My Kahr PM-9 Experience

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gamboolman
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My Kahr PM-9 Experience

Post by gamboolman »

I really wanted the Kahr to work…………………

I bought a brand new Kahr PM-9 because of the size. I had intended on purchasing a Glock 26 or perhaps the compact Springfield but when I saw the Kahr PM-9 and the size - Well...... I bought it.

I have just received my full refund from the Kahr factory on the PM-9.

Failure to Feed/Battery were chronic using all types of ammunition and after sending it back to the Kahr factory to be worked on to no avail. I cleaned it and lubed it during shooting sessions, used +P and regular loads of multiple high quality mfgs of ammunition. I bought new extra 6 and 7 round magazines – FTF/FTB. I went thru ~ 1,500 to 2,000 rounds trying to break it in and get it to function reliably - and I just gave up after the factory failed to address the FTB/FTF issues.

I must say that Ms. Dottie Herold at Kahr is great and that she is very good at customer service. I cannot fault Kahr's customer service. But when I pay ~$600 for a CCW gun that I will depend upon to protect me and my family - well I expect it be able to at least shoot the 7 rounds in it without FTB/FTE.

I bought a Glock 26 and it eats anything I put in it. I have total confidence in the Glock. I carry the Glock in a Tucker Cover-Up IWB when wearing jeans and a shirt tucked in. For shorts and T-shirt which is most everyday in Houston I use the Safe Carry (Thunderwear).

I am not a Khar basher. This is just my experience. I wanted to let others know about my experience and to just be aware of the issues. I was not, but I am now. It's too bad because the size of the PM-9 was so nice.

I will stick with Glocks as their record and proven reliability is unparalleled

I really wanted the Kahr to work………..

But I know my Glock will work !!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, gamboolman…..
Skipper5
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Post by Skipper5 »

Wow...when did you buy the PM9? Would have bought one at the Big Town show this past weekend if I had been in town. All myreports on Kahr compared to KelTec were a no brainer!

Been really keen on Kahr.....my range - TargetMaster....tells they have had so few failures on Kahr compared to others...this would really amaze them.

Glad in your case at least you did get your refund.

Not a Glock fan either too....preferring Sigs 239/229R and 232
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Boma
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Post by Boma »

I just put 70+ rounds of 380 down the range with my Kel-Tec with 1 fail to feed. I can't believe your Kahr is doing so bad. I shot one at the range and it shot great. Oh well, atleast you got your money back and you're satisfied now.
308nato
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Post by 308nato »

I'am glad you got your money back but I'am not a fan of Plastic.
I have tried a few different makes and like the Baretta 92fs and
my CZ 2075 Rami in 9mm .
had a few FTFs at first but that was from the cheep Chinese I bought.
Got some better stuff and have had no more problems.


Dennis
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Liberty
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Post by Liberty »

308nato wrote:I'am glad you got your money back but I'am not a fan of Plastic.
I have tried a few different makes and like the Baretta 92fs and
my CZ 2075 Rami in 9mm .
had a few FTFs at first but that was from the cheep Chinese I bought.
Got some better stuff and have had no more problems.

Dennis
Don't mater much to me what a gun is made of. The 3 most important things to me in a CHL gun is:
  1. Will it go bang?
  • Is it reliable?
  • Can i bet my life and my love ones life on it?
We all have preferances such as materials, finnishing and manufacture, but when it comes right down to it. Knowing absolutely positively that a carry gun will go bang when it is needed is the most important factor.[/list]
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RPBrown
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Post by RPBrown »

Had the same problems with a PM40. Loved the size but wouldn't feed anything. Dottie is great at her job. Sent it back 3 times and still wouldn't feed. Finally traded it for a Colt 1911.
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Cosmo 9
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Post by Cosmo 9 »

My experience was just the opposite. No issues at all, when they said 200 rnds needed for break in I thought atleast those first 200 would be a mixed bag of problems. It has been flawless for about 1000rnds.
These Pretzels are making me thirsty!
Mike1951
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Post by Mike1951 »

I'm really surprised you got a bad PM-9 at this point.

Problems like you described were chronic when the PM-9's came out.

I bought mine in Aug 2002. As is typical with Kahr, they are slow to recognize and admit a problem. When I tried to talk to them, they swore no one was having problems. I tried polishing the feed ramp and did improve the situation. It was something over a year later that I heard they were recontouring barrels and more than a year after that was the infamous PM-9 barrel recall.

Mine has been working good since.

My current issue is with a P-45 that still malfunctions after a trip back to Kahr. Dottie is sending me a new P-45 and has agreed to have her tech fire the 200 round break-in before shipping it. I may still have problems with it. If so, I'll tuck it away in my safe and wait a year or two till they learn how to make it work.
Mike
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j1132s
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Post by j1132s »

Sorry to hear your problems w/ the PM9. I guess the good news is that kahr resolved to your satisfaction.

I have 2 PM9s with serial VA and VBxxxx. The VA had a recall, but has had no failures. The VB had Failure to feed/battery like you described, but a new recoil assembly (sent by Kahr) fixed its issue.

So far, no problems with either PM9s. Very reliable and accurate. It's the only gun I can pocket carry comfortably.
Glockamolie
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Post by Glockamolie »

Although not as small as the PM9, my CW9 (essentially a P9) has functioned very well with a variety of ammo.
- Brandon
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