Kahr introducing attractively-priced CT380 (VIDEO)

Kahr Arms is expanding on its recently-launched Value series of CT pistols with the new CT380. This ultra-compact .380 ACP pistol is tailored for the concealed-carry market and priced to move.

On its way to shelves now, the CT380 has a recommended retail price of just $399 and is expected to list at $350 or less.

Following in the footsteps of the CT9, CT40 and CT45 the CT380 is made with a few cost-saving steps that makes it affordable without compromising the reliability or performance of the firearm.

It uses the same polymer frame and renown double-action only trigger as other .380 pistols by Kahr with changes to the slide and slide stop lever.

ct380

The new CT380 by Kahr. (Photo: Kahr)

The slide is machined with fewer cuts to reduce machining time, one of the major factors in the cost of manufacturing firearms, and the markings are stamped, not engraved. The stainless steel slide is finished with a matte polish, along with the slide stop, which is injection-molded, not machined.

Another change is to the 3-inch barrel, which has traditional rifling, unlike Kahr’s other pistols that have more expensive polygonal rifling.

Additionally, the CT380 ships in a plain cardboard box and comes with a single 7-round magazine. It uses the same magazines as the Kahr CW380 and P380. Taken together these cost-cutting changes are largely cosmetic and are what makes the CT series very affordable.

Otherwise the CT380 delivers on what the consumer demands from Kahr. An extremely lightweight .380 weighing just 11.4 ounces unloaded that handles the recoil well thanks to its locked-breech design.

Unlike many small .380s the CT380 is not a blowback pistol which means that it’s a relatively soft shooter, which is important with these light and thin pistols. The CT380 is just .75 inches wide at the slide. Overall it’s just 5.2 inches wide and 4.4 inches tall.

Because of its small size the CT380 is ideal for deep concealment and pocket carry. This is a gun for people to carry all day, every day, either as their primary concealed-carry pistol or as a backup.

The gun was designed with duty use in mind, and like the majority of Kahr’s pistols, appealing to the law enforcement market just as much as the commercial market — the low price is just a benefit, this is a serious handgun.

If you’re in the market for a small .380 that you can take with you wherever you go, no matter what you’re wearing, you may want to consider the new Kahr CT380, especially if you’re on a budget.

Details and specifications are available at the Kahr CT380 product page.

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