Kahr K series
A steel-framed DAO pistol for backup and concealed carry.
The Kahr K series is a family of semi-automatic pistols made by Kahr Arms. The first model, the K9, debuted in 1995. It uses a double-action-only (DAO) trigger and a locked-breech, recoil-operated action. The design was aimed at police officers needing a backup or off-duty weapon, as well as civilians looking for a concealed carry firearm.
Since its release, the pistol has built a reputation for solid construction and dependable function, keeping it popular with both law enforcement and private buyers. In 1998, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) approved the K9 for off-duty and backup use. However, as of December 2011, the NYPD no longer authorizes the K9. Kahr Arms could not increase the trigger pull weight to meet NYPD specifications, and the lighter trigger was linked to over a dozen accidental discharges—none of which were fatal. Over time, the pistol’s design and manufacturing have seen several upgrades, such as slightly larger chamber dimensions and the use of a Teflon electroless nickel composite material for some internal parts, which boosted reliability.
Available options for the K9 include tritium night sights and wood Hogue grips. The Elite version adds a polished feed ramp, a polished and deburred slide, a beveled magazine well, and an enlarged trigger with a smoother action.
**Features** - Entirely steel construction (no aluminum alloys or polymer) - Frame made from 4140 high-carbon steel alloy - Slide made from 4130 chromoly steel - Barrel, recoil lug, and feed ramp machined from a single piece of steel - Smooth 8-pound double-action-only trigger - No external safety lever for faster, simpler operation and reduced snagging on clothing - Patented offset recoil lug design lowers the center line axis, reducing muzzle flip and felt recoil - Ergonomic curved Hogue rubber grips that help absorb recoil - California-spec passive firing pin block drop safety to prevent accidental discharge if the pistol is dropped
**Variants**
**K9** The K9 is the original K-series model. The standard version has a stainless steel construction, locked breech, passive striker block, and no magazine disconnect. It is also available with a matte black finish. Both versions come with drift-adjustable, white bar-dot combat sights, which can be upgraded to tritium night sights.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- Justin Moon
- Manufacturer
- Kahr Arms
- Production Date
- 1996–present
- Variants
- see variants / K9 / K40
- Weight
- 23.1 oz (K9) / 24.1 oz (K40)
- Length
- 6 in (K9) / 6.1 in (K40)
- Part Length
- 3.5 in (K9) / 3.5 in (K40)
- Height
- 4.5 in (K9) / 4.55 in (K40)
- Cartridge
- 9×19mm Parabellum / .40 S&W
- Action
- Locked-breech
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Kahr K series began with the K9 in 1995, designed for police backup, off-duty, and civilian concealed carry. The pistol is constructed entirely of steel, using a 4140 high carbon steel alloy frame and a 4130 chromoly steel slide, with the barrel, recoil lug, and feed ramp machined from a single piece of steel. It features a smooth 8-pound double-action-only trigger and lacks an external safety lever, intended to increase speed and simplicity while reducing the chance of snagging on clothing. A patented offset recoil lug design is said to reduce muzzle flip and perceived recoil due to a low center line axis. Ergonomic curved Hogue rubber grips help dampen recoil. A California specification passive firing pin block drop safety prevents accidental firing if the pistol falls.
Since its introduction, the K9 has undergone improvements including slightly increased chamber dimensions and the use of a Teflon electroless nickel composite material for some internal moving parts, which improved reliability. Options include tritium night sights and wood Hogue grips. The Elite version offers a polished feed ramp, polished and deburred slide, beveled magazine well, and enlarged trigger with a smoother action. Variants include the K9 and K40 (in .40 S&W), each available in stainless steel or matte black finish, with drift-adjustable white bar-dot combat sights. The K40 has been removed from the lineup.
Reader's Guide
The Kahr K series gained a reputation for quality of construction and reliability since its introduction, remaining popular with both police and civilian markets. In 1998, the K9 was approved for off-duty and backup carry by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). However, as of December 2011, the Kahr K9 is no longer authorized by the NYPD because Kahr Arms was not able to increase the trigger pull to NYPD specifications; its light trigger was blamed for over a dozen recent accidental discharges, none fatal. The series has appeared in several films and television shows, including Jodie Foster's character in the 2007 film The Brave One, Walden Belfiore in The Sopranos, Danny Reagan in Blue Bloods, Kenji in Rush Hour 3, characters in American Horror Stories: Asylum, and Casey Affleck's character in Gone Baby Gone. The K series represents a notable entry in the concealed carry and backup pistol market, distinguished by its all-steel construction and DAO trigger system.
Did You Know?
- The Kahr K9 was introduced in 1995.
- The K9 was approved for off-duty and backup carry by the NYPD in 1998, but was no longer authorized as of December 2011 due to trigger pull specifications.
- The K9's light trigger was blamed for over a dozen accidental discharges, none fatal.
- The K40 variant has been removed from the lineup.
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