PM9 - Failure to feeds developed at 1,500 rounds or so

[tnedator]

Ok, my PM9 has been pretty much flawless. The last two times out to the range, I have had one failure to feed each time out (Speer Lawman 115gr FMJ). The first time I thought it was the slide locked back, thinking I had hit it with my thumb, now I am wondering if that was the case.

Today, it was definately the bullet kind of nosed down into the feedramp, just like you get if you try and slingshot and it doesn't work. I believe it was after firing one shot, so there was six in the magazine (6 round magazine).

The gun had been cleaned and lubed after shooting the previous week. After that failure to feed, I went on to shoot 250 rounds after the failure to feed without another problem.

I haven't kept an exact round count, but I'm guessing I am somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 rounds, have haven't changed the recoil spring yet. I've been meaning to order some for a while, and hadn't gotten around to it.

Anyway, I have ordered a new recoil spring, but am wondering if you guys think this sounds like something a worn out/fatigued recoil spring would cause or if there is likely a different problem.

[Bawanna]

To me it's hard to say but the recoil spring would be the first thing I replaced at this point. Strange just one failure and then many rounds without a problem.
Feed ramp is still looking good?

[unclenunzie]

most likely the outer recoil spring. Mine benefited from one after about 1100-1200 rounds.

[bayoutrigger]

After 1000 rounds I would replace the recoil spring and mag release spring (actually a metal pin). The mag release spring effects how high the mag is held thus effecting feeding of bullets. Also, make sure you have a mag you only use for carry. You don't want magazine spring fatigue to show up as you align your front sight on the center upper body mass of a bad guy and attempt to squeeze off your second shot. In fact, I usually change out all springs in my Kahr's after break-in and periodically. Over-kill? Well, if I ever have to pull my gun on somebody, my life at that point will depend on the reliability of my firearm. A FTF doesn't know if you are at the range or in a parking lot with a gun pointed at you. Why take a chance over some relatively cheap gun parts?

[jlottmc]

I need one for the 45, just a recoil spring. Wolf's doesn't have them, I may have to order one from Kahr, just wish they had a stiffer one though.

[tnedator]

To me it's hard to say but the recoil spring would be the first thing I replaced at this point. Strange just one failure and then many rounds without a problem.
Feed ramp is still looking good?

I ordered some springs and hopefully that fixes it.

The feed ramp looks fine to me. What's the method for polishing it up if the problem persists?

[Seahawk60]

After 1000 rounds I would replace the recoil spring and mag release spring (actually a metal pin). The mag release spring effects how high the mag is held thus effecting feeding of bullets.

Tell me EXACTLY how that spring affects the position of how high the magazine locks into the mag well.

And, how the fit of the magazine release as it actually fits through the holes on either side of the grip/frame has NO bearing on this, instead.

If the mag release spring controls the "ride height" of the magazine, then why isn't this an issue with Glocks, which use the exact same mag release/spring design, as opposed to a coil spring design as with the 1911?

[Bawanna]

I concur Seahawk60. The mag release spring can't possibly have any effect on the follower height. No way, no how that I can possibly see. I'm sure ready to learn and be corrected but I don't buy it.
A magazine spring that was beyond weak could have a negative impact on the feed but in this scenario that would be a second or third thing to check.
Easy to check too, just try another mag.
tnedator, I just use real fine sandpaper, like 800 up to like 1200 on a dowel and just polish by hand. I finish up with a dremel and cotton wheel with rouge or flitz whatever I can find.
Remember sparks equal grinding, not good. Don't want to change anything or remove any metal just polish.
Your probably fine since this recently developed after alot of rounds.

[jocko]

mag release spring, only effect the mag release, nothing more, but if one feels good about changing it, do it. That spring will never wear out. Not that you can't get one weaker than the other but it just won't wear

[OldLincoln]

As for the recoil spring..... my 1911 did the exact same thing with HSTs and a new recoil spring made it run smooth.

If the feed ramp is shiny and slick it's OK. I polished mine because my PM9 didn't like HSTs. Used Dremmel like tool with normal polishing compound and followed up lightly with Mothers Wheel Polish. I also put a tiny bit of TW25 grease on it and rub it in when cleaning. Also did same to chamber entrance all the way around. Cartridges seem to bounce off the ramp and hit the top inside of the chamber before settling down inside. Smooth is good.

Can't tell you exactly what did it, but the gun like HST now.

[Seahawk60]

Don't know if it's been mentioned already, but don't forget Kahr has a new recoil spring/guide rod for the PM9. The rear button that goes up against the front of the barrel lug is noticeably larger and the spring(s) are MUCH stiffer. So much so that I couldn't lock my PM9 back by hand until they took a set after about 100 rounds and leaving it locked back after firing the last round for a few days. It did lock back on an empty mag when actually firing every time. I'll bet Kahr came up with a stronger spring(s) to help with the slingshotting issue. Kahr sent me two new updated spring/recoil assemblies for free after asking via email.

[deadhead1971]

I replaced my outter recoil spring at 1,400 after a jam.

[jocko]

not sure about the recoil springs strength being changed . I do know they went from a 3/8" flat end on the guide rod to 1/2" for some reason. that has been a few years back, but I have never seen a poundage spring change by kahr. Wolffs has shown the 18# factory spring for the pM9 way before kahr ever changed to the 1/2" flange on the end of the guide rod....

[kpm9]

Kahr recommends a recoil spring change after about 500 rounds. I changed mine right about 1500 rounds and haven't had a single issue through 2300+ rounds.

[jocko]

humm

Kahr recommends a recoil spring change after about 500 rounds. I changed mine right about 1500 rounds and haven't had a single issue through 2300+ rounds.

where did that statment come from. Never heard of any statement coming out of kahr less than 1500 rounds. recoil springs are cheap to replace so it is really ones decision. I personally feel 500 rounds is way way to early, but again they are cheap in cost to.