Kahr, the maker of functional, well-crafted DAO single-stack pistols, has been missing in action for several years from the cutting edge of the industry. Its products were the same as ever, but that was the problem. The market had shifted back to double-stacks, and then onto mini-9s holding double-digit numbers of rounds. The company that had hit one out of the park with its little single-stack PM9 was languishing back in the minors. Or was it?
When Kahr introduced the 10-round X9, it was first a matter of “about time.” However, after examining the pistol, it’s apparent that the company found a way to catch up with its competitors in a hurry.
The X9 is a polymer-frame DAO pistol with abbreviated, two-column magazines. It comes with two mags, a flush-fit base and a pinky-rest base. The pistol is optic-ready, the cover plate concealing a cut for any mini red-dot sight having a Holosun K footprint (a variation of the RMSc pattern). Relying on just its iron sights, and with its 3.54-inch barrel and short grip dimensions, the X9 is an EDC pistol for virtually any carry method. It’s fine on a belt but can also be carried in a pocket holster or on an ankle.
The aforementioned pinky-rest is actually quite significant to X9. Though the gun is small, using the pinky-rest basepad gives just enough room for a full-hand grip for most shooters. I wear gloves sized “large” and I can fit all of my fingers; just barely, but they do fit. In fact, the snugness makes for an enhanced feeling of control.
However, more than comfort is at issue with the pinky rest if you choose to mount an MRDS. Emerging doctrine is that if you have trouble quickly finding the dot, apply pressure with your pinky. The leverage of that little digit typically lowers the dot into the window to get you on target in a hurry.
Both the front and rear sights are dovetailed into the slide. The combination is surprisingly exacting for such a small pistol. Disassembly involves rotating the disassembly latch on a cleared pistol. Once that’s accomplished, the X9 breaks down easily into its component groups. The backstrap is deeply radiused, offering good control of the pistol, helping the diminutive gun punch above its weight.
If you’re still wondering about the earlier reference to Kahr having found a way to quickly catch up to its competitors, here’s the news: While SIG Sauer and Springfield Armory released their popular P365 and Hellcat, respectively, years ago and sold a ton of them, Kahr has imagined and manifested a way to take advantage of its competitors’ popularity. The X9 can use both SIG Sauer P365 and Springfield Armory Hellcat’s significantly more-capacious magazines. It’s not only an inspired idea, but inspired engineering. I tried factory magazines from both pistols, and they worked as advertised.
The sight picture produced by the irons consists of a white line on the rear and a white dot on the front post, similar to those previously found on SIG Sauer pistols. Simply dot the “i” and you are in business.
The trigger is referred to as DAO and does not include the common, bladed safety. There is considerable take-up, with the trigger coming almost vertical before you feel any engagement. As it continues rearward, it requires slightly increasing pressure before it suddenly breaks at a weight of 6 pounds, 11 ounces. There is no bump prior to the trigger tripping.
Kahr pistols require a 200-round break in. Our sample required a bit more, but it got there. A tendency to occasionally not go into battery corrected itself in time to the point where it simply stopped happening. The only other reliability issue consisted of three failures to lock open after the last shot.
Accuracy was surprisingly good —as were recoil attenuation and balance—for such a small gun. The backstrap is deeply contoured, providing a firm grip, and the barrel is just long enough to balance well. The sight picture is not fast, but it is precise. Many groups had two or more overlapping holes, with first-round flyers opening things up a little.
As part of a review, I wear a test carry pistol for a week or two. I want to know if it carries comfortably, conceals well, draws smoothly, doesn’t abrade skin or clothing, etc. However, what I want to know most is whether I feel entirely comfortable trusting my safety to it and my abilities to employ it well. The X9, once it found its stride, satisfied that criterion (as well as all the others). And, it allows for a heck of a reload, courtesy of the company’s competitors.
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