|
 |
| The pistol has a magazine capacity of eight rounds. If the chamber is also loaded, this can be increased to nine. |
The Kahr auto pistol is a success story that is somewhat rare for a new handgun design. The pistol was introduced in 1993 and was first reviewed by this magazine in the August 1995 issue. Shooting this first production Kahr did reveal some problems. It was unreliable with +P ammunition and its front sight came adrift during the shooting evaluation.
Subsequent reviews of later Kahr pistols proved that these shortcomings were merely teething problems, as the next auto pistol made of blue carbon steel. since its introduction a number of other Kahr pistols including more compact versions in both 9mm and .40 S&W have been introduced. All have displayed the same high quality of workmanship and proved to be reliable, good shooting pistols.
The latest version of the Kahr, the P9 that is the subject of this review, differs from the other models in that it has a polymer instead of a metal frame.
DESIGN AND ACTION TYPE
 |
| The Kahr P9 is a compact, striker fired, compact 9mm auto pistol that has a double-action-only trigger. |
 |
| The pistol's controls consist of a slide stop and magazine catch, with no external safety lever. |
 |
| The pistol has high visibility fixed sights that have a white bar dot system for shooting in low light conditions. |
Externally, the Kahr pistols look very similar to the Glock series of auto. They share the same square-shaped slide. The main difference is that, until now, all Kahrs have been of steel construction. The polymer frames use steel inserts to reinforce the rails.
While internally the Kahr and Glock have some similarities, there are also some significant differences. Both are striker fired and have double-action-only triggers and no external safety levers.
The new P9 employs the same basic design as the previous steel frame models. It is a locked breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning system to lock the barrel and slide during firing. Its double-action-only trigger is similar to that of the Glock and many other polymer-frame pistols in that cycling the slide partially cocks the striker. The trigger, which lacks a safety lever in its face is, however, more like that of a conventional DA pistol. It has a discernible take-up feel as it fully cocks and releases the striker.
While the pistol does not have an external manual safety, there is an internal striker-blocking mechanism that prevents firing except when the trigger is completely cycled. It has the usual controls of slide stop and a button-type magazine catch, both of which are located on the left side of the frame.
To field strip the pistol, remove the magazine and inspect the chamber, ensuring it is unloaded and safe. Then pull back the slide until the stop notch is aligned with the front of the slide stop. when held in this position, the slide stop can be removed. Allow the slide to go forward and pull the trigger to release tension on the striker. The slide can now be removed from the frame followed by the recoil spring assembly and barrel. The pistol is assembled in reverse order.
FIT AND FINISH
The pistol came in a black plastic carrying case with a rather unique plastic trigger blocking device and a small padlock. Other accessories included a spare magazine, instruction manual, and warranty papers.
The pistol received for evaluation had the same high quality of fit and finish as the previous Kahrs we have shot. The polymer-frame molding was very well done with crisp checkering to the front strap, while the stainless steel slide had an excellent matte finish with no evidence of machining or other blemishes. The silver slide and black frame provided a nice contrast to a well-made pistol. The sights were clear and easy to pick up while the trigger had a very nice and even pull of around 7 1/2 pounds. I personally like its stroke, which you can feel while the striker is being cocked, and the release comes as a surprise break.
The grip provided a good firm hold that pointed well and allowed me to easily access the trigger and operate the controls without having to change my hold in any way.
The polymer-frame rails are reinforced with steel inserts.
 |
 |
|
The pistol field strips down
to six basic components. |
| BALLISTIC PERFORMANCE |
| KAHR P9 AUTO PISTOL |
| AMMO USED |
AVERAGE VELOCITY
(FPS) |
| FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK 135-GRAIN JHP |
979 |
| REMINGTON 124-GRAIN JHP |
1035 |
| TRITON 124-GRAIN JHP +P |
1202 |
NOTES: Chronograph was an Oehler Model 35 with the first skyscreen 10 feet from the muzzle. |
SIZE AND WEIGHT
 |
| The polymer frame provided the author with a comfortable hold that enabled proper engagement of the DAO trigger. |
 |
| When shot from a sandbag bench rest, the hot Triton ammunition shot this 1 1/2 inch group. |
 |
| On the combat range, the P9 gave an impressive performance, keeping all but one of the two-shot strings in the 10 ring of a B-27 target center. |
 |
| While P9's light weight and compact size allows it to be carried in a pocket, The author preferred to use this De Santis belt holster. |
While this P9 has the same dimensions as the original steel-frame K9, its polymer frame does provide a substantial reduction in weight of some 7.9 ounces. In addition there is also a reduction in the width of the grip.
The weight reduction is probably the most important reason for going with a polymer frame. This was most apparent when I compared the P9 with a stainless steel MK40. This pistol is the most compact of the whole Kahr pistol line, yet it is still heavier than this P9.
Weight has become an important issue with those who carry concealed. Very often when one has a need to go our informally dressed wearing a holster is not always practical. Instead, having a pistol that is small enough and light enough just to slip in a trouser or jacket pocket is what many shooters want.
I found that this P9 is easier to carry in a pants pocket than the smaller K40. To be honest, I would still prefer to use a holster, but on those occasions when I might need to go to the local "Stop and Rob" to get a fresh carton of milk, the P9 would fit the bill better than any of the other Kahr pistols.
I also tried carrying it in a De Santis belt holster and found its reduced weight made it much more comfortable carry and to wear than the smaller K40.
THE SHOOTING PERFORMANCE
I shot the pistol for accuracy in the ballistic tunnel at Petersen's ranch on a pleasant, warm sunny day at the end of June this year, using the ammunition listed in the accuracy chart. Shooting was done from a seated bench rest off sandbag at 25 yards. In my opinion, this is not a realistic distance for what is really a pocket pistol intended for short-range defense.
Yet in spite of this, the little pistol gave a stellar performance, shooting very good five-shot groups with all of the ammunition. It liked the high-velocity Trition +P ammunition the best, producing the best individual group of 1 1/2 inches and average accuracy of 3 inches, that is excellent. Recoil was hardly noticeable even with the hot Trition +P ammunition; the good sights and smooth DAO trigger made it easy to shoot good groups. The sights were pretty well regulated, shooting pretty much to my point of aim with all of the ammunition used.
The pistol was just as impressive on the combat range, exhibiting mild recoil. I was able to place all but one of my 10 shots in the 10 ring of a B-27 target center all the way back to 20 yards. I really liked the short double-action-only trigger that in no way hampered my speed or accuracy in the least. The Kahr performed flawlessly with all of the ammunition throughout the day.
Once again it looks like Kahr Arms has produced another winner in the concealable auto-loading field. While this particular model is not as compact as some ultra-compact models, its polymer frame gives its benefit of reduced weight that does make a difference as far as carrying it in a belt or in a pocket. in addition, this increase in lightness does not affect the way it handles. In fact, one of little detraction of Kahr pistols is their weight, and the P9 seems to have largely resolved this.
| 25-YARD BENCHREST ACCURACY PERFORMANCE |
| KAHR P9 AUTO PISTOL |
| AMMUNITION TYPE |
GROUP SIZES (INCHES) |
|
SMALLEST |
LARGEST |
AVERAGE |
| FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK 135-GRAIN JHP |
3 |
6 1/2 |
4 15/16 |
| REMINGTON 124-GRAIN JHP |
2 1/2 |
4 1/2 |
4 |
| TRITON 124-GRAIN JHP +P |
1 1/2 |
4 1/8 |
3 1/2 |
NOTES: Shooting was done at 25 yards from a seated bench rest in a ballistic tunnel using a sandbag rest. Groups are five shots measured center to center. Elevation was 3,250 feet above sea level. Temperature was 72 degrees F, there was no crosswind. and visibility was bright and clear. |
|
|
