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 (DAO) trigger mechanism with a Locked breech recoil operated action. It was intended to address the police backup / off duty and civilian concealed carry markets.
| Kahr K series | |
|---|---|
 Kahr K9 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Justin Moon |
| Manufacturer | Kahr Arms |
| Produced | 1996–present |
| Variants | see variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | |
| Length | |
| Barrel length | |
| Width | |
| Height | |
| Cartridge | |
| Action | Locked-breech |
| Feed system |
|
| Sights | fixed open sights |
With a reputation for both quality of construction and reliability since its introduction[3] the pistol has remained popular with both the police and civilian markets.[4] In 1998 it was approved for off duty and backup carry by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) 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.[5]
Options offered with the K9 include tritium night sights, and wood Hogue grips.[6] 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.[7]
Features
edit- 100% steel construction (no aluminum alloys or polymer)[5]
- 4140 high carbon steel alloy frame[5]
- 4130 chromoly steel slide[5]
- Barrel, recoil lug, and feed ramp machined from one piece of steel[5]
- Smooth 8-pound double-action-only trigger[5]
- Lack of external safety lever for increased speed and simplicity also offers less chance of snagging on clothes[5]
- Patented off-set recoil lug design results in reduced muzzle flip and perceived recoil due to low center line axis.[5]
- Ergonometric curved Hogue rubber grips which help dampen recoil[5]
- California specification passive firing pin block drop safety which prevents accidental firing if the pistol falls[5]
Variants
editK9
editThe 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.[1] 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.[8]
A K9 Elite model was also introduced by Kahr which features a polished stainless steel finish and laser etching on the frame.[9]
K40
editThe Kahr K40 model, like the K9, comes standard with a stainless steel construction, locked breech, passive striker block and no magazine disconnect.[2] 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.[10]
A K40 Elite model was also introduced by Kahr which features a polished stainless steel finish and laser etching on the frame.[11]
Sadly the K40 has been removed from the line up.
Appearance in film and television
editA Kahr K9 was used by Jodie Foster's character in the 2007 film The Brave One.[12]
The Kahr K9 was also used by Walden Belfiore in the television series The Sopranos, played by Frank John Hughes.[13]
In the television series Blue Bloods, Danny Reagan uses a Kahr K9 as his sidearm.
The Kahr K9 was used by Hiroyuki Sanada’s character, Kenji in the film Rush Hour 3
The Kahr K9 was used by both Lanna and her Sociopath son of Bloody Face, Johnny... in Season 2, Episode 13 of American Horror Stories, Asylum.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h "K9". Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "K40". Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_2.html Archived 30 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine Ayoob, Massad: "The gun of the decade".
- ^ http://www.kahr.com/review_gw_0500.html Archived 10 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine Garrett, Rob: "The Guns Of Kahr Arms", Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, May 2000, p. 54–57, p. 65–69.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_gunsweapons_197.html Archived 30 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine Spaulding, Dave: "New Kahr K9 9mm", Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, January 1997, p. 18–22.
- ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_hg1206.html Archived 18 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine Berger, Matt: "Kahr Arms K9", 9mm Handguns 2007 Buyer's Guide, p. 4–7.
- ^ http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_k.html Kahr web site: 9mm models K Series
- ^ "Kahr K9 Black". Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ "K9 Elite". Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ "Kahr K40 Black". Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ "K40 Elite". Kahr Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
- ^ "Kahr in the movies". Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ "Sopranos, The - Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games". www.imfdb.org. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
External links
edit- K9 page on Kahr Arms web site
- Kahr Arms web site
- Guns and Ammo K9 review
- Handguns 2007 Buyer's Guide review