New CW380,dissapointed.

[KingWulfgar]

I purchased my CW380 last week. Unfortunately, I've had quite a few issues through the recommended 200 round break in period. I completed the online RMA request, and was somewhat concerned based on feedback I've read about regarding Kahr's CS. I'm happy to say that I received a reply and a FedEx label fewer than 40 minutes after submitting the request. Hopefully it'll be returned with the issues addressed, because the accuracy is fantastic and the recoil very manageable for such a small pistol.

Below is the information I provided Kahr with my RMA request. Not sure if being very thorough in my description helped my case for being offered free shipping right off the bat, but in my experience, when dealing with support personnel it's always to your benefit to 1. show that you followed appropriate instructions, 2. indicate what you've tried so far, and 3. be as specific as possible about the issue(s) you're experiencing.

"Purchased last week.
Ran the recommended 200 rounds for break in; continue to experience failures.
Shooting both left and right handed.
Always chambered first round by pushing down on slide stop, per instructions.
Cleaned and oiled the gun before shooting any rounds.


1st 50 - Tula FMJ
next 50 - Winchester Train and Protect FMJ
next 100 - Tula FMJ


Issues encountered:
1. Fail to fully return to battery after 14th rd
2. Fail to eject after 16th rd
3. Fail to fully return to battery after 48th rd
4. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 79th rd
5. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 92nd rd
6. Fail to fully return to battery after 102nd rd
7. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 109th rd
8. Fail to chamber 1st rd of mag 142nd rd
9. Fail to fully return to battery 145th rd
10. Fail to chamber 1st rd of mag 151st rd
11. Fail to feed 156th rd
12. Fail to fully return to battery 157th rd
13. Fail to fully return to battery 166th rd
14. Fail to fully return to battery 178th rd
15. Fail to fully return to battery 179th rd
16. Fail to fully return to battery 188th rd


In addition to the above, I experience three failures to lock back on an empty magazine (after 12th, 50th, and 62nd rounds), but this was always while shooting right handed, and I believe I have corrected with a different grip."

2 issues with the Winchester, all the rest with the Tula...any thought about it being possibly related to cheap, crappy ammo? I hate Tula. I won't even put that stuff in my AR.

Ah well, I'll hopefully have my own range report after I get out to shoot my new one tonight.

[dcg]

2 issues with the Winchester, all the rest with the Tula...any thought about it being possibly related to cheap, crappy ammo? I hate Tula. I won't even put that stuff in my AR.

Ah well, I'll hopefully have my own range report after I get out to shoot my new one tonight.

Perhaps. First and last time I'll be buying it - it was the only stuff I could find locally. This is my first .380, so I didn't have any rounds in the safe. If I hadn't had issues with the Winchester as well, I'd have tried something else before sending it in. I think there was a third failure with the Winchester, but I hadn't documented it and couldn't remember what happened.

[jocko]

I hate to say it was ammo related, but TULA ammo in any kahr I ow, gives me issues. being it was bought for range fodder, I accepted that, but once that ammo is gone, it will never be in my guns again. Only 2 issues with the winchyester and the rest with TULA, I think u answered your own question to.. Stick with good American made ammo, ...

[DavidR]

I purchased my CW380 last week. Unfortunately, I've had quite a few issues through the recommended 200 round break in period. I completed the online RMA request, and was somewhat concerned based on feedback I've read about regarding Kahr's CS. I'm happy to say that I received a reply and a FedEx label fewer than 40 minutes after submitting the request. Hopefully it'll be returned with the issues addressed, because the accuracy is fantastic and the recoil very manageable for such a small pistol.

Below is the information I provided Kahr with my RMA request. Not sure if being very thorough in my description helped my case for being offered free shipping right off the bat, but in my experience, when dealing with support personnel it's always to your benefit to 1. show that you followed appropriate instructions, 2. indicate what you've tried so far, and 3. be as specific as possible about the issue(s) you're experiencing.

"Purchased last week.
Ran the recommended 200 rounds for break in; continue to experience failures.
Shooting both left and right handed.
Always chambered first round by pushing down on slide stop, per instructions.
Cleaned and oiled the gun before shooting any rounds.


1st 50 - Tula FMJ
next 50 - Winchester Train and Protect FMJ
next 100 - Tula FMJ


Issues encountered:
1. Fail to fully return to battery after 14th rd
2. Fail to eject after 16th rd
3. Fail to fully return to battery after 48th rd
4. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 79th rd
5. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 92nd rd
6. Fail to fully return to battery after 102nd rd
7. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 109th rd
8. Fail to chamber 1st rd of mag 142nd rd
9. Fail to fully return to battery 145th rd
10. Fail to chamber 1st rd of mag 151st rd
11. Fail to feed 156th rd
12. Fail to fully return to battery 157th rd
13. Fail to fully return to battery 166th rd
14. Fail to fully return to battery 178th rd
15. Fail to fully return to battery 179th rd
16. Fail to fully return to battery 188th rd


In addition to the above, I experience three failures to lock back on an empty magazine (after 12th, 50th, and 62nd rounds), but this was always while shooting right handed, and I believe I have corrected with a different grip."

So with the Winchester the only problems you had were slide lock related. That's encouraging. Try some American made brass-cased FMJ and see how that does.

[timboy]

I purchased my CW380 last week. Unfortunately, I've had quite a few issues through the recommended 200 round break in period. I completed the online RMA request, and was somewhat concerned based on feedback I've read about regarding Kahr's CS. I'm happy to say that I received a reply and a FedEx label fewer than 40 minutes after submitting the request. Hopefully it'll be returned with the issues addressed, because the accuracy is fantastic and the recoil very manageable for such a small pistol.

Below is the information I provided Kahr with my RMA request. Not sure if being very thorough in my description helped my case for being offered free shipping right off the bat, but in my experience, when dealing with support personnel it's always to your benefit to 1. show that you followed appropriate instructions, 2. indicate what you've tried so far, and 3. be as specific as possible about the issue(s) you're experiencing.

"Purchased last week.
Ran the recommended 200 rounds for break in; continue to experience failures.
Shooting both left and right handed.
Always chambered first round by pushing down on slide stop, per instructions.
Cleaned and oiled the gun before shooting any rounds.


1st 50 - Tula FMJ
next 50 - Winchester Train and Protect FMJ
next 100 - Tula FMJ


Issues encountered:
1. Fail to fully return to battery after 14th rd
2. Fail to eject after 16th rd
3. Fail to fully return to battery after 48th rd
4. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 79th rd
5. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 92nd rd
6. Fail to fully return to battery after 102nd rd
7. Slide locked open with rounds in magazine 109th rd
8. Fail to chamber 1st rd of mag 142nd rd
9. Fail to fully return to battery 145th rd
10. Fail to chamber 1st rd of mag 151st rd
11. Fail to feed 156th rd
12. Fail to fully return to battery 157th rd
13. Fail to fully return to battery 166th rd
14. Fail to fully return to battery 178th rd
15. Fail to fully return to battery 179th rd
16. Fail to fully return to battery 188th rd


In addition to the above, I experience three failures to lock back on an empty magazine (after 12th, 50th, and 62nd rounds), but this was always while shooting right handed, and I believe I have corrected with a different grip."

How close did it come to going into battery,how far did the slide travel forward?
I have to agree with the others on the tula giving you some of the troubles,I ran a box through my cw380 during break in and mine only had failures to cycle with the tula stuff but all the ammo I used resulted in failure to go into battery regularly,I never had the slide not lock on an empty mag though.
I had tula 9mm give problems in my ruger sr9c and that gun eats everything else I have put through it.

[KingWulfgar]

Perhaps. First and last time I'll be buying it - it was the only stuff I could find locally. This is my first .380, so I didn't have any rounds in the safe. If I hadn't had issues with the Winchester as well, I'd have tried something else before sending it in. I think there was a third failure with the Winchester, but I hadn't documented it and couldn't remember what happened.

I understand. I ordered some online, but I'm not sure they're the best choice for the Kahr either. The have a slightly flat nose and I got some failures with them tonight although, I only got through the first 100 rounds or so of break-in. I'm working on a full range report, but it looked similar to yours with the exception that I didn't have any slide locking open issues (either empty or with a round in the mag). Lots of failure to fully close on the first round of the mag, though.

Followed it up with some of the PrecisionONe XTP loads I got for SD and they were flawless, so I suspect the flat-nosed FMJs are not the best or I just really need to keep breaking it in. I do have full confidence in carrying the XTP tipped HPs, though.

[dcg]

How close did it come to going into battery,how far did the slide travel forward?
I have to agree with the others on the tula giving you some of the troubles,I ran a box through my cw380 during break in and mine only had failures to cycle with the tula stuff but all the ammo I used resulted in failure to go into battery regularly,I never had the slide not lock on an empty mag though.
I had tula 9mm give problems in my ruger sr9c and that gun eats everything else I have put through it.

I knew the Tula was bad, but hadn't realized (before doing some research today) that it was THAT bad. I'd shot the first 50 rounds last night, left the slide locked back overnight (had also racked it a few hundred times), and then shot the 50 rounds of Winchester and last 100 rounds of Tula this morning. Went to the range hoping the failures were just the Tula, so it was disappointing that I ran into a couple of issues with the Winchester as well. In retrospect, you guys are right that the issues with the Winchester were less frequent and less serious.

At any rate, I presented the info to Kahr and they sent me a label to send it in. Had they told me to try another brand of ammo, I would have done that. I figure it can't hurt to have them take a look at it.

My other pistols (a Walther PPQ and Sig Carry Nightmare) have a grand total of 1 failure between them, so to have this many failures wasn't something I'm accustomed to. Admittedly, I haven't used Tula or any other steel case ammo with either of the other guns.

I'll report back once I hear from Kahr/get the gun back and to the range. As mentioned, I love the accuracy, size and weight, so I'm hopeful things will work out.

edit - I realized I didn't answer the question of how far it went into battery. Almost all the way, but a gentle push didn't get it back into battery - I had to rack the slide and reload the round.

[dcg]

I understand. I ordered some online, but I'm not sure they're the best choice for the Kahr either. The have a slightly flat nose and I got some failures with them tonight although, I only got through the first 100 rounds or so of break-in. I'm working on a full range report, but it looked similar to yours with the exception that I didn't have any slide locking open issues (either empty or with a round in the mag). Lots of failure to fully close on the first round of the mag, though.

Followed it up with some of the PrecisionONe XTP loads I got for SD and they were flawless, so I suspect the flat-nosed FMJs are not the best or I just really need to keep breaking it in. I do have full confidence in carrying the XTP tipped HPs, though.

I'd ordered some PMC bronze, so that's what I'll be trying once I get the pistol back. Inexpensive, but seems well reviewed. Maybe I'll find some other, made in the USA rounds in the meantime. I've been avoiding the expensive SD rounds, as I wanted to make sure the gun was reliable with FMJ first.

The Winchester Train and Defend said something on the box about being low recoil, so I wonder if that contributed. Was also curious about the flat nose.

[KingWulfgar]

I'd ordered some PMC bronze, so that's what I'll be trying once I get the pistol back. Inexpensive, but seems well reviewed. Maybe I'll find some other, made in the USA rounds in the meantime. I've been avoiding the expensive SD rounds, as I wanted to make sure the gun was reliable with FMJ first.

The Winchester Train and Defend said something on the box about being low recoil, so I wonder if that contributed. Was also curious about the flat nose.

I just added my long-winded thread about my CW380 experience. Overall, I think the flat-nosed FMJ aren't ideal. I had zero issues with the XTP HPs (although, I did not shoot nearly as many). I was able to just tap the slide forward when it failed to go into battery, so maybe my issues weren't as severe as yours.

Glad to see Kahr is taking care of it without making you jump through hoops. Really seems like they're making the extra effort to stand by their products.

[timboy]

OK got the gun back today,no contact from kahr other than the initial e mail saying it was checked in.
They sent it to me today with no notice,the fedex guy tried twice while I was at work but I ended up driving to the fedex location and picking it up.

First impressions,dirty,they definetly tested it,the technical service work sheet says- reworked extractor and spring tension replaced recoil springs lubed tested good,no fancy case like Davids gun

I pulled the recoil springs and they are different than the originals,the outer spring is a little shorter and the inner spring is 1/8" longer,the inner spring seems to be of a smaller wound diameter meaning it is tighter on the guid rod than the original.
I believe the original springs may have been binding on each other causing battery issue.
The springs were a little hard to feed together when putting the over the guide rod and now they slip together with ease.

They failed to adress the side cover slightly bulging during trigger pull,I think there is material on the frame under the trigger bar that should have been removed during assembly that is causing this issue and if the gun shoots well I will further diagnose and address this myself.

I will try to get out to shoot it on Sunday to see if it is in better working order.

[TheLastDaze]

Good to hear... hope all is well

[ReManG]

They failed to adress the side cover slightly bulging during trigger pull,I think there is material on the frame under the trigger bar that should have been removed during assembly that is causing this issue and if the gun shoots well I will further diagnose and address this myself.

I will try to get out to shoot it on Sunday to see if it is in better working order.

I just got my CW in yesterday at the LGS from the PSA sale. I have helped a friend with his P380 and liked the platform, so now I have finally gotten one myself. I have the same issue, the side plate "bulge" as you pull the trigger... It also had a "hitch" in the trigger pull which drove me crazy. Using snap caps, it had a "catch" when I held the trigger and cycled the slide manually. I am no Kahr Expert, but know what they are supposed to do, none of this seemed normal. So I looked under the side plate, and if you loosen the rear sidecover screw (upper one) and use something to push the trigger bar toward the outside gently while you pull the trigger it should smooth out if you have a "hitch" or stacking in the trigger pull. You will have to do this without the slide on the frame of course. Should you venture under the sideplate, you will see in front of the trigger bar in the back where the disconnector sticks up on the outside of the frame, it looks like it may have been molded incorrectly. I am going to the range this weekend to try mine out, so I do not have any rounds through mine yet. It has been prepped like they recommend here, so it should function fine. If it does not, I will let Kahr know, but I hate having to return a just purchased pistol to the factory. Mine is a RJ serial number prefix if this helps.

[timboy]

Thank for the info,guess I'm not the only one with this issue.
When I had the side cover off,I too noticed that if I pulled the trigger bar away from the frame a little while pulling the trigger the problem went away leading me o think its some mold flashing or unfinished material on the fame.


It kinda bothers me that they did not fix this nor contact me at all about anything while they had the gun,not what I expect from what some consider a "premier" gun manufacturer.

I guess I will see how it behaves on Sunday,if it acts up,I am cutting my losses and trading in on a Ruger LCP.

I just got my CW in yesterday at the LGS from the PSA sale. I have helped a friend with his P380 and liked the platform, so now I have finally gotten one myself. I have the same issue, the side plate "bulge" as you pull the trigger... It also had a "hitch" in the trigger pull which drove me crazy. Using snap caps, it had a "catch" when Is held the trigger and cycled the slide manually. I am no Kahr Expert, but know what they are supposed to do, none of this seemed normal. So I looked under the side plate, and if you loosen the rear sidecover screw (upper one) and use something to push the trigger bar toward the outside gently while you pull the trigger it should smooth out if you have a "hitch" or stacking in the trigger pull. You will have to do this without the slide on the frame of course. Should you venture under the sideplate, you will see in front of the trigger bar in the back where the disconnector sticks up on the outside of the frame, it looks like it may have been molded incorrectly. I am going to the range this weekend to try mine out, so I do not have any rounds through mine yet. It has been prepped like they recommend here, so it should function fine. If it does not, I will let Kahr know, but I hate having to return a just purchased pistol to the factory. Mine is a RJ serial number prefix if this helps.

[muggsy]

Not necessarily,I registered here in the morning on the day I was going out to break it in and shoot it, in hopes of having great things to say about it,unfortunately that did not happen did it?
I still hope that it ends up being a great gun that I can trust as my daily carry piece but it is clearly not proven to be a reliable gun yet.
Given the identical problems that my and DavidRs guns are having and the issues gunpoppa had it will be interesting to see what is done to remedy thier performance,clearley this is not a one off problem.

Further this is a kahr forum,a sounding board and with that comes the good,the bad and the ugly and anyone who has a good or bad experience should feel free to let it be known.
There is no real need for people pissing back and forth about their personal positions on how the rest of the world should respond to being sold a faulty product.

The forum is a sounding board where anyone can relate problems that they are having with Kahr products. Do so in an adult manner and you will receive all of the assistance that you need to make your Kahr run properly. The forum isn't a vehicle for bashing Kahr or Kahr products. It isn't what you say, but how you say it. Words like "faulty product" rub Kahr enthusiasts the wrong way. There are thousands of Kahr products in service that are faultless. Yours could be one of them.

[timboy]

Simply put,I expected better from kahr as did many others.
A product that does not work is a faulty product,the malfunctions and problems myself and several others are having are not ammo or user related,they are quality control issues,I hope for the sake of the company and the countless people buying these pistols that these are isolated incidents and not representative of current production standards on their behalf.
Having to shade tree gunsmith a new personal defense gun into working properly is totally unacceptable in my humble opinion,these firearms are not at the hi point or Jennings price point.

The forum is a sounding board where anyone can relate problems that they are having with Kahr products. Do so in an adult manner and you will receive all of the assistance that you need to make your Kahr run properly. The forum isn't a vehicle for bashing Kahr or Kahr products. It isn't what you say, but how you say it. Words like "faulty product" rub Kahr enthusiasts the wrong way. There are thousands of Kahr products in service that are faultless. Yours could be one of them.