The Kahr CM9 is a subcompact 9mm pistol built around a double action only trigger with no manual safety. The 3-inch barrel and 5.42-inch overall length make it one of the more pocketable 9mm options available. The polymer frame keeps weight at 14 oz unloaded (15.90 oz with magazine), and the matte stainless steel slide gives it good corrosion resistance for a carry gun. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Kahr Arms 
• Model: CM9 
• Caliber: 9mm Luger 
• Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO) 
• Capacity: 6+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches (3.1 inches nominal) 
• Overall Length: 5.42 inches 
• Weight: 14 oz (15.90 oz with magazine) 
• Frame Material: Polymer 
• Slide Material/Finish: Matte stainless steel 
• Sights: Drift-adjustable combat rear with white bar-dot; pinned polymer front 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The DAO action delivers a consistent, long trigger pull on every shot with no external hammer to snag on clothing. No manual safety means the trigger pull itself is the safety mechanism, a design many carry-focused shooters prefer. The textured polymer grip holds up in adverse conditions. Drift-adjustable rear sights let you correct windage without replacing the sight picture entirely. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

1. Concealed carry: the slim profile (5.42 inches overall) is purpose-built for this. 
2. Backup carry: light weight and reliable DAO action work well as a secondary firearm. 
3. Home defense: immediate-action trigger and 6+1 capacity are adequate for most scenarios.

CM9 Stealth owners are generally satisfied, though the limitations are real and regularly discussed.

All-day carry comfort is the most common positive. The light weight and slim frame genuinely disappear under clothing, and owners report carrying it for full days without issue. The DAO trigger gets positive marks for consistency. The pull is long but predictable, and most shooters who carry it regularly report their accuracy improving with practice. Build quality is generally praised; the stainless slide and polymer frame hold up over extended use.

The 6+1 capacity comes up in virtually every discussion. For anyone used to double-stack 9mms, the trade-off is significant. The DAO trigger also takes adjustment time. Some owners find the initial pull heavy and invest meaningful range time before they're comfortable with it. Those are the two most consistent friction points in the community, and they're worth knowing before buying.

Its smooth trigger, clear sights, accuracy, and reliability make it my favorite carry pistol.