Glock 26 or Kahr PM9 for IWB CCW.. already own a Glock 19

[lithnights]

BASIC QUESTION: Glock 26 or Kahr PM9 for IWB?

DETAILS: I got my Glock 19 (first gun) a couple months ago. I've put about 300 rounds through it and love it. I bought it as a good gun for home self defense and occasional carry. After a couple weeks of mexican carry around the house (waiting to buy holster), I got a simple holster and have been carrying it in and around the house.

At times, I don't even notice I have it (like right now while I'm sitting) but there are other times that I definitely notice it on me (in and out of cars, driving, getting onto our kitchen bar stools, wife leaning against me when watching TV etc.) Thus, I'm looking to get another (smaller) gun for CCW for IWB. I've read hundreds, maybe thousands, of posts here and elsewhere, so I've done tons of research. But since my situation is sort of unique (I already own a 19), I wanted to post my question. I've read that countless people carry the 19 but I often wonder if that is IWB or OWB. For OWB, I think I'd love it, but for IWB, it seems chunky. For you 19 carriers, do you carry IWB or OWB?

First off, local shops are limited but I PLAN TO SHOOT ALL that are available to me. That should help immensely. But beyond that, I wanted to get opinions. I held, holstered, aimed etc. the 26, PM9, and CW9 earlier today. Here are my thoughts on each.

G26.. PRO: Glock quality, can use mags from the 19 (i.e. can bring multiple Glock mags to the range to shoot the 19 and 26), used to my Glock, has larger (10) capacity. CON: just as thick as the 19 (which I think is chunky for IWB)

PM9.. PRO: Super thin which felt great in my holster, shorter and lighter than the 26. CON: Smaller capacity (6), doesn't seem to have as high praise as Glock 26, would have to use/transport/store mags from different makers, slide doesn't feel as smooth as the Glocks.

CW9.. PRO: Super thin like the PM9, can shoot without my pinky falling off. CON: Same cons as the PM9 PLUS it's longer, higher and heavier than the PM9.

So basically, I'm down to the G26 and PM9. Any suggestions based on my situation? Like I said, I do plan to go shoot both. At the bottom of this post, I'm simply putting in all the stats that I've compiled. I figured this would help with the discussion.

Thanks in advance!!




Glock 19 15 rounds 6.85 length, 5.0 height, 1.18 width 21 oz pistol, 30 oz loaded
Glock 26 10 rounds, 6.29 length, 4.17 height, 1.18 width, 19.75 oz pistol, 26.1 loaded
Kahr PM9 6 rounds, 5.3 length, 4.0 height, .90 width, pistol 14 oz, mag 1.9 oz
Kahr CW9 7 rounds 5.9 length, 4.5 height, .90 width, pistol 15.8 oz. mag 1.9 oz

 

[Frozen North]

If you dont like your 19 for IWB, you wont like the 26 either. The 26 is a chunky little gun just like your 19. You would be better off buying a good IWB holster for your 19 instead of buying a 26.

I do not own a Kahr, so I cannot comment on them.

 

[harmon rabb]

If you dont like your 19 for IWB, you wont like the 26 either. The 26 is a chunky little gun just like your 19. You would be better off buying a good IWB holster for your 19 instead of buying a 26.

I do not own a Kahr, so I cannot comment on them.

This. Except I can comment on Kahr's. A buddy has a PM40. Great little gun. Very small and light, nice trigger, handles recoil surprisingly well.

 

[Proud Southern Son]

Can't comment on the Khar, but I agree with Frozen North on the 26. I've carried the 26 and 19 each on a daily basis at some point in my life, and you're not gaining much with the 26, in either concealment or comfort. My advice would be to invest in a quality holster for the 19. You'd be amazed at the difference it can make. JMHO.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

I moved to Florida a little over 3 years ago. Prior to this I lived in Washington state where I carried a Glock 19 everywhere. It was easy to conceal with a light jacket or untucked flannel shirt most of the time.

I encountered problems with CCW'ing my Glock 19 related to the thin fabrics of hot weather clothing and breezy days. I bought a Kahr PM-9, which I can more reliably conceal on hot days. It's size and weight just work better for me. I briefly considered a Glock 26 but decided the thinner, lighter PM-9 was more advantagous to me.

Good luck!

 

[Luis Leon]

G19 was my first CCW handgun, then a CZ75 P01. After a few years I wanted to carry something a little less chunky. Purchased a CW9 and couldn't be happier. Can carry it all day without any discomfort. Weighs 22 ounces fully loaded. More than accurate enough at self defense distances.

 

[Frozen North]

One IWB holster I found that WORKS for fat autos like Glock is the hybrid style. I own a Comp-Tac MTAC and really like it for my 26, I went through a bunch before I found it. Crossbreed Supertuck is a similar design that has allot of fans here too.

 

[NG VI]

Even though they are equally thick, the 26 has such a smaller footprint that with a decent low-bulk holster (I had a great FIST ultra-thin Kydex one) it will feel night and day different than carrying the 19. Yes it's the same thickness but the half-inch off the front and full inch off the grip will make it much better for carrying.

I just think the Glock 26/27 is probably the best all around carry gun for ordinary, healthy men. Women have a whole nother set of issues because of their clothing styles, and people with medical issues may have different restrictions.

 

[P30shtr]

How about the K9 (Kahr) slim, single stack, awfully comfy for a smaller framed gun, dont own but have fondled, 7 or 8+1 9mm (not 100% there). Get yourself a qaulity holster and I'm sure you wouldn't mind the slight extra weight of an all metal gun. I dont know, maybe its just me and my hard on for one of these smaller metal framed Kahrs but don't limit yourself to the Poly options only. Only + I see with the G26 is capacity and how "warm and fuzzy" that might make one feel. Quality, well placed shots and you wont miss 2 rounds. JMO. Good luck with you're choice, let us know what you get and how you like it.

 

[glockman19]

Get the Glock 26.

 

[Control]

I've have personally been down the Glock 26 vs. Kahr PM9 road before.

The G26 was simply too fat and just not that different in size compared to the G19. That said, they work well and I trust them to go bang as I never had any trouble with the loaners I tried at the local range.

I went with the Kahr PM9. That was a big mistake for me. I just could not get my PM9 to be reliable, even after several calls to Kahr tech support where they worked on the gun and sent parts. I finally got Kahr to send me a full new replacement which I sold unfired at a loss. Some folks say that their Kahrs work great but that was not my experience at all.

So, the G26 was just too fat and the Kahr just didn't work. I finally settled on a S&W 642. It's light, very reliable, and easy to carry IWB or in a pocket holster. It only carries 5 rounds of 38sp +p, but five "four sure" is better than 6 or 7 "maybe" in the Kahr's case. The trigger pull is long and a tad heavy but none of these little guns are target pieces regardless. Finally, it can be fired without removing it from my jacket pocket which is a bonus for me.

And, there is just something about the 642. It feels right. That's hard to explain and is personal but you should at least give one a try.

S&W now sells them without the internal lock (product number 103810) and they can be found new for less than $400. In fact, Bud's has them for $361 shipped. I might just get another one myself...

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70713

Good luck!

 

[RinkRat]

You’ve got the G19 which has been established that it is bigger in physical size then the G26 but not by much.

I personally would have gotten the G26 instead because you can always make it bigger as in mag capacity but you can’t make the G19 smaller as in physical size. It seems to me, that seems to be, your present dilemma.

So if your looking to add to your 9mm collection and are looking for a more comfortable CCW then you might want to take a look at the new compact 9’s that will be showing up at a GS near you soon like the Ruger LC9, Sig P290, and the Kahr CM9 which is suppose to be a less expensive PM/CW9, or even a Kel Tec PF9 or P11.

I’m one of the fortunate few that I can pocket a G26 in most of my shorts and some of my pants with the right shirt. With all the personal communications and entertainment electronics we carry around a saggy pocket could be carrying anything now days from a cell phone to a ring of keys.

 

[DeepSouth]

If you shoot both you"ll get the PM9.

 

[Paladin38-40]

Thin wins

FWIW I have a GLOCK 19 and a Kahr PM9. Also have a Browning HP and Colt 1911. Thick double stack grips are a challenge to conceal. The Colt 1911 conceals better than the GLOCK 19. The Kahr PM9 disappears OWB in a
FIST thin kydex high ride #K2. http://www.fist-inc.com

The Kahr has had one malfunction (due to my not fully seating the mag), is light as a feather and has surprisingly mild recoil with standard pressure loads.

 

[Ben86]

Since you are already familiar with, and carry comfortably, the Glock 19, I would go with the Glock 26.

 

[NG VI]

If you do gete the 26, do yourself a major favor and don't use the same holster as your 19 or go adding magazine extensions and expect to feel a world of difference. The 26 isn't much lighter unloaded and shoots perfectly with the pinky tuck grip, but loaded those five rounds and shorter magazine really conspire with the shorter slide to reduce curb weight. A holster made with slimness in mind will make a major difference in feel with one of those.

 

[tomwalshco]

G19. Walking around the house, probably unloaded, is one thing.

Load her up, stick it in your pants, go drive around in your car for a couple of hours and get in and out of your car 10-20 times. If you can't wait to take it off when you're done, you've answered your question.

Own both brands, like them both very much. But the Glock was designed to be carried around in a holster, outside and on a belt, for all the world to see, or on a nightstand. The Kahrs, completely different deal.

You don't see any carpenters sticking hammers in their pockets or pants....

 

[ForumSurfer]

Save your money and buy a crossbreed or comptac IWB holster. You'll know more about what you want after you actually carry that 19 a few days.

I wear a 19 most days in a $50 crossbreed knock off and I love it. I can carry just fine in shorts and a teeshirt. I tried a buddy's 26, and I honestly couldn't tell much difference IWB except for the butt had less potential for printing. It wasn't the slightest bit lighter or smaller feeling. The 26 was also far too big to carry in my pockets of even my cargo pants or shorts. Once I put in the mag extension so my pinky would have a place to rest, it felt like I had my 19 back.

Buy a quality holster and belt before you make any decisions. I have a drawer full of cheap holsters and belts that prove you can't judge a carry gun without proper gear.

 

[Kingcreek]

I've carried a Glock 23 in a SuperTuck IWB and also OWB in other holsters and its clunky thick and its heavy. I know its a mid-size but I haven't carried the other Glocks mentioned.
I currently carry a Kahr PM9 in a Crossbreed MiniTuck IWB and it disappears under even light clothing and its so comfortable I can forget I'm wearing it. My PM9 has been flawless, no malfxn or issues whatsoever in 600 rounds. I think reliability issues should be taken seriously but I think they are pretty rare in the Kahr lineup

 

[9mmepiphany]

I've been carrying a G19 off-and-on for years (Gen 2) and tried a G26 for a while. I could see the point of the G26, because it shared the same thickness as the G19 and had less to hold onto...plus, for me, it wasn't as accurate

I look at the Kahr line, I carry a CW9, as the gun Glock should have offered as a true sub-compact. Mine has been just as reliable and more accurate than the G26, but the thinness is what sets it apart from everything else.

There are two big things you'll have to decide on this purchase:
1. does the short frame bother you for your intended use (the only reason I'd go with the shorter PM9 is for pocket carry)
2. should you wait for the budget model (CM9) to come out later this year

 

[dryflyelk]

I've got the 26 and the 19 now, and i had a PM9.

For me, reliability in a carry weapon is the #1 concern. My Kahr was never reliable. Also, at times I'd inadvertently hit the mag release and dump the mag. I did not feel I could trust it.

The glocks, on the other hand....are glocks. They work. They are thicker, but you can trust your life to one.

 

[Mudinyeri]

You seem sensitive to the bulk of the Glock so I voted for the PM9. I own both a G19 and a PM9 and there really is no comparison between the two when it comes to conceal-ability and weight. The PM9 wins hands down.

That said, I regularly carry my G19 in a CrossBreed SuperTuck holster and a good gun belt. With the right equipment it's virtually unnoticeable (to me).

 

[lithnights]

I've have personally been down the Glock 26 vs. Kahr PM9 road before.

The G26 was simply too fat and just not that different in size compared to the G19. That said, they work well and I trust them to go bang as I never had any trouble with the loaners I tried at the local range.

I went with the Kahr PM9. That was a big mistake for me. I just could not get my PM9 to be reliable, even after several calls to Kahr tech support where they worked on the gun and sent parts. I finally got Kahr to send me a full new replacement which I sold unfired at a loss. Some folks say that their Kahrs work great but that was not my experience at all.

So, the G26 was just too fat and the Kahr just didn't work. I finally settled on a S&W 642. It's light, very reliable, and easy to carry IWB or in a pocket holster. It only carries 5 rounds of 38sp +p, but five "four sure" is better than 6 or 7 "maybe" in the Kahr's case. The trigger pull is long and a tad heavy but none of these little guns are target pieces regardless. Finally, it can be fired without removing it from my jacket pocket which is a bonus for me.

And, there is just something about the 642. It feels right. That's hard to explain and is personal but you should at least give one a try.

S&W now sells them without the internal lock (product number 103810) and they can be found new for less than $400. In fact, Bud's has them for $361 shipped. I might just get another one myself...

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70713

Good luck!

No other options! I can't make a decision as it is! : ) I had thought about a revolver but I think that will be my NEXT gun.

 

[lithnights]

One IWB holster I found that WORKS for fat autos like Glock is the hybrid style. I own a Comp-Tac MTAC and really like it for my 26, I went through a bunch before I found it. Crossbreed Supertuck is a similar design that has allot of fans here too.

I've heard great things about both of them. I was just scared to spend $70 or so on my first holster, especially when I had planned to get a different carry gun than my 19. Once I decide and get my CCW, I'll likely put out the cash for a quality holster.

 

[lithnights]

If you do gete the 26, do yourself a major favor and don't use the same holster as your 19 or go adding magazine extensions and expect to feel a world of difference. The 26 isn't much lighter unloaded and shoots perfectly with the pinky tuck grip, but loaded those five rounds and shorter magazine really conspire with the shorter slide to reduce curb weight. A holster made with slimness in mind will make a major difference in feel with one of those.

I keep hearing that a good holster makes a huge difference, and I get that. I am all ears but I guess my fear is that even when I carried it mexican (just between jeans and waist), the 19 still seemed bulky. I would imagine any holster is going to have some "stuff" to it to make that feel even bulkier, no matter what. Am I off base? I don't want to turn this into a holster debate (I've probably read a thousand posts on that as well!) but am just curious.