Kahr: PM-9 vs. MK-9

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AJChenMPH

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Did a search, didn't really come up with anything...interested in hearing from those of you that have owned and carried both. Any particular likes or dislikes of one over the other? Reliability of one better than the other?

I'm mainly planning on carrying IWB with very, very occasional pocket carry. Leaning towards the MK-9 as a result, since I figure the extra 8 ounces will help soak up recoil a little better.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance...
 
I figure the extra 8 ounces will help soak up recoil a little better.
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This is true, but only up to a point. If you can handle a two finger grip then either will do.

Other than the weight, the only real difference is that the MK9 allows different grips to be used, such as wood or laser equiped.

If you intend to do any pocket carrying, then the PM will be a better choice.

My personal opinion, based solely on my trigger finger senses, is that the steel Kahr triggers are a bit smoother than the polymer Kahr triggers. :scrutiny:
 
Thanks for the feedback. I'm sort of torn since I like the fact the PM-9 is available in all black, and it will be a few ounces lighter, but I like the fact that the heavier MK-9 will absorb a bit more recoil. I hadn't thought about the trigger, that may also play into it.

Decisions, decisions... :banghead:
 
I don't have either but besides recoil can you step up and place 6 rounds with either pistol in a circle that please you and the if lighter pistol will do it, that one would be easier to carry. The 8oz difference is a loaded mag. Neither is a target gun and if it takes a couple trips to the range to besure it works well with the lighter one that what i would carry.
 
Thanks -- I know what the usual arguments and considerations are. Just trying to get some feedback from front-line users.
 
PM9

I don't own a PM9 yet! But it will be my next handgun purchase. I recently purchased a CW9 and am very impressed with it. 300 rounds so far, with 1 shooter induced failure to lock back on empty mag. It is surprisingly accurate and I'm learning to love that awesome double action trigger. My CW9 weighs in at 22 ounces fully loaded. The MK9 weighs in at 22.1 ounces empty according to Kahr's catalog specs. For my uses I would go with the PM9. You have a fun choice to make. Good luck with your decision.

best regards,

Luis Leon
 
I have the PM9 and it's no problem as for recoil to shoot. I bought it for a CCW and its been perfect for that purpose. LM
 
I have a PM9 and the recoil really isn't too bad unless you try and shoot 100+ rounds in one range visit. My hand starts to hurt after 100ish so I usually limit myself to about 75 per trip. It's not real problem though because its a ccw gun and if I ever am forced to use it to defend my life, I won't likely be shooting more than a handful of rounds.
 
I just asked this question recently at the Kahr forums on the exact same reasons your wanting to know about.
http://kahrtalk.com/mk-series-pistols/4492-mk9-right-gun-me.html

Threw it all in 1.5 months when im ready to buy ill be the proud owner of an MK9.
BTW the Kahr forums are pretty nice and helpful people when you need exact Kahr info and help.

My use will be mainly rear pocket carry as a bug and as a main gun occasionally when i dont want to holster up. Ill use a leather holster in my back pocket with it. Why i wanted the MK over the PM is for range days as i really want a 9mm i can shoot tons of ammo threw since 9mm is cheap. And from everything im told the MK9 does have an advantage if your gonna shoot lots of rounds threw it at one time.
But the PM9 will do just fine also.
The Sig P238 showed me just how much a metal frame can help take recoil in small guns, I could shoot that gun 100's of rounds at a time and people with LCP's and P3AT's would be hurting long before that.
 
Thanks for the feedback; lots to think about... :eek:

DasFriek said:
BTW the Kahr forums are pretty nice and helpful people when you need exact Kahr info and help.
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Thanks, I'll keep that in mind for if/when I get either a PM-9 or a MK-9.
 
This battle between these two mini-nines has played itself out in my head many times. I think that if I had both in front of me I'd choose the MK9. I dig the extra heft. Not that I'd be disappointed if someone gave me a PM9 though...
 
Ive owned both and carried both at one time or another. If you are IWB w/ occasional pocket carry I would say get the MK-9. The extra weight helps with shootability.
 
Got it, thanks. I may have the opportunity to trade for a PM-9...if that doesn't work out, I'll start keeping an eye out for a MK-9.
 
A friend had a MK-9 and I enjoyed shooting it since it was remarkably accurate. However, I opted for the PM-9 since I went for carry in a pocket holster. The MK-9 was a bit too heavy for pocket carry. I have no problem shooting with a two finger hold and can readilly place all 7 shots within a 3 inch circle at 7 to 10 yards.
 
Never shot the MK-9 but my main carry gun is the PM9....I switched from a G19 to the Kahr.

When I first got the PM9 it did feel a little awkward to shoot coming from being used to a Glock for many years but once I kept practicing with it at the range it became more and more comfortable!

I LOVE the little thing now!!!

I am accurate with it and handle it very well!

Recoil is not a problem...not even with follow up shots with double taps.

You just gotta practice with it like any other gun.

You don't need the extra weight with the MK-9 if you plan on carry all day everyday.

Keep it light but mighty!
 
Ok as Im leaning towards the MK9 which i plan on buying in just over 5 weeks.

How many rounds straight can you shoot your PM9 before your shooting hand starts hurting and you want to put the gun down?

My main reason for the MK9 over the PM9 is the less recoil could extend my range sessions with such a small gun as thats 50% of the reason im buying this gun.
My requirements where this:
1. 9mm and micro sized and of high quality- So PM or MK won out easily.
2. It must be small enough to fit my back pocket which ive carried a PPS in. Still both are fine for the job.
3. Im buying a 9mm and not a .380 for ammo costs so i can shoot it 2x as much as my .40 and .45 at the range. If it hurts my hands after 100-200 rounds i need to look at something else.
4. Id like the recoil to be manageable enough i can get decent repeat shots and not have to fully reset my grip every shot. Both meet this im sure.
5. I wanted a steel frame just for the fact it should handle better at the range, And i wasn't so sure what affect my 270lb butt would have on a polymer gun i was sitting on all day.
 
My first Kahr was an MK9, and as much as I loved it I ended up trading it for a PM9 because it was my primary carry gun. I cannot describe the difference I noticed between walking into the gun store with the MK in my pocket and out with the PM! If you're looking for a range gun I would lean toward the MK9, but would recommend a larger gun anyway, but if this is going to be your carry piece then th PM9 is absolutely superior. BTW, I have no problem shooting 100 rounds at a range session with the PM9, especially when using the extra round magazine.
 
Well its to be 50% range gun and 50% back pocket gun.
So im not sure where to compromise at.
I carry a full sized 1911 as my main gun, This may be added as a bug once in a while. So weight doesnt really bother me, And id rather deal with that if it helps manage recoil and more fun to shoot.

But mainly for carry its for those times when your out working in the yard and need to run to the gas station for a gallon of gas for the mower and i dont want to take the time to holster up. Thats its carry duty.

But range duty is to be able to shoot cheaper 9mm ammo and not shoot all my .45 thats 2 times the cost. So a fun range gun mainly.
But be able to shoot 100-200 rounds and i not feel any pain in the hands.

I hate a gun at the range that i set down and say "Thats enough of that one for the day".
 
I have a K-9 which is the MK's slightly bigger brother. The MK-9 only weighs 1 ounce less than the K-9. There is no way I can carry the K-9 in my pocket without it pulling my pants down. I'd say if you want to pocket it the PM is the only choice.
 
But your forgetting something.
Most times if i carry it as a bug i already have a an steel 1911 full sized on my waist so my pants and belt is tight and not moving.
Even carried alone in say shorts i still wear a belt and pull it tight as i hate my pants falling down.
But i do agree with you and others who say the PM9 may be better since such a small gun should be lite and not add more weight.

But can you shoot yours 200 rounds comfortably at the range and not have any pain at all with such a small lite gun?
I have no issue buying a PM9 over the MK9 as its easier to find and cheaper to boot in the basic configuration i need.
 
I have pretty a pretty good sized hand (OK maybe not so pretty) and I have no problem shooting the PM9. Recoil is not an issue. My PM9 was purchased lightly used and came with the CT laser that fits all Kahr polymer frame models. I wasn't sure I would keep the laser but it really has made it easier for me to get used to the long Kahr trigger pull and I'm very happy with it.
For pocket carry, I wouldn't consider anything but the PM9 (or .40 or .45).
 
Thats a pretty convincing post Kingcreek.
But how do you like the PM9 at the range. Have you shot 200 rounds in one setting with no issue of pain.
Ill admit i should try and rent a PM9 and MK9 which i doubt they will have, But money is tight atm and its not possible to do so until i buy the gun.
 
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