The Kahr K series is a series of semi-automatic pistols manufactured by Kahr Arms. The original weapon in the series, the K9, was introduced in 1995 and features a double action only trigger mechanism with a Locked breech recoil operated action. It was intended to address the police backup / off duty and civilian concealed carry markets. With a reputation for both quality of construction and reliability since its introduction the pistol has remained popular with both the police and civilian markets. In 1998 it was approved for off duty and backup carry by the New York City Police Department but as of December 2011, the Kahr K9 is no longer authorized by the NYPD as Kahr Arms was not able to increase the trigger pull to the NYPD specifications. Since its introduction the pistol’s design and construction have undergone a number of improvements including slightly increased chamber dimensions and the use of a Teflon electroless nickel composite material for some of the internal moving parts which improved reliability. Options offered with the K9 include tritiumnight sights, and wood Hogue grips. The Elite version of the pistol offers a polished feed ramp, polished and deburred slide, beveled magazine well, and enlarged trigger with a smoother action.
Barrel, recoil lug, and feed ramp machined from one piece of steel
Smooth 8-pound double-action-only trigger
Lack of external safety lever for increased speed and simplicity also offers less chance of snagging on clothes
Patented off-set recoil lug design results in reduced muzzle flip and perceived recoil due to low center line axis.
Ergonometric curved Hogue rubber grips which help dampen recoil
California specification passive firing pin blockdrop safety which prevents accidental firing if the pistol falls
Variants
K9
The Kahr K9 model is the original in the K series. The standard model features a stainless steel construction, locked breech, passive striker block and no magazine disconnect. It can also be purchased with a matte black finish. Both models feature drift adjustable, white bar-dot combat sights but can be upgraded to tritium night sights. A K9 Elite model was also introduced by Kahr which features a polished stainless steel finish and laser etching on the frame.
K40
The Kahr K40 model, like the K9, comes standard with a stainless steel construction, locked breech, passive striker block and no magazine disconnect. It can also be purchased with a matte black finish. Both models feature drift adjustable, white bar-dot combat sights but can be upgraded to tritium night sights. A K40 Elite model was also introduced by Kahr which features a polished stainless steel finish and laser etching on the frame.
