Kahr Arms was a fairly unknown company for its first few years, but quickly moved from the fringe to a major competitor in the CCW and mid-range priced pistol market. Though there have been many detractors, Kahr Arms has survived the naysayers with their (7) firearms patents and the production of several quality handguns.
The Kahr CT in .40 S&W provides quality and affordability.
At SHOT Show this year Kahr Arms introduced their new full-frame “Value-Series” CT Series in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. These are the first value-priced full framed firearms offered by Kahr, and continues the expansion of the CT series of handguns from the previously released CT in .380. I don’t have any illusions that departments will rush to Kahr for service handguns, but I am very intrigued about their potential for off-duty or even back-up firearms.
For decades, Kahr has offered gun enthusiasts the option of both compact and full-frame firearms. As the economy took a major hit, the demand for more affordable firearms led Kahr Arms to look for a way to provide shooters a quality firearm for less money. Kahr took the best features of their TP-series and with ingenuity and their meticulous dedication to detail and quality, they developed the CT Series.
Here is a comparison of the premium Kahr TP Series versus the “Value Series” CT line, and you can see that the real differences are mainly found in finish:
The Kahr CT series has all of the Patented Kahr firearms features:
Unique cocking cam trigger system employs a cam to both unlock the passive safety and finish cocking and releasing the firing pin for smooth DAO trigger pull
The “offset barrel” design places the trigger mechanism beside the barrel lug, raising the shooter’s hand close to the center line of the bore
Self-cleaning extractor, specially designed so that powder residue is forced away from the extractor, assures that the extractor will continue to function, shot after shot. Furthermore, the extractor is designed so that it employs the slide itself to limit its movement so that failures to extract are nearly impossible
Proprietary steel alloy slide stop pin.
All of the CT Series pistols feature a full-size polymer frame with a stainless steel slide and white bar-dot sight configuration.
I have become accustomed to striker fired pistols by carrying a Glock on duty for nearly 15 years, as well as owning a S&W M&P Shield. I really like a lot of the Kahr pistols features. The Kahr firearms seem to be well-built, and their ergonomics feel good in my hands. The trigger pull is smooth, with no let-up or gap, or gritty, jerky feeling. The only concern that I have is that the trigger pull is a little long for my preference.
Being used to the Glock trigger and its reset, I have to admit that the Kahr pistols have a longer trigger pull and reset. However, the Kahr trigger pull is smooth, with no grit or unnecessary take-up. In my opinion the Kahr trigger can be learned. When an officer friend asked about personal carry firearms I recommended he look into the Kahr lines. He and his wife purchased a Kahr pistol, and they both have been very pleased with their decision.
CT3833 Specifications:
Slide Material – 416 Stainless steel
Receiver Material – Black polymer, textured
Caliber – .380
Action – Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; “Browning – type” recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Overall Length – 5.52″
Barrel Length – 3.0″ conventional rifling, 1:16 RH twist
Height – 4.4″
Width – 0.75″ (slide)
Weight – 11.44 oz. without magazine
Capacity – 7+1
Front Sight – Polymer pinned white dot
Rear Sight – Drift adjustable, white bar/dot combat sight
Accessories – (1) Stainless steel 7-round magazine
MSRP – $419.00.
The Kahr CT3833 in .380 ACP.
CT9093 Specifications:
Slide Material – 416 Stainless steel
Receiver Material – Black polymer, textured
Caliber – 9 mm
Action – Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; “Browning – type” recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Overall Length – 6.5″
Barrel Length – 3.965″, conventional rifling, 1:10 RH twist
Height – 5.08″
Width – 0.90″ (slide)
Weight – 18.5 oz. without magazine; Magazine – 2.1 oz. (unloaded)
Capacity – 8+1
Front Sight – Polymer pinned white dot
Rear Sight – Drift adjustable white bar/dot combat sight
Extended trigger guard for easy access while gloved
Accessories – (1) Stainless steel 7-round magazine
MSRP – $449.00.
The Kahr CT9093 in 9mm.
CT4043 Specifications:
Slide Material – 416 Stainless steel
Receiver Material – Black polymer, textured
Caliber – .40 S&W
Action – Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; “Browning – type” recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Overall Length – 6.65″
Barrel Length – 4.0″, conventional rifling, 1:16 RH twist
Height – 5.13″
Width – 0.94″ (slide)
Weight – 21.8 oz. without magazine; Magazine – 2.1 oz. (unloaded)
Capacity – 7+1
Front Sight – Polymer pinned white dot
Rear Sight – Drift adjustable white bar/dot combat sight
Extended trigger guard for easy access while gloved
Accessories – (1) Stainless steel 7-round magazine
MSRP – $449.00.
The Kahr CT in .40 S&W provides quality and affordability.
The Kahr CT series uses a roller stamped basic slide with fixed sights.
CT4543 Specifications:
Slide Material – 416 Stainless steel
Receiver Material – Black polymer
Caliber – .45 ACP
Overall Length – 6.57″
Barrel Length – 4.04″, conventional rifling, 1:16.38 RH twist
Height – 5.25″
Width – 1.01″ (slide)
Weight – 23.7 oz. without magazine; Magazine – 2.4 oz. (unloaded)
Fixed Sights – Rear bar, front dot
Extended trigger guard for easy access while gloved
Capacity – 7+1
Accessories – (1) Stainless steel 7-round magazine
MSRP – $449.00.
The Kahr CT in .45 ACP offers a lot for the price.
An aggressive texture provides sure grip, without discomfort for extensive shooting.
The entire Kahr larger frame CT Series of polymer, striker fired handguns are available, in .380, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. I have shot several Kahr Arms firearms and have been impressed with each of the firearms I have shot. Each of CT Series pistols are the same price ($449.00), except for the noticeably smaller CT380 ($419.00). I like this feature, because sometimes shooters choose “less” of a gun for no other reason than the larger calibers have higher price tags.
In the last four years, Kahr has made dramatic improvements to their manufacturing and production processes. Those improvements have allowed Kahr to pass along the savings to consumers. Both the CT4043 and CT4543 feature Kahr’s seven patents and the slim, clean single stack design for concealed carry and home defense.