Kahr P9/P40 how controllable?

[Babalouie]

I've been shopping for a firearm specifically for ccw. For the first time I handled a Kahr and it is exactly what I've been looking for...small, real thin, a good grip size and real concealable. I have three questions: 1) How good is Kahr quality? 2) How much control difference is there between the 9 and the 40?...I shoot every week (ipsc) so I'm not worried about recoil but then again I haven't shot something this small and am wondering if the 40 is too difficult to control...then again, I would rather have the 40 than the 9 powerwise. I really don't want this thread to be an argument about the 9 vs whatever so lets concentrate on the comparative control issues. 3) What other firearms should I take a look at, autos, that are as concealable?... I've carried my 1911, and XD-40, and they are just too bulky and heavy for ccw...for me...I know there are plenty of you out there that like a full-size for carry but I'm needing something small. OK, I think that covers it! Thanks!!

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

You might want to consider a Glock 26 (9mm) or 27 (.40). The Glocks are noticeably smaller than the XD Subcompacts. They're a little bigger than the Kahrs, but they're less expensive and less likely to have any issues out of the box than the Kahrs. This is not to imply that the Kahrs are problematic; rather, very few guns are as trouble free out of the box as are Glocks.

 

[Coltdriver]

I used to own a Kahr P9. Locked breech, very easy to control. One of those pistols I should not have sold. I think it weighed 17 ounces empty.

I also used to own a Kahr MK 40, the metal version of the P40. I could barely control it. It was acceptable but it was at the edge of controllability for me and I could only get it there by using the mag bases with the finger rest. I sold it because it weighed too much and was not practical for me to carry.

My experience with both Kahr pistols was excellent. The were both very reliable and I never had fte or ftf problems. It is worth while to do a little homework on the P9's as the very early ones were prone to some problems.

 

[PCRCCW]

Kahrs are wonderful. Ive had 3 and they run as well as anything outa the box. For the size/caliber they are very very hard to beat. You need to realize the 40 is gonna be snappy...but not that bad.
They conceal and carry better than most gun.....even the little ones.
Shoot well............

 

[Walt Sherrill]

The full-size (metal-framed) Kahr 40 was pretty snappy, it seemed to me.

I bought a P-9 expecting a similarly snappy gun, given its lighter weight, but have been amazed at just how SOFT this gun shoots. I'm really impressed. Great trigger, too.

 

[Greymoor]

I have a PM9. It can be a bit snappish with hotter ammo but easily controllable. Mine has about 1K rounds through it and has functioned flawlessly.

 

[dsk]

I have a standard P9. It is perfectly controllable with standard-velocity 9mm ammo. When I fire Cor-Bon 115gr +P however the pistol has a very snappy recoil (still controllable though) and the muzzle flash is intense. To be honest, I wouldn't want to own a P40 as I've found the .40 S&W to be at the edge of controllability even from a fist-sized handgun like a USPc or Glock 23. Besides that you also lose one round of capacity, so I'd recommend staying with the 9mm in a pistol of this size.

 

[Zach S]

I have a PM9, and have no prblems with it, other than the trigger. My 1911s have me spoiled.

A PM40 is a bit too snappy for my tastes.

 

[CougarRed]

Bought a K9 then a P9 Covert. Love them both.

 

[Babalouie]

Thanks all for great responses. I believe I go with the 9mm...in fact I don't own any so I'm looking forward to it. Now...which one...I believe its time for a new thread!