Faced with dilemma (M&P Shield 9mm vs. Kahr PM9)

[Tomac]

Function over form.
I own both a S&W M&P9c & Kahr CM9. The 9c has APEX parts and thumb safety (which I wanted due to the very light APEX trigger).
The 9c is my preferred CCW due to capacity.
However, there are times when I simply can't carry the 9c and that's when the CM9 steps up to bat w/a Covert Carrier for holsterless carry.
Although I don't have anywhere near as many rds through the new CM9 as the 9c, it's been 100% reliable so far w/both 115 & 147gr loads.
Despite the CM9's DAO-like trigger, short grip & short sight radius, I can consistently hit coke cans at 10yds which is much better than I was expecting from such a small pistol.
IMHO the 9c makes the better all-around pistol but the CM9 conceals much easier.
Tomac

 

[BLB68]

I can't speak to the Kahr, so I'll just comment on my Shield 9mm.

When I first got it, the trigger was excessively gritty, to the point that I thought I'd been mis-shipped a MA compliant trigger. I called S&W to check the s/n, and it wasn't. And, yes, this was after a thorough cleaning before firing.

On the advice of my local gunsmith, I decided to just keep shooting and cleaning it and see how the trigger breaks in. He was of the opinion that the Shields don't really need a trigger job.

After 420 rounds (400 random assortment of range ammo, as I could find it, the other 20 Federal Hydra-Shok standard pressure), the trigger has improved significantly, but still has a bit of gritty feel.

So, I think on the issue of a break in period, it's a wash. If you get lucky, you won't need one with either gun. Otherwise, you will. Plus, as someone noted, it's not like you're going to buy a gun and not shoot it.

On reliability. I had two FTEs in the first 250 rounds. Both were with 115 grain FMJ loads, one S&B, one Magtech. Both were while firing unsupported strong hand. I don't believe either was due to limp wristing, as I've put quite a few magazines through with both hands unsupported, and I'd expect to see limpwristing sooner in the off hand. I suspect it was a combination of fairly light loads and new springs.

I haven't had any issues since then, regardless of ammo type, so I'm putting those down to break in or shooter error (though I won't admit to the latter, of course).

The smaller Kahr will of course be a lot more pocketable, as others have noted. I carry the Shield in the side pocket of my Columbia fleece jacket liner. Fits fine in there, but I wouldn't want to try to pocket carry it in jeans pockets. (Maybe cargo pants or hiking pants.) It's great for IWB carry, where the size difference is much less of an issue.

The gun is accurate, when the trigger is behaving. I suspect the mechanical accuracy is far better than what I've seen so far.

My only gripe aside from the rough trigger from the factory is the sights. They just plain suck. The front sight is, IMO, the important one, and it has a smaller, duller dot on it than the rear sights. It's not quick to pick up, which is a drawback. I'm thinking of getting some XS Sights to replace the cheap factory ones.

 

[1911austin]

The answer to your question is the Sig Arms P938.

 

[CZguy]

Originally posted by BLB68

On the advice of my local gunsmith, I decided to just keep shooting and cleaning it and see how the trigger breaks in. He was of the opinion that the Shields don't really need a trigger job.

I agree. For a range gun, I put an Apex trigger and kit in my M&P. But for self defense the Shield trigger is just fine.

 

[wow6599]

The answer to your question is the Sig Arms P938.

Didn't know this was in the running......guess I should pay closer attention?

 

[Al Thompson]

My Shield is a year or so old. My buddy just got one and the newer guns seem to have better triggers.