CM9 troubles

[Hognutz]

It sure seems to me that there have been a whole lot of people with problems with their CM9's. Seems like every other thread is dealing with it in one way or the other. Any thoughts? While I have the floor, there is another thing that is on my mind. Why does Kahr have so many problems with their magazines? In the big scheme of things, you would think that the mags would be a slam dunk. The springs are too long, the mags don't fall out easily, they are dirty from the factory, they may allow the top shell to hit the slide stop...etc. I don't understand how this can happen on an ongoing basis. Any thoughts on this, as well?? Thanks, Mike :7:

[LordJ]

My only guess would be that maybe they are selling shitloads of them now, and usually if people buy a gun and are happy with it they are pretty silent on the matter. Now, if you spend almost $500 and your gun is messing up most people will turn to the internet for advice/venting. Or it's possible there are a lot of lemons, who knows? As far as mags go, yes they are crap, and Kahr could do better.

[Seanh100]

SIZE MATTERS... Am I wrong, or don't all of the "pocket" pistols have their own sets of issues.. the keltec pf9, the kimber solo, the ruger lc9, etc... My guess would be that with an instrument meant to contain an intensely violent explosion, propel a searing hot hunk of metal faster than the speed of sound, eject another hunk of metal a completely different direction and reset it's starting position all by itself; all while staying within extremely acute& precise tolerances, you're bound to have issues when you shrink it down to something smaller than your hand... THat being said, I think the CM9 is an extremely reliable and accurate pocket 9mm, that in my opinion, outshines it's competition in it's trigger, feel, functionality, looks, and price. Most of the problems people are having w/the CM9 are tertiary, and normally a visit to google and a couple clicks of the mouse will have most everybody's CM9 100%. On the other hand, I will say that Kahr needs to read it's own criticisms on these blogs so that they can get these problems taken care of and addressed by their QC before they leave the factory.

[OldLincoln]

Actually, Hog, the CM9 has done well. There are some hitches now and then, but you read time after time about "another boring CM9 range report." I'd say of those with issues, a good percentage of them haven't followed the proper prep routine or are reporting normal conditions like the notch in the front rail. If you followed each new gun owner through their threads you'll find most turn out well once they gain some knowledge and experience.

As for the magazines, I agree with you. You must realize Kahr does not manufacture their mags and you can imaging them working to improve them, but it's taking a long time. For the interim, the forum has developed workarounds to alleviate many of the problems.

When you look at any product specific forum you will find problems gravitate toward it. I looked for a new washing machine and found that to be true, same with cars, even the Lexus forum. Same for most gun forums, from low end to high - that's $300 to $2500.

I guess I have concluded that's the nature of the mechanical beast. Perhaps that's why space ship cost so much. They don't have many second opportunities to get it right. But not many would pay a couple million dollars for a 9mm pistol.

[Ressom]

It sure seems to me that there have been a whole lot of people with problems with their CM9's. Seems like every other thread is dealing with it in one way or the other. Any thoughts? While I have the floor, there is another thing that is on my mind. Why does Kahr have so many problems with their magazines? In the big scheme of things, you would think that the mags would be a slam dunk. The springs are too long, the mags don't fall out easily, they are dirty from the factory, they may allow the top shell to hit the slide stop...etc. I don't understand how this can happen on an ongoing basis. Any thoughts on this, as well?? Thanks, Mike :7:

Actually, I think I've seen more of these types of posts ^ than actual problems with the CM9.

I could tell you that my CM9 now has 1183 flawless rounds through it, but that is not as interesting as reading about peoples problem CM9's.

[jocko]

OLD LINCOLN I guess I have concluded that's the nature of the mechanical beast. Perhaps that's why space ship cost so much. They don't have many second opportunities to get it right. But not many would pay a couple million dollars for a 9mm pistol

If one is looking for the perfect pistol, KEEP LOOKING...



but how many times have we read where launches have been delayed due to a fault issue or how many people have died fromn space launches

[JimC]

IMO, it seems pretty simple to me, the CM9 wasn't/isn't ready for prime time yet.
Kahr should have done more in depth testing of the pistol before putting it out for consumption by the general public.
I haven't seen as many negative reports on the PM9 as the CM9.
There are those who will view the CM9 thru their rose colored glasses but the truth of the fact is, there are CM9 buyers with problems right out of the box and these problems should not be happening.

[jocko]

well I guess we are entitled to our opinions..

[JimC]

well I guess we are entitled to our opinions..

Yes we are, especially those opinions formed by reading the obvious.

[Hognutz]

I do agree that a lot of the problems that are encountered with the CM9 are, in fact, self inflicted. I do believe that the CM9 is a worthy weapon. I was just curious as to why there were so many CM9 problems, and so few self inflicted problems with the PM9. Now as far as the magazine problems, they need to be addressed. The quality control needs to be looked at, whoever makes them. The Kahr name deserves better..JMHO..Mike

[rclAlaric]

IMO, it seems pretty simple to me, the CM9 wasn't/isn't ready for prime time yet.
Kahr should have done more in depth testing of the pistol before putting it out for consumption by the general public.
I haven't seen as many negative reports on the PM9 as the CM9.
There are those who will view the CM9 thru their rose colored glasses but the truth of the fact is, there are CM9 buyers with problems right out of the box and these problems should not be happening.

I have been reading (not much posting) the forum for quite a while. I do remember many stellar reviews of the CM9. In fact, many posted how they thought that this gun may not have some of the problems that the PM9 had.

Now we see postings of people with problem CM9s.

But isn't that the fact of forums? You get more posts from people with problems (squeaky wheel syndrome).

Those of us without problems chime in here from time to time, but mostly read these forums.

BTW, my CM9 has been flawless ever since the 200 round break-in period. I haven't had the chance to clean the gun in a few weeks and she still shoots flawlessly, with a couple of hundred more rounds through her.

Great gun!

[hoghunter]

As a footnote, please note that there is me, HOGHUNTER, and the OP of this thread HOGNUTZ. We are two different people.

As far as the question, I can tell you that I have not put this much effort into a pistol to get it right- EVER. In a very strange way I feel more attached to this little CM9 than I ever have with any of the old pistols I have since traded away. I guess when you own a pistol that you take to the range and it fires as normal you don't get that "bonding" time. I have learned this CM9 inside and out. I never got to know any of my Glocks, S&Ws, Rugers, CZ, etc. the way I have this Kahr. Kinda like an old friend now- even though I've only owned it for less than 2 months. Seems like the more effort I put into this relationship the tighter the bond. OK- that was weird, I'll admit it. Hopefully someone out there understands what I mean.

[Ikeo74]

IMO only, Kahr is selling so many of these CM9 pistols at probabaly the fastest rate of any previous pistol that we are only hearing complaints because of new Kahr first time buyers like me. I just bought a CM9 also and I love the gun. I think the only problem with the gun is that Kahr is not lubeing the gun at the factory good enough. Then they recommend that the new owner break it down and oil it up. There lies the problem. New Kahr owners are not putting the springs back in correctly and this causes the problem of malfunctions. This problem could be solved if Kahr lubed the gun at the factory to a redy for the 200 round break-in procedure. Then you will see all these malfunctions dissappear. It's as simple as that, come on Kahr, you have a big winner here, lube it at the factory and end complaints. Repeat, I love my new CM9 and it's my new carry gun. :yo:

[OldLincoln]

A very long time ago when I was breaking in my new PM9, I investigated to find where problems lay. I toyed with the action without a spring to see what mechanisms did what and how it could be improved. Bawanna encouraged me to buff some places so I got a cheap rotary tool from Harbor freight and polished the ramp & chamber. I had noticed the upper inside on the slide was discolored from heat and it was gouged, so I polished it smooth to a mirror finish. I found where the top front of the barrel shroud was burred so I smoothed and polished that. There were wear marks on the barrel so I polished that. I continued polishing all the shiny parts such as the cams, rear rails, striker assembly, and even the outer recoil spring guide. I polished the mags and modified the mag lips to feed better and the mag well do let them fall freely. All in all I did a lot of fun (not work) and had a ball. Bawanna called it "fluff and buff" which is accurate and appropriate.

The gun was perfect from then on. I wrote about my fun here and offered to fluff & buff guns for free just because it's fun to me, but unless they lived in my town it's unlikely to happen because they don't know me and shipping with legal stuff is costly. I asked why Kahr doesn't do that before shipping, and was told that it's expensive and adding more to the price would hurt sales too much. I agree I spent a lot of time on mine.

I wish so much there were a way for Kahr to do the Fluff & Buff but reality is they can but would you, the customer, pay for it. Jocko made a valid point that not everybody needs or cares to have it done, but those that do can send it to Cylinder & Slide and they will do it. Point is if you want it you can buy the service.

I looked around and found several name brands have similar issues. Their forums talk about one problem or another with new guns and many related to the break in activity.

Kahr has since begun polishing the ramp which was the number one issue at the time. Mine is a black slide and that inside upper was coated, which I think was the main cause of the friction there. I don't know if they still coat that or not.

So they have to break in which is messy and a PITA but think of them like a puppy that you have to housebreak and clean up accidents, take outside to do their business, etc. But better, once your Kahr is housebroken, it's yours to command.

[Russ]

IMO, it seems pretty simple to me, the CM9 wasn't/isn't ready for prime time yet.
Kahr should have done more in depth testing of the pistol before putting it out for consumption by the general public.
I haven't seen as many negative reports on the PM9 as the CM9.
There are those who will view the CM9 thru their rose colored glasses but the truth of the fact is, there are CM9 buyers with problems right out of the box and these problems should not be happening.


Jim

I sent my Cm9 back. After the second night sight breaking off in 50 rounds I gave up. I loved how the gun concealed in my front pocket but three trips to Kahr in three months of ownership was enough for me to wring my hands and say I'm done. Stinks I really liked the Cm 9 until I started shooting it. I hate not having a concealed gun. I am really hoping Beretta Nano will be the answer. If the Ruger LCR was a little smaller I would bag the idea of a pocket semi auto for a trusted snub nose revolver.

[JimC]

Jim

I sent my Cm9 back. After the second night sight breaking off in 50 rounds I gave up. I loved how the gun concealed in my front pocket but three trips to Kahr in three months of ownership was enough for me to wring my hands and say I'm done. Stinks I really liked the Cm 9 until I started shooting it. I hate not having a concealed gun. I am really hoping Beretta Nano will be the answer. If the Ruger LCR was a little smaller I would bag the idea of a pocket semi auto for a trusted snub nose revolver.

Russ;

I bought my PM9 in July of this year. Except for two magazines splitting on the very first day out and then a follower breaking in one of the replacement mags, :confused: my PM9 has been trouble free thru 967 rds.

It doesn't care what the bullet config is or the bullet weight, it just keeps on ticking. :D

I chose the PM9 over the CM9 because it had all the features that I was looking for. Black slide, night sights which are dove tailed into the slide and a thin profile for those days when my G27 is a tad too thick in light clothing.

I don't know when the PM9 came out, but I think Kahr gave it their best effort due to the higher price tag...I could be wrong.

I did not go thru the suggested racking of the slide 500 times when the pistol was new. :eek:

I did clean the greenish shipping grease off of the pistol and ran a patch or two with FP-10 on them thru the bore. I lubed the slide rails with TW-25B white grease. I did not alter any of my mags. even though 3 out of 6 do not drop free.

I then proceeded to the range and shot the **** out of it and I shot it until it was too hot to hold on day one with 425 rds. of various types of ammo w/o any other lube or cleaning!

As I said, other than the two mags splitting, the pistol ran w/o issue.

I think one cause of the related problems with the CM9 could be inexperienced shooters. I recall reading where one CM9 buyer stated that the CM9 was not only his first Kahr but his first handgun. With a pistol this picky, this may not have been the best first choice.

As much as I like my PM9, I think I'm going to go back to my G27 as my #1 CCW choice.;)

[JFootin]

Guys, I love my CM9 and I think it will remain a treasured possession. The only second thought I have about it, or any semi-auto, is the very real possibility of jams or malfunctions (ftf, fte, nose dive, etc). And, also, the issue with the PM/CM pistols of a VERY stiff recoil spring causing difficulty racking and manipulating the slide. I know, THUNDER71 can rack his PM9 one handed, right or left hand, seemingly effortlessly. But my hands, wrists and forearms are partly (substantially) paralyzed because of a hereditary neuropathy. Thus, the choice of the Kahr gun, which has no hammer, no safety, just point the gun and pull the trigger.

At the present time, it is my only gun. But I have been thinking a lot about what I might add as an alternate carry gun. I want to address my issues with the difficulty racking the slide, as well as the misgivings about semi-auto malfunctions. I cannot have a double action trigger of traditional poundage because I cannot pull it. So, guess what I discovered? Bawanna thinks its ugly, but the Ruger LCR looks like it will fill the bill. Light - lighter than my CM9. And a patented light double action trigger that pulls at about 7.5 lb. It comes with a high tech grip designed to greatly absorb recoil, with a smaller grip and a CT laser grip available. The reviews have been good. And the price is very reasonable (currently $367 with free shipping at Jet Guns). It is every bit as concealable and pocketable as the CM9, might even fit in some of the same holsters (don't know yet). Might at least make a good B.U.G. to my CM9. Whaddayathink?

[Devo]

I am new here so will you permit me to ask a few flame retardant questions?
When a Kahr has issues reported the forum response is for the owner to fix it?
I understand that it cuts down on the Kahr's time away from home, but shouldn't Kahr be forced to recognize their problems to fix them? Perhaps this will lead to an improvement in the manufacturing process.

[Benaiah]

With out a doubt people are getting CM9's that aren't working right and that's got to be maddening for those people . How many total individuals have posted problems with the CM9?

[wm36]

You are always free to return your gun to Kahr if it has problems. Suggestions from this forum are just that: suggestions. But I think most folks who come here with their problems are the types that like to fix the little things themselves. You learn more about how the gun works, and you learn how to recognize and fix the little things on your own. It's not for everyone, Kahr is there to fix it for you. And I wouldn't be surprised if someone at Kahr monitors forums like these so they know what's going on with their product. I know I would.

[charliegriffitts]

I think the biggest reason we are hearing about so many problems with the cm9 is because of the price point. There just weren't nearly as many pm9's sold with that 700+ price tag, and now with the much much more affordable cm9 they are flying off the shelves. More product out the door means many more reviews, and honestly torture tests the way some of us shoot them, and just like others already said, most of those like me who have had no problems with their cm9's don't usually post a lot about them, but those that do have problems tend to post it in every gun forum they can. I took my cm9 straight from the gun shop to my shooting range no cleaning at all and put 300 rounds through it on the first day with no problems. I took it home, cleaned it and dropped it into my conceal carry holster where its been riding ever since. I took it out again the other day and put another 150 through it with once again not a single problem. I've done nothing other than clean it after every time that I shoot and put a little lube on it. The mags do have issues. The floor plate on mine is kind of offset and you can see the bottom of the spring, but so far it hasn't come off, and the gun just keeps on shooting like a champ. I expect a lot, in some cases almost and unreasonable amount out of my conceal carry firearms, and so far this little weapon has not only lived up to, but surpassed every expectation that I had.

[nunnya]

You can go on any ______talk forum and read post after post about problems with all manufacturers. Stuff happens, what Kahr does to resolve the problem is how they can separate themselves from lesser products. Even then, you can't win them all when dealing with the public. So far my CM9 has proven to be 100%.

nunnya

[JFootin]

Hey you guys, the CM9 has had an extremely successful record since introduction. The number of people with any problem at all is miniscule. Like every gun forum, a good percentage of that miniscule number of people post about their problems here at Kahrtalk. The squeaky wheel.....

But your posts sound like there is a huge problem with the CM9, and that is totally untrue. For every one little problem with a CM9 on here, there are 4 or 5 totally positive reports. Have you read the so frequent that they are getting boring positive range sessions with CM9s? If not, please do, enjoy some of the humor on the forum, and get an attitude adjustment.

Now, the P380. That gun has issues. I'm not denying it. But there is no nagging problem with the CM9 - none. We see some occasional problems that also happen with a small number of the other models. But there is not a single issue, much less a collection of them, that is happening to large numbers or whole batches of CM9s like we have been seeing with the P380. So don't try to create an issue where there is no issue - nada!

[stumprat]

Semi auto pistols have always had thier share of issues. It just seems to be more prevalent now because the internet let's more people communicate.

[Rainman48314]

SIZE MATTERS... Am I wrong, or don't all of the "pocket" pistols have their own sets of issues.. the keltec pf9, the kimber solo, the ruger lc9, etc... My guess would be that with an instrument meant to contain an intensely violent explosion, propel a searing hot hunk of metal faster than the speed of sound, eject another hunk of metal a completely different direction and reset it's starting position all by itself; all while staying within extremely acute& precise tolerances, you're bound to have issues when you shrink it down to something smaller than your hand... THat being said, I think the CM9 is an extremely reliable and accurate pocket 9mm, that in my opinion, outshines it's competition in it's trigger, feel, functionality, looks, and price. Most of the problems people are having w/the CM9 are tertiary, and normally a visit to google and a couple clicks of the mouse will have most everybody's CM9 100%. On the other hand, I will say that Kahr needs to read it's own criticisms on these blogs so that they can get these problems taken care of and addressed by their QC before they leave the factory.Any CM9 isssues are just a continuation of PM9 issues. The guns share the internal design. Kahr has not seen fit to make changes in the eight (8) years since they introduced the PM9. The other pocket guns cited all have or had first year issues which have been resolved or will be before year two.

[Rainman48314]

IMO, it seems pretty simple to me, the CM9 wasn't/isn't ready for prime time yet.
Kahr should have done more in depth testing of the pistol before putting it out for consumption by the general public.
I haven't seen as many negative reports on the PM9 as the CM9.
There are those who will view the CM9 thru their rose colored glasses but the truth of the fact is, there are CM9 buyers with problems right out of the box and these problems should not be happening.The CM9 and PM9 share internals. The CM has a MIM slide stop. It can be argued that a MIM part is more precisely made. Some question its strength but history across the gun world overall says there is no remarkable MIM part failure rate.

My PM9 has an ocassional jam from a nose dive. My mags do not drop freely and my slide is too much for most women, and some male seniors, to easily cycle. I find the trigger too long and do not carry mine. I'll sell it soon.

As for other small guns, I bought a Ruger LC9. It was 100% in EVERY function out of the box. The reason I sold it after 100 days was that it had a similar trigger to the Kahr, but much longer. I am defintely a SA trigger guy. My small BUG is a Sig P238. It needed a feedramp polish to become 100% with Gold Dots. Mags are good, trigger is good. I trust it.

Expect to be 'persona non grata' when criticizing a Kahr on a Kahr lover website.

[Rainman48314]

Hey you guys, the CM9 has had an extremely successful record since introduction. The number of people with any problem at all is miniscule. Like every gun forum, a good percentage of that miniscule number of people post about their problems here at Kahrtalk. The squeaky wheel.....

But your posts sound like there is a huge problem with the CM9, and that is totally untrue. For every one little problem with a CM9 on here, there are 4 or 5 totally positive reports. Have you read the so frequent that they are getting boring positive range sessions with CM9s? If not, please do, enjoy some of the humor on the forum, and get an attitude adjustment.

Now, the P380. That gun has issues. I'm not denying it. But there is no nagging problem with the CM9 - none. We see some occasional problems that also happen with a small number of the other models. But there is not a single issue, much less a collection of them, that is happening to large numbers or whole batches of CM9s like we have been seeing with the P380. So don't try to create an issue where there is no issue - nada!Isn't that a 20% failure rate?

[JimC]

Expect to be 'persona non grata' when criticizing a Kahr on a Kahr lover website.

That was completely understood right from the get go but that has never detered me from speaking my mind on an issue. ;)

I've been around the Internet block more than a few times and always without the rose colored glasses.

Kind of like the ol' days on Glocktalk when 90% of the new Glock owners drank the Kool-Aid and began believing the BS that they regurgitated but never completely understood. :D

[jocko]

You are always free to return your gun to Kahr if it has problems. Suggestions from this forum are just that: suggestions. But I think most folks who come here with their problems are the types that like to fix the little things themselves. You learn more about how the gun works, and you learn how to recognize and fix the little things on your own. It's not for everyone, Kahr is there to fix it for you. And I wouldn't be surprised if someone at Kahr monitors forums like these so they know what's going on with their product. I know I would.

this is a kahr forum, so we do expect *****-ing about faulty guns, rightfully so. but kahr will fix ur issues, if u think other gun companies are flawaless then peddle ur kahr and buy what please u. It is not rocket science. some hate kahrs because of the long trigersystem. No ones fault there but the owner fornot looking into that before buying it. certainly not the fault of the gun. It is there by designb. Broken mags are a real PITA no doubt, certaqinly not good when it happens to u the owner either. I have no real clue as to why this happens so much on a kahr and not on other guns either The CM9 is IMO one of kahrs best guns made to date, but we see some issues to, this is quality control IMO and probably the getting guns out to fast also. It is gonna happen. lets not brag about Ruger, they made trhe recaled SR9 and the recalled LCP (50K of them), they fixed the issues but my point is also, IT HAPPENS. nobody likes it, certainly the gun makers.

Kahrs are not for everyone. some grip about how hard they are to hand rack, yup they are. IMO they are not a females gun for sure and even for some men folk not the best choice. In time they get easier to hand rack as I think the shooter and gun itself mate up alot better than at first, but it don't hand rack like my G19. If that is an issue with an owner, peddle the gun and again find the gun that please us. There are many other good gun makers out there entering this sub 9 market, give um a try. Many of u guys gave kahr more than one chance to fix your gun and I applaud u for that but I certainly won't fault u for moving on either..

[Hognutz]

I sure didn't mean to start anything, over this thread. It was just a casual observance of the threads that were posted. I believe in the Kahr name, and am buying a Pm9 at the end of the month. I will certainly give it a go...Mike

[Benaiah]

I sure didn't mean to start anything, over this thread. It was just a casual observance of the threads that were posted. I believe in the Kahr name, and am buying a Pm9 at the end of the month. I will certainly give it a go...Mike

No worries. If you're getting ready to spend several hundred dollars on a gun, you've got to do what you've got to do to make up your mind.

My guess is that maybe 1% of all CM9 owners are on this forum, so even if 100% of the 1% had trouble with their CM9, there's still 99% of the CM9 population we know nothing about. My casual observance was that a dozen people had trouble with their CM9's. That wasn't enough to scare me away. Given the caliber, size, price, features, trigger pull, and design, I couldn't find a better choice for me.

I've had my CM9 for 2 weeks and have 200 rounds through it with only one failure of the slide not locking back after the last round. I've had no problems loading the gun by racking the slide, so I'm very happy with my CM9.

[OldLincoln]

Rain: As the famous quote by Meg Ryan in "Joe Vs. the Valcano", "It's always going to be something with you isn't it?"

As for the "percentage" of bad reports to good, how often have you gone to a product site to report how well your item is working out, be it a washing machine, waffle iron, automobile, etc.? I would be very surprised if over 5% of satisfied Kahr owners come to this site and post how happy they are. Of course everybody would like 100% of their guns to be perfect bit in the real world Kahr is batting pretty darn well.

As for those needing support, don't let the negative comments get you down. Between this forum and Kahr support you'll get what you need to have a great, reliable gun.

[rich636]

Hi All, just bought a CM9 yesterday (first Kahr) and found this forum today. This post caught my eye for obvious reasons. I wanted to throw in my experience for a data point. Bought the gun yesterday, went straight to the range and loaded it right out of the box. I went through 100 rounds federal 115gr fmj, 30 remington standard 115gr jhp, and 25 hornady 115gr critical defense. No malfunctions of any kind. It was suprisingly easy to shoot too. I did find that when reassembling, you have to make sure the recoil spring seats correctly in the front of the slide and doesn't stick out through the guide rod hole.

[JimC]

And you didn't rack the slide 500 times before firing? :eek:

Best of luck with your new Kahr. :D

[JimC]

I sure didn't mean to start anything, over this thread. It was just a casual observance of the threads that were posted. I believe in the Kahr name, and am buying a Pm9 at the end of the month. I will certainly give it a go...Mike

Your gonna like the PM9.

[Ressom]

People post about their problems and you get threads like this one.

People post their positive experiences and you get threads like this: http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=8204&highlight=range+report

:confused:

I guess it's the nature of this internet thing.

[Bawanna]

Expect to be 'persona non grata' when criticizing a Kahr on a Kahr lover website.

This isn't exactly correct. While we are mostly Kahr lovers here rightfully so, we don't automatically point non Kahr lovers or unhappy owners to the exit doors.

I think constructive criticism is a good thing for the most part. Some folks, you could chop both legs off and they would still kick. Don't care for that type too much.

We have people here, regulars who no longer even own Kahrs so I like to think we're pretty open. No Persona Non Grata here.

[rich636]

And you didn't rack the slide 500 times before firing? :eek:

Best of luck with your new Kahr. :D

:) no "pre-racking" just took it out of the plastic bag and went to work. I don't mean to detract from people who have legitimate problems (eg the guy with his sight falling off), but I bet this is the exception rather than the rule with most modern firearms makers.