Can someone give me a brief rundown of the hierarchy of Kahr Pistols?

[Cristofori]

Being brand new to Kahr, I don't know much about their line. Checking their website, it was a bit confusing (so many wonderful pistols!). All I do know is the CM series are the budget versions of the PM series.

Can someone give me a quick rundown from the top of the line to the bottom?

[ripley16]

Many feel the top of the line are the K and T series. Especially the Elite model K . There is also a smaller MK model. These are the all steel Kahrs.

Next are the polymer frames. Of these the PM, P and TP are the top polymers.

The bottom of the line are the C models of polymers frame guns, the CM and CW.

There are limited runs of other models, a E that was a less expensive K and a covert run of shortened grip P and K models. At one time a Lady Kahr, slightly modified K9, was available and at present a "Black Rose" special is available.

[chrish]

To add to ripley's comments.

Regarding the polymer guns, on anything new, the mechanics and triggers are pretty much (I guess actually, completely) the same. So between P and C series (both polymer) you are only talking about cosmetic differences. C has less machining on the slide and the take down/slide stop pin. C has pinned front site where P has dovetail front sight.

C you also only get 1 mag. You get 2 w/ a P series.

P you get an (arguably) better polygonal barrel vs a standard rifled barrel.

There are no full size C series, so no equivalent to the TP.

That's about it.

[Cristofori]

Many feel the top of the line are the K and T series. Especially the Elite model K . There is also a smaller MK model. These are the all steel Kahrs.

Next are the polymer frames. Of these the PM, P and TP are the top polymers.

The bottom of the line are the C models of polymers frame guns, the CM and CW.

There are limited runs of other models, a E that was a less expensive K and a covert run of shortened grip P and K models. At one time a Lady Kahr, a K9, was available and at present a "Black Rose" special is available.Thanks! What is the main difference between the CW and CM series?

[CJB]

The CW is the downmarket version of the P
The CM is the downmarket version of the PM

Downmarket versions have alternate slide milling, pinned polymer front sight (vs steel dovetail), different markings, traditional grooved barrel (vs polygonal), one magazine. The frames are the same as their upmarket cousins.

[ripley16]

Thanks! What is the main difference between the CW and CM series?

Kahrs come in three sizes and three grades.

The sizes are small, medium and large;
small = MK, PM, CM
medium = K, P, CW
Large = T, TP, (no C yet)

The grades are;
C = Economy grade polymer framed Kahrs with fewer features.
Standard = all regular Kahrs; PM, P, TP, MK, K, T
Elite = added features on MK and K line.

In general the diffence between the sizes translates to 1/2" increments in the barrel length and grip. Kahrs have either a ", 3 1/2" or 4" barrel. Mag capacity depends on caliber, but small has one less, and large has one more than the medium size.

[Flincher]

Another question for Ripley16--so is the K9, which I'm looking to buy, the top-of-the-line 9mm ??

[chrish]

I think top-of-the-line depends on the buyer with regard to the P vs either the K or T series. The K and T are all metal, the P are polymer. It's debatable which is 'better', but the K and T definitely cost more just because the metal and machining cost more. All Kahr pistols use the 'elite' trigger now, so unless you buy an older used gun, you are going to get the same trigger. The P, K, and T all have polygonal barrels, all have nicely machined parts with smoothed surfaces, all have the elite trigger, all have dovetailed front/rear sights, etc. I can't speak to the slide internals, but by all accounts, those are the same as well even though the slides are a bit different if you look at them.

P or K/T, it's really a choice of metal vs polymer if you ask me. The C is just as good, just not as 'polished' on the appearance, some even like it better. And again, the barrel issue is arguable, but a difference (functionality + cost) nonetheless.