Kahr K9 is a perfect concealment gun for women

Shooting Industry, April, 1996 by Lisa Parsons

The Kahr K9 9mm semi-auto pistol has an overall length of 6 inches, a height of 4 1/2 inches and a slide width of .9 inches. Specifications that make the K9 highly concealable. The K9 is also a reasonably lightweight gun, weighing 25 ounces, with a respectable maximum capacity of 7 1.

The weight of the K9 can be attributed to its all-steel construction and "full-size design." According to company literature, the K9's designers set out to create the smallest full-power 9mm semi-auto without cut-down parts or a "shortened" design, and they were very successful.

The K9 features a modified "Browning-type" recoil lug that is functionally identical to full-sized designs. The offset recoil lug makes room to place the K9's trigger mechanism beside the lug rather than under it. This raises the shooter's grip as close to the center line of the barrel as possible. What this means to the shooter is less felt recoil and reduced muzzle flip.

Test firing the K9 demonstrated the merit of the design. The gun fit comfortably in my hand and was very accurate off-hand shooting. There was very little felt recoil and this helped in the accuracy department. Three other women test fired the K9 on the same day I did and all were favorably impressed. This would be a great gun to recommend to your customers who have expressed concern about recoil.

The only problem I experienced with the K9 was difficulty in working the slide. Fresh out of the box it was very stiff and I could barely pull the slide back. I noticed, however, when I shot the K9 a second time, that the slide had loosened up a bit and was easier to work. You may want to assess your customer's physical condition before recommending the K9. Elderly women, arthritis sufferers and women with poor muscle tone may not be able to operate this gun.

The little K9 fits easily in a purse holster or fanny pack. Its relatively light weight and small size make it ideal for on the hip carry for women whose mode of dress allows for a paddle or pancake holster. Literature included with the gun states that DeSantis, Galco, Mitchell Leatherworks, Uncle Mike's, Alessi and Bianchi are currently making or have plans to make holsters for the K9.

I tested an early prototype holster for the K9 from Galco. The PLE (Professional Law Enforcement) Holster from Galco is a leather paddle holster with thumb strap. The leather, available in black or tan, is molded to fit the exact shape of the K9. The PLE with K9 rode comfortably on the hip and provided a smooth, easy draw. I found it took fairly bulky clothing to hide the gun and holster, however.

The K9 can be customized with Hogue wood grips, and Trijicon and Hesco-Meprolight have plans to produce sights for the 9mm.

Women looking for a bargain priced concealment gun will find the Kahr K9 to be an excellent choice.

Clean Shot

Sometimes it's the little things that make a difference in how well your customers shoot. A scope that is too gunked up to see out of can ruin the perfect shot and using a shirt sleeve to clean a scope lens is a great way to add to a scratch collection. Leu-pold has come to the rescue with one of those neat little things that can save an expensive piece of equipment - the LensPen.

The LensPen is one of those great inventions you wish you had thought of yourself. It is a lens cleaning tool the size of an old fashioned fountain pen. At one end of the LensPen is a chamois cleaning tip impregnated with a non-liquid cleaning compound that whisks dust, dirt and grease from the lens. The lid of the LensPen replenishes the chamois tip. The other end features a retractable brush that can be used to clean away dust and grit. It's lightweight, convenient and it works.

The LensPen would be a great add-on item for every scope and binocular sold. An additional selling point is that it can be used on binoculars and camera lenses as well. Keep a few near the cash register and show every person who walks into your store how well it works on eye glasses. The LensPen will sell itself.