Will Kahr Fix or Replace This?

[sierrajb]

Hey, Forum Friends!
Because my PM9 was a gift, I don't want to be too picky. BUT...after learning of the price/value of the PM9, and after comparing the rollmarking (process of stamping the 'PM9 Kahr') on the slide of my gun with other PM9's, it seems mine didn't turn out as clean.

Take a good look at the attached picture. Notice the three "blotches" where it looks like the rollmarking machine dug in a bit too deeply into the metal:
1. At the bottom left corner of the letter "P" on the stamped "PM9"
2. At the top right corner of the number "9" on the stamped "PM9"
3. At the bottom left corner of the letter "K" on the name "Kahr"

NOTE: The picture doesn't do the imperfections justice. It really looks worse in real life. I'm a rookie photographer, too!

I know this doesn't affect the performance or reliability of my gun at all, but it does make it look a little less than professional. Is it me, or do any of you agree that the stamping (rollmarking) should be cleaner?

Will Kahr warranty/replace this? I can send this picture to Kahr and find out it you think it's worth a try. Let me know your thoughts.

Signed,
An Obsessive Compulsive who wants a PERFECT looking PM9

[340pd]

Send that picture directly to KAHR.

[sierrajb]

I'm working on that right now. Should I call Kahr first to talk to a CS rep directly? Would that be more effective?

[bonjorno2]

call them first then follow up with a email and pics

[Bawanna]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to send it with a polite inquiry to see what they say. I doubt they will do anything for you since it doesn't effect operation and it doesn't look all that bad at least to me. That being said I don't blame you in the slightest for wanting it perfect.

I'm wondering if a polish job on the sides of that slide might help the defects and add a little extra style. Not a mirror finish maybe but a nice shine. I suppose it could make the blems show up even worse though too. Hard to say based on the picture.

Wynn had one that wasn't roll marked hardly at all. Couldn't even read without good light at the right angle. They finally replaced his after being told it met spec. His clearly needed replaced. It was awful.

Let us know how you make out.

[sierrajb]

Hey, all!
Just got off the phone with Kahr service. Very nice conversation, indeed! They want me to send this picture (above) to service@kahr.com to take a look for themselves. They should let me know soon. I'll have a follow-up to keep you all posted.

Bawanna, as a retired paint/body repair man, I can honestly say the least bit buffing will absolutely make the blemishes stand out more. As explained, these blemishes in the stamp are much deeper and more noticeable in real life. In fact, the first time I picked it up my eyes went straight to those imperfections in the stamp, and I instinctively ran my finger over them to see if it was something easily removed.

I'll send this pic in to Kahr right now. Stay tuned!

[Thunder71]

I wouldn't be happy with that unless I got a decent discount - even then it would bug me. Guess I'm a little anal about that kind of thing though.

Unless it's marked as a blem (small b on the trigger guard) then they should make it right for you.

[ripley16]

Kahr's markings have never been one of their strengths. Some of my gun markings look much different from the other. I've never been able to tell which they prefer, laser etching, roll marks or a vibrating pen. It's the kind of inconsistent quality one would not expect. Doesn't mean the gun won't work though. I'd be surprised if they offer a replacement.

[Bawanna]

My K40 has nice roll marks on the slide but the vibrating pen on the frame. Never figured that either.

[Thunder71]

Give it a name like 'Scratch' and it'll give it some character, and a hair on its chest.

I was told:
Buy a new car with a scratch already on it for a few bucks off, you'll never get another scratch the whole time you own it.

Buy a new car that is mint and you'll have scratches before the first fill-up, and more the longer you have it.

I have no idea where I'm going with this, just wanted to share.

[sierrajb]

Thunder71, that's my feelings exactly. I don't want to appear "thankless" for a new gun that was given to me, but I would really appreciate the gun to LOOK as good as it performs. By the way, there's no "B" stamped anywhere to indicate this should be less than a PERFECT gun.

Ripley16, I'm learning more and more about the inconsistencies of gun producers. As soon as you introduce the human element into the equation, you can expect some inconsistencies. Welcome to what theologian's call "the depravity of man." However, we have Customer Service that should make up for any unnecessary or overlooked imperfections that are easily remedied...agree?

[Popeye]

Mine look similar but maybe not as pronounced to that in the same areas but I guess because it all black I just never noticed. Then again it might look that way because the pic is bigger that the gun itself.

[sierrajb]

My Email to Kahr Service

Okay, Kahrtalk, here's a copy of the email I just sent Kahr Service. I sent the attached photo (above) with this email:

Dear Kahr Service,
I received a brand new PM9 as a gift from a friend a couple of months ago. This is a fantastic gun that shoots and performs flawlessly, especially after completing its "break-in" period. However, there are some very unsightly blemishes in the rollmarking on the slide that make this great gun "less than beautiful" to look at.

Please see the attached photo and notice three significant problems in the stamped labeling (rollmarking) on the slide:
1. The bottom left corner of the letter "P"
2. The top right corner of the number "9"
3. The lower left corner of the letter "K"

These three blemishes look MUCH WORSE in real life. My photography skills are very limited, but if you need a more detailed photo, I can send you another picture taken by a pro. Just let me know.

So, if Kahr can warranty this slide by repair or replacement, it would make be one happy Kahr customer who will likely make my next purchase a Kahr P45 for Christmas. Please let me know what you can do for me to help my gun look as great as it performs. Thanks for taking pride in your quality of workmanship and in the quality of your customer service.

I will await further instructions from you before proceeding. You may email me or contact me by phone at your convenience.

Many Thanks!

Now...we wait....

[Ikeo74]

It might be just me, but isn't this nit-picking a gift horse (Gun)? It's like going back to the person that gifted it to you and saying, You gave me less than a perfect gun, I am going to send it back. Maybe the original buyer got a discount on it. But even if they didn't, I don't think the stamping requires a replacement slide.

[sierrajb]

Gift Horses Need Attention, too

It might be just me, but isn't this nit-picking a gift horse (Gun)? It's like going back to the person that gifted it to you and saying, You gave me less than a perfect gun, I am going to send it back. Maybe the original buyer got a discount on it. But even if they didn't, I don't think the stamping requires a replacement slide.

Yes, this was my concern, too. That's why I've waited 2+ months to do anything about it. Fortunately, the gifter (my friend) also noticed the blemishes, so he's all good with returning it. And no, it was NOT discounted for this reason. I'll post Kahr's response in the next post and let you know their response to this. Good thoughts, Ikeo74!