I am a fan of the Kahr pistol lines and models. Among the sea of companies who wanted to offer a pistol too, Kahr has delivered an exceptional design which is actually different and not just another functional copy with a different logo. The Kahr design basically offers all the safety benefits of the Glock pistol, minus the trigger split tongue safety, into a Kahr pistol design which actually has a simpler fire control mechanism. To me, the simplicity of the Kahr design is one of its primary selling points and one of the main reasons why the pistols are stone cold reliable. I have been carrying and shooting the Kahr CM9 for almost two years and never had an issue with reliability.

ABOUT KAHR ARMS
Until about two years ago when I first tested the CM9, I had written off Kahr arms as a brand I would consider. As a marketing professional in real life, I generally steer clear of brands that use hot babes to sell products when it really is not required. We all appreciate a pretty face, and generally sex sells, however this type of advertising sends me the message that I need to be seduced into buying your product because the product cannot stand on its own.

Kahr Arms is now part of the Magnum Research, Thompson, and Auto Ordnance firearm family. I have always noted that elegant simplicity is hard and Kahr pistols are an example of that elegant simplicity in action. The saying of "If it was easy, everyone would do it" is reflected in the six patents held for the Kahr pistol design.

FIT, FINISH, FEEL, & FEATURES
The fit on the CT45 is the same as any of Kahr's higher end pistols I have handled and shot. Even the internals are the same as the high end models. The biggest difference between the high end and value line is the additional machine work on the slide, the higher grade slide surface slide finish, milled vs case slide release, and the more expensive metal sights versus the polymer versions. If you want a little more contoured pistol with a bit better finish and more durable sights, the higher end models may be a better choice, however for the majority of us who just need a gun for CCW and home defense, the extra luxury is not required or needed.
Comparing even these "Value" lines to the competition, you see some huge differences. The slides and barrels for instance are machined from stainless steel instead of standard carbon ordnance grade steel. The slide release is an actual dimensionally manufactured part versus being a stamped part. The sublimely awesome trigger is actually metal versus being polymer as are the magazines. Even the recoil spring is a stainless double captive spring recoil assembly.

Thanks to the double recoil spring assembly, the CT45 is really very easy to hand cycle and charge. One of my biggest pieces of advice to new gun buyers is to assure they can hand cycle the gun. If they cannot due to either ergonomics or hand strength, they should move on to another gun. In the Cast of the CT45, ost shooters should find them extremely easy to manipulate.
Consider the price of these Value Line guns given the quality and you really start to appreciate the high quality of Kahr's value line which is better in many cases than most regular production handguns on the market. Although the CT45, chambered in 45 ACP and the CT9 chambered in 9mm are essentially the exact same pistols, I wanted to attack each of these in separate articles so there will be some repetition.


Before the Walther PPQ and H&K VP90 entered the market with jaw dropping trigger feels, I would have said that Kahr had the best trigger in any polymer pistol. In reality, Kahr pistol's triggers still have a better smooth stocking single action feel from the beginning to the break, however the PPQ and VP90 just happen to have more crisp final break at this time.
The CT Value Series also most to traditional rifling versus the accuracy increasing hex rifling. I have shot both types of barrels and don't really see you give up much at all when it comes to a defensive pistol shot at combat distances. There is an accuracy difference, however from a defensive pistol perspective it is such a marginal difference I would not consider it a relevant point. What I would point out is that this budget pistol has the ability to consume cast bullets whereas the high end hexagonal rifled models do not have the same ammo flexibility and can only digest plated rounds due to leading issues with cast bullets on the Hex rifling. Though the accuracy may be a bit better with the hex rifled models, you can shoot far less expensive home case lead bullets in the Value CT 45 and CT9 models for practice.
Essentially the CT45 is the same DOA (Double Action Only) Kahr design which the company designs into all its pistols. From a size perspective you basically get a DOA 1911 sized gun without any external safeties. The Kahr CT45 even has 7+1 rounds just like a standard 1911.
FUNCTIONS & ACCURACY


FINAL THOUGHTS
Generally in this price realm of sub-$400, buyers are looking at the HiPoint and KelTec lines or the questionable "import knockoff" models or used police trade ins to get into this price point. Even the Taurus lines have a tough time getting into the sub-$400 price range. I think Kahr has made a brilliant decision to offer this quality at this price.
The CT line delivers a very slim profile which makes for a mighty comfy concealed carry gun even in this full sized pistol. Shooters with mid-small sized hands such as the new female shooter market should really take a hard look at Kahr and try to overlook the pin up girl marketing of the company. In a .45 ACP chambered thumper, I think Kahr has introduced a category killer which will drive other manufacturers catch up in this value priced category.
SPECS
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Operation: Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; "Browning - type" recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Barrel: 4.04", conventional rifling; 1 - 16.38 right-hand twist
Length O/A: 6.57"
Height: 5.25"
Slide Width: 1.01"
Weight: Pistol 23.7 ounces, Magazine 2.4 ounces
Grips: Textured polymer
Sights: Drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight, pinned in polymer front sight
Finish: Black polymer frame, matte stainless steel slide
Magazine: 1 - 7 rd Stainless
MSRP $449 - Street $370
SOURCES
Shop a huge selection of Firearms and Accessories at Brownells.com - excellent prices and huge selection.
Shop a huge selection of Firearms and Accessories at Brownells.com - excellent prices and huge selection.
No comments:
Post a Comment