The SHOT Show was held in 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year there were a lot of new and interesting items there. Two new pistols looked very interesting. The black pistol shown on the left is the new H&K P2000. It looks like the regular HK USP Compact model, but has a different layout. Available so far in 9 mm, the P2000 has a slide release on both sides. The de-cocker is a button on the rear of the slide just to the left of the hammer. This is a strange place to put a de-cocker, unless you want people to be able to use the gun either right or left handed with no problems. If that was the objective, they just hit a home run because you manipulate the pistol very well with either hand. The P200 just arrived from Germany so don't expect to see it in the stores real soon.
On the right is a prototype Kahr 9 mm. It's called a "T9." If these guys don't advertise this as the "Target and Trail," they're missing a bet. The T9 has a full 4 inch barrel and MMC adjustable sights. The grip is excellent. It reminded me of the SIG P210 in terms of feel, and that is a very high compliment. When the T9 reaches the stores, I'll step forward, push old ladies out of the way, and get one of the first ones.
Just kidding about pushing the old ladies. Charm works better with lines like, "Look it's Tom Jones!." When they turn to look toward the parking lot, you chop block them and go for the sales counter. Don't laugh. I got a Beretta Brigadier with night sights using that same move, and came close to getting a Ruger GP-100 with a gold trigger. That time I misjudged both the distance and the age of the person in my way, and, well, I'd rather not tell that story again.
I may write more about the SHOT Show after catching up on sleep lost in Las Vegas. I may write about visiting the mysterious Front Sight Training Center or the Nevada Pistol Academy. Or, and I like this idea, I may start sending e-mail to Kahr Arms every hour on the hour begging them to bring the T9 into production.
"Dear Kahr Arms. Now, about this 'T9' Prototype..."