Kahr PM9 Battery Time

Question
Hi,
I am a new owner of a Kahr PM9, but I think this question is pertinent to all DA semi's. How long can the handgun be left in battery (bullet in chamber) without causing striker spring weakening.
Thanks, Bob

Answer
Truly, Bob, on modern handguns, particular of the striker-fired variety, the spring will never significantly weaken. But not all striker fired guns work the same.

The Glock, for example, compresses the spring very slightly in battery, and compresses it fully only when the trigger is pulled.

By contrast, the XD and M&P fully compress the striker spring when in battery, and the sear simply slides vertically off of the striker leg.

The Kahrs are somewhat unique in that the striker spring is not pre-loaded at all. It is completely relaxed until the trigger is pressed. The sear "rolls" back and engages the striker leg and then "rolls" off of it releasing it.

So the conclusion of this probably-longer-than-you-wanted answer is that for the Kahr, unlike any of the other striker fired guns, it makes absolutely no difference whether the striker has been released or not with regard to pressure on the spring. There simply is none until you pull the trigger.

However, unless the gun is on your person or locked in some place impenetrable, I would not leave a round in the chamber for safety reasons.

Hope this help you.