The Kahr MK9 test: The pistol has been around for a while already, so testers have had numerous opportunities to test the weapons over the past decade and a half. It’s a real plus that the manufacturer has managed to maintain an essential level of quality. Manufacturer Compatibility Kahr Arms (2) Universal Fit Products (7) Clear all Apply. LG-437 Laserguard® for Kahr Arms 9mm and.40.
Platform consistency across the board makes Kahr handguns easy to maintain within any law enforcement agency.
The Kahr P9 has a 3.9” polygonal rifled barrel with a 1/10 twist, a black polymer frame and a matte stainless slide, which also comes in matte black. It comes standard with 7-round stainless single stack magazines.I got to test the Kahr P9, a compact 9mm handgun that has excellent ergonomics, handling and concealability. By the end of the test, I decided that I was going to switch and make it my EDC gun.
The Kahr P9 has a 3.9” polygonal rifled barrel with a 1/10 twist, a black polymer frame and a matte stainless slide, which also comes in matte black. It comes standard with 7-round stainless single stack magazines. I like the fact that the P9 has no magazine disconnect and this model came with drift adjustable tritium sights.
Kahr pistols use extensive CNC (computer numerical control) manufacturing processes—they use state-of-the-art CAD/CAM design and 3D modeling. Kahr pistols are known to be consistent in manufacture, which makes repairing and maintaining these particular firearms easy for the agency armorer. If you look at their website, nearly every part can be readily purchased online, which is advantageous to both the consumer and the Kahr-trained armorer. Since there is a platform consistency across the board, once one learns the platform, Kahr handguns are very easy to maintain within a department.
Kahr, like many other manufacturers, publishes a single manual for several of their model types. This is because most models are consistent in design, operation and form factor. The most obvious advantage is having the same operating system throughout each model that allows a department to have a consistent protocol for training.
A small, light, and thin firearm
The most attractive thing about owning a Kahr is the fact that every model is compact, slim and lightweight, bearing the same form factor. The model I tested, a P9, is a single stack, 7+1, trigger cocking DAO that weighs 15 ounces. The overall length is 5.8 inches and the width of the slide is .90 inches. This makes the P9 smaller, lighter and thinner than a Glock 43 or a M&P Shield.
For those carrying the Kahr on a regular basis, they also make a palm-sized, under 10-ounce, 6+1 P380. I was somewhat surprised that the Kahr P9 did not have a captive recoil spring, especially considering the effort it took to compress it for reassembly. It takes a stout recoil spring to absorb the constant hammering of a +P cartridge on a lightweight gun. I recommend field stripping in an area that allows the spring to be found if it goes flying.
The entire fire control system can be accessed from the side plate on the right side of the receiver. It is secured by a screw with a Torx head. In the world of polymer guns, this is a completely original design, and it should dispel any type of suggestion that the Kahr design is “similar to…”.
Kahr uses an external extractor, which is powered by an extractor pin assembly and spring, which is secured by the slide back. This particular design allows the user to quickly inspect the extractor and the armorer to easily change it. By the way, I would call the slide back the rear slide plate cover, but this is how they list it in their online parts catalog.
Out for a field test
We started out our range session with my disassembling the slide completely to see what was under the hood. Field stripping is fairly easy. One simply retracts the slide until a marking on the frame aligns with a marking on the slide. The slide stop is pushed from the right side of the frame, then removed. The recoil spring and spring guide are then removed. Kahr uses a “Browning-type” recoil lug system to tilt the barrel downward as the slide is moving backward. In the Kahr, design is very efficient and reliable.
Kahr describes their Stryker system as a “passive Stryker block”, which includes a striker that looks like a short bolt carrier with the firing pin portion of the Stryker protruding from the front. Inside, there is a mechanism that contacts a striker spacer, striker block spring and a striker block. It’s much simpler than I can describe. Basically, these parts compose an efficient plunger system that prevents the striker from contacting the cartridge unless the trigger is fully to the rear. In use, it proved to be both reliable and smooth. That is, the mechanism itself did not impart any type of additional mechanical feel to the trigger system, like some other striker fired handguns. In fact, the 7-pound trigger didn’t feel like a SAO or a DAO (single or double action only). They call it a trigger cocking DAO, and it is universally satisfying to most users.
Kahr uses simple and robust components that make it easy for the police armorer. The areas for potential wear on the frame are both reinforced and well designed.After reassembling the pistol, I did a few safety checks, then started shooting at 7 yards. I couldn’t shoot a group using factory ammo under 5 inches. I tried three magazines and nearly set the gun down and prepared it for shipping back to Kahr. We were shooting Nosler 124 JHP Match Grade Ammo and L-Tech 124 Grain CuHP, both reliable performers when it comes to accuracy.
Kahr Date Of Manufacture
Robert Marvulli, a member of our range testing crew and multiple Kahr owner told me, “You know, the manual says that you have to shoot the gun a couple of hundred rounds before it is broken in.” He owns two other Kahr handguns, and we shoot them often. His P45 is absolutely superior on the range, and we feed it all different kinds of ammo.
We ran a couple of boxes of ammo through the P9, then the groups started to shrink. After a while, we had a gun that could center punch all our paper targets with anything in our ammo inventory.
I guess I should have read the manual first. This gun needs 200 rounds for a break in.
Kahr Arms Date Of Manufacture
Proven reliability
I had a few rounds of Nosler Match Grade Ammo and the Kahr printed the groups we were looking for in the first place. The L-Tech rounds shot well also.
The grip angle on all Kahrs give the shooter a consistent ability to point. Coupled with its bright, boxy sights, I would bet on the Kahr user against a Pact timer. The Kahr P9 is as simple as it gets. It doesn’t have external safeties. It has a simple, and surprisingly smooth, trigger pull. Its thin profile can accommodate smaller hands and operation is glove-friendly.
I can fit the P9 in a front pocket, as it is well contoured for this purpose. In my opinion it is appropriate for investigations assignments. For a duty belt, the Kahr TP9, a duty-sized version, is a good choice. If smaller is better, the Kahr PM9 is only 5.3 inches overall. I shot one and guess what? It’s a palm-sized version of the P9.
There is an occasional, and often unsubstantiated, complaint that I have heard from Kahr owners that needs to be addressed here. Some users have reported to me that occasionally loaded cartridges fall out of the magazines when they are carried in the pocket. That is, bullets self-strip from these magazines. I haven’t experienced this myself, but we had one Kahr user who experienced this. The magazines functioned just fine, but occasionally a loaded cartridge would fall out without coaxing.
Many magazines allow cartridges to fall out of them, depending on the level of handling. The Kahr magazines are very similar to 1911 style magazines and the contours of the feed lips maintain the balance between feeding and releasing too easily.
There are two recommendations I can give here. First, separate all magazines that do not deliver complete confidence. These will now be practice magazines. Second, rebuild them. The parts are relatively inexpensive. If the magazines are still questionable, they stay in the practice magazine pile.
Kahr magazines are flat, made of stainless steel, and fit well in the back pocket. They slam quickly home when reloading and drop freely when the release is pressed. What’s not to like? Flush and 8-round extended baseplate models are available.
We knew how the P9 would do even before we tested it; one of our crew carries two of them, sometimes at the same time. These guns are workhorses, with proven reliability. Let’s just say that after several years of use, they have not even experienced a hitch in their operation.
The Kahr P9 isn’t just a small handgun appropriate for on and off duty. Potentially, it’s part of a system of handguns that behave exactly the same, using the same form factor and proportions, in different sizes.
| Kahr PM Series | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Justin Moon |
| Manufacturer | Kahr Arms |
| Produced | 2004–Present[1] |
| Variants | see variants
|
| Specifications | |
| Mass |
|
| Length |
|
| Barrel length |
|
| Width |
|
| Height |
|
| Cartridge |
|
| Action | short recoil, locked breech, DAO |
| Feed system |
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| Sights |
|
The Kahr PM series (Polymer Micro) is a series of double action only (DAO) hammerless, striker-fired, short recoil operated, semi-automatic pistols manufactured by Kahr Arms.[5][6]The target market for the PM line is the civilian concealed carry market, as well as being intended as backup weapons for law enforcement officers.[7]
Development[edit]
When the first Kahr pistols appeared on the market in 1994 they were constructed entirely of carbon steel.[7] Early Kahr models such as the K9 were praised as well-made and solidly constructed, but criticized for their excessive weight, which is a disadvantage in a weapon intended for concealed carry. Kahr attempted to address these concerns by introducing pistols that were physically smaller, as well as a line of polymer framed models.[8] The PM series combined both these approaches, introducing polymer framed pistols that were also the smallest Kahr models ever produced.[9]
Design features[edit]
PM series pistols are manufactured with stainless steel slides that ride on steel inserts within the polymer frames, preventing the wear which would otherwise be inherent with metal slide to plastic frame contact.[9][10]The PM is available in 9×19mm (PM9), .40 S&W (PM40), and .45 ACP (PM45). The series is noted for being very no-nonsense and utilitarian in appearance, with black plastic grips and a brushed stainless or blackened Tungsten DLC (Diamond-Like Coating) stainless slides.[7][9] Produced by applying a thin but tough protective coating, the DLC patina was labeled 'Black Diamond' in early production, and is valued for its lack of attention-catching light reflection in dim surroundings. DLC coatings also serve to protect the slide from oxidization, nicks and scrapes.[9]
PM pistols are known for having very smooth and consistent DAO trigger pulls[7] of approximately six pounds,[8] and large and easy to see sights in various configurations including night sights.[7][11] Simplified controls exemplified by the lack of a manual safety lever are also positive attributes and contribute to a desirable package for concealment use.[8] The PM series is also noted for having a fully enclosed trigger draw bar. The engineering design work necessary to fit it inside the cramped space of the receiver resulted in several beneficial lockwork changes. One such change was that the cartridge feed ramp had to be offset, which in turn allowed the overall receiver design to be thinner,[7] it also permitted the slide to be more squat with a low bore axis, resulting is less muzzle rise and flip. The PM barrel configuration boasts polygonal rifling, which in theory will wear longer and gather less fouling.[10]
Almost all Kahr pistol designs share a common function and trigger action.[7]
Criticisms[edit]
While highly regarded overall, reviewers have offered various criticisms of the PM series. The entire PM product line is known for requiring a 'breaking-in' period. Kahr Arms has indicated that its products are to be broken in with at least 200 rounds fired initially, as is the case with many semi-automatic firearms.[8] In addition, though the 9×19mm PM9 has the reputation of being controllable with some minor modification of firing techniques,[6] the .40 and .45 caliber variants are known to produce gun-handling difficulties in rapid fire due to their heavier recoil and resulting muzzle rise. In response to this criticism, some reviewers have observed that very small and light large bore pistols in general share this reputation, suggesting that they are best wielded by experienced and proficient shooters who practice regularly.[8][9] Other known PM series deficiencies include excessive trigger travel, and a magazine release which occasionally fails to allow magazines to fall freely on the PM40 model.[11] The magazine release and recoil springs on the PM40 pistol have also been known to occasionally break.[12]
Variants[edit]
PM9[edit]
The Kahr PM9 is chambered in 9×19 Parabellum.[2] It comes standard with either a black frame and stainless slide, or fully matte black.[2] Additional features available on some models are tritium night sights and Crimson Trace laser sights.[13]
A special model also features a manual safety and a loaded chamber indicator.[14] These added features make the pistol approved for sale in Massachusetts.[14]
PM40[edit]
The Kahr PM40 is chambered in .40 S&W.[3] It comes standard with either a black frame and stainless slide, or fully matte black.[3] Additional features available on some models are tritium night sights and Crimson Trace laser sights.[15]
A special model also features a manual safety and a loaded chamber indicator.[16] These added features make the pistol approved for sale in Massachusetts.[14]
PM45[edit]
The Kahr PM45 is chambered in .45 ACP.[4] It comes standard with either a black frame and stainless slide, or fully matte black.[4] Additional features available on some models are tritium night sights and Crimson Trace laser sights.[17]
A special model also features a manual safety and a loaded chamber indicator.[18] These added features make the pistol approved for sale in Massachusetts.[18]
References[edit]
- ^Shideler, Dan (2010). 2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms the Collector's Price and Reference Guide (20th ed.). Gun Digest Books, 2010. p. 610. ISBN9781440214530.
- ^ abcdefghij'PM9'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ abcdefghij'PM40'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ abcdefghij'PM45'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^'KAHR PM4543 / Specifications'Archived 2008-03-23 at the Wayback Machine, Kahr Web site. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^ abAyoob, Massad. 'Kahr's PM9'Archived 2008-02-22 at the Wayback Machine, Guns Magazine, November 2003, p.48-56, p.73-75. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^ abcdefgClapp, Wiley. 'New Kahr PM9 9mm”Archived 2008-03-12 at the Wayback Machine, Combat Handguns, September 2002, pp. 10–15. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^ abcdeClapp, Wiley. “INSTANT CLASSICS”Archived 2008-10-10 at the Wayback Machine, Guns & Ammo, March 2004, pp. 66–71. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^ abcde'Kahr Arms PM9'Archived 2008-03-12 at the Wayback Machine, American Rifleman magazine, P. 84-85, October 2004. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^ abDetty, Mike. 'Kahr PM45 .45ACP'Archived 2008-07-06 at the Wayback Machine, Combat Handguns, June 2008, pp. 38–42, 91. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^ abSagi, Guy. 'Kahr PM40'Archived 2008-02-28 at the Wayback Machine, Shooting Illustrated, July 2004, pp. 62–63. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^Ayoob, Massad . 'CARRYIN' KAHRS'Archived 2008-05-17 at the Wayback Machine, The Complete Book of Handguns 2005, pp. 86–91. Accessed June 24, 2008.
- ^'PM9 w/ CT Laser Sight'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ abc'PM9 w/ External Safety & LCI'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^'PM40 w/ CT Laser Sight'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^'PM40 w/ External Safety & LCI'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^'PM45 w/ CT Laser Sight'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ ab'PM45 w/ External Safety & LCI'. Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.[permanent dead link]
External links[edit]
