Introducing the Kahr CM40: a compact, and affordable, new pistol chambered in .40 S&W. Â According to Kahr, the CM40 is an extension of the CM-series of pistols that was introduced in 2011.
The Kahr CM40 has a 3″ barrel and weighs less than 18 ounces with the magazine. Â The pistols are thin: Â only 0.94″ wide.
The magazines have flush fitting floorplates, and hold five rounds for a total capacity of six. Â I would expect that Kahr will introduce an extended magazine that will hold six rounds (for a total of seven) later in the year, but that is pure speculation on my part.
The sights use the dot/bar configuration and are large enough for real use.
MSRP is $517, which means “street” prices should be in the mid-$400’s. Â Like the CM9, the CM40 draws features from the company’s more expensive lines, but uses some cost-cutting measures to draw down the MSRP.
Among the cost savings measures employed by Kahr:
– ships with one magazine instead of two
– uses a MIM slide stop instead of a machined slide stop
– rifling is conventional instead of polygonal
– markings are simple engravings instead of roll marks
We’ll see this gun at the 2012 SHOT Show, and I’ll bring more photos and impressions of the gun from there. Â I’ve shot the CM9 pistol, a 9mm version of the gun, and found that I really liked it. Â In fact, because I liked it so much, I bought it. Â It shoots very well – no reliability issues, a super smooth trigger and darn accurate for a pistol as small as it is. Â Recoil, even with higher pressure ammo, is very mild. Â I imagine recoil in the .40 S&W caliber version will be a wee bit more stout. Â Only by getting the gun on the range and running it with self-defense ammo will we know how well it runs and what kind of recoil we will be looking at.
2012 SHOT Show Update
The Kahr CM40 is a very compact pistol designed for concealed carry. Â The .40 S&W handgun was introduced just a few months ago, and the 2012 SHOT Show was the first chance I had to put hands on one.
It felt good in the hand, though an extended magazine would be nice so my pinky didn’t fall off the bottom. Â We hope to have a CM40 soon to test on the range.
Having reviewed the CM9 at SHOT SHOW in January it comes to no surprise to me that Kahr has introduced this series in .40 cal. The CM9 gathered a lot of attention from the concealed carry crowd due to its size and features. Keeping the CM40 under one inch in width is impressive.
Having handled the CM9 I was impressed with the compact package that still had quality features of a larger pistol. I really enjoyed handling the CM9. It felt very natural in my hands, could easily fit into pants pockets, and had a smooth trigger pull.
I agree with Richard’s prediction, look to see a magazine extension within the year.
I love my Kahr PM9 and my Glock 27, both of which I qualify for secondary carry. This being said, an extended mag on the Kahr CM40 would give a better grip for the hotter cartridge. Good for quals, nice for an added mag in concealed carry. Now I have to rotate the M&P340 out for the PM9 for tonight’s back-up!
Randall
Hey Richard,
Just thought I’d let you know you are on your “A” game with this article. You beat Guns & Ammo’s Handgunsmag.com in putting this out.
I purchased a CM9 about 6 months ago. and love it. Only a few hiccups during the first 150 rounds, now 600 rounds later it runs like a champ. Can’t wait to pick up the new CM40. I doubt that it will replace my Glock 27. but it will definately find a place in the stable. Great job, Kahr. Keep up the good work!
I have the cm40 and absolutely love this gun. Great for the price and easy to conceal, never had a problem with it!