A question for you polymer or metal kahr guys.

[desert gator]

I have been carrying a walther pps for about 2 years now and I am getting bored with it even though I think that it is a fantastic gun. I have really taken in interest in Kahr guns as of late and have been toying with the idea of putting the pps in the nightstand and getting a Kahr ccw setup. I would purchase 2, a subcompact and compact. I want to go with either a pm9/p9 or mk9/k9 setup. The metal guns appeal to me more, I just worry that it is not as wise to get the significantly heavier metal ones (almost 10 oz more that the polymer) if they are going to be ccw weapons. What have your guys experience been with the polymer vs metal as far as the weight difference?

 

[VA27]

I've carried the Mk9 and the Mk40 and they are heavy, about the same weight as an SP101. If your pockets are roomy (like Dockers or BDUs) no problems, but they are a little heavy for jeans.

I've never had one of the polymer guns as they were just coming on scene when I sold my last Mk and went for something a little smaller.

My experience with the metal Kahrs was positive. Both the 9 and 40 were reliable and accurate. The bugs are worked out of the polymer guns now and I wouldn't hesitate to carry one after suitable testing.

 

[kokapelli]

I have a K9 and a PM9. The K9 has been flawless for all the many years I have had it but it's all Steel and heavy.

The PM9 has also been flawless and much lighter and easier to carry.

I'd buy another PM9 in a heartbeat.

 

[mongo4567]

Most of the guns I carry are polymers due to the weight difference. I find that I never leave a polymer at home. I have a PM40 and love it.

 

[dogtown tom]

My first Kahr was a K9. I liked it so much that I've since picked up a CW9, PM9 (all used) and a P380 (bought new).

If you plan on carrying I highly recommend any of the polymer Kahrs. Nothing wrong with the K9- but you'll enjoy the lighter weight of the plastic.

I'm keeping my eye out for a MK9 and eventually a T9.

 

[Snowdog]

I only belt carry my K9 and at 25 ounces plus whatever 8 rounds of 124gr JHP adds to it, I honestly don't notice it. I will say that I also find it entirely too large (and heavy) for pocket carry. That's what my P32 is for.

I've never carried a P9 and don't want to as I like the "feel of steel"... and I don't want to spoil myself.

 

[desert gator]

Well I believe I will pick up a PM9 with the black finish as soon as I can track one down. I'll shoot it and carry it a while then decide if I want to add a K9 or P9 to the collection. Right now I'm working in Texas for a few months so it's going to kill me waiting to get back to my home state to purchase it.

 

[jfrey]

Texas is a good place to try out concealed carry. The great advantage of the stainless slide and polymer frame on a P9 or CW9 will be very apparent. It gets real hot here, as it does in Arizona, but it is humid in a lot of places too. The low upkeep of the polymer will pay for itself in short order. The light weight is also a big plus when you lug it around all day. Metal is great but it is heavy. Try the plastic model and see if you don't like it as well.

 

[Zundfolge]

Over the years I've owned and MK40 and an MK9 (both Elite98 models ... both wonderful guns).

Even though they're metal and heavier than their plastic counterparts, you'll still be yourself checking several times a day to see if it fell out of your pants because it doesn't feel like its there.

The key is good leather (last Kahr I owned was the MK9 and I packed it in an HBE Leatherworks DC Special and there were many times I'd feel like it wasn't there, but it was).

 

[Jonah71]

I've only been carrying my CW 40 for a few days after putting 300 rounds through it. Already comfortable with it. Hardly notice it's there.

 

[strambo]

K9...it's not exactly heavy, especially using a good belt and holster. It is absolutely 100% reliable and the weight makes recoil a non-issue. I have no problem carrying my Sig P226, even with a dress shirt tucked over it, so I don't see the need for polymer 'cept in a pocket gun. I can see the PM9 vs the MK9 due to pocket carry.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The metal-frame models are by no means heavy when belt carried, only a pound and a half, less ammo. I specifically wanted mine for a pocket gun, however, so I chose the lighter PM9 over the MK.

 

[possum]

i have shot and or owned the following kahr's. the k 9 and k40, the k 9 elite, the p9 and the p 40. i personally prefer the steel framed series. it being a little heavier is all plus and no negatives in my opinion. the extra weight is good for recoil managment(even the .40 is no sweat). it might be heavier bu in a good holster you will still forget that you even have it on i promise. plus there seems to be a few problmes with the polymer line, but i have not witnessed or heard of any issues at all with the steel framed models.

 

[cemjr]

I've been tring to decide between the pm9 & mk9 myself. The opinions look split 50/50. I saw a pic of someone carring iwb and for that either would probably work. I'm worried that in the pocket the mk9 would be too heavy. What about night sights vs laszor

 

[Zundfolge]

On occasion I tossed my MK40 in the pocket (was living in an apartment complex at the time and would for quick trips to the trash or mail box it was ideal).

I would agree that the MK Kahrs are just a tad heavy for pocket carry in pants pockets (in a jacket pocket it wasn't too bad though).

If you're going to primarily pocket carry then I'd recommend a PM over an MK, but that's the only limited circumstance where I'd recommend a poly Kahr over a steel one.

 

[Whistling Moon]

I like the steel Kahrs in a novelty type of way. They're the only hammerless/glock-like action pistol I know of that has a steel frame instead of plastic, unless you count the HK P7. Though now that I think about it, it would be kind of cool to have current polymer-only guns offered in metal frames. a steel Glock would be interesting. I can't even remember the last new pistol design that wasn't plastic...

I've never much been concerned with weight, you usually need a belt to carry a gun anyways. I'd go with the steel frames in terms of better recoil handling.

 

[TonyT]

I carry the Kahr PM-9 and have the Kahr T-9 at home.

 

[rodinal220]

I have a K40 and K9,both early examples when they first appeared.Both have been reliable with factory ammo and my reloads.I like the solid feel of the steel models and recoil is mild,especially the 9mm.Carried in a quality IWB holster they are easy to carry.
The K series handles like a full size gun but offers the size of a smaller weapon like a PPK/s.

I used to carry various types of J frame S&W .38s,but after switching to the Kahrs,my performance improved dramatically.

 

[Mudinyeri]

I have the CW40 and I'm very happy with it for a single-stack summer carry gun. It's nice and light and decently accurate once you get used to the somewhat long trigger pull. It virtually disappears in a IWB holster. Only the closest, educated observer might sense that it was there even when bending over, etc.

I ran about 200 rounds through it to break it in (per the mfr. instructions) and only had one mis-feed shooting reloaded rounds. I also dropped the magazine once before I found the right grip.

 

[TMann]

For belt carry, the metal Kahrs are just fine. They're not light, but they're not excessively heavy either, (ie. ~23-25 oz. empty.) If you're going to pocket carry a lot, you'll probably want the PM9. It's amazingly small and light for a 9mm. I have an MK9, and it works okay for pocket carry, but it's not nearly as comfortable as my S&W 442 or the P3AT.

Given all of that, I think that the ideal two-Kahr combo would be a PM9 and a K9. The K9 would work well for range and belt carry, while the PM9 would be the pocket/summertime carry. Having the K9 would allow you to shoot more without putting the extra wear on your PM9 and your wrist.

TMann

 

[kokapelli]

For belt carry, the metal Kahrs are just fine. They're not light, but they're not excessively heavy either, (ie. ~23-25 oz. empty.) If you're going to pocket carry a lot, you'll probably want the PM9. It's amazingly small and light for a 9mm. I have an MK9, and it works okay for pocket carry, but it's not nearly as comfortable as my S&W 442 or the P3AT.

Given all of that, I think that the ideal two-Kahr combo would be a PM9 and a K9. The K9 would work well for range and belt carry, while the PM9 would be the pocket/summertime carry. Having the K9 would allow you to shoot more without putting the extra wear on your PM9 and your wrist.

TMann

That's me! I have a K9 and PM9 and the K9 is like a work horse. I have put thousands of rounds thought the K9 including a lot of +P+ ammo without a hiccup.

 

[WRGADog]

I carry either a Kahr

PM9 or P380 constantly. Both guns are very light weight compared to the PPS, which I also own, and much easier to conceal. Look at the DeSantis Nemisis pocket holster once you purchase your Kahr. After the 200 round break-in, both guns have performed flawlessly. Good luck, you will not be disappointed in the Kahr.