Chambering the first round, a slingshot modification

[gb6491]

Just wondering if there is any interest in a modification to the Kahr 9mm follower that makes chambering a round via the "slingshot method" much easier and consistent (IMO, enough so that they could rewrite the manual). It also seems to hold the top round better and might prevent loss of the round during loose pocket carry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y12XanmHYa4
Regards,
Greg

Modification detailed in post #12
Note!: While I'm very pleased with the results of these mods, some folks have tried modifying the follower (though not exactly as I did) and not had the same results (to varying degrees). It could be that I just encountered a "perfect storm" with this mod and my particular gun. If you attempt something similar please keep this in mind and be sure to read their posts.

[mr surveyor]

surv

[JimBianchi]

ping for more info

[ripley16]

I've thought for as long as I've owned a Kahr that the magazine design is the weakness of the line and needs to be redesigned.

[Thunder71]

In my opinion that's how it SHOULD work... I racked the slide on my XDM last night to chamber a round and really wish my Kahr was like that - it's the only drawback to the gun.

[jocko]

funny, Ihave no issues with the kahr magazines in racdking a live round into the gun in my K9 or PJM9 or P380. Kahrs magazines are waht they are by design, not by accident. I credit thatto the offset feed ramp allowing a lower bore axis and there fore a more pleasant gun to shoot than most.. It's only a drwaback if you allow it to be that.

[gb6491]

funny, Ihave no issues with the kahr magazines in racdking a live round into the gun in my K9 or PJM9 or P380. Kahrs magazines are waht they are by design, not by accident. I credit thatto the offset feed ramp allowing a lower bore axis and there fore a more pleasant gun to shoot than most.. It's only a drwaback if you allow it to be that.

Jocko,
I agree to a point. I can rack rounds into my CW9 and CW45 without issue using the magazines as they come from the factory. The CW45 can be done in almost any manner. The CW9 requires strict attention to technique and is not tolerant of sloppiness. I believe this is enough of a problem that Kahr rewrote their manual to advise only using the slide stop to chamber a round.
Likewise, while the Kahr magazines are what they are by design and not by accident, I agree with Ripley 16: "I've thought for as long as I've owned a Kahr that the magazine design is the weakness of the line and needs to be redesigned." I've detailed my issues with the CW45 magazine before (http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=1612) and certainly believe the 9mm magazine performance could be improved upon.
Now, with that all said, I respect the opinion of others and if they are happy with a thing as it is, well all the more power to them. I'm not trying to convince anyone they need to mod their magazines, just letting them know what works for me. As in most things, YMMV

For those with interest: write up to follow.
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Put me in the interested column. Theres room for improvement in just about everything and your just the guy to help make it happen.

[BEARDOG]

I am interested in seeing your mod Greg.

I have played with the idea of increasing the angle of the follower before to help this issue, but never made any permanent changes to the few mags I have.

[BEARDOG]

Greg,
I tried your mod. on one of my followers as you have shown. I only have 1 each- 6rd,7rd,8rd - 9mm mags for my CW9 and CM9. I just did the one from the 8 rd. mag.
I can usually slingshot both my Kahrs without too much trouble, but this would be a welcome upgrade to the Kahr mags as we all know, they can use all the help they can get....

I have tried it in all the mags, and I have noticed some improvement hand cycling the rds. I agree that the improvement stems from the increased nose support, by moving the "pivot" point forward it helps stabilize the cartridge. I can't say it is a 100% can't make it jam when riding the slide mod.
But it shows an improvement, and when normally racking the slide, I think it will make it more trouble free. I have not fired the guns yet with the mod so I can only assume it will work as yours does.
I can also tell a big difference in ease of function in the 2 types of hollow point ammo I have tried it with. It seems the 147gr Rangers are much easier to load then the 124gr Gold dots. The Rangers have a different profile that let them hit the ramp slightly higher I think is the reason why? Anyway, the Rangers go in like butter and the G.D. still can hang if done slowly.

I sanded the belly maybe slightly father forward then yours, sanded down the top, and I also beveled the sides to fit the angle of the feed lips, and also to make sure the slide lock pin come up far enough to positively engage the slide stop and it does that well. I will have to play with it at the range some to see how it preforms.

One thing I do wonder about after being used for sometime, Is if this mod will cause any wear on the follower? It would seem Kahr made it the way they did for a reason???, and I wonder why?
Time will tell.

Pic of mine, modified follower on top vs. a stock on bottom.