Kahr Arms has been making some of the finest subcompact pistols for years. Their high quality makes them one of the best pistols you can acquire for concealed carry. Founded in 1995, Kahr Arms has always been dedicated to providing top-notch pistols for self-protection and concealed carry. Their ingenious design results in a reliable pistol that remains thin and compact—with accuracy that rivals that of full-sized pistols. Kahr’s first pistol, the K9, provided 7+1 rounds of 9mm with a 3.5-inch barrel and overall length of only 6 inches. It was smaller than most .380 ACPs at the time but used a proven caliber. With its 0.9-inch width, it could be carried inside the waistband (IWB) with ease. Revolutionary at the time, it caught on very quickly. Carrying one for years while off duty, I had no issues completing qualifications side by side others using full-sized duty pistols. Chambered in .40 caliber (K40), it became the off-duty and administrative pistol of choice for many. Since then, the Kahr has exploded not only in offerings, but also in popularity.
Kahr’s “trigger-cocking DAO” (double-action-only) design was unique in a pistol this size. Rack the slide, and partially cock the striker. Pressing the trigger rotates a double-lobed cocking cam,drawing the striker back completely while deactivating the integral firing pin safety. At the end of the trigger pull, the striker is released, and the pistol fires. Offsetting the feed ramp allows this design to remain thin and short. The result is a smooth, consistent and predictable trigger in a very compact package. With the introduction of its polymer-framed pistols, the Kahr got smaller, lighter and even more concealable. They remain the first choice for officers working undercover, concealed-carry professionals and anyone wanting a high-quality pistol for self-protection.
In need of a Kahr at a bargain price? The “C” series has you covered. These no-nonsense pistols maintain all the proven features of the Kahr pistols for a bit less money. The CW9 and CW40 use a 3.6-inch barrel, matte stainless slide and polymer frame. Sights consist of a drift-adjustable, bar-dot rear sight with a pinned-in polymer front sight. For more concealment, there are the CM9 and CM40, guns with the same basic features as the PM series of compact pistols. Using 3-inch barrels and polymer frames, they are well suited to any deep-concealment or pocket-pistol need. Also included in the “C” line is the CW380, a 2.58-inch-barreled .380 that is very reasonably priced. Nothing is spared when it comes to accuracy, reliability, and usability with any of the “C” series pistols.
For years Kahr has been making 9mm and .40-caliber pistols rivaling the size of most chambered in .380 ACP. However, advancements in ammunition design and manufacture have made the .380 more viable than ever before. As a result, Kahr developed the P380. The pistol starts with a polymer frame using 4140 steel inserts molded into the frame for added rigidity and strength. A steel magazine catch is used for strength and longevity. Kahr’s patented “safe cam” is installed, making for a smooth trigger pull. The 2.5-inch, premium Lothar Walther match-grade barrel is perfectly fit into the matte stainless steel slide. Sitting atop the slide is a set of drift-adjustable combat sights, often missing on pistols of this size. Night sights with tritium inserts can be added as well as a Crimson Trace laser sighting device. For those states requiring a loaded-chamber indicator, there is a model meeting that requirement. The slide is either matte or blackened stainless steel. Measuring a mere 4.9 inches in length and 0.75 inches in width, it is incredibly small. With an empty weight of just under 10 ounces, it is lighter than some larger pistols’ magazines. Two stainless steel magazines holding six rounds of .380 ACP are provided. The P380’s size, reduced recoil and usable sights make this a perfect candidate as a secondary weapon (backup gun) or for deep cover and concealment.
Heavier Hitters
Next is the pistol that started things, and it remains incredibly popular. Chambered in either 9mm or .40, the K9/K40 series is available in a number of different configurations. These are all-steel pistols available with night sights. The 3.5-inch barrel is match grade with polygonal rifling. Wraparound, textured grips provide solid feel and absorb recoil nicely. Carrying 7+1 rounds of 9mm or 6+1 in .40 caliber, two magazines are provided.
For those looking for a crisp look with a few enhancements, the Elite line is the ticket. The polished stainless steel finish gives it cosmetic appeal. It also has a beveled mag well for those magazine swaps under pressure. Polishing the feed ramp ensures complete reliability with all types of ammunition. Laser engraving on the frame provides the finishing touch to a very nice pistol.
If you are looking for an even smaller pistol, there are the MK9 or the MK40. Utilizing the same features as the K9 and K40, they are just much smaller packagea. A 3-inch barrel cuts down overall length to 5.3 inches and height to 4 inches. Insert the flush-mounted, six-round, 9mm magazine (five rounds in .40), and this pistol is truly concealable. Add the extended grip, and you retain the 7+1 9mm capacity (six in .40) along with a little bit longer of a grip. Made completely of steel (black or matte), recoil remains very manageable. Both are available with the same Elite upgrades as well as night sights.
Light Touch
Kahr’s P series utilizes polymer frames using metal inserts embedded in the frame. This provides for more rigidity and structure, and assists in reliability and recoil reduction. The grip is textured at the front and rear straps to ensure solid contact and control. The 3.6-inch, stainless steel barrel on the P9/P40 is mated to the slide, which is offered in matte or blackened stainless steel. Weight is reduced to around a mere 16 ounces unloaded, making it incredibly light for a pistol packing seven rounds of 9mm or six rounds of .40 S&W. Night sights are available along with a loaded-chamber indicator. Another option on these pistols is an external safety. It allows for use in agencies or states where a mechanical safety is required. This addition allows Kahr to fit its new enhanced trigger. A shorter length of pull assists those with smaller hands, and trigger weight is the same as that of standard pistols. Also available are Crimson Trace laser models, which provide for solid aiming in any condition.
For those looking for guns even more compact, the PM9 and PM40 are just the ticket. The 3.1-inch barrel remains accurate with polygonal rifling. At around 14 ounces, it sheds weight as well as size. Magazines match the MK series at six and seven rounds respectively for the 9mm, and five and six for the .40. Rounding out the selection is the Black Rose Edition, which adds custom engraving and a nicely polished slide.
Big-Bore Kahrs
With Kahr’s proven experience in single-stack pistols, the .45 ACP was a natural progression. Single-stack .45 pistols are the favorite of many, and the P45 is a great example. With a 3.5-inch barrel, the capacity is 6+1. Weight is a light 18.5 ounces. The P45 is also available with a blackened slide and Novak sights. The smallest in the series, the PM45 cuts the barrel down to 3.24 inches and carries 5+1 rounds of .45 ACP. Available with a matte or blackened stainless slide, it can be ordered with night sights or a Crimson Trace laser. The last in the series is the CW45, which has all the proven features of the Kahr design minus some bells and whistles.
Conclusion
When it comes to concealed carry, Kahr has long been an industry leader. Its pistols are highly favored by professionals and enthusiasts alike. High-quality precision machining and attention to detail mean they are some of the best pistols on the market. If you need a solid carry pistol, Kahr has just what you will need in just about any proven caliber. For more information, visit kahr.com or call 508-795-3919.
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