CC9 rusts in a matter of months (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 5/1/2026 11:52:31 AM EDT
[Last Edit: navnmamaril][Edited]
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Hey all, bought the CC9 at the beginning of the year when I thought the HK stance was still that we weren't getting the other one here. Big mistake. Loved it, shoots great, carries great, it's everything the g43x should be. Except it rusts after 3 months of carrying. In a desert. On top of that, HK wants to charge me $664 to "fix" it. They wouldn't even send me parts and let me fix it myself. The mag release rust actually causes it to stick. The factory 12 round mag is rusting but none of the mags I bought later are... HK also found the trigger axle is rusting. No idea if that's going to cause issues. Needless to say, none of my carry guns, nor my USP have this issue. The USP in particular has gone on a few accidental swims with me (I carry it when fly fishing.) Pretty crazy that even Anderson can finish metal and HKUSA cannot. Anyway, buyer beware and thanks HK!      
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Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Kimbers don't rust. They would have to leave the safe to do that. Yeah, I just wanted more capacity from a smaller profile than my 43x. I read about the 365 rust so I didn't go that route. Ended up effed anyway. Lmao. I have carried a P365 for years in humid ass StL and have never had any rust show up at all. I cannot understand how this is happening. |
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Originally Posted By akethan: So HK lost a customer? Guns just don't spontaneously rust so something had to cause it. Yeah I would guess sweat and body salts, but I would modify your statement and say properly finished guns and components don't rust. Also guns made from proper steels in certain cases. |
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We're H&K, and we hate you. I would have thought that setting up shop in the USA might have changed things. But I don't understand what the $664 quote was for other than labor and a few small parts/springs. |
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Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Yeah I would guess sweat and body salts, but I would modify your statement and say properly finished guns and components don't rust. Also guns made from proper steels in certain cases. Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Originally Posted By akethan: So HK lost a customer? Guns just don't spontaneously rust so something had to cause it. Yeah I would guess sweat and body salts, but I would modify your statement and say properly finished guns and components don't rust. Also guns made from proper steels in certain cases. Had similar issues a few Rugers here in Arizona. What I find that helped was. If using a leather holster get rid of it and switch to Kydex, makes sure the holster is designed that none of the metal parts of the gun can touch your body, and finally if your going to do something where you will be sweating a lot switch to open carry. |
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Originally Posted By JKrammes: I would love to see the breakdown of the cost. That's nuts. Do you wipe down the gun after you are carrying it? I carry my G43 when I cut grass. I did not wipe it down one time, and the slide rusted on me. Sweat and blood are extremely corrosive. I do not wipe it down EVERY time I carry. If it was hot enough where I'm sweating, I'm generally carrying pocket pistol instead.. Again, I'll point to my other carried pistols which undergo and have undergone a lot more exposure to possible oxidation and are just fine in the exact same spots. |
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Originally Posted By akethan: So HK lost a customer? Guns just don't spontaneously rust so something had to cause it. I had an early M&P9 sprout rust like it was a fungus, even though I kept it lubed. S&W conceded that there was an issue with their nitride process on a couple batches of guns and swapped out the bbl and slide for free. |
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Originally Posted By sgtlmj: I had an early M&P9 sprout rust like it was a fungus, even though I kept it lubed. S&W conceded that there was an issue with their nitride process on a couple batches of guns and swapped out the bbl and slide for free. In my opinion the only proper response. I'm not the only one with a rusting CC9 after approximately 0 years on the market a gun should not be rusting in any circumstance except maybe maritime drug interdiction, and even then, probably not. |
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I considered picking up a CC9 or the new VP9cc. At this point, I will stick with a Glock 43x. I reached out to Glock this week as I was given two gen 1 mags that were cracked. I fully expected them to tell me they are a wear item that is close to 40 years old and to pound sand. To my surprise, they responded within 24 hours and told me to send them in for replacement. |
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Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Yeah I would guess sweat and body salts, but I would modify your statement and say properly finished guns and components don't rust. Also guns made from proper steels in certain cases. I've seen a few folks that have posted here that said their body could rust any gun. |
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Originally Posted By O1gagt: I considered picking up a CC9 or the new VP9cc. At this point, I will stick with a Glock 43x. I reached out to Glock this week as I was given two gen 1 mags that were cracked. I fully expected them to tell me they are a wear item that is close to 40 years old and to pound sand. To my surprise, they responded within 24 hours and told me to send them in for replacement. Originally Posted By O1gagt: I considered picking up a CC9 or the new VP9cc. At this point, I will stick with a Glock 43x. I reached out to Glock this week as I was given two gen 1 mags that were cracked. I fully expected them to tell me they are a wear item that is close to 40 years old and to pound sand. To my surprise, they responded within 24 hours and told me to send them in for replacement. Same experience. Had a few wear out from PCC competition. Was not expecting it at all. Originally Posted By akethan: I've seen a few folks that have posted here that said their body could rust any gun. I'm sure, everyone's composition is a little different and someone out there is just sweating alien blood. That being said, it hasn't been me in my experience. |
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Dang that is shitty and no excuse for the way they’re “trying” to handle it. That’s more than I paid for mine by about $100. And I would consider that a manufacturer defect since I’ve been carrying mine even sweating my ass off without any corrosion. The top round in my backup mag has even started discoloring but nothing on the gun or the mags. |
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Originally Posted By -OdieGreen-: Dang that is shitty and no excuse for the way they’re “trying” to handle it. That’s more than I paid for mine by about $100. And I would consider that a manufacturer defect since I’ve been carrying mine even sweating my ass off without any corrosion. The top round in my backup mag has even started discoloring but nothing on the gun or the mags. It doesn't seem to be all of them! However 1 is enough of them, and there's more than 1. |
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Originally Posted By leib109: Wow, just buy a new one at that point. I spent less for mine at Academy. That’s a pretty crazy repair quote and uncharacteristic for my experience with HK. I think that's the point they were trying to make? I don't know but I certainly won't be rolling the dice on another piece that may have worse finish than faxon can do. |
As an HK45CT & VP9T owner, that is simply pathetic quality & CS by HK. No excuse. What kind of finish are they using that allows corrosion to form like that? What happened to the vaunted "harsh environment" finish, or is that what it is instead of what it protects from?
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Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Yeah I would guess sweat and body salts, but I would modify your statement and say properly finished guns and components don't rust. Also guns made from proper steels in certain cases. Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Originally Posted By akethan: So HK lost a customer? Guns just don't spontaneously rust so something had to cause it. Yeah I would guess sweat and body salts, but I would modify your statement and say properly finished guns and components don't rust. Also guns made from proper steels in certain cases. Doesn't HK still nutrocarburize their main metal parts like slide and barrel so there shouldn't ever be rust even when the external finish wears off? |
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Originally Posted By Master_Blaster: . What kind of finish are they using that allows corrosion to form like that? What happened to the vaunted "harsh environment" finish, or is that what it is instead of what it protects from? That's what I'm thinking. You're saying it's a "lack of maintenance" werent these things tested to 50,000 rounds without stoppage underwater while being constantly exploded with c4? 3 months of maybe once a week carry causes rust. In a dry environment. Okay. |
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Originally Posted By Master_Blaster: As an HK45CT & VP9T owner, that is simply pathetic quality & CS by HK. No excuse. What kind of finish are they using that allows corrosion to form like that? What happened to the vaunted "harsh environment" finish, or is that what it is instead of what it protects from? The CC9’s slide has a different finish than HK’s German-made handguns. Not sure what it’s called, but the CC9’s slide is more resistant to holster wear but apparently less resistant to corrosion. I’ve never had an issue with rust on my German-made HKs. And now I have another reason to go with the VP9CC over the CC9. |
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I bought a P938 to carry IWB/concealed. Holster doesn't allow it to touch my bare skin, but you know it's gotta be humid inside my clothes. Imagine my surprise when I go to give it a monthly cleaning and I see surface rust on the 'stainless' slide. I was thinking "WTF, Sig?". Lesson learned, in the early days of my life as a CCW holder. At least it was just a few spots of surface discoloring and the gun always functioned fine. |
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Originally Posted By PepePewPew: I bought a P938. Sounds like the Sig I know. Had the same model at one point but their nitron finish, no rust on that piece. However after a few mags the firing pin stop would self eject, thus creating the most drop safe sig of all time in the middle of firing. Had them fix it and sold it full disclosure to an old guy who just "wanted a little 1911." I think HK is turning into ExpenSIG. |
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Originally Posted By kymarkh: Dam Son, I just picked one of these up and so far so good. Rust is the exact reason I got rid of a P365. Don't trust a rusty gun. |
What it boils down to is that they fear an effective resistance to their power: So, Left in power=Guns bad, mmmmkay...?, Right in power=Guns good!-thskirk
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Originally Posted By Pennsilfaanisch: Wow, the repair quote is almost the replacement cost of the gun new. |
What it boils down to is that they fear an effective resistance to their power: So, Left in power=Guns bad, mmmmkay...?, Right in power=Guns good!-thskirk
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Originally Posted By O1gagt: I considered picking up a CC9 or the new VP9cc. At this point, I will stick with a Glock 43x. I reached out to Glock this week as I was given two gen 1 mags that were cracked. I fully expected them to tell me they are a wear item that is close to 40 years old and to pound sand. To my surprise, they responded within 24 hours and told me to send them in for replacement. |
What it boils down to is that they fear an effective resistance to their power: So, Left in power=Guns bad, mmmmkay...?, Right in power=Guns good!-thskirk
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I’m not surprised. Designed and engineered by HK USA for the US market. Manufactured in the USA. My guess is crappy US-sourced steel as well instead of the magic Kraut steel, which is probably super purified German or Swedish steel from specialty suppliers who QC the heck out of their product before it goes to the customer. Again, I’m just speculating, as I don’t work for H&K, but I’ve had my doubts about this pistol from the moment I found out it wasn’t designed by H&K Germany. Reading about OP’s experience certainly isn’t helping change my mind about that. |
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Originally Posted By trails-end: "it's everything the g43x should be" With rust. My G43x hasn't rusted. Originally Posted By trails-end: "it's everything the g43x should be" With rust. My G43x hasn't rusted. Neither has mine. Carried for a lot longer and used in the constant rainy hellhole that is western WA. Originally Posted By JKrammes: My G43 did. Slide and barrel. Did you bring that to Glock's attention? |
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Originally Posted By networkguru: My made in AZ LCP never rusted but my bros NC made LCP rusted a bit. Both pocket carry. I never had an issue with my AZ LCP II, but let my son borrow it for three months he left it the the leather holster even though I old him not too and it rusted. |
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Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Neither has mine. Carried for a lot longer and used in the constant rainy hellhole that is western WA. Did you bring that to Glock's attention? Originally Posted By navnmamaril: Originally Posted By trails-end: "it's everything the g43x should be" With rust. My G43x hasn't rusted. Neither has mine. Carried for a lot longer and used in the constant rainy hellhole that is western WA. Originally Posted By JKrammes: My G43 did. Slide and barrel. Did you bring that to Glock's attention? No. It was my fault, and I was able to mostly clean it up. |
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Originally Posted By CPshooter1: I’m not surprised. Designed and engineered by HK USA for the US market. Manufactured in the USA. My guess is crappy US-sourced steel as well instead of the magic Kraut steel, which is probably super purified German or Swedish steel from specialty suppliers who QC the heck out of their product before it goes to the customer. Again, I’m just speculating, as I don’t work for H&K, but I’ve had my doubts about this pistol from the moment I found out it wasn’t designed by H&K Germany. Reading about OP’s experience certainly isn’t helping change my mind about that. Or this could just be an anecdotal sample of one. About 10 or 12 years ago, I had a Gen 3 Glock 19 (*gasp*) slide start rusting around the muzzle and rear sight area when I was carrying it AIWB every day including while going on sweaty 2.5 mile runs every other day and quite honestly just outright neglecting it. I cleaned it off once I noticed it and haven't seen rust on that gun again since. Interesting the CC9 has been out for around a year and a half and we don't see a bunch of reports of rust. I guess people just aren't carrying them. |
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Originally Posted By Dangus: Or this could just be an anecdotal sample of one. Interesting the CC9 has been out for around a year and a half and we don't see a bunch of reports of rust. I guess people just aren't carrying them. https://www.hkpro.com/threads/call-me-rusty-cc9-mag-surface-rust-1wk.587356/ https://www.reddit.com/r/HecklerKoch/s/i38iBFj7zB https://www.reddit.com?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=2 ^ second comment, fifth comment https://www.reddit.com?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=2 Initial post deleted, pretty sure HK caved and fixed it for him but there's another one. That took 5 seconds on Google. I'm willing to bet there's more. You were saying we don't see a bunch of reports of rust? |
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Originally Posted By navnmamaril: https://www.hkpro.com/threads/call-me-rusty-cc9-mag-surface-rust-1wk.587356/ https://www.reddit.com/r/HecklerKoch/s/i38iBFj7zB https://www.reddit.com?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=2 ^ second comment, fifth comment https://www.reddit.com?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=2 Initial post deleted, pretty sure HK caved and fixed it for him but there's another one. That took 5 seconds on Google. I'm willing to bet there's more. You were saying we don't see a bunch of reports of rust? Touche, I did not see those. Just curious, do you wear an undershirt? ETA: Also curious if you've tried reaching out to the HK rep HK CS1 over on the HK Pro board. Might be an option at this point for a second opinion after that response you got from customer service. |
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I do indeed, and again if it's actually going to make me sweat I'm pocket carrying used to be an LCP, now SW bg 2.0. I have not contacted that man, but I will. I appreciate the tip! I have started getting quotes from nitiriders. I love how this thing carries and shoots I'm just incredibly pissed about the customer service and the fact that this gun is not finished. |
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When carrying my gun in summer I would always see sweat on it after a hike. I don’t just leave it on there though, I wipe it off with a damp rag and then follow up with oil. I don’t understand why basic preventative maintenance isn’t even considered by some of you guys after sweating all over your guns. Sweat is composed of water and salt which is known to rust ferrous metals so why wouldn’t you take less time than it takes to brush your teeth to maintain your pistol? That first pic looks like literal salt crystals in the grooves on the slide, like how some people’s hats look after they sweat all over them and then the sweat evaporates leaving just the salt behind. |
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Originally Posted By CPshooter1: I’m not surprised. Designed and engineered by HK USA for the US market. Manufactured in the USA. My guess is crappy US-sourced steel as well instead of the magic Kraut steel, which is probably super purified German or Swedish steel from specialty suppliers who QC the heck out of their product before it goes to the customer. Again, I’m just speculating, as I don’t work for H&K, but I’ve had my doubts about this pistol from the moment I found out it wasn’t designed by H&K Germany. Reading about OP’s experience certainly isn’t helping change my mind about that. Yep. I sold my CC9 this weekend and am sticking with my VP9CC. If I'm going to trust my life to a handgun, I would rather do it with a manufacturer (HK Germany) with a proven track record. My German-made HK pistols have been almost completely flawless, whereas there seem to be a growing number of issues with CC9s. |
