Update on Kahr crap customer service - The Firearms Forum

larrydickman · 06-15-2012, 07:26 AM

I had the problem with a broken recoil spring on a CW9 that was 2 months old that Kahr would not take care of. I finally filed a complaint with the better business bureau a month ago. I just got an email from the BBB that Kahr refused to respond to their request.

I highly recommend that Kahr is not a stand up company and for those who are looking to buy you may want to go with a different company that takes care of problems. For me if a company blows off the BBB they are not a good company.

ozo · 06-15-2012, 07:38 AM

Sad, sad, sad....
What is going on with these gun manufacturers.....
Add Kahr to the growing list.
[is it a ploy from 'big brother'.......sure, sell them the guns,
all they want, but make them inferior.....]
Just a thought.

Hammerslagger · 06-15-2012, 09:58 AM

It is good to see a fresh thread being started about Kahr Arm's poor customer service. I know not what their actual problem(s) is (are) that they do not support their products as one would expect a responsible, quality arms manufacturer to do.

Defective is defective. A responsible manufacturer fixes its defective products without regard to time, and does charge its customers for repairing something that should have never gotten past QC and out the factory door.

There is, of course, a difference between something that fails because it was defective, relative to specifications, when made, and something that has just worn out from normal or heavy use or abusive use. Most manufacturers stand responsible for their design, manufacturing, or QC mistakes. Some firearm manufacturers, even repair, for free, problems that are the result of heavy use or outright abuse. They usually correctly find that doing so pays off in the long run relative to word of mouth advertising.

My personal experiences, and the observed experiences of others, are, that about 4 years ago, Kahr decided that "standing behind" their defective products had become too expensive; and now they look for any excuse not to "stand behind" and correct their mistakes. This is unfortunate for all. Many persons, myself included, like the design and function of some of their products. IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND HAVE HAD ANY UNSATISFACTORILY RESOLVED PROBLEMS WITH KAHR; PLEASE POST YOU EXPERIENCES IN THIS THREAD.

Many persons visit and read TFF posts. Perhaps, if Kahr's sales drop because of their current and recent Customer Service practices; maybe they will improve their CS to be on par with "High Point", which makes inexpensive, clunky arms, but seems to stand behind them, no matter what.

ozo · 06-15-2012, 10:36 AM

I understand the costs and profits the gun makers face
when resolving problems with their goods......
A 'new' kind of quality control seems to be the norm,
and from my chair, it looks lacking in more ways than one.
No doubt, they all hire lesser-qualified smith's due to the
cost of any good gunsmith........
But what gets me the most......it's a gun !!! If not assembled
correctly, checked and approved before leaving the plant,
by someone qualified to know/see it's proper and safe condition,
it could be deadly to the new owner.
I guess the percentages are simply in their favor.
Welcome to the 21st century.........

Alpo · 06-15-2012, 10:56 AM

Several years ago. Bought a 1911 from Auto Ordnance. Muzzle bushing broke and I called 'em. Got a recording. AOC had been bought by Kahr. Call this number.

Called the new number. Spoke to a woman in Parts. I honestly expected, "Damn, those aren't supposed to break. Gimme your address and we'll send you another one" (that, by the way, is "customer service"). Nope. 10 dollars for the part and 7 dollars to ship it. Give 'em CC number.

Card is charged. Month goes by. NO PART.

Call them. Get recording. "We no longer take parts orders over the phone. Write us a letter."

Wrote letter. Said, "I paid for the damn thing a month ago, where's my part?"

No response.

Wrote second letter, stating that it was SECOND LETTER and part was ordered AND PAID FOR over three months ago, and where was my damn part.

No response.

Wrote letter, c/o President of the damn company. Told entire story. Said it had been close to six months now, and if they could see their way clear to SEND ME THE DAMN MERCHANDISE I PAID FOR, I'd certainly appreciate it.

Part finally showed up. No apology. No explanation. No excuse. And certainly no refund.

So I tell anyone that asks. Kahr is a crap company to do business with.

Hammerslagger · 06-15-2012, 11:41 AM

Well said , Alpo.

langenc · 06-15-2012, 01:20 PM

Alpo-Id have called the credit card long before that. On the other hand you did need the part.

RunningOnMT · 06-15-2012, 01:55 PM

I'm not impressed with Kahr as a company or the pistol I bought from them. It's OK but seems like something made to compete with a $250.00 Kel Tec at twice the price. I'm going to try to see if a gun shop will trade me a used S&W snubbie .38 for it...but I'm not holding my breath though. In my opinion the entire Kahr line is way overpriced.

People here often ask about the quality of Taurus and Rossi. I know a lot of owners who are happy with theirs and on paper their warranty looks good, but customer service leaves a lot to be desired. The other thing is, if you are relying on one of their products to defend your life and it breaks, a lifetime warranty means little. I had a rather flimsy looking transfer bar on a model 85 Taurus break, and even though I've toyed with the idea of one of their larger frame revolvers and their 1911, I've concluded that they just aren't worth the trouble.

Kahr and Taurus...two manufacturers I wont be doing business with again.

Brass Tacks · 06-15-2012, 04:57 PM

I have given some serious looks at Kahr products, no longer. If they balk at replacing a cheap spring they're not deserving of my business.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozo

I understand the costs and profits the gun makers face
when resolving problems with their goods......
A 'new' kind of quality control seems to be the norm,
and from my chair, it looks lacking in more ways than one.
No doubt, they all hire lesser-qualified smith's due to the
cost of any good gunsmith........

Welcome to the 21st century.........

I noticed in the letter that S&W included with my M&P22, that they said wasn't defective, the individuals were referred to as "pistol technicians" not pistolsmiths or gunsmiths.

mogunner · 06-16-2012, 12:15 AM

Probably because they are just hourly employees who repair by replacing parts until hopefully it works.

This isn't the first thread I've seen about Kahr and their lack of service. I'm presently on the hunt for my next pistol since I just sold one, and have spent the better part of three days combing reviews and forum threads on various pistols...the problem being that it seems that no one is making anything that is dependable any more! Even the super high dollar makers seem to have their fair share of rants across the board, what's weird is that low buck pistols like Hi Points seem to have more favorable stuff posted! I've looked at Keltec and SCCY, Taurus and Charter Arms, Rossi and Ruger until I'm blue in the face and more confused than when I started. I know that there are always lemons in any man-made tool, but then again it seems that you only hear when something goes wrong with that tool, not the 100 times over that the tool works perfectly. It's almost to the point where you really need to be a gunsmith yourself, and always carry two pistols because one may fail you when you need it most. Even the old standby revolvers are getting knocked across the board unless you buy one that was made ten years ago.

jack404 · 06-16-2012, 12:22 AM

Kahr are not welcome in Oz , they are liars cheats and think aussies are stupid saying that because they are outside the USA they dont have to cover guarentees that state that its valid in Australia ..

forget em kahr sucks the dictonary should have obama's old boyfriend as a picture next to kahr to show you how bad they suck

our depertment of fair trading has a notice out on them that they are not a trustworthy company

government stamped and all

officially

they SUCK

Hammerslagger · 06-16-2012, 05:59 AM

Let me see if I can upload a picture, here.

In 2006 Kahr had decent customer service and replaced a defective slide and included a free set of night sights to compensate the owner, who purchased the pistol used, for his trouble.

Recently, they have twice refused to correct an identical problem for me, unless they were paid around $200 USD to do so.

Hammerslagger · 06-16-2012, 06:21 AM

Well, ignorant me just managed to figure out how to post a picture, here.

Here is the TFF link to the entire thread for my post #12 picture, found above.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...ght=kahr+crack

I have actual knowledge of three different Kahr pistols that have experienced this exact defect; and I have not really worked in the gun business in over 20 years, now.

I hold the opinion that the only way to help Kahr improve their deplorable customer service and apparent disregard for their own defective products is (in my opinion) to "tell it like it is" about their products and services at places like TFF and other forums.

I will add that I like the design and performance of some of Kahr's products; recognize the fact that errors happen when you actually do anything; and recognize the fact that the failure to correct errors usually ends up being significant mistakes.

06-15-2012, 07:38 AM	#2
ozo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 2,770	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Sad, sad, sad.... What is going on with these gun manufacturers..... Add Kahr to the growing list. [is it a ploy from 'big brother'.......sure, sell them the guns, all they want, but make them inferior.....] Just a thought. __________________ http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews, "ozo. you're off your rocker sir." -johnlives4christ http://www.prisonplanet.com/ -America,Bless GOD-

06-15-2012, 09:58 AM	#3
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service It is good to see a fresh thread being started about Kahr Arm's poor customer service. I know not what their actual problem(s) is (are) that they do not support their products as one would expect a responsible, quality arms manufacturer to do. Defective is defective. A responsible manufacturer fixes its defective products without regard to time, and does charge its customers for repairing something that should have never gotten past QC and out the factory door. There is, of course, a difference between something that fails because it was defective, relative to specifications, when made, and something that has just worn out from normal or heavy use or abusive use. Most manufacturers stand responsible for their design, manufacturing, or QC mistakes. Some firearm manufacturers, even repair, for free, problems that are the result of heavy use or outright abuse. They usually correctly find that doing so pays off in the long run relative to word of mouth advertising. My personal experiences, and the observed experiences of others, are, that about 4 years ago, Kahr decided that "standing behind" their defective products had become too expensive; and now they look for any excuse not to "stand behind" and correct their mistakes. This is unfortunate for all. Many persons, myself included, like the design and function of some of their products. IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND HAVE HAD ANY UNSATISFACTORILY RESOLVED PROBLEMS WITH KAHR; PLEASE POST YOU EXPERIENCES IN THIS THREAD. Many persons visit and read TFF posts. Perhaps, if Kahr's sales drop because of their current and recent Customer Service practices; maybe they will improve their CS to be on par with "High Point", which makes inexpensive, clunky arms, but seems to stand behind them, no matter what. Last edited by Hammerslagger; 06-15-2012 at 10:01 AM.. Reason: typos

06-15-2012, 10:36 AM	#4
ozo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 2,770	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service I understand the costs and profits the gun makers face when resolving problems with their goods...... A 'new' kind of quality control seems to be the norm, and from my chair, it looks lacking in more ways than one. No doubt, they all hire lesser-qualified smith's due to the cost of any good gunsmith........ But what gets me the most......it's a gun !!! If not assembled correctly, checked and approved before leaving the plant, by someone qualified to know/see it's proper and safe condition, it could be deadly to the new owner. I guess the percentages are simply in their favor. Welcome to the 21st century......... __________________ http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews, "ozo. you're off your rocker sir." -johnlives4christ http://www.prisonplanet.com/ -America,Bless GOD-

06-15-2012, 10:56 AM	#5
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Several years ago. Bought a 1911 from Auto Ordnance. Muzzle bushing broke and I called 'em. Got a recording. AOC had been bought by Kahr. Call this number. Called the new number. Spoke to a woman in Parts. I honestly expected, "Damn, those aren't supposed to break. Gimme your address and we'll send you another one" (that, by the way, is "customer service"). Nope. 10 dollars for the part and 7 dollars to ship it. Give 'em CC number. Card is charged. Month goes by. NO PART. Call them. Get recording. "We no longer take parts orders over the phone. Write us a letter." Wrote letter. Said, "I paid for the damn thing a month ago, where's my part?" No response. Wrote second letter, stating that it was SECOND LETTER and part was ordered AND PAID FOR over three months ago, and where was my damn part. No response. Wrote letter, c/o President of the damn company. Told entire story. Said it had been close to six months now, and if they could see their way clear to SEND ME THE DAMN MERCHANDISE I PAID FOR, I'd certainly appreciate it. Part finally showed up. No apology. No explanation. No excuse. And certainly no refund. So I tell anyone that asks. Kahr is a crap company to do business with. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies. Last edited by Alpo; 06-15-2012 at 10:59 AM..

06-15-2012, 11:41 AM	#6
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Well said , Alpo.

06-15-2012, 07:26 AM	#1
larrydickman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 53	Update on Kahr crap customer service I had the problem with a broken recoil spring on a CW9 that was 2 months old that Kahr would not take care of. I finally filed a complaint with the better business bureau a month ago. I just got an email from the BBB that Kahr refused to respond to their request. I highly recommend that Kahr is not a stand up company and for those who are looking to buy you may want to go with a different company that takes care of problems. For me if a company blows off the BBB they are not a good company. -->

06-15-2012, 01:20 PM	#7
langenc V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 412	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Alpo-Id have called the credit card long before that. On the other hand you did need the part.

06-15-2012, 01:55 PM	#8
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service I'm not impressed with Kahr as a company or the pistol I bought from them. It's OK but seems like something made to compete with a $250.00 Kel Tec at twice the price. I'm going to try to see if a gun shop will trade me a used S&W snubbie .38 for it...but I'm not holding my breath though. In my opinion the entire Kahr line is way overpriced. People here often ask about the quality of Taurus and Rossi. I know a lot of owners who are happy with theirs and on paper their warranty looks good, but customer service leaves a lot to be desired. The other thing is, if you are relying on one of their products to defend your life and it breaks, a lifetime warranty means little. I had a rather flimsy looking transfer bar on a model 85 Taurus break, and even though I've toyed with the idea of one of their larger frame revolvers and their 1911, I've concluded that they just aren't worth the trouble. Kahr and Taurus...two manufacturers I wont be doing business with again. __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

06-16-2012, 12:15 AM	#10
mogunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Missouri Posts: 1,027	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Probably because they are just hourly employees who repair by replacing parts until hopefully it works. This isn't the first thread I've seen about Kahr and their lack of service. I'm presently on the hunt for my next pistol since I just sold one, and have spent the better part of three days combing reviews and forum threads on various pistols...the problem being that it seems that no one is making anything that is dependable any more! Even the super high dollar makers seem to have their fair share of rants across the board, what's weird is that low buck pistols like Hi Points seem to have more favorable stuff posted! I've looked at Keltec and SCCY, Taurus and Charter Arms, Rossi and Ruger until I'm blue in the face and more confused than when I started. I know that there are always lemons in any man-made tool, but then again it seems that you only hear when something goes wrong with that tool, not the 100 times over that the tool works perfectly. It's almost to the point where you really need to be a gunsmith yourself, and always carry two pistols because one may fail you when you need it most. Even the old standby revolvers are getting knocked across the board unless you buy one that was made ten years ago.

06-16-2012, 12:22 AM	#11
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Kahr are not welcome in Oz , they are liars cheats and think aussies are stupid saying that because they are outside the USA they dont have to cover guarentees that state that its valid in Australia .. forget em kahr sucks the dictonary should have obama's old boyfriend as a picture next to kahr to show you how bad they suck our depertment of fair trading has a notice out on them that they are not a trustworthy company government stamped and all officially they SUCK

06-16-2012, 05:59 AM	#12
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Let me see if I can upload a picture, here. In 2006 Kahr had decent customer service and replaced a defective slide and included a free set of night sights to compensate the owner, who purchased the pistol used, for his trouble. Recently, they have twice refused to correct an identical problem for me, unless they were paid around $200 USD to do so. Attached Images

06-16-2012, 06:21 AM	#13
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Update on Kahr crap customer service Well, ignorant me just managed to figure out how to post a picture, here. Here is the TFF link to the entire thread for my post #12 picture, found above. http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...ght=kahr+crack I have actual knowledge of three different Kahr pistols that have experienced this exact defect; and I have not really worked in the gun business in over 20 years, now. I hold the opinion that the only way to help Kahr improve their deplorable customer service and apparent disregard for their own defective products is (in my opinion) to "tell it like it is" about their products and services at places like TFF and other forums. I will add that I like the design and performance of some of Kahr's products; recognize the fact that errors happen when you actually do anything; and recognize the fact that the failure to correct errors usually ends up being significant mistakes.