Kahr P9 or K9?

[Quincy12]

I am considering either the Kahr P9 or the K9 for my next purchase. I have a couple of questions however. I haven’t shot either, but I plan to in the next few weeks, I did shoot the PM9 in comparison to the S&W Shield, didn’t like it (the PM9) at all, the grip is just too short for me. So, besides the obvious (polymer vs. steel) are there any differences between the two? Dimensionally they appear the same, the steel version weighing an extra 7-8 ounces. I have read a few posts that the steel versions are more reliable than the polymer, but is this based on 1 or 2 incidents or is it more commonplace… or was it and has it been rectified in the current production models?

This would be for CC and also possibly for home defense. I know the K might be a bit heavy for daily CC, but I would most likely use a shoulder holster to mitigate the weight factor. I currently have a DW 15-2 and a Sig SP2022, but both are way too big to carry on my relatively small frame. Any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated.

Q

 

[Dan-O]

I have a K9, MK9, and a PM9. I enjoy all three, but would say the K9 is my favorite. Weighs enough you can shoot it all day long....but it is still very carryable.

 

[Bohemus]

I carry P9 and had no issues with reliability. I have only good words about it. Is great little pistol that is ideally balanced between size for shooting and easy concealed carry. The only thing that prevents me from shooting it more than 200 rds. per range visit are stif magazines.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I've had a couple of polymer-framed Kahrs, but not the steel ones. The steel models are excellent single-stack pistols. I almost got one several years ago after test-firing: smooth, comfortable, accurate, etc. Seemed to be a very wel-made gun. (Other guns got my attention.)

Carrying is a different issue. I've had both a P-9 and a CM9 (almost the same guns as the PM9); both were good guns, and the CM/PM9 was small without being actually brutal to shoot.

My favorite remains the P9. (I sold mine when someone made me an offer I simply couldn't refuse. I'll probably get another, one of these days.) Comfortable to shoot, light enough for day-long carry, and enough rounds for some intellectual comfort.

If I was planning to carry a lot, I'd go P9, if only sporadic carry, I'd consider the K9.

 

[19-3Ben]

I am not one to regret selling guns, but throne gun that I really do regret was my K40 (Same as K9 but in .40cal). I just shouldn't have sold it.

Aside from the usual arguments, one thing I'd add is that the steel frame helped it point very very naturally. The lightweight polymer frame with heavy steel slide of the "P" series isn't quite as conducive to instinctive and natural pointing.
I did not find the weight to ever become cumbersome at all, and it helped soak up recoil very very nicely.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have an E9 (All steel economy model same weight as K9.) and a CW9 (Plastic receiver economy model same weight as P9.)

The E9 is very comfortable to shoot but it weighs nearly as much as my Commander, so the Colt goes to town more often.
The CW9 is lighter and more portable and still not bad to shoot. I don't want a P40 though.

I worked with a friend's PM9 and concluded that it was not quite a pocket pistol, so went with the longer barrel and butt since it was going to take a holster anyhow.

 

[usp9]

I own a handful of Kahrs, including the K9 and P9. Other than the excess weight there isn't much to differentiate between the two models. The K9 may have one advantage, that of being available in polymer, wood or a CT laser grip. The same holster will hold either model.

Both the P9 and K9 have proved to be reliable. I prefer the P9 because of it's lower weight, but the K9 with a laser is a very nice pistol, if that's an accessory you'd prefer.

Another viable option is the longer 4" barreled T models. The TP9 can even be cut down to a P grip length, for ease of concealment.

 

[Quincy12]

USP9, is there any difference in the trigger between the T9 and the others? I looked at a T9 a while back and was told it was more of a "target" model with a better trigger. It was really nice, wish I would have bought it at the time. Thanks.

Q

 

[usp9]

My T9 and K9 have the same "elite" trigger. The K9 may have a tiny edge in smoothness. Very close, hard to tell.

The polymer triggers are in theory the same as the steel Kahrs. They feel a little different though, IMHO this is mainly due to the difference in grips. Steel guns feel better in the hand than polymer models. The new "gen 2" guns will have a different trigger. May be worth a look.

 

[Dan-O]

As far as the triggers go, i have a nypd k9 and compared to my other Kahrs, i wasnt crazy about the trigger till i put a reduced power wolff spring in it, and its still not as nice as my others, but the rubber hogue grips are awesome.....

The K9, just feels kick ass in my hand, and its a natural pointer.

 

[chris in va]

I've had a K9 for a few years.

It's a solid piece with great ergonomics and a nice heft that makes it feel substantial without being weighty. The grips are replaceable as well.

That being said, I'd rather have a CW9 so I can shoot my cast lead reloads. The K9 and P9 have polygonal rifling and it leads something fierce after one mag. I was hoping the CW barrel would fit but alas.

 

[kokapelli]

As far as the triggers go, i have a nypd k9 and compared to my other Kahrs, i wasnt crazy about the trigger till i put a reduced power wolff spring in it, and its still not as nice as my others, but the rubber hogue grips are awesome.....

The K9, just feels kick ass in my hand, and its a natural pointer.

Which spring did you replace?

 

[Dan-O]

The striker spring.

 

[kokapelli]

The striker spring.

Have you had any light strikes with the reduced power spring?

 

[Dan-O]

No sir.

 

[kokapelli]

No sir.

Excellent.

 

[foxmoor]

I've owned both a K9 and P9 and I still have and frequently carry the P9. I found the two guns to shoot about the same, with the P9 being as smooth and reliable as the K9, with an obvious weight advantage over the K9; I sold the K9 and didn't look back. The P9 would be my choice.

 

[strambo]

My vote is for the K9 as it is very shootable, durable, and reliable. I don't understand the weight concerns, it isn't a pocket gun, nor is it particularly heavy. With a good belt and holster I hardly notice it. It is the small gun I carry when I'm not carrying a P226.

I guess it's heavy in a world that seems to consider the P3AT a great primary CCW gun...

 

[Rubber_Duck]

I've owned both, and would prefer the P9 in the long run.

 

[gazpacho]

For CC, the P9, as the slim grip is easier to conceal. While it may seem counter intuitive, consider Kahr's replacement stainless steel guide rod. I would not recommend a third party part, but since it is made by Kahr for their own guns, I have no qualms about its use. In my P380 and K9 Elite, the SS guide rod tames a little bit of the muzzle flip, making follow up shots a touch easier.