In the early 2000s, more states started allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns. At that time, most gun manufacturers were still focused on full-size handguns, which were not the most ideal for CCW. The guns that were available for CCW at that time were typically chambered in less powerful rounds, with a .380 being the beefiest round you could get. Kahr saw the need and developed a very innovative line of handguns.
I have had the great privilege of shooting just about every CCW handgun that gets made. I’ve always had a great deal of respect for Kahr, one of the first manufacturers to make a commercially available/quality CCW.
During the NRA Atlanta meeting in 2017, Kahr introduced “S” series of pistols. The price point for these is similar to the CW series, but it provides the owner with some added features. The forward slide serrations (for press checks/forward loading), three-dot sights, and a 1913 rail on the polymer frame are the main features a shooter would notice/care about.
Shooting
The S9 handles very well. As with all my tests, I took it straight out of the box and proceeded to shoot 500+ rounds (without cleaning it). I had zero malfunctions/failure to feed. The S9’s 1911-style straight grip feels very good in the hand. This also aids in better control of the firearm, allowing for more consistently accurate follow-up shots. The frame texturing is defined, but not overly aggressive like other manufacturers.
What would I change?
Not much. I’d prefer steel sights over the S9’s polymer sights, but these can be upgraded (similar to what the K9 Elite has). However, I understand the need to use polymer sights to keep this in the mid-$400 MSRP price range and still allow it to be “Made in the USA.” The only real issue I had was when I had to load 500+ rounds of 9mm in the 7- and 9-round magazines. The top edges of the magazine were a little sharp. This was consistent on all 6 of the magazines I used in my test. A little extra time on the buffing wheel would make this a non-issue.
Conclusion
Kahr has been an innovator in the CCW handgun market for many years. The S9 continues this trend and offers you an affordable/reliable CCW.
Have you fired Kahr’s S9? What was your impression? Share your answer in the comment section.
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This is an interesting pistol. I wonder if it can handle P+ rounds, and how well it holds up to grime and debris.
I never cleaned this gun when I did my test and shot Wolf, Tula, IMI, Federal, Winchester, Hornady +P, Liberty Ammo, and Freedom Munitions. Zero issues.
My CW45 is an excellent CCW.
45 auto has the power to put down any perp that is going to try to do harm to this old retired LEO.
THANKS KAHR !!
I LOVE my cw45! My wife used it to get her license to carry. She really likes it too.
The super low bore axis really makes the recoil very comfortable for a compact .45acp.
I carry the CW45 all the time to protect the lives of my children my wife myself and who ever needs protection from an evil doer.
I trust Kahr that much.
I own 4 Kahrs, 2 9s, a CW and a CM both are very accurate. Also own 2 45s. A CW45 and a CM45. Like to shoot the CW not so crazy about the CM but both are accurate but both are ammo sensitive as to COAL. Find the 165 Grain Hornadys work well in both.
Had a K40 and a CW40 and didn’t like them, sold them. Next Kahr is a K9.
Why not impressed with the cm 45? Is it just too small to enjoy shooting?