Decisons: P3AT, PM9 and R9!?!

[MudDog]

I need a small BUG or "pocket" primary for when I am unable to carry one of my larger pistols, it will sometimes be carried in a way that will expose it to a lot of perspiration.

I have been doing a lot or research into 3 pistols: Kel-Tec P3AT, Kahr PM-9 and the new Rohrbaugh R9.

R9 (Rohrbaugh)
Wt: 12.3oz
L:5"
Ht:3.16"
W:.810"
Barrel L: 2.7"
Cap.: 6

P3AT (Kel-Tec)
Wt: 7.3oz
L:5.16"
Ht:3.52"
W:.75"
Barrel L: 2.76"
Cap.: 6

PM-9 (Kahr)
Wt: 14oz
L:5.3"
Ht:4.0"
W:.90"
Barrel L: 3.0"
Cap.: 6

I keep going back and forth as to which would be the best decision.

P3AT is less expensive (not a major consideration as it will be a CCW and not merely a range gun), but I have read about FTFs and FTEs which, although seem to be decreasing with the newer issues...still creates concerns of reliability and ultimately it is only a .380.

The R9 is rather expensive (a slight issue, again as a potential primary CCW this can't be a primary concern), is new so an unknown commodity but it is one very small pistol (slightly smaller than the P3AT!) and is a 9mm.

The PM9 is the largest of the 3 (a negative), is priced in the middle and is supposed to have improved the FTFs I had heard were an occasional earlier problem.

Some have suggested that the short barrels of all 3 diminish much of the advantage of the 9mms bkz there is less barrel for complete powder combustion...

I have a strong background in larger combat autos, but "pocket pistols" are sort of a new area for me...particularly these 3. I would greatly appreciate hearing recommendations from those familiar with these 3 pistols.

Thank you very much!

 

[Redlg155]

I vote for the PM9 since I carry one!

The PM9 is small enough to become a BUG but large enough to be comfortable to use as a primary weapon if needed. The PM9 also comfortably shoots +P 9mm such as Speers 124gr Gold Dot. Out of my Chronograph the Speer 124gr Gold Dot averages 1093 FPS in my PM9. The .380 can't come near to that in performance in the Kel Tec.

Another big consideration is sights. The PM9 has "BIG" gun sights on a "little gun". Sights are very serviceable and a night sight option is available. I want to know I can make a precision shot if the need ever arises.

And last, but not least, the amount of aftermarket accesories such as holsters available. The PM9 has a decent assortment.

You can pack a PM9 anywhere that you can the other two..and if you can't, well you shouldnt' be hanging a gun from there!

Good Shooting
Red

 

[Evil_Ed]

I vote for the Kel-Tec P3AT, I just picked one up for the same reason you stated. I would recomend going to the Kel-Tec owners group and following the instructions they have for fine tuning the gun. I also highly recomend buying a 100 or so rounds of ammo and spending an afternoon breaking it in and getting used to the way the sights are set up and the recoil (it kicks like a mule since it masses so little). I had not used a gun with sights like the Kel-Tec before (you line up the block in the back with the point in the front so it makes an arrow shape aimed at the target as opposed to the more common dual post in the back that are aligned on either side of the front post). Check out the owners group site at: http://www.ktog.org/

 

[wally]

I'd suggest a 4th to look at: Kahr PM40 About the same size as PM9 but makes a bigger hole in the target.

"About " is a bit too weak, its one ounce heavier and .05" longer, exact same 4" height.

--wally.

 

[akanotken]

A good friend bought a Kahr and a .32NAA for a constant carry piece. He's had problems with the .32NAA jamming. Loves the Kahr.

I'm leaning towards a Kahr, but haven't completely ruled out the keltec p-11. My belief is there is no reason to go below 9mm any longer, given the size of the pistols now being made.

R9 is too new for me. Too much $$$$$ for me to put to a untested idea. I'll wait for others to figure out how good it will be. Might be interested in one in a few years?

 

[tomkatz]

If money were no object I would get the rohrbaugh hands down. This is gonna be a great little gun IMO. Until I can come up with the cash for one I'll stick with my airweight j frame .....tom

 

[mini14jac]

I've got the P3AT and the PM9.
Don't think the R9 would be bad either!

I carry the P3AT when I really can't carry anything.
(Same way I carried the P32.)
If I've got pants that fit well, I carry the PM9 in a pocket holster.
With most normal pants pockets, it disappears, and you soon forget about it.

With the KelTec and the Kahr, I've had zero problems.
The P3AT chucks an empty at my head every now and then, and is not much fun to shoot.
(Usually 50 rounds and I'm done.)
The PM9 can eat 100 rounds before you realize it. It's that easy to shoot.
The P3AT is accurate enough, but in my hands, the PM9 is more accurate than a pocket pistol has a right to be.

I haven't read a review of the R9 yet.
I'm guessing you'll be pleased with any of these fine guns.
Your best bet would be to find a way to shoot each before making up your mind.

 

[PCRCCW]

Well.....my wallet would help decide this one.
The KT is a stellar BUG but what I dont get and Im sure Ill get "enlightened" by plenty, is why would you pick one over a Kahr PM9?

Exactly how small are your pockets? Most everyone can conceal a PM in a good pocket holster........Why choose a smaller gun? Just my take.

The R9 is a Pocket carry wet dream.....if I ever had to use it, being taken by the LEO's would have me crying after I got over the shock of using it and the reality of "its gonna be a year" before I get it back.

Shoot well.

 

[ksnecktieman]

The keltec P11 in 9mm is listed in catalog as 5.6 inches and 4.3 inches. It compares in size to the nine you have listed? With the belt clip it has the advantage in concealability of not needing a holster? Under 250$.

 

[mtnbkr]

If I didn't have any pocketable handguns, my choice of those three would be the PM9 because it appears to be more flexible in it's use. It's also in the middle pricewise.

Chris

 

[cratz2]

Well, I daily carry a Kahr P9 Covert (PM9 sized grip, P9 sized barrel/slide) in an IWB holster and a P32 in the pocket. I've owned three other P32s and have had very few problems between them. I'd expect the P3AT to be very similar and one is on my short list of guns to pick up this year.

I love my Kahr. As others have said, it is more accurate than a gun this size has any right to be. Relatively low bore axis helps with recoil which isn't much of a problem anyway and the excellet sights and great, consistant trigger don't hurt either.

As for the Rohrbaugh... you are aware that there is a slight wait for them, right? Supposed to be a very nice little piece, but I can't see that it's twice as nice/reliable/accurate as the PM9... Sure it's a bit shorter and trimmer but it also has a 10% shorter barrel and costs roughtly twice as much. How much would it suck if you got your name on the list, received it three years later, used it in a shooting and had it confiscated for evidence?

 

[Watch-Six]

I have a PM9 that I carry in a pocket holster. It has not given me any problems at all. I had a Kel-Tec P32 that was bad news. Therefore I am now a little skeptical about Kel-Tecs in general. The P3AT is probably ok, but I would certainly prefer a 9mm over the 380. I have not seen a R9 yet. They certainly sound interesting, but I wouldn't spend that much money without actually seeing one. For now I will keep the PM9. Watch-Six

 

[mrapathy2000]

its not on the list but I would go with p11. it has the ability to take 10-12-15 round magazines plus one in the chamber.

 

[mini14jac]

If you're talking pocket carry, the P11 doesn't work for most people.
Too thick.

The belt clip does nicely for IWB carry, but the trigger turns me off so much, I've bought one, tried to like it, sold it,......bought another one, tried to like it, sold it.....

KelTec got it right with the P32 and P3AT triggers.
If they ever put that trigger on a single stack 9mm, they'll have another winner on their hands.

I've not shot the R9 but the PM9 has one of the best out-of-the-box triggers that I've seen.
I'm sure that accounts for some of the accuracy of the Kahr guns.

 

[meltap]

The PM-9 is not in the same category as either the R9 or P-3AT. The PM-9 is a pocket or "almost-always" gun -- similar to a 2" airweight J -- that fits well in the pocket, but is not 100% concealable as it will print. The R9 and P-3AT are for those situations where it absolutely must not be noticed even when someone stares at your pocket; a modern version of the baby browning. The PM-9 will shoot better than an "always" gun but not quite as well as a belt gun.

You pick the tool depending on the required tasks.

 

[Russ]

If you have the money to throw at an unproven Rohrbaugh (IMHO) go for it. They are really pretty but not many out there. The PM9 is nice but 5 or 6 ounces is alot of weight in a pocket carry piece. If you have the $$$ for a Rohrbaugh or a PM why put a Kel-Tec in the same discussion. I have an MK40 and a P3AT. I carry the Kel-Tec because it weighs about 1/3 of what my MK40 does.

 

[Craig M. Arnold]

KelTec P3AT

I carry the KelTec because it is very light. The price was right and I have fired at least 600 rounds without an issue. The little P3AT has been perfect for me.

 

[incursion]

I've shot the R9 and the PM9 and would go with the R9 even though it costs twice as much.