Which is a better choice for CCW. I know the Sig weighs a lot more than the Kahr, and I heard the Sig has had some light primer strike issues. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions? I have a Kel-Tec P11, but still have a few FTF every now and then, even after 500+ rounds. Looking for something better.
Kahr PM9 or Sig P290
- Thread starter dep1040
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LongTimeGone
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I have a PM9.
I had 5 or 6 FTF in the first 300 or so rounds. I used WWB FMJs for break in.
I also had trouble finding a reliable SD load.
No corbon would run consistently (3/25 FTF) and and Gold dots the same.
I settled on 124g+P JHP golden sabre.
I only have about 50 rounds with that (expensive) .but no FTFs.
I now have about 800 WWB thru it and I'm satisfied with it for front pocket carry.
But it is not a whole lot of fun to shoot.
I had 5 or 6 FTF in the first 300 or so rounds. I used WWB FMJs for break in.
I also had trouble finding a reliable SD load.
No corbon would run consistently (3/25 FTF) and and Gold dots the same.
I settled on 124g+P JHP golden sabre.
I only have about 50 rounds with that (expensive) .but no FTFs.
I now have about 800 WWB thru it and I'm satisfied with it for front pocket carry.
But it is not a whole lot of fun to shoot.
hummmm. I have a Kel-Tec P11 and that sounds more reliable than your kahr has been. I know everyone has different experiences, with whatever they are carrying. My first pocket pistol was a Kel-Tec P3AT and I really dis-liked it. I had all kinds of problems with that one, but my P11 has been pretty good. I just don't have 100% faith in it yet. I want it to go boom all the time, after break in.
WRGADog
Member
I have a PM9
After firing the required number of rounds for breakin, the gun has performed flawlessly. I carry the gun every day. I have never experienced any problems feeding or ejecting any ammo and I have tried many, including Winchester Ranger, Corbon, Remington, and Hornaday. I usally run Winchester Ranger 147 grain bonded in the pistol. I looked at the new Sig, but saw no advantage over the PM9, same with the Kimber Solo.
After firing the required number of rounds for breakin, the gun has performed flawlessly. I carry the gun every day. I have never experienced any problems feeding or ejecting any ammo and I have tried many, including Winchester Ranger, Corbon, Remington, and Hornaday. I usally run Winchester Ranger 147 grain bonded in the pistol. I looked at the new Sig, but saw no advantage over the PM9, same with the Kimber Solo.
No issues. I followed the break-in procedure posted on KahrTalk by Jocko and added a couple touches of my own (also documented in the same thread on KT).
Strykervet
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If you want a plastic frame pistol, why not consider Glock? A G26, or better for CCW, a G27? And with the Pearce pinky extension (which you will want, trust me) you get 12 rounds in 9mm and 10 in .40. The .40 is a much better defensive calibre too.
I have considerable Glock experience, and my wife is interested in the Kahr so we have been reading up, but I have heard too many tales about how the .40 is less than pleasant in recoil, and FTF's in others. I reckon it is because the Kahr 9mm comes with (or did originally when the K9 came out) a match grade chamber. I know little about the Sigs other than they have a good reputation in general, and while the Solo looks good, I am wary of Kimber and their decisions to use plastic parts in otherwise steel pistols.
For a defensive handgun, I am willing to give up a little accuracy for total reliability. The G26/27's aren't pretty, but they get the job done. They go bang everytime with any ammo you want to feed it. They don't rust, the finish is tougher than a file, and they don't have a bunch of levers and switches to deal with when you draw it. Plus, your backup mag can be a G17 or G22 mag for extra rounds. A big bonus if ten rounds doesn't cut it for some reason.
I really haven't been able to find a better CCW for an IWB rig that I can comfortably wear all day (I use a stiff double thick gun belt and a Milt Sparks VMII --a very good carry rig no matter which small carry pistol you go with) and feel totally confident in that it will work when I need it to.
I have considerable Glock experience, and my wife is interested in the Kahr so we have been reading up, but I have heard too many tales about how the .40 is less than pleasant in recoil, and FTF's in others. I reckon it is because the Kahr 9mm comes with (or did originally when the K9 came out) a match grade chamber. I know little about the Sigs other than they have a good reputation in general, and while the Solo looks good, I am wary of Kimber and their decisions to use plastic parts in otherwise steel pistols.
For a defensive handgun, I am willing to give up a little accuracy for total reliability. The G26/27's aren't pretty, but they get the job done. They go bang everytime with any ammo you want to feed it. They don't rust, the finish is tougher than a file, and they don't have a bunch of levers and switches to deal with when you draw it. Plus, your backup mag can be a G17 or G22 mag for extra rounds. A big bonus if ten rounds doesn't cut it for some reason.
I really haven't been able to find a better CCW for an IWB rig that I can comfortably wear all day (I use a stiff double thick gun belt and a Milt Sparks VMII --a very good carry rig no matter which small carry pistol you go with) and feel totally confident in that it will work when I need it to.
Good advise on the Glock 26,27 and I have owned both in the past. I'm a member of county law enforcement and carry a G21 for duty use. I want something smaller and lighter than a 26 or 27. I know the PM9 is not much smaller, but it is lighter. The sig is about the same weight I think, but don't quote me on that. Right now I'm just looking for advise on the PM9 or P290, thanks.
Yeah, the G26 and P290 are almost exactly the same weight. The problems with light strikes and the hammer not falling/resetting with the P290 seems to be very widespread, some people have said Sig's costumer service told them 25%-50% are coming back with the problem. Sig has been replacing a variety of parts, and some people are now sending them back again with the same problem, seems like Sig isn't sure what the problem really is. If you decide to go with the P290 I'd wait at least 6 months to a year for them to get the bugs worked out.
I went with the Kahr CM9, no malfunctions so far, and though it might not seem much smaller than the G26 on paper, when compared side by side there's a pretty big difference. The CM9, compared to the P290, is lighter, has a better trigger, and is $150-$200 cheaper than the PM9 and P290. I haven't found any reports of problems with the CM9 yet, unlike the P290.
Scuba_Steve
Member
I have a P290 and will offer my thoughts. The PM9 has been out longer and you will receive more feedback on that firearm and I do not own one.
I have 550 rounds through my P290 with zero issues, not a single FTE or FTF. The sights are very good and the accuracy is great for a small firearm. Although I prefer the SA trigger in my P239, the DA trigger is very smooth and IMO much better than the DA trigger on my P250.
I have no regrets with purchasing this firearm and am very pleaed with it.
I have 550 rounds through my P290 with zero issues, not a single FTE or FTF. The sights are very good and the accuracy is great for a small firearm. Although I prefer the SA trigger in my P239, the DA trigger is very smooth and IMO much better than the DA trigger on my P250.
I have no regrets with purchasing this firearm and am very pleaed with it.
I have a PM9 - shot mostly cheap WWB, Federal and Tula from Walmart. Also about 20 rounds of high quality defense ammo.
Not ONE single issue in over 500 rounds. The "break-in"? To me it never needed breaking in.
I think it is an incredible little pistol and one of my favorites.
Not ONE single issue in over 500 rounds. The "break-in"? To me it never needed breaking in.
I think it is an incredible little pistol and one of my favorites.
mirage
Member
I was having the same debate a couple months ago. I ended up with the Kahr CM9 after not being able find a P290 at any of the local shops. 450 rounds in with out a single issue. The CM9 is a no frills version of the PM9.
I still want the sig but will wait a year or so for the bugs to get worked out.
I still want the sig but will wait a year or so for the bugs to get worked out.
I have moderate experience with a Kahr CW9, a PM9, and a CM9. I had to have the CW9 mag release repaired by Kahr but, other than that, none of these guns have given me ANY trouble. Furthermore, the Kahr design (especially in 9mm) is well-proven and very popular. They're as small as a reliable 9mm gets and very comfortable to shoot. I love the looks of the P290, but weight matters and they have a way to go to equal Kahr's track record. As for the Glocks, they're definitely NOT pocketable--if that matters to you.
Strykervet, I have a CW40 and the recoil is no worse than any other, similarly-sized .40 S&W.
If Glock made a single-stack 9mm and .40 S&W, they'd most likely sell a ton of them. Until they do, the Kahr's, Walther PPS's and the like will be the route to go for a polymer, single-stack 9 or 40.
Thin is in!
If Glock made a single-stack 9mm and .40 S&W, they'd most likely sell a ton of them. Until they do, the Kahr's, Walther PPS's and the like will be the route to go for a polymer, single-stack 9 or 40.
Thin is in!
I purchased a Kahr PM-9 three years ago and it has been my constant companion in a pocket holster. My unit has been totally reliable and surprisingly accurate - 7 shots into a 3 inch circle at 7 to 10 yards with a wide variety of bullets. I do not know the Sig290 but I would avoid any gun with an external hammer, decocker or safety for concealed carry.
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I have a Kahr CM9 that I have put 500 rounds of fmj and jhp through with no malfunctions. The accuracy of this little pistol amazes me. You are correct that they are not that much smaller that a Glock 26 but they are a lot thinner. I like the CM9 so much that I sold my Glock 26.
The P290 does not have a saftey or decocker. The hammer is set in the slide and does not pose a snag risk.
I love my P290. It is not so heavy that it hinders carry, but just heavy enough to make it (IMHO) the most shootable of all the sub compact 9mms. It is actually fun to shoot and is a legit range toy
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