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Ya know, the more I shoot my Kahrs, the more I like them. Trying to settle on a preferred 'light carry' choice, I went to the range the other day with the K40 and Sig P290 for a shoot out, alternating 10 rounds out of each at two stacked Shoot-n-See 6" targets @ 7 yds. through 200 rounds.

The verdict?

Felt recoil and sight recovery is almost identical by virtue of the heavier steel frame on the 40 vs. the poly on the 9.

The Kahr will eat anything... I had a bunch of dribs and drabs 40 defensive stuff I mixed in the mags -- no problemo. With the rigidy of the steel frame, I don't think I can recall it ever missing to chamber a round.
I still don't feel totally confident the Sig will do the same, esp. with high performance loads. I know it doesn't like straight conical shaped bullets at all.

By virtue of the better 3-dot night sights the Sig ended up with a slightly more consistent overall group; I found myself stringing the Kahr more horizontally with the post and dot arrangement.

Ergonomically, triggers are similar, with the Kahr actually a bit smoother, but that could just be because it has been shot more and the 290 is still fairly new. The longer grip on the Kahr made for a more secure hold. From a carry perspective, their frame sizes and width are surprisingly close; the Kahr actually fits nicely in a P290 holster, though a bit if the longer muzzle protrudes. Yeah the Kahr is noticably heavier, but it also has a smoother exterior, which factors into all-day comfort and concealability.

All that being said, I think I am going to order a new set of 3-dot night sights for the Kahr. The 40 is a clear caliber advantage over a 9mm.