things like that tend to do. I don't know if a judicious drop of some wonder cement or epoxy would stop the crack from progressing and allow it to be trimmed if necessary to allow proper function.

I hope that your problem is fixed and you just have fun shooting from now on.

Wynn:)