I recently decided that I am going to purchase a Kahr, either the P9 or K9, but am torn between the two. I keep reading online that the P9 isn't a "range gun". I plan on this gun being my main ccw piece. I have felt both, prefering the K9 in the hand over the P9's texture. Anyone have an opinion? All I'm looking for is a gun I can put around 300-400 rds a month through,feed reliably, and last for years. I should say I am used to the Glock trigger, and have read that the P9 trigger is short but heavy,and the K9 trigger is long but lighter than the P9.
K9 or P9?
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possum
Member
i have shot the p9, the k9, the p40, the k40, and a few others. and at one time owned a kahr k 40. i personally prefer the steel framed models. the polymer are ok, but they are a little to light. the little bit of extra weight makes the kahr just feel better to me, and even though it doesn weigh and little more than the polymer, with a good holster and belt you will still sometimes forget that you are carrying it. the k9 is easy to shoot, and would make for a great ccw handgun.
Snowdog
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If you prefer the K9s ergonomics, you should go that route. I purchased my K9 the first year they were offered and looked at the P9s when they came out a few years later. I found I didn't care much for the feel of it (when compared to the K9).
It's going to be a bit heavier, but you really won't be irked by it assuming you're using a quality rig.
Either way, Kahrs are seriously nice pistols and perfectly suitable for concealed carry.
It's going to be a bit heavier, but you really won't be irked by it assuming you're using a quality rig.
Either way, Kahrs are seriously nice pistols and perfectly suitable for concealed carry.
Madcap_Magician
Member
I'd go with the K9. The polymer P9 was my first carry gun. The pro was that it was easy to conceal and comfortable. The con was that the 9mm kicked like a .40. The K9 doesn't weigh all that much more, and if you liked the ergos on it, you should get it.
usp9
Member
Tough question because the weight difference is substancial. As a range gun the K9 is certainly more comfortable to shoot a higher number of rounds. One benefit to the K9 over the P9 is that you can install a laser and still use a conventional holster.
The only reliability issues I've ever had have all been with polymer Kahrs. I've owned an early K9, T9, P45, CW9, TP9 and a new '09 K9, so I guess you could say I'm a fan.
If you opt to go for the P9 then I highly recomment you add a Hogue or Pachmayr grip sleeve. They make a positive difference in comfort IMHO. Other than a weight advantage, the P9 is much easier to takedown than the K9. Both shoot about the same accuracy. The K9 frame is slimmer, but the grips are thicker than the P9...kind of a trade off I guess.
The K9 is available in both triggers. I recommend the short stroke trigger. My early K9 had the long stroke and I really didn't like it.
The only reliability issues I've ever had have all been with polymer Kahrs. I've owned an early K9, T9, P45, CW9, TP9 and a new '09 K9, so I guess you could say I'm a fan.
If you opt to go for the P9 then I highly recomment you add a Hogue or Pachmayr grip sleeve. They make a positive difference in comfort IMHO. Other than a weight advantage, the P9 is much easier to takedown than the K9. Both shoot about the same accuracy. The K9 frame is slimmer, but the grips are thicker than the P9...kind of a trade off I guess.
The K9 is available in both triggers. I recommend the short stroke trigger. My early K9 had the long stroke and I really didn't like it.
if you're referring to the NYCPD trigger as the "long stroke" trigger, Kahr's site lists the difference as 1/2" vs. 3/8" and states that the trigger pull weights are in the same range.
the steel framed Kahrs are nicer to shoot for long periods, but i chose the lighter weight of polymer for comfort in carry. i got a killer deal on a CW9...i didn't need the extra machining on the slide and can live without the dovetailed sights or the polygonal barrel...and the trigger stroke as been as smooth and light as any steel framed Kahr i've shot
the steel framed Kahrs are nicer to shoot for long periods, but i chose the lighter weight of polymer for comfort in carry. i got a killer deal on a CW9...i didn't need the extra machining on the slide and can live without the dovetailed sights or the polygonal barrel...and the trigger stroke as been as smooth and light as any steel framed Kahr i've shot
dogtown tom
Member
I think that is a compliment, not a put down. Kahr's are made to be carried. Some guns are too big, fat and heavy to be considered for comfortable IWB carry or pocket carry and are therefore relegated to range use only.
My first Kahr was a K9 that I bought off Auction Arms. I've since added a CW9 and a PM9. All were bought used and run 100%. Last summer I bought my first NIB Kahr, a P380. It runs 100% (not counting some German police surplus stuff with hard as rock primers)
I recently bought a K40. Haven't had a chance to carry it yet as the holster I ordered is still en route, but i have been to the range with it a couple times. I have to say, I really like the feel of the steel frame. My wife held it and said, "I'd never carry it. It's too heavy."
So to some it's just got too much heft. I, on the other hand, think that it feels very nicely balanced and I can't imagine it's going to be too heavy for me. Heck, it's not any heavier than the 3" Ruger SP101 I carry daily, and that gun is perfectly comfy.
I'm editing to add: Once i start really carrying this gun, i feel like I'm probably going to really like it. I may end up getting a P9 or similar for carry in the summer so that I can sweat on the plastic frame rather than a steel one.
If I go polymer, I'll probably get a 9mm because I've heard that Kahr's polymer .40's are a beast to shoot.
So to some it's just got too much heft. I, on the other hand, think that it feels very nicely balanced and I can't imagine it's going to be too heavy for me. Heck, it's not any heavier than the 3" Ruger SP101 I carry daily, and that gun is perfectly comfy.
I'm editing to add: Once i start really carrying this gun, i feel like I'm probably going to really like it. I may end up getting a P9 or similar for carry in the summer so that I can sweat on the plastic frame rather than a steel one.
If I go polymer, I'll probably get a 9mm because I've heard that Kahr's polymer .40's are a beast to shoot.
K9 p9
I bought a P9 Covert about 8 years ago as a BUG to my Glock 23.
The Covert model is no longer made as the PM9 has replaced it.
I haven't fired a tremendous amount of rounds through it. Maybe a K in 8 years. I have run a few IDPA shoots with it 3 or 4 years ago. I used the 7 round mags for that. The Covert grip is 1/2" shorter than the std P9 and a flush fit mag (6 rounds) makes it a bit easier to conceal while still having a 3 1/2" bbl. It is a bit more difficult to shoot with the 6 round mag but for deeper concealment, it fits my needs.
Here is a pic of it in a Mitch Rosen clipper
I haven't shot the K models so really cannot compare them but I think this pistol makes a good BUG for pocket or ankle carry. I use it IWB as well.
I bought a P9 Covert about 8 years ago as a BUG to my Glock 23.
The Covert model is no longer made as the PM9 has replaced it.
I haven't fired a tremendous amount of rounds through it. Maybe a K in 8 years. I have run a few IDPA shoots with it 3 or 4 years ago. I used the 7 round mags for that. The Covert grip is 1/2" shorter than the std P9 and a flush fit mag (6 rounds) makes it a bit easier to conceal while still having a 3 1/2" bbl. It is a bit more difficult to shoot with the 6 round mag but for deeper concealment, it fits my needs.
Here is a pic of it in a Mitch Rosen clipper
I haven't shot the K models so really cannot compare them but I think this pistol makes a good BUG for pocket or ankle carry. I use it IWB as well.
Zundfolge
Member
Over the years I've owned an MK9 Elite 98 and an MK40 Elite 98 ... both were outstanding pistols and I regret selling both of them (especially the MK9 ... it had night sights and the wood grips ... great shooter).
The metal Kahrs are heavy, but frankly I still prefer them to the plastic ones (if I'm going plastic, I'd rather have something doublestack). With a good holster the weight isn't much of an issue unless you're really sensitive about weight.
The metal Kahrs are heavy, but frankly I still prefer them to the plastic ones (if I'm going plastic, I'd rather have something doublestack). With a good holster the weight isn't much of an issue unless you're really sensitive about weight.
verdun59
Member
K9 is the ticket, and that's from one who has a PM9 and P380. That K9 fits my hand like it was custom made. It's a great gun.
If you remember when the K9 first came out Kahr advertised to ask your gun dealer to let you hold it and once you do you wont want to give it back.
Thats what happened to me. I went to the gun shop to buy a Glock G26 and they had just received the new Kahr K9 and the salesman handed it to me. After handling the G26 and the K9 I purchased the K9 just based on how good it felt in rather small hand and it has never faltered in all these years.
Thats what happened to me. I went to the gun shop to buy a Glock G26 and they had just received the new Kahr K9 and the salesman handed it to me. After handling the G26 and the K9 I purchased the K9 just based on how good it felt in rather small hand and it has never faltered in all these years.
I think that the K-9 is the no brain winner. For me, the P-9 is too big for a pocket gun which means it requires a holster (belt or IWB doesn't matter). In a holster, the weight advantage of the P-9 doesn't even come close making up for all of the advantages of the steel gun already listed here.
The plastic framed kahrs are always about $100 or so more expensive than the steel framed ones in the gunshops I've seen them in.
Both however are very comfortable to hold. Kahr got the grip shape and angle just about perfect in my opinion.
Both however are very comfortable to hold. Kahr got the grip shape and angle just about perfect in my opinion.
OrangePwrx9
Member
Same thing here
Only difference is I was pawing the G19 before the K9. Wasn't much interested in the Glock after handling the Kahr. Still got the K9. It's one of the early blued ones from the mid '90s. Always been scary accurate. Never bought a Glock.
Bob
Only difference is I was pawing the G19 before the K9. Wasn't much interested in the Glock after handling the Kahr. Still got the K9. It's one of the early blued ones from the mid '90s. Always been scary accurate. Never bought a Glock.
Bob
Mark G.
Member
I have K9, P9 & P9 Covert. K9 is a great feeling gun, but is substantially heavier than the P9. Just shot 150 rounds with my P9 and could have kept going. The P series are great for carry. Can't lose with either one. Good luck!
K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9K9vK9
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Period.
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Period.
saltydog452
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- 1,707
The K-9 is like shaking hands with an old friend, your most comfortable boots, and a hat that just 'feels right'...all in one platform.
Its not a BHP, but as close as it gets.
salty
Its not a BHP, but as close as it gets.
salty
I have the K9, MK 9 and PM 9. So I can't compare the K9/P9 but I can their somewhat shorter little brothers for the steel/polymer question.
The steel IS different than the polymer. Better? Maybe. Probably. It is definitely easier to shoot and I get consistently better results with the steel. Which is not to say I don't care for polymer or that I am not open minded about polymer.
For pocket carry, I definitely prefer the PM over the MK, although I have pocket carried both. In this application, polymer wins and wins big. I am more than willing to sacrifice the steel advantage for the weight reduction in this arena. But for belt carry, the MK is really quite nice.
I consider the K9/P9 size a bit too large for pocket carry (although I have done so). Which means belt carry. I don't think that the lighter weight of the polymer amounts to a significant advantage with belt carry. You just don't feel the "extra" weight of the steel with belt carry with a good belt and holster. So I would stick with steel and its advantages.
I prefer the K series over the MK series for the ergos......the natural point, the feel in the hand, the joy of just being able to shoot something nice....really nice.....not that the Kahrs are the only way to get that.....
You can also get laser-grips for the steel series, if that is something that appeals to you.
Maybe I am among the lucky ones, but, after break in, all have performed just fine. I recall having some minor issues with only the MK during break in. After break in, hunkey dorey.
The steel IS different than the polymer. Better? Maybe. Probably. It is definitely easier to shoot and I get consistently better results with the steel. Which is not to say I don't care for polymer or that I am not open minded about polymer.
For pocket carry, I definitely prefer the PM over the MK, although I have pocket carried both. In this application, polymer wins and wins big. I am more than willing to sacrifice the steel advantage for the weight reduction in this arena. But for belt carry, the MK is really quite nice.
I consider the K9/P9 size a bit too large for pocket carry (although I have done so). Which means belt carry. I don't think that the lighter weight of the polymer amounts to a significant advantage with belt carry. You just don't feel the "extra" weight of the steel with belt carry with a good belt and holster. So I would stick with steel and its advantages.
I prefer the K series over the MK series for the ergos......the natural point, the feel in the hand, the joy of just being able to shoot something nice....really nice.....not that the Kahrs are the only way to get that.....
You can also get laser-grips for the steel series, if that is something that appeals to you.
Maybe I am among the lucky ones, but, after break in, all have performed just fine. I recall having some minor issues with only the MK during break in. After break in, hunkey dorey.
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