I didn't take The High Road

[jlh26oo]

Well I asked THR what to buy, and the results are in. It was a landslide victory, with voter turnout approaching triple digits.

I have since made my pocket purchase...

1st place- P3AT by a mile
(and first one I eliminated lol)

2nd place- g26
(the one I was rooting for)

dead last- PM9
(the one I bought)

After narrowing my decision down to two options, it became increasingly hard not to listen to my heart (g26) vs taking a more logical approach; though I ultimately weighed THR perspective & argument greater than sheer votes (eg, there were a few that went like this: despite member "pocketgun" actually voting p3at, something he said made me consider his an argument supporting the PM9*).

Plus, there are probably not as many shooters who even have PM9s to speak up for Kahr (compared to the pool of potential glock and kel-tec voters).

HOWEVER- I do NOT think the explanation is simply that (being less expensive) there are a greater number of p3 shooters out there, who in turn simply vote what they carry, w/o having checked the criteria. It's not like they need to convince anyone to feel better about their choice, because the P3AT is what the guy who wrote the book (chart) on pocket autos carries! Makes it easy to see why the P3AT won.

But anyways, my PM9 will be here next week. Got it nib on gunbroker for under five bills; but no night sights or tacticoat, so it wasn't that hot of a deal or anything (though I feel good about the sellers 3000+ A+ feedback). JIC I don't get a "good one", I pre-factored in a possible $35 for shipping back to kahr; if needed. ONCE mind you.

Will post back in this thread w/report. The moment of truth is approaching. It's funny to think that after next week I'm going to be in one of the two camps (anti or pro) on all these controversial Kahr threads... hopefully the latter.

Now what?
I'm thinking initial strip, clean, and lube; then 200 rounds of ball for break-in. If it makes it that far (without involving Dottie), then I'll start experimenting with different JHP's. Any suggestions/augmentations to the above process? Maybe only 50 or a 100 at a time, and clean/relube more often during breakin? Maybe hotter ammo for breakin? Any suggestions for carry loads? Obviously I;ll try some 127's along with some heavier stuff, but if they don't work, any tips on something lighter that might offer better feeding? Man, I'm spoiled with glocks and rugers: "what's a break-in period, and what do you mean by finding ammo that works!?" lol... but stoked with anticipation (really looking forward to this little experiment).

Wish me luck!



*(pocketgun): "If I owned a PM9 (or KT PF-9) it would cut into the carry time my P-3AT gets to some extent, since it offers a nice step up in power but can still fit a pocket. It would probably cut into the P-40 carry time too." http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=221048

 

[calzoom]

So you ask for advice. Were given advice and ignored advice. Now want to be blessed? Is this true? I have a word for folks like you and it ain't pretty.....

 

[pax]

I love my G26. I have owned a P3AT. I shoot Kahrs on a regular basis (belonging to a friend).

You made the right choice, for your criteria.

Glad our collective advice helped you make your own, well-informed, decision!

(edited to add, for calzoom: he didn't say he'd ignored the advice. He said he'd read what everyone had to say, and that rather than going with majority rules, he considered what people actually said as they supported or argued against various choices. Pretty astute of him if you ask me...)

pax

 

[jlh26oo]

So you ask for advice. Were given advice and ignored advice and now want to be blessed? Is this true? I have a word for folks like you and it ain't pretty

I ultimately weighed THR perspective & argument greater than sheer votes

Hi calzoom. No, not true, and I'm sorry about the confusion. The title was kind of a joke, as I ended up choosing the last place finisher. I certainly valued everyone's input; I just ended up considering the experience, arguments, perspective, and insight the voters offered more so than I did the final numbers themselves (although I have seen members do exactly that- choose my next purchase via poll; that's not exactly what I was doing).

So for the record, THR did help me make the decision, just not in the way I initially thought (see the irony of what I took from pocketgun). I don't know, I just thought it was funny; sorry for making it appear I didn't like the responses I got. I should have started this thread with:

Thank you ALL for your input.


I should have fleshed out that fist paragraph better (usually I'm too wordy). That's on me.

 

[calzoom]

Ahh So! All is well. Enjoy your new PM9.

 

[Lonestar.45]

With my PM9, when I got it I field stripped and cleaned/lubed it. Put it all back together, and ran 200 rds of winchester white box, followed by some Remington JHP's and Speer Gold Dots, for a total of about 250 rds the first range test. ZERO problems or malfunctions. Took it home, field stripped, cleaned, and put away.

I probably have around 600 through it now of all kinds of ammo with zero problems. Yours should be the same. Good luck, and good choice (though I carry my 3AT WAY more than my PM9).

 

[kokapelli]

Plus, there are probably not as many shooters who even have PM9s to speak up for Kahr (compared to the pool of potential glock and kel-tec voters).

Did it occur to you that many of the P-3AT owners had also researched and eliminated the PM9 and G26 for the P-3AT and that is why there are so many P-3AT owners?


Somehow I feel that your mind was already made up!

 

[10-Ring]

I voted Kahr on your poll, so even in the minority, I'm glad you picked the right one! Those little poly Kahrs are really nice & they just work so well. Congrats

 

[gbelleh]

I didn't vote in your poll, but the PM9 is a great gun. I had one and carried it daily for many months. I had to sell it last year for financial reasons and I still miss it. I plan to get another one soon.

 

[longeyes]

For POCKET carry + power that was probably the right choice. I voted G26--I have one--but frankly I don't envision ever carrying it in my pocket; maybe in a small fanny pack but not in a pocket.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Hard for me to understand

I mean, why people would ask others for advice as to which of three or four handguns (or rifles, or shotguns) they should buy when they clearly have a good idea what they want to carry.

For an utter novice, who has no preconceived notions, to ask for input is one thing. It makes no sense for a shooter with some experience, and some idea of what he/she wants, to initiate a popularity contest, and then ignore the results.

Don't get me wrong - - I think YOU ought to have/own/acquire/carry what YOU want to. Some of us are stuck with the ONLY gun we own, or a choice of only a couple of items, perhaps by geography or a political situation. Maybe the only choices are a Polish Vis, a CZ27, and a Walther P38. If this is the case, what sense does it make to provide a lot of input about Colt Commanders, Glock 23s, and S&W Sigmas?

Just wondering.

Johnny

PS jlh26oo, good for you! You made your own choice. A personal protection sidearm is a very personal item. I hope you're very happy with your PM9.
JPG

 

[TimboKhan]

I voted for and explained why I thought you should get a Kahr, so I feel like a respected expert in the field of telling what people to buy now. Cool.

 

[roscoe]

There's no other way to put it - you blew it. We tried to help you, we spent hours writing meticulously crafted arguments. We bared our soles. But to no avail. Ahh well - next time.

 

[jlh26oo]

I mean, why people would ask others for advice as to which of three or four handguns (or rifles, or shotguns) they should buy when they clearly have a good idea what they want to carry.

Totally understand the confusion: If I;m such an expert, why ask in the first place? If I think I know enough about all these pistols to ultimately rebuke the advice of THR, then why even bother? Just wish I knew how better to explain that the title and opening of this thread were simply spun off the irony, as you guys DID help me immensely; please chalk it up to a poor joke on my part.

The answer to your question is, although I knew enough to confidently narrow it down to the models I presented (moreso my obvious familiarity with each pistol's unique set of +/-'s), I was not looking for such information, as I was trying to place all of you guys who have been carrying for years in MY shoes as best I could, to take advantage of arguments based on their experience, but as they relate to how I perceive the +/- of each pistol. Doesn't even matter if said members even know the specifics of these models as well as I- they have a superior capacity to consider the circumstances I provided, from angles I might not have. It worked imo. Though in hindsight, I should have just left the poll off COMPLETETELY, and just simply asked for written responses, as the poll (and my "humor" based on it here) are what seemed to rub people the wrong way. Thanks for the encouragement, and for taking the time to ask me for clarification, rather than simply burning me.

Did it occur to you that many of the P-3AT owners had also researched and eliminated the PM9 and G26 for the P-3AT and that is why there are so many P-3AT owners?

Yes:

...the P3AT is what the guy who wrote the book (chart) on pocket autos carries! Makes it easy to see why the P3AT won.

Though I am still of the position that there are more p3 shooters than those of Kahr (on this point we seem to agree).

Somehow I feel that your mind was already made up!

Well, you might be right on that one. Although, if so, I submit it was made up on the glock. At one point I actually made an an offer on a used gunsamerica g26 listed at $390, claiming actual shipping cost. THen when I called to find out what actual shipping was, he said $35 (from a DEALER not an individual lol). This would have ended much earlier had he taken $400 shipped on it. Even then, despite not getting that one, I would have waited for the group buy in florida at the end of the month, had my mind not been changed. Not that the skeptics are ever going to beleive me, or that anyone even cares lol, but I kind of do.

Look, it was a hard decision. I wanted them all, but that's not an option for me right now. Even if I'm happy with my incoming PM9, I will still be envious of those carrying p3at's, because they can forget they are even there, and got the best bang for buck imo. Similarly, I will be envious of those who pull off pocketing a glock, as I love the 26's quality, simplicity, and firepower (really wanted to make that work). But at this point, I just hope to championing the praises of the PM9 in the future... hopefully the next time someone like me needs the kind of valuable input I was given here at THR, I can return the favor.

Thanks all.




BTW I like Roscoe's perspective. Despite regarding my decision a failure, there is hope for me yet:

Ahh well - next time.

lol Indeed.

 

[pocketgun]

Congrats on your purchase! I think the PM9 will make a fine carry piece once you make sure it is reliable and have found the ammo you want to carry. Though I voted for the P-3AT, I am not disappointed that you bought the Kahr. It fills a niche in one's carry arsenal - perfect for when you want to pocket carry but want a full power cartridge and don't mind some extra weight/bulk:



The gap I left in the picture between the P-3AT and P-40 is for either the upcoming PF-9, or a PM9 if that doesn't work out. Top pistol is a G29, BTW. As the threat escalates or the need for convenience goes down, I scale up the handgun I carry - why not take as much as you can, right? So I see a P-3AT in your future as well; and the G26 would be a nice alternative to the P-40 and G29 in terms of being right in between the two in size.

 

[kokapelli]

So I see a P-3AT in your future as well; and the G26 would be a nice alternative to the P-40 and G29 in terms of being right in between the two in size.

If he does get a p-3AT in the future, I'm sure his PM9 will spend much time gathering dust.

 

[XD Fan]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by calzoom
So you ask for advice. Were given advice and ignored advice and now want to be blessed? Is this true? I have a word for folks like you and it ain't pretty



Quote:
Originally Posted by jlh26oo
I ultimately weighed THR perspective & argument greater than sheer votes



Hi calzoom. No, not true, and I'm sorry about the confusion. The title was kind of a joke, as I ended up choosing the last place finisher. I certainly valued everyone's input; I just ended up considering the experience, arguments, perspective, and insight the voters offered more so than I did the final numbers themselves (although I have seen members do exactly that- choose my next purchase via poll; that's not exactly what I was doing).

So for the record, THR did help me make the decision, just not in the way I initially thought (see the irony of what I took from pocketgun). I don't know, I just thought it was funny; sorry for making it appear I didn't like the responses I got. I should have started this thread with:

Thank you ALL for your input.


I should have fleshed out that fist paragraph better (usually I'm too wordy). That's on me.

Very Gracious Reply! Now that is the High Road!

 

[pocketgun]

If he does get a p-3AT in the future, I'm sure his PM9 will spend much time gathering dust.

I live in the desert, and it is very hot during the summer. I carry every time I leave my residence - here is my best guess on how my carry preference would break down since the first of the year.

P-3AT - 85%
P-40 - 13%
G29 - 2%

When I get my PF-9 (or a PM9), here is how I estimate it will break down:

P-3AT - 75%
PF-9/PM9 - 15%
P-40 - 8%
G29 - 2%

So the PF-9/PM9 probably will eat into the carry time of the P-3AT and P-40 a bit. The G29 gets extra duty for home defense and open carry while hiking/camping, and is the most fun to shoot by far. If I lived in a cooler climate (just about anywhere in the USA), the scale would be a lot different, to be sure. But the P-3AT is a "must have" pistol for me.

Hope that clarifies my comments a little.

 

[kokapelli]

Pocketgun, I know exactly what you mean.

I live just outside of Phoenix and it's even hotter

in town than it is out on the desert.

The more blacktop they install, the hotter it gets!

 

[pocketgun]

I live in Las Vegas - tell me about it. The 110 degrees at midnight is the part I really don't like. This summer wasn't as bad as some. Of course, I do get 9+ months of awesome weather in return.

 

[MT GUNNY]

Everybody wants to feel good

about what they purchase especialy when it costs alot, I would have done the same thing And more than likely he just needed to hear some good things
about the PM9, opinions he knew he was going to get.

I personaly prefur ppks for a pocket pistol, may not be the best choice but its got nostalgia. I dont even carry it cuz I realy enjoy carring my S&W 1911.

 

[jlh26oo]

I'll feel good when

(and only when) this thing actually WORKS. I'll feel good enough to take credit for knowing it all along- PM9 was the one! Otoh, if it starts peening by 200 rounds (=regret changing my mind from the 26), or gets heavy after 14 hours in my pocket (=regret eliminating 3at), then I can just blame it on our heavy hitting members and their expertise lol... somehow I doubt they would get catty(?lol) about another man's choice in firearms.


Hey pocketgun, that's an AWESOME carry spectrum you've got going there (even saved a spot for a possible pm9 lol)! That your continuum includes examples of THE two most powerful auto rounds, while carrying a .380 as much or more than those two combined is a huge testament to the caliber in my eyes. Further education in this regard might be in order before definitively establishing my "caliber basement" (I've arbitrarily made 9mm both my floor... AND my ceiling- you've inspired me to leave a spot open for something bigger, a possible 36 or 29 in the future).

~waiting; anticipating~ I don't even have a tracking number yet

 

[pocketgun]

Hey pocketgun, that's an AWESOME carry spectrum you've got going there (even saved a spot for a possible pm9 lol)! That your continuum includes examples of THE two most powerful auto rounds, while carrying a .380 as much or more than those two combined is a huge testament to the caliber in my eyes. Further education in this regard might be in order before definitively establishing my "caliber basement" (I've arbitrarily made 9mm both my floor... AND my ceiling- you've inspired me to leave a spot open for something bigger, a possible 36 or 29 in the future).

IMO, the important thing is to be armed as often as possible. If the PM9 starts getting left at home in certain situations because it is "just a quick trip" or some other excuse, that is when you should consider adding a pocket pistol.

I wanted the G29 because I have always liked the 10mm Auto cartridge. The G30 is also a great choice, as is the G36; particularly if you already shoot .45ACP in some of your other pistols.

 

[jlh26oo]

No, I don't have any other .45acp (that's what I meant by 9mm being my floor AND ceiling), but 36 or 29 would definitely be worth branching out for (long term). I also like how yours line up, smallest to biggest corresponding least to most firepower.

 

[Rokman]

Congratulations on your purchase. I would have voted G26. Look forward to hearing about the range report.