Kemen K4, under priced?

Kemen K4s look like nice guns and get some good press. I've liked the ones I've held, though I haven't had a chance to shoot one. I spotted one for sale with a nice looking stock, ISIS recoil system installed, for less than £3k (around £2600), as a private sale. K4s on the market seem, generally, to be around the £4k mark (no pun intended), so this could be a bargain or asking for a let-down.

What do the Kemen devotees on here think, worth a punt or pass on it in favour of one from a dealer for more money?

Thanks,

Richard

I had one for a time and really liked it, but mine did develop a crack in they stock and kemens seem to break stocks for fun. I now shoot a perazzi and the handling characteristics are more or less identical 

Tom b said:

I had one for a time and really liked it, but mine did develop a crack in they stock and kemens seem to break stocks for fun. I now shoot a perazzi and the handling characteristics are more or less identical 

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​I was always led to believe they were the same, same but different!?

I've had mine from new, 16 years I think and I love it!  I've looked at several guns to replace it, DT's, Perazzi's, Blasers and Krieghoffs but in the end I always pick mine up and fall in love with her all over again.  The handling is outstanding IMO, the barrels are light so the handling is fast so they don't suit everybody. 

They do need looking after, their not the sought of gun that you can shoot, put back in your cabinet and forgot about, if you do you end up with a rusty mess.  I've had to have to barrels polished internally twice!

There have been problems with cracked stocks but mine has been fine, it could do with a stock refinish but I'm scared that if I do, then I'll end up with a crack as well!

Everybody who picks her up says positive things so what more can I say?

We shot the Essex masters with a lad with a km4, lovely balance and he'd never had any problems with his. Don't know who the main dealer is in the UK or where you would get backup from?

Mike Meggison up at Kelbrook lodge S.G used to be the Uk dealer for Kemen's not sure if he still is, perhaps drop them an email to confirm you could try before you buy there as they have a lovely shooting ground.

Fabulous Guns I Love Them. 

I think I know the gun you are referring to. I made some enquiries last week and established that the stock had been cracked and  professionally repaired. There's also a LH stock as part of the package. Not sure if it's a Sporter though because I couldn't see a barrel selector switch. For the money I reckon you can't go far wrong as it's very similar to a Perazzi MX8(they can crack also) but without the cache of the name. Not sure how easy it would be to get a replacement second hand stock if you wanted one. Check bores are not pitted as well cos I don't think they are chromed. If you could get it for £2000 then it's a great buy.?

Madmillie said:

I think I know the gun you are referring to. I made some enquiries last week and established that the stock had been cracked and  professionally repaired. There's also a LH stock as part of the package. Not sure if it's a Sporter though because I couldn't see a barrel selector switch. For the money I reckon you can't go far wrong as it's very similar to a Perazzi MX8(they can crack also) but without the cache of the name. Not sure how easy it would be to get a replacement second hand stock if you wanted one. Check bores are not pitted as well cos I don't think they are chromed. If you could get it for £2000 then it's a great buy.?

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Yep, I think we are indeed talking about the same gun. The repaired stock is a bit of a turn-off for me, thanks for making the enquiry, I hadn't got that far. I know there are some very good repairers out there, but I think I'd rather risk it.

Can I ask why you didn't go for it?

Very good guns if in good condition , but beware these guns at the height of their popularity did have to do a lot of work.

Yes they do suffer from barrel issues and stock cracking , but a little known about problem is the action frame can crack also.

If you are considering a S/H purchase, have the stock off and give it a thorough examination.

Buy in haste, repent at leisure.

ips said:

Fabulous Guns I Love Them. 

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​Yes I know what you mean like a badly made Perazzi

LMFAO

shortlegs said:

Mike Meggison up at Kelbrook lodge S.G used to be the Uk dealer for Kemen's not sure if he still is, perhaps drop them an email to confirm you could try before you buy there as they have a lovely shooting ground.

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Wish I hadn't sold mine.. last time I inquired about getting a new one made I and why we don't see many new ones about. The answer came  back that as they only make a limited number of around 325 to 350 guns a year and won't ramp up production they fill the order books with top grade stuff first ( like the titanium model and luxes etc) this has for most of the time left no room for the standard stuff that the average clay shooter will want to pay. Mind you they were at around 8k for the black action gun several years ago. 

If I see my old gun about I will, unless its been abused buy it back. 

Paul120 said:

Wish I hadn't sold mine.. last time I inquired about getting a new one made I and why we don't see many new ones about. The answer came  back that as they only make a limited number of around 325 to 350 guns a year and won't ramp up production they fill the order books with top grade stuff first ( like the titanium model and luxes etc) this has for most of the time left no room for the standard stuff that the average clay shooter will want to pay. Mind you they were at around 8k for the black action gun several years ago. 

If I see my old gun about I will, unless its been abused buy it back. 

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​Why did you sell it?

The reason for the wood splitting or cracking was the wood to metal fit being a bit tight, as a result all new Kemens were being sent to a stock fitter to be 'eased' before being sold. I feel that Kelbrook will still have a selection of stocks available and they appear to have a nice looking used Kemen for sale. Have a look at their very good website, which includes some excellent cartridge offers too.

The Kemen is one of those rare breeds of guns that almost always feels right in the hands, not surprising really as it's a direct copy of Perazzi which has taken decades to optimise. 

The stock splitting problem is well known but thanks to GD sponsorship when they first hit the market, sales appeared perfectly healthy back then. They tend to be bought by decent, high volume shooters so the cheaper 2nd hand fodder tends to look a bit worn and beat up. I've always secretly fancied one but the perkier versions are too close to Perazzi money and quite a bit more than DT10's. 

In conclusion (which I'm sure interests nobody) , a used DT10 is nearasdammit unbeatable bang for bucks.

Having shot both guns though Hammie, the Kemen wins hands down.

jwpzx9r said:

​Why did you sell it?

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. Bit of a long story but at the time somebody made me a good offer. I also have a  Perazzi which is almost identical which I bought to do the Perazzi shoot at Lonato and thought why not. No point in having 2 that are essentially same  If they hadn't made an offer  id still have it..  

There is no point in buying a second hand Kemen as its vertually impossible to obtain spares for them from ANYONE!

I've got a nice 32 high grade Gamba Daytona 2k for sale if you want a quality alternative!!