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Of the highest quality, the little Kahr pistol was manufactured of the finest materials implementing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and advanced, high precision computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools. Looking something like a miniature Glock, the Kahr is striker-fired and the slide group operates much the same way as does the Glock, but beyond that a number of differences were apparent. Machined from high grade steel, the K9 uses a uniquely simple double action mechanism. Consisting of a rotating shaft with a double sear-like piece in the center, the system both retracts the striker (and releases it) and deactivates the firing pin (striker) safety. Like the Glock, the Kahr's slide pre-sets the sear each time it's retracted. Simplified in its design, the Kahr's striker reduces the number of parts needed and allows for more robust construction of these parts. This simple, strong and compact system allows the Kahr to use a very short slide while still incorporating a barrel 3.5 inches long.
Standard on the K9 are excellent recoil-absorbing Hogue rubber grips that seem to make the gun feel like an extension of the hand. With only a short distance to the trigger the Kahr is as ergonomic as it gets. Pulling the Kahr's trigger is a shooter's dream. Giving definition to the word "smooth," this trigger is so easy to use that even those with disabilities such as arthritis usually find it comfortable. Now In .40 S&W Caliber
Designed to take any factory 9x19mm ammunition, including the +P varieties, the Kahr is a 9mm compact with a full size punch, and with 9mm ammunition now available economically, one can afford to practice with the gun abundantly. What more could one ask for? Well, for starters, a Kahr in .40 S&W caliber, and not only has the company satisfied this ever-growing demand, but the new K40 Kahr can also be had in a durable electroless nickel finish like its 9mm sibling.All key components of the Kahr are coated with a tough, glare-free corrosion-resistant, bonded gray nickel finish that actually out-performs stainless steel against corrosion. In addition, the internal parts are finished with a teflon-like PTFE component that provides added dry lubricity to further smooth the operation of the pistol. Having just received a sample new .40 S&W nickeled K40 pistol, I can assure you that it's everything the K9 is and more. Holding 6 rounds of your favorite forty in its magazine gives the K40 a total capacity of 7 shots, and it is as simple to use as a revolver. So, with that said, how does it perform? Shots Fired
With its greater momentum the .40 S&W cartridge generates more recoil than the 9mm, and this translates directly to the shooter's hand. However, we found that the Hogue rubber grips come to the rescue to absorb the force just as with the 9mm K9, and we suffered no abuse from this compact forty.
Ammunition loaded to +P performance originally came about as a result of the thought that it produced greater "shock" from greater velocity. This higher velocity also helped the older types of hollowpoint bullets expand. Not only do I not agree with the notion that much is gained from higher velocity in most self-defense handguns, but bullets have changed, too. With the dramatic advances made in bullet technology during the past six or seven years, we now see many of them not only offering optimum penetration, but expansion, too. Recently I was privileged to test Federal's new Personal Defense ammunition at Thunder Ranch, in Texas. using new computer-designed bullets, this ammunition offers less recoil with performance equal to +P ammunition. for example, Personal Defense ammunition in .40 S&W offers a reduction in recoil of about 14%, and penetrates over 11 inches in 10% gelatin with heavy clothing in front of it. Ammunition loaded to +P pressure brings a number of things to the self-defense table that's less than desirable. First, it causes more wear and tear to your gun. While this may be of no concern in a gunfight, +P ammo also produces more muzzle blast (if not more muzzle flash). Most undesirable about +P ammunition is that it produces much more recoil. Heavy recoil diminishes your ability to make rapid, accurate follow-up shots, and in a gunfight, fast well-placed multiple hits are what will save your life. I don't care if a particular cartridge has a 99% record of "one-shot-stops." With your luck, you'll be that one percent, so make sure you can deliver enough hits to survive. All major ammunition manufacturers now offer loads using new state-of-the-art expanding bullets at standard velocities. Of course, if you can hit just as well with +P ammunition, and prefer it, have at it, as the K40 will handle it fine. So what about accuracy from the K40? Well, sample Kahr 9mm pistols I've tested, while by no means "Match Grade," have performed satisfactorily out to 25 yards, producing 5-shot groups of about 4 inches (sometimes more). However, in the case of our sample K40, I'm happy to report that this little gun consistently put five shots into well under 4 inches with most types averaging about three inches as 25 yards. This is real combat accuracy, and the little Kahr performed perfectly, never missing a hitch with any forty fodder.
Druthers
So what would I change about the K40? I had to work some to come up with something to fill this. For one thing, lightweight the Kahr ain't, but I carry big guns for self-defense, and this all-steel masterpiece doesn't bother me in that respect. I'll carry it in the Alessi holster I have for my K9. The only addition to the .40 caliber pistol I can think of off hand is the Harrts Recoil Reducer, and it will remain in this K40.perfect for concealed carry self-defense or home protection, the Kahr has taken its rightful place in the pistol world. If you're in the market for a compact double action only semi-automatic pistol of the highest quality, the Kahr was designed to fill your needs. Look for the new nickel or newer-still stainless .40 S&W caliber K40 at your dealers.
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