Kahr PM9 Recommendation, Please...

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Catbird

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I have been lusting after a Kahr PM9 since they were first introduced a while back. I have been patiently waiting until they were satisfactorily debugged and prices lowered to more reasonable levels.

Now may be the time. I spoke to my dealer on the phone today and I have these three choices:
1. He has a used/previously owned PM9 with the standard silver-colored
stainless slide with standard sights. He said that it looks to him to be unfired, however he was not positive. The owner's manual, warranty card and other paperwork appears to be unopened. The fired case envelope is unopened and has an April '03 date written on it. Includes the usual box and one, 6-round and one, 7-round magazine. It does have a "VA" S/N prefix. The dealer said that if I buy it and try it out and I don't like it for any reason after shooting it, he will give me a complete refund. Price $375 plus tax.

2. He can order me (overnight) a new PM9 (PM9093A) with silver-colored stainless slide and standard sights. Price $475 plus tax.

3. He can order me (overnight) a new PM9 (PM9094A) with the blackened stainless slide and standard sights. Price $490 plus tax.

What would be your choice and why? Thanks for your thoughts.
 
Let me know if you decide to pass on the used PM9, as I'd be interested.

Thanks

EM
 
Catbird

Personally I don't like to buy a used gun unless I know the seller. Sure, they may have suddenly found out they were strapped for cash or that the gun didn't fit their hand right, but it's just as likely they started having trouble with it and are selling it in disgust. (How many times have you seen this thread - "boy I can't stand this POS, I'm gonna sell it and get a .....). Since you can't tell in advance, why take the chance. If this gun is for carry/self defense (as are most PM-9s), then cost should be less of a factor than for a plinking gun. Your dealer's return policy is a real plus, but for my carry gun, I prefer new. (Just my humble opinion of course).

As for the choice between #2 and #3, it's purely subjective. Some like 2-tone and some don't. I just got the blackened stainless and I'm very pleased with it. It's a very nice looking matte finish, but time will tell on how it wears. From what I hear, the two guns function just the same, so it all depends on what you like. The only thing I did differently is add a set of night sights. Looks like good prices to me.

Range report (if you're interested), I stripped, cleaned, and relubed the gun and went through a box of winchester white box, 115 gr, with no malfunctions. I was a bit surprised actually since the slide felt very stiff initially and I thought maybe it wasnt quite right. Turns out I'm just used to full sized 1911s and the 3 inch pocket guns need a stiffer spring. Anyways, I then went through a number of mags of Remington Golder Saber 124 gr JHP (for now, my carry round) and again, not a single mis-feed or failure. I had to stop after 200 rounds since I was short on time, so this is not by any means an extensive test, but I am extremely pleased with this gun and feel very confident with it so far. Whatever you decide, enjoy!
 
I tend to agree with Durango about buying a used gun, but then, if the dealer will take it back, you should be fine. I bought #2 a few months ago and am completely satisfied with it, even though I paid a little more than that. I've since added night sights. I would have preferred the blackened slide, but my dealer didn't have any, and I didn't want to wait. For that small difference in price, that's what I'd get.

Scott
 
I'd pass on number 3. I just think the silver slide looks better.

Normally, I would also pass on Number 1. I do not like the idea of buying a used gun. I did it once and don't think I'll ever do it again. However, your situation is different. The gun looks new/unfired and, more importantly, the dealer is going to let you try it out. That (trying it out) counts for a lot. Even the "new" PM9's have problems, and the April '03 is not that old. "New" PM9's from other stores/dealers can be that old.

That being said, I'd probably go with choice 1. But, Iwould have no problems going with choice 2.

FYI, I think many new PM9's will show some wear from being test fired. I think this wear is more prominent than on other makes of guns that are test fired.

Joe Mamma
 
I would go with the 9094a, I believe it's kahr latest version and with Kahr
who makes changes, it seems daily, latest version should be the best,
I just purchased a 9098 mk 9 and it has been great, very accurate, recoil
is the best I have seen for this small of a gun. Most problems with Kahr
from what I read is with the polymer frames.
 
Any of those prices are good. Here in NoVa, the PM9 has been over $500 new for some time. Even the used one is a good price.

Chris
 
Those all look like good prices to me.

I have a "VA" PM9 and I have been very pleased with it (it is in my pocket right now).

I would go with choice #1 as long as it really looks unfired and the dealer is willing to give you a full refund. If it works and you're happy, use the $100 you saved to buy ammo and practice with it!
 
First of all, let me say "thank you" for the replies.

To make a long story short, I chose DOOR #1. :)
After seeing the "used" PM9 in person today, I couldn't resist it. Considering the price ($375), its superb condition and my dealer's willingness to give me a complete refund, I just couldn't pass it up.

Now, if it shoots as good as it looks after break-in, I'll be extremely happy.
 
Catbird, what dealer in va did you get this awesome deal from? Reason I ask, is that all of his prices, option 1, 2 and 3, are quite good, and better than any deal Ive seen in northern virginia. Congrats on the new toy, I hope to get one myself this summer.
 
Not a bad outfit to do business with. Their prices at gunshows are usually pretty fair.

I dunno about the rest of them, but the youngish girl that works their tables at the shows is a PM9 fan.

Chris
 
FWIW, I believe she is the wife of the younger guy, David Jarrett and possibly the sister of the other guy, Rod Hodge.

I've bought many (and I do mean "many") guns from them over the years.
 
Thanks for the lead. I bought a star bm from those guys in january and was very impressed with the service and selection.
 
You can't beat the deal you got on the PM9. In my part of the country you are looking close to $500 for one, if not more. $375.00 for a really new one is a smoking deal. He must have gotten it for a steal since he had to make at least $75.00 on the gun.

I've got the stainless slide with standard sights as well. I like it much better because I don't have to worry about the finish wearing off the slide. About the only change I would make would be to put a large dot sized night sight on the front and leave the rear standard.

Oh..and I'd stick a slightly stronger mag release spring in there as well.

Good Shooting
Red
 
Oh..and I'd stick a slightly stronger mag release spring in there as well.
Click to expand...
Red (or anyone else) -

Is the magazine release spring difficult to change? Are there instructions?

I did notice that mine is a tad weak...quite a bit weaker than my Kahr P40's spring.
 
I have one of the PM9's with the black slide. Very happy with it.

As for the prices:

#1 was a great price.

#2 is about what I have seen.

#3 is almost $100.00 less than asking around here.

David.
 
Is the magazine release spring difficult to change? Are there instructions?
Click to expand...

It doesn't look difficult at all. I'll try to call Kahr tomorrow and see if they have a beefed up version of the mag release spring to send me. I'll also post what I find out.

Also, make sure you carry your spare mag in a holster that will cover the mag lips. Kahr magazines are especially bad about releasing rounds from the magazines. Just carry a spare mag in your pocket without a cover for day and then count how many rounds you have loose! :D

Good Shooting
Red
 
I'll try to call Kahr tomorrow and see if they have a beefed up version of the mag release spring to send me.
Click to expand...
Actually, I called Kahr yesterday and spoke to Tech Support. I was told that they didn't have a stronger spring to offer me, however they DID have a newer magazine release that they would send. It sounds like it isn't harder to depress, it just needs to be pressed in a tad more to release the magazine. Just for good measure, I also requested that they send me a new spring. We'll see, I guess.
 
"I was told that they didn't have a stronger spring to offer me, however they DID have a newer magazine release that they would send."

Catbird, please let us know what the differences are when you figure it out. It would be great if you post side by side pics. Thank you in advance.

Joe Mamma
 
Ok..called Kahr and they are sending me a new mag catch as well.

No stronger spring is available and the tech explained that he had seen some internet rumors about a new beefier version spring, but they were false.

The fix was an updated magazine catch that has a longer tooth that engages deeper into the magazine.

Good Shooting
Red
 
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