Primer Strike Curiosity

[Redstate]

Sometimes, yes.....................

Thanks, I appreciate you.

[Redstate]

Now I have some magnified photos of the primer strikes from my P9 Covert. These are minimal compared to the MK9.

[Redstate]

Here are the magnified photos of the primer strikes from my K9. These are more elongated or distorted than those of the P9 and are not as much as those of the MK9.

What have I learned from this? The 4 guns are all different as far as the amount of elongation or distortion. The ammo brand seems to make a difference. Also, probably a mere coincidence, with the polymer guns the amount of elongation or distortion was less than with the steel guns. Also of possible note is that the MK9, the shortest of the 4, had the most elongation or distortion. Trying to be scientific about this; but don't have enough pistols to sample. So, the conclusion is that I have no conclusion why there is a difference between the various pistols.

Again, opinions, as well as descriptions of your primer strike appearance or photos are welcome. Thanks.

[sas PM9]

Here are the magnified photos of the primer strikes from my K9. These are more elongated or distorted than those of the P9 and are not as much as those of the MK9.

What have I learned from this? The 4 guns are all different as far as the amount of elongation or distortion. The ammo brand seems to make a difference. Also, probably a mere coincidence, with the polymer guns the amount of elongation or distortion was less than with the steel guns. Also of possible note is that the MK9, the shortest of the 4, had the most elongation or distortion. Trying to be scientific about this; but don't have enough pistols to sample. So, the conclusion is that I have no conclusion why there is a difference between the various pistols.

Again, opinions, as well as descriptions of your primer strike appearance or photos are welcome. Thanks.

RS:

Something occurs to me; is it possible that the occurrence of the larger/longer smear is due to the length of the barrel on these striker fired handguns? The shorter the barrel, the greater the angle it has to make, the more the back of the barrel moves down when it unlocks during the process thus the longer the smear.
What thinks the forum?

- steve

[Redstate]

Good question Steve. Maybe others will chime in. Thanks.

[tony k]

Barrel attitude, length, etc. Kinda got my gears turning (maybe just grinding)

I'm just thinking out loud here. Maybe ejector or the timing of ejection has something to do with it. Don't forget about the extractor; I'm learning that there is some variation in extractors. That could change how long or how forcefully the case head is held against the breech face after ignition, thus changing how long and how forcefully the primer remains in contact with the firing pin before it ejects.

I'd compare ejectors and extractors between the three guns.

The P9 Covert has the least smeared primers. Notice that the position of the P9 ejector mark is pretty low and further out on the headstamp. The K9 has no detectable ejector mark and a pronounced elongation of the primer strike. The CW9 has a pronounced smear and a highly visible ejector mark that sits higher and nearly touches the primer.

I don't think you have anything to worry about in any case. It is interesting to observe the differences though. thanks for sharing. Lots of food for thought

[sas PM9]

Barrel attitude, length, etc. Kinda got my gears turning (maybe just grinding)

I'm just thinking out loud here. Maybe ejector or the timing of ejection has something to do with it. Don't forget about the extractor; I'm learning that there is some variation in extractors. That could change how long or how forcefully the case head is held against the breech face after ignition, thus changing how long and how forcefully the primer remains in contact with the firing pin before it ejects.



I'd compare ejectors and extractors between the three guns.

The P9 Covert has the least smeared primers. Notice that the position of the P9 ejector mark is pretty low and further out on the headstamp. The K9 has no detectable ejector mark and a pronounced elongation of the primer strike. The CW9 has a pronounced smear and a highly visible ejector mark that sits higher and nearly touches the primer.

I don't think you have anything to worry about in any case. It is interesting to observe the differences though. thanks for sharing. Lots of food for thought

TK:

Yes, that's another way of looking at the query that I posed above.
It sure looks like the shorter barrels are the ones that produce this longer primer smear.
I know that my PM9 and CM9 do exhibit this primer smear but not it to the extent that the OP has shown in the pictures of his MK9.

-steve

[Redstate]

Thanks tony k. Interesting thoughts, and I appreciate them. Actually, the order of smearing, from least to most is as follows: CW9, P9 (note P9 and CW9 are very close), K9 and finally MK9.

[berettabone]

This sounds like " smear tactics " to me.................

[muggsy]

Now I have some magnified photos of the primer strikes from my P9 Covert. These are minimal compared to the MK9.

Contact Kahr immediately! Tell them that there must be something wrong with your gun, because you not getting enough primer smear. They should get a real chuckle out of that one. Make sure that you ask for an RA number and a prepaid shipping label.