Kahr’s X9 is a double-column win.
By James Tarr | Photos by Mark Fingar
IT WASN’T UNTIL I HEARD that Kahr was releas- ing a new pistol that I realized I hadn’t heard from them in a long while. Kahr roared onto the scene almost 30 years ago, circa 1995, with the K9, an all- steel single-stack 9mm that was nearly the same size as many of the .380s of the day. The 1994 Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) was in effect, so new maga- zines holding more than 10 rounds were unavail- able for commercial sale. The crime rate went up, and a nationwide movement in support of con- cealed carry shifted into gear. It was perfect timing for the single-stack K9. Additional models followed in different sizes, some with polymer frames.
Kahr pistols were not just popular with private cit- izens. The reliability, durability, and double-action-
only (DAO) trigger system earned it authorization by law enforcement for use as a backup and off-duty
gun. The entire firearms market seemed to pivot. With the demise of the AWB in 2004, and the introduction of new designs with increased capacity and reduced weight, Kahr was met with additional competition. The new-for-2024 Kahr X9 aims to reclaim some of that glory — and market share.
