At SHOT Show this year, Kahr Arms announced the addition of the Gen 2 P9 and P45 pistols. Both pistols add features enhancing trigger pull and sighting, while including all of the “Premium” features of the top line Kahr pistols.
I think the Gen 2 P9 pistol (KP90R93) improves on the Gen 1, and should do well in the civilian and concealed carry markets. Kahr Arms is really a success story for the little guy in the big market. Their patented technology and wide range of features have provided good pistols for a wide range of shooters and budgets.
Kahr Arms “Premium” Line Features
The Kahr Arms P-Series pistols are labelled by Kahr as their “Premium” pistols. Though the looks of their premium pistols may be similar to their “Value” brands, there are distinct differences. One of the quick visual indicators are the machined features on the slides that present a much more streamlined appearance.
Premium Kahr pistols use match-grade polygonal rifled Lothar Walther barrels, which are touted as increasing accuracy and muzzle velocity. Polygonal rifling has been noted by many industry experts as being a superior method of rifling over traditional lands and grooves. The polygonal rifling provides great contact with the bullet, and prevents more gas from escaping through gaps.
Kahr Premium slides are made from high-grade Stainless steel, and are machined with attention to aesthetic details. The slide stop lever is machined from bar stock, and the internal parts are coated for easier cleaning and smoother function. The difference in how the slide moves and the internal components function is noticeable over the Value options.
One of the features that immediately stood out to me, was the introduction of a trigger bar safety. One of the few complaints I have had with Kahr pistols is their rather long standard trigger pull. The triggers are smooth, and I know traditional DAO triggers are meant to be long, but the Kahr triggers always seemed a bit too long for my tastes.
The new trigger bar safety reduces the trigger pull distance and reduces the trigger pull weight to a very nice 6.0 pounds. The tactile touch of the trigger safety bar is a good feature allowing the shooter to begin engaging the trigger, before the trigger becomes “live”, so to speak. I found the trigger to be smooth, and much more desirable than the original DAO trigger.
The next feature that catches the eye is the addition of TruGlo TFX fiber optic sights. Traditional 3-dot white sights are O.K. on the range, but in real world situations the shooter needs to have sights that quickly grab their eye and are easy to find in low light conditions (where many armed confrontations take place). The TruGlo TFX sights do just that and are a real improvement to the P9 pistol.
The P9 grips have aggressive texture on the front and back side, but are not uncomfortable to hold. The grip sides have a more low-profile texture and round out the grip feel very nicely.
New Kahr Arms P9 Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 7+1
- Operation: Trigger cocking DAO with a lock breech
- Features: “Browning – type” recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
- Barrel Configuration: Polygonal rifling; 1 – 10 RH twist
- Overall Length: 6.3″
- Barrel Length: 3.5″
- Height: 4.6″
- Slide Width: .90″
- Weight: Pistol (16.7) ounces, Magazine (1.9) ounces (unloaded)
- Trigger Pull: 6.0 pounds
- Grips: Textured polymer
- Sights: Tru-Glo TFX green fiberoptic
- Finish: Black polymer frame, matte stainless steel slide
- Magazines: Comes with (3) 7-round Stainless steel magazines
- MSRP: TBA (However the Gen 1 P9 is $762.00).
