Kahr 9mms are ideal carry and target guns for women - Arms and the Woman

Shooting Industry, April, 2003 by Lisa Parsons-Warith

Kahr pistols blazed onto the scene in the mid-'90s and .have gained an avid following in the shooting community. Known for their innovative design and out-of-the-box reliability, Kahr pistols have become favorite carry guns for shooters across America.

The company's first pistol, the K9, set the style and tone for the rest of the Kahr line. All the models that followed have the same trigger action and locking mechanism. Today, the Kahr inventory covers a wide spectrum of sizes, including the diminutive PM9 and the compact T9. You should show these two firearms to your lady customers.

The original PM9 was introduced in 2002. Chambered in 9mm, it sports a black-textured polymer frame and a matte stainless steel slide that rides on special steel inserts for long-term durability, reliability and accuracy. This year, Kahr has added a second PM9 model. It has the polymer frame and a blackened stainless steel slide with a Black Diamond finish.

The PM9 is a recoil-operated pistol using a Browning-type system. The barrel is locked to the slide during the initial rearward travel, then disengages to allow the slide to continue rearward for extraction and ejection. An integral stainless steel guide rod helps dampen recoil.

Kahr's trigger system employs a cam to unlock the passive safety and complete cocking and releasing of the firing pin. The system provides a "safe cam action" and Kahr's well-documented smooth DAO trigger.

The truly astonishing thing about this DAO pistol is its lightweight and small size. The PM9 weighs in at a mere 15.9 ounces with an empty magazine and it is just 5.3 inches long and 4 inches high. It also has a very thin, flat profile; the slide is a scant .9 inches across.

The PM9 comes with two magazines. The 6 1 magazine is the same length as the grip. The 7 1 magazine has a grip extension, which protrudes below the butt of the gun. The PM9 also will accept all Kahr 9mm magazines.

Many very small guns are shortchanged in the sight department, because designers see them as last-ditch, up-close and personal guns. The architects of the Kahr PM9, however, saw fit to give the pistol drift-adjustable sights that really work. Three-dot tritium night sights are an option. All Kahr firearms come with a limited lifetime warranty and include trigger locks.

This little gun is sure to become a favorite with women shooters. First, it is reliable. Second, the PM9 gun was born to be carried. Its lightweight and compact size make it ideal for carry in a coat pocket, purse, fanny pack or even an ankle holster without becoming a burden.

Kahr's Larger 9mm Meets Tactical And Target Needs

Another Kahr that is ideal for women is the T9. The 9mm matte stainless steel pistol comes in two versions. The Tactical 9 sports low-profile Novak night sights and the Target 9 wears MMC adjustable three-dot sights.

The overall length of the T9 is 6.5 inches and it is 4.95 inches high. Like the PM9, the slim-profile T9's slide is .9 inches wide. The pistol weighs in at a recoil dampening 28.1 ounces with an empty magazine. Two eight-round magazines come standard with the pistols.

The T9 brakes free of the Kahr mold a little bit by sporting checkered Hogue Pau Ferro wood grips. This gives the pistol a slightly less utilitarian look than other Kahr firearms and is sure to increase your customers' pride of ownership.

In both the Tactical and Target versions, the T9 is a nicely sized, reliable firearm any woman would be happy to own. Its straight from the factory reliability means women can purchase this gun, train with it and feel confident they are equipped to handle any situation.

Kahr's T9 comes in Tactical and Thrget versions that will attract the attention of women customers.

Serious Defense, Fun

Several companies make holsters for the PM9. Alessi has a belt-slide and an inside-the-pants model, DeSantis offers belt-slide, pocket and thumb break holsters, and Galco has an ankle holster and shoulder rigs. Mitch Rosen and Don Hume offer inside-the waistband models.

Any firearm in the Kahr line is an excellent choice for women looking for a reliable pistol. From miniature to target guns, there is a Kahr design that will work for just about anyone, whether she is looking for a hideout firearm or casual target gun. Pair these guns with a good quality holster and your women customers will be set for serious self-defense or serious fun.

Kahr Arms

(545) 353-7770

www.kahr.com

How Women Shoot

Dealers looking for insight into the female shooter's mindset should check out the book, Teaching Women To Shoot: A Law Enforcement Instructor's Guide, by veteran instructors Vicki Farnam and Diane Nicholl.

The book is geared primarily to help female officers pass their weapons qualifications, but dealers will find it valuable.

"Typically women learn best when the fundamentals of shooting are broken down into small segments and there is time to master each part before new material is presented," write Farnam and Nicholl.

Many of your women customers will want to purchase it also.