Kahr 357SIG?

[Chuck Perry]

In the never ending quest for the perfect CCW, I've begun thinking about a Kahr PM40 converted to 357SIG. I've done a little searching, but haven't turned up a bbl maker for the conversion. Anyone know of a supplier? I'm going to fire off an email to Kahr and see what they say. And if you must know, 1) I love the cartridge and 2) I'm trying to get a grip on all the calibers I am using for carry. I currently switch between 10mm, 45ACP, 357SIG and 380. I want to eliminate the 380. Nice toy, but I want more oomph. If it has to be, I'll pick 40SW over 9mm, but I'd like to find a 357SIG that I can lug around all the time. The PM series seem like a nice compromise between size and power. Just barely pocketable, which is a factor for me. I'm aware of the Glock 33, but it's just too darn big. Too bad Glock doesn't make a slim single stack version, I'd be all set!

 

[ABBOBERG]

You would get a lot of muzzle flash and poor velocity performance out the the short PM40 barrel. The .357 sig cartridge likes longer barrels - this allows the "powder reservoir" of the bottlenecked cartridge to do its work. I would look in to getting a conversion for a longer barreled Kahr, like a P40 - but you might have to get the barrel made yourself. Another option is just to have a longer barrel made for the PM40 - at least 4" should be used - it would only stick out an inch.

 

[Chuck Perry]

Here's veolocities that Doubletap has posted for their 125g 357SIG loading.
3.5" barrel - 1415fps
4.5" barrel - 1525fps
Looking at this, I figure the 3" bbl Kahr would give up around 150fps to a full size pistol. A 125JHP at 1400fps from a pocket auto seems acceptable to me. Has anyone tried a Kahr 9mm bbl in a 40SW Kahr? If they interchange, perhaps I could simply rechamber a 9mm bbl to the SIG round?

 

[Kor]

I remember reading an article in Harris Publications' "Custom Combat Handguns" a couple of years ago where the writer had a 'smith do exactly that, only he converted a steel K40 or MK40 to .357SIG with a re-chambered 9mm barrel. I guess it worked...

 

[buzz_knox]

He also said he'd never do another one, because it was a pain to put a sleeve on the rechambered 9mm barrel so it would fit in the .40 slide.

 

[bratch]

I know Kahr pistols are +p rated and I believe +p+. What is the difference between ranger 127 +p+ and ranger 357?

 

[SnakeEater]

What is the difference between ranger 127 +p+ and ranger 357?

1250fps for the 9mm, 1350fps for .357sig.

 

[jetman]

I sent Kahr an e-mail on this very topic and they NEVER responded at all!!!

I'd buy one for my PM40 if available

 

[Chuck Perry]

No response to my inquiry yet either. I know what the answer will be I wonder why Kahr has not dabbled with the 357 yet? You'd think it would be an easy option for them to offer, and would probably draw them some more business at a minimal expense.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I wonder if Barsto would make a custom barrel for a K40 or PM/MK40. I imagine it would be expensive if they did it, but you'd have exactly what you want. Or possibly get a barrel blank from Kahr (very likely they wouldn't sell it to you for liability concerns) and have Barsto or somebody else do the final smithing.