Kahr CM45 Compact 45 ACP Pistol – Rugged 3.3″ Two-Tone Carry Pistol, 5 Round

Description

The Kahr CM45 Compact 45 ACP Pistol, model CM4543, puts .45 ACP in one of the smallest polymer packages on the market: a 3.3-inch barrel, a black polymer frame, a matte stainless slide and 5+1 capacity.

Kahr CM45 Compact 45 ACP Pistol Overview

Kahr lists the CM45 at 5.8 inches overall, 4.5 inches tall, a 1.00-inch slide width and 17.3 ounces, with a 3.3-inch barrel with conventional rifling and a 1-in-16.38 twist. It ships with one 5-round magazine and has a drift-adjustable white bar-dot rear sight with a pinned polymer front. The CM line shares the external dimensions of Kahr’s premium PM series at a lower price. Its two-tone look comes from the black polymer frame paired with the stainless slide, which resists corrosion from sweat better than a blued slide when carried close to the body every day.

Big Bore, Small Gun

Few pistols this size are chambered in .45 ACP. The CM45 is for carriers who want the big, slow bullet in a gun that fits a pocket holster or a small inside-the-waistband rig. Its short grip leaves room for two fingers on most hands, and an extended magazine sleeve can help larger hands.

Trigger and Controls

Like every Kahr, it uses a trigger-cocking safe action with a long, smooth, consistent pull and no manual safety. The controls are minimal, which suits deep concealment. Spend time with dry fire practice to master the long stroke.

Value Series Differences

The CM line uses conventional rifling, a MIM slide stop, a pinned polymer front sight and one magazine to keep cost down, while sharing frame size with the PM45. Spare 5-round magazines are a smart early purchase.

Honest Caveats

A 17-ounce .45 recoils sharply; it is a carry gun, not a range toy. Five rounds is limited capacity. Kahr recommends a break-in of about 200 rounds before trusting it for carry. Check your manual before using +P ammunition, and test your defensive load for reliable feeding.

Carry Setup

Choose a holster that covers the trigger guard fully, carry a spare magazine, and pick a 230 grain hollow point that feeds reliably. The slim width makes it comfortable all day. Clean and lightly lubricate the slide rails after range trips, inspect the recoil spring periodically, and replace it on the schedule in Kahr’s manual. A short-barreled .45 also loses some velocity, so choose a load designed for compact pistols if you can find one.

State Laws and Ownership

Pennsylvania residents 21 and older can buy this firearm through a dealer, and carrying a handgun concealed or loaded in a vehicle generally requires a License to Carry Firearms. Other states are stricter. California, Massachusetts and a few others keep handgun rosters, and many states cap magazines at 10 or 15 rounds. Its 5-round magazine is compliant in states with 10-round limits. Check your state and local rules before ordering, and ask your receiving dealer if anything about this model is restricted where you live.

Specifications

• Model: Kahr CM45 CM4543
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Trigger-cocking DAO, striker
• Barrel: 3.3 in., conventional rifling, 1-in-16.38 twist
• Capacity: 5+1 (one magazine)
• Overall length: 5.8 in.
• Height: 4.5 in.
• Slide width: 1.00 in.
• Weight: 17.3 oz
• Sights: drift-adjustable white bar-dot rear, pinned polymer front
• Finish: black polymer frame, matte stainless steel slide

Before You Buy

Federal law requires this firearm to ship to a licensed FFL dealer, where you complete ATF Form 4473 and pass a background check before taking possession. You must be 21 or older to buy a handgun or other non-long-gun firearm from a dealer, and some states add purchase permits, waiting periods or roster rules. Confirm your local rules and your dealer’s transfer fee before ordering.

Who It Is For

The Kahr CM45 Compact 45 ACP Pistol is a great fit for experienced carriers who want .45 ACP in a very small, slim pistol.

Buy the Kahr CM45 Compact 45 ACP Pistol at MAG5 Firearms

MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Kahr CM45 Compact 45 ACP Pistol online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more pistols. For factory details, visit Kahr Arms.