Kahr P9 Experience

[FredS1974]

I purchased a Kahr P9 after extensive research for the reasons many decide to go with one. At the time it seemed to be the perfect choice. It is a sweet looking gun, with good ergonomics, a good trigger, it shoots well, and is accurate.

The Kahr P9 was purchased approximately 18 months ago. I have had numerous problems with this gun since I have owned it, i.e., FTFs, FTE's, slide issues and most recently the magazine now falls out when shooting it. I keep a round count on all of my weapons, and this handgun has 1150 rounds through it. It is once again back at the factory.

I have several other handguns and shoot quite a bit - about 50,000 rounds per year. I have had more problems with my Kahr than with all of my other handguns combined.

I have little to no confidence in the product. After further research I recently purchased a Walther PPS which I now use instead of the P9 for the role with which it was intended.

When the Kahr gets back from the factory I am not sure what I am going to do with it. I was actually more curious about what the factory would say again versus hopeful about getting this issue resolved. If it does continue to malfunction when it gets back I will have it destroyed. I would not want to sell this product or give it to someone where the possibility of non-performance exists when they are in harms way.

Anyhow, I was wondering if there are any others out there who have P9's who have had similar experience(s). I would be loathe to ever purchase a Kahr again or recommend it to anyone.

[xsailer]

I'm new to my Cm9 (8 months) and just purchased a used K9. Haven't got the K yet but I really like my CM. It's a real shame you're having problems and I hope Kahr makes it better.

[FredS1974]

Interesting you should bring up the K9. If I had it to do all over again I would have gone with the K9. I think the P9 is simply too light and not robust, for lack of a better word. You should be fine with the K9. It is also a sharp looking pistol.

After one of my many issues with my P9 I even offered to exchange my P9 for a K9. I merely asked Kahr to quote me a trade in price for the P9 - and that I would pay the difference in price, including all shipping and handling.

Customer service rejected the idea. Having dealt with CS with many other manufacturers Kahr CS doesn't cut it - based on my experience. For whatever reason they seemed more intent of fighting the problem than resolving it.

I'm new to my Cm9 (8 months) and just purchased a used K9. Haven't got the K yet but I really like my CM. It's a real shame you're having problems and I hope Kahr makes it better.

[ripley16]

Welcome to the forum. I feel your pain. Most of my Kahrs have been very reliable but I have had models that for some reason just didn't work. Hard to explain this variable reliability.

[FredS1974]

Ripley16 - I know some people who have had Kahr's and they have been pretty much trouble free after the break in period. It's just the luck of the draw.

Being objective, to be fair Kahr does fit and fill and very specific need for the gun market. They have, by far, the largest spectrum for this important market niche. And they have many satisfied customers.

The fact that they did not "jump" on this issue and resolve my dissatisfaction was very surprising, particularly after about a dozen emails, some letters and several phone calls over this period of time. I even had the names and addressees of some of Kahr's management and contacted them. No response.

I realize that every manufacturer will from time to time have issues with certain guns. It's how they handle it that defines the view that many have of the company.

Perhaps the fact that they are moving some of their operations to Pennsylvania has dampened the spirits of some of their employees.

[xsailer]

The problems stated on the forum and the ultimate results after contacting Kahr for the most part have been positive from what I've been reading. One of the reasons I continue to lean towards them is their apparent effort to make the customer happy. With your coordination efforts I'm surprised they haven't resolved your problems in that length of time. Makes me wonder. Whether they are moving or not would not be a valid reason in my book to not make good a customers problems.

[dkmatthews]

I realize that every manufacturer will from time to time have issues with certain guns. It's how they handle it that defines the view that many have of the company.

Fred, I'm sorry you have been less than satisfied with your sidearm and the factory support. As a user of this forum, which is not directly affiliated with Kahr Arms, I'll pay the freight to "dispose" of your P9 if it comes to that.

[FredS1974]

The gun shop contacted me and said the gun has been repaired and is enroute. I had actually instructed them to destroy it. They requested I give it one more try. If I can shoot three straight magazines out of this with no FTF's, stovepipes or magazines falling out it will then become a garage gun.

If it gives me trouble again this time termination would be in order. My gun shop concurs with this assessment.

My gun shot also interceded with Kahr on several occasions to help get this resolved - to no avail. They are mystified at Kahr's intransigence on this issue, as am I.

[dkmatthews]

You can certainly do what you want with your own personal property, but you don't have to cut off your nose to spite your face. You don't like the pistol, send it to me. It won't ever bother you again. I promise.

[FredS1974]

I do however hold out a sliver of hope that at the end Kahr CS will do the right thing.

The reason I say this is that with this last return I included all of the correspondence and documentation. Each one, if and of itself, is not damning - so to speak - but the sum total of all of the incidents when viewed objectively by someone else at the factory may lead them to the conclusion that a like for like is the best solution.

[dkmatthews]

unsubscribed

[jeffd735]

I'm sorry that you've had so many problems. I have a PM9 and love it. I've never had a FTF and I've shot 600 rounds through it, a lot of it being the Winchester Ranger bonded since I get it from work. After reading of the problems that others were having I made sure it was lubed real good and would spend evenings in front of the TV working the action. It seems that you got a lemon. I hope that Kahr does the right thing.
The only thing I don't like about the PM9 is that the magazine doesn't fit flush. I know it is a cosmetic thing but it still bugs me.

Good luck,

Jeff

[FredS1974]

Coincidentally the Kahr factory called me earlier today to apologize for the problems with the gun. I told Jason I was surprised and pleased that someone actually took the time to call.

He had fired the gun himself and experienced issues - including having the magazine fall out while shooting. He told me he would ensure all issues with the gun would be addressed and it would be returned 100% reliable. We shall see, but why someone could not have simply done that before is beyond me.

There are many satisfied Kahr users out there, including numerous off duty LE personnel. If this gun works well when it is returned, so much the better. If it doesn't and I experience problems then it is an ultimate lemon.

I am glad you like your PM 9. One of my friends has one and it has been trouble free and is his CCW. I seem to be an outlier.

Cheers,

Fred

[warbird1]

I had a PM9 that had problems which Kahr fixed. My current CW40 has been flawless. It goes that way sometimes.

[FredS1974]

My experience with Kahr this time has been a 180 from the last two trips the P9 took to the factory. For whatever reason, perhaps all of the correspondence I enclosed, they did the following:

1. Called me as soon as they received the gun;
2. Called me with an update, stating they experienced the same problems I did and would correct them;
3. Sent the gun back with a report stating they:

a. Reworked barrel;
b. Replaced magazine;
c. Replaced magazine catch
d. Test fired and worked fine with no recurrence of problems initially stated.

There was also an enclosed letter from Director of Customer Service requesting input (survey) and asking me to let them know how the gun works.

I have not yet taken it to the range, that will happen tomorrow. I do admit that the slide / action seems to be significantly smoother.

I plan on firing 100 rounds through it tomorrow.