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| Kahr let the cat out of the bag at the 1999 SHOT Show when it privately showed us a mock-up of a polymer-framed version of its popular K9 semi-auto pistol. That gun, now in production as the kahr P9, is reviewed here. |
At the 1999 SHOT Show, representatives from Kahr Arms privately showed us a rough mock-up of the company's next project, the polymer-framed P9. Polymer makes perfect sense for pistol frames as its durability and longevity are well established, and if there was any complaint about Kahr pistols it's their weight relative to their size. Our sample P9 weighed 18 ozs. unloaded, which is considerably less than the same-size, 27 oz. all-steel K9 (June 1995, p.36), and less still than the sub-compact, all steel, 24 oz. Kahr MK9 (March 1998, p. 38).
Kahr's P9 retains all the hallmark standard features of Kahr's other semi-automatic pistols. It has been two years since we described those features in detail, so for the benefit of new readers the information is repeated here. Kahr pistols are short recoil-operated, striker-fired, double-action-only (DAO) guns with no second-strike capability. Lockup is by a rectangular block around the chamber end of the barrel that engages the ejection port. A kidney-shaped cutout in the bottom of the block engages the slide stop to raise and lower the barrel during cycling. The bottom of the block is offset to the left, and incorporates the feed ramp.
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| A kidney-shaped cutout in the bottom of the block (arrow) engages the slide stop to raise and lower the barrel during cycling. |
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| Steel inserts at the rear of the slide rails provide additional insurance that the rails will endure over time. Steel fins in the dust cover function as auxiliary slide rails to increase durability. |
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| At rest, the striker (1) is held partially cocked by the left lobe (2) of the cocking cam and the striker block (3) drops into a cutout in the striker. When the trigger is pulled, the left lobe completes cocking while the right lobe (4) simultaneously lifts the striker block clear. |
An internal, passive striker block keeps the striker from moving forward should the P9 be dropped on its muzzle. Like most "slick-slide" DAO pistols, there are no external safeties as a long, deliberate pull of the trigger is necessary to fire the P9. Pulling the trigger rearward causes the trigger bar to be drawn forward, which in turn rotates the two-lobed cocking cam rearward. With the pistol loaded and at rest, the left lobe of the cocking cam holds the striker partially cocked, and the spring -loaded striker block drops into a recess in the striker preventing its forward movement. When pulling the trigger to fire the pistol, the left lobe of the cocking cam completes cocking of the striker, while the right lobe simultaneously depresses the striker block. When the trigger reaches its fully rearward position, the left cocking cam lobe slips from the striker allowing it to fly forward under striker spring pressure to directly into the grip proper. This makes for a slightly slimmer grip compared to the steel-framed guns. Compared to the K9, the P9's slimmer profile and reduced weight improve the already excellent carrying qualities of Kahr pistols.
The P9's frame is not entirely polymer. Steel inserts at the rear of the slide rails provide additional insurance that the rails will endure over time. There are also steel fins in the dust cover that function as thin auxiliary slide rails to increase durability of the P9. Like steel-framed Kahr 9x19 mm pistols, the P9 is rated for +P and +P+ ammunition. Trigger pull on our sample was excellent, having about 3/8" of effortless take-up, followed by a smooth, steady pull of 6 3/4 lbs. over a distance of about 1/2". On the last shot, the slide stop locks the slide open.
Recoil, while manageable, was particularly sharp, especially with +P ammunition. Accuracy, as can be seen in the accompany table, was quite good for a pistol of this size. Function firing was with a variety of Federal, PMC and Winchester ammunition. Following Kahr Arm's recommended 200-round break-in period, we experienced no malfunctions of any kind.
When we first reviewed Kahr's K9 (July 1995, p. 36), we commented on "... the solid feel of the piece, emphasized both by the weight of the all-steel K9 and by the rubber grip panels," and that "... it feels bigger than it looks ... ." The P9 feels the way we expected the K9 to feel and at the same time appears to retain the quality, durability and accuracy of the heavier model. Add to that a suggested retail price less than the original, all-steel K9 when introduced, and the P9 quickly becomes and even greater value.
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Recoil, while manageable, was particularly sharp, especially with +P ammunition.
Like steel-framed Kahr pistols, the P9 is rated for +P and +P+ ammunition. |
| SHOOTING RESULTS |
9x19mm
Cartridge |
|
Vel. @ 15'
(f.p.s.) |
|
Energy
(ft.-lbs.) |
|
Recoil
(ft.-lbs.) |
|
Smallest
(inches) |
|
Largest
(inches) |
|
Average
(inches) |
|
Federal P9HS1
124-gr. H-S |
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958 Avg.
22 Sd |
|
253 |
|
5.5 |
|
3.37 |
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4.42 |
|
3.79 |
|
Hornady 9020
90-gr. XTP |
|
1222 Avg.
19 Sd |
|
299 |
|
5.2 |
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1.96 |
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4.80 |
|
3.51 |
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Winchester 115-gr. FMJ,
4.8 grs. Hodgdon Titegroup,
Federal 100, Federal cases |
|
1167 Avg.
19 Sd |
|
348 |
|
6.7 |
|
2.58 |
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4.11 |
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3.73 |
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| Average Extreme Spread: |
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3.68 |
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Measured average velocity for 10 rounds from a 3 1/2" barrel. Range temperature: 72 degree F.
Humidity: 86%. Accuracy for five consecutive, five-shot groups at 25 yds. from a Midway Pisolero rest. Abbreviations: FMJ (full metal-jacketed), H-S (Hydra-Shok), Sd (standard deviation), XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) |
| SPECIFICATIONS: Kahr P9 |
| Caliber: |
9x19mm |
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| Action type: |
Short recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol |
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| Construction: |
Polymer frame, stainless steel slide |
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| Finish: |
Black polymer frame, matte natural stainless steel slide |
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| OA Length: |
6" |
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| Barrel: |
3 1/2" |
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| Rifling: |
Polygonal, 1:10" RH twist |
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| Magazine: |
Detachable, 7 round, single-column, stainless steel |
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| Weight empty: |
18 oz. |
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| Width: |
1 1/8" |
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| Height: |
4 1/2" |
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| Sights: |
Steel rear with square notch and white bar drift-adjustable for windage, steel square post front with white dot |
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| Trigger: |
Single-stage, double-action-only, non-adjustable; 6 3/4-lb. pull |
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| Accessories: |
Spare magazine, trigger lock, black plastic carrying box |
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| Suggested retail price: |
$527 ($616 with night sight) |
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The American Rifleman has used the phrase "Dope Bag" at least since 1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. "Sight dope" also was a traditional marksman's term for sight adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction was called "doping the wind." |
WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely necessary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity. |
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