[stevek]

I have a S&W 638 Bodyguard J-frame, and a Kel-Tec P3AT. I am thinking about picking up a Kahr PM9. This will be a dedicated pocket pistol. How does the PM9's felt recoil compare to the J Frame and Kel-Tec. (Wife and son hate the Kel-Tec due to recoil) There is no place local for me to rent to try, and I don't know anyone that owns one. I have plenty of other weapon options, so please stick to the above three in your answer. Thanks in advance!

[Philip Marlowe]

You will be very pleased with the Kahr PM9. I own one and love it.

It qualifies as a pocket pistol in the same way the others do - just barely. As for recoil, it's difficult because I think it has less than the J-Frame simply because it's an autoloader, but also because the grip is a bit longer - especially with an elongated magazine in the PM9. (I can get all three fingers on the PM9, not on the J-Frame).

I've shot +P 9mm out of the PM9 and .38 +P out of the J-frame (the only way either should be loaded, in my opinion) and recoil was just more mild with the PM9 - although it's certainly no range gun.

I shot the Kel-Tec along time ago and remember it being surprisingly hard to hold onto and difficult to shoot accurately - probably just me.

If you do get the Kahr - pick-up a hogue rubber grip sleeve as well.

Good luck!

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=95168&d=1238263707

[chris in va]

Agree. The Kahr is surprisingly controllable for it's size due to the low bore axis. I find my old j-frame to have a lot more flip.