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The wife is looking for a smaller everyday carry option and the Kahr MK9 looks interesting. I saw a used one at a very good price, but it has rather mixed reviews from what I have been able to find on the internet. Some of those reports are rather old and I am looking for feedback on more recent vintage MK9's. The one that I am considering was built in early 2006. Does anyone have experience with the MK9 that they would be willing to share?

Not directly related, but I had a bad experience with a PM40 (well documented elsewhere on this site). Left me with a distaste and mistrust of the Kahr brand. That said, if I was to ever try a Kahr again, it would be the MK series instead of the polymer guns.

For me, I went back to snub-nose revolver for the type of carry (front pocket) that I used the Kahr. So I'd recommend looking at a Smith J-frame or Ruger LCR instead. But revolvers aren't for everyone.

Walther PPS (which I own) is a bit larger and not as pocketable, but much more pleasant (and accurate) to shoot and has been much more reliable for me. The Taurus 709 Slim is as small as the small Kahr 9mms, but also gets mixed reviews. Other than that, there are Kel Tecs and a few other lesser brands. Kahr still has a good chunk of what I feel is an underserved single-stack 9mm subcompact market.

My experience is limited, but possibly useful. I have bought two steel Kahrs, K40s, where were flawless.

OTOH, both my PM9 and P45, polymer guns, have been problematic. The issues with the PM9 appear to have been resolved after several barrel replacements and a recall. The P45, after two trips home and a new replacement P45, is still not a carry gun.

I have both the PM9 and the MK40. The PM9 had some problems during the break-in period. None since. Never had any problems with the MK40. I like them both, but, I prefer the MK40.

I have the Kahr MK9 Elite (Elite just means that it is polished). It has been a flawless gun, and it shoots very well. For a 9mm, it is tiny and very concealable.

There have been some negative reviews of some of the Kahrs, but almost all of it is from the poly frame, and I think they have worked through those issues.

I prefer all metal guns to begin with.

The break-in period with the Kahr is important due to the spring design though.

Thanks to all for their replies. The MK9 that I am looking at is used, I will give it a thorough examination and if all looks good and the wife likes size and fit, we'll give a try.

I have an MK40 as my EDC. It has been perfect for me.

jgedmond wrote:Thanks to all for their replies. The MK9 that I am looking at is used, I will give it a thorough examination and if all looks good and the wife likes size and fit, we'll give a try.

These are not my holsters, just happened to notice them while searching for something else on the big auction site (eBay) ... heckuva deal right now $42 for two holsters, including an M-TAC Minotaur ... better hurry, auctions closes Tuesday night

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Took the wife to check out the MK9 and closed the deal. Thorough cleaning is on the agenda for tonight and looking forward to some range time later this week.

Afriend of mine, loaned his MK9 to a lady to use at our shoot on Sun. evening. She had a little trouble racking the slide, but shot well on most of the scenarios. This challenge could be overcome with a little training & structured practice.

I like the wood grips! For a gun as small as this is, you will be amazed how nice it is to shoot on a reqular basis.

Tear down and cleaning is really easy also. From the picture, it looks like the previous owner took care of it.

Congrats on the purchase!

I did a field strip and cleaning last night, everything looked good with normal wear in high stress areas like barrel and breech block. All original accessories and paperwork were included. The only issue that I see is the 7-round mag does not cleanly eject from the mag well. It shows a lot more wear than the 6-round mag. I am assuming that the original owner kept the 7-round mag loaded in the gun for carry and the spring has taken a set. After checking everything at the range, I will want to buy a few more mags (either 6- or 7-rounders whichever the wife likes best) so that I can rotate them and also re-spring the original 7-rounder.

jgedmond wrote:I did a field strip and cleaning last night, everything looked good with normal wear in high stress areas like barrel and breech block. All original accessories and paperwork were included. The only issue that I see is the 7-round mag does not cleanly eject from the mag well. It shows a lot more wear than the 6-round mag. I am assuming that the original owner kept the 7-round mag loaded in the gun for carry and the spring has taken a set. After checking everything at the range, I will want to buy a few more mags (either 6- or 7-rounders whichever the wife likes best) so that I can rotate them and also re-spring the original 7-rounder.

Kahr magazines are typically overpriced at circa $40-$43 each. With diligent searching, I have always been able to locate for about $29.

Just don't jump at the $40 ones.

Mike1951 wrote:

jgedmond wrote:I did a field strip and cleaning last night, everything looked good with normal wear in high stress areas like barrel and breech block. All original accessories and paperwork were included. The only issue that I see is the 7-round mag does not cleanly eject from the mag well. It shows a lot more wear than the 6-round mag. I am assuming that the original owner kept the 7-round mag loaded in the gun for carry and the spring has taken a set. After checking everything at the range, I will want to buy a few more mags (either 6- or 7-rounders whichever the wife likes best) so that I can rotate them and also re-spring the original 7-rounder.

Kahr magazines are typically overpriced at circa $40-$43 each. With diligent searching, I have always been able to locate for about $29.

Just don't jump at the $40 ones.

Mike, thanks for the headsup. I found several sources on Gunbroker with starting bids of $29 to $34. That's the route I will probably go since I did not find them on my "go to" supplier, MidwayUSA.

Regards,
Jim

Bud's Gun Shop has them (KS620) in stock for $29.

Reputable dealer, very good price, no auction to bother with.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... s_id/27368" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;