Kahr PM9

[sgt127]

I had a Rohrbaugh. It's an awesome little gun. Flawless design and ergonomics. Great trigger. Pride of ownership. The only downside was it would not run one magazine without a jam. I'll bet I spent $150 trying every variation of high end ammo recommended for that gun. It would not even shoot hardball. Ordered new springs, new magazines. Nothing worked. I bought it lightly used and, it had just come back from the factory after a tune up where the slide had been replaced with an upgrade. Talked at length to the owners, great guys, very helpful, they even remembered the specific gun I had.

But, to transfer the warranty to me was another $150. Just wasn't worth it.

I really tried to like it, just wasn't for me. Add the no plus P rule and trading out the recoil spring every 200 rounds, I stayed with my PM9 for deep cover, it's run great for a couple thousand rounds.

 

[stinger 327]

I had a Rohrbaugh. It's an awesome little gun. Flawless design and ergonomics. Great trigger. Pride of ownership. The only downside was it would not run one magazine without a jam. I'll bet I spent $150 trying every variation of high end ammo recommended for that gun. It would not even shoot hardball. Ordered new springs, new magazines. Nothing worked. I bought it lightly used and, it had just come back from the factory after a tune up where the slide had been replaced with an upgrade. Talked at length to the owners, great guys, very helpful, they even remembered the specific gun I had.

But, to transfer the warranty to me was another $150. Just wasn't worth it.

I really tried to like it, just wasn't for me. Add the no plus P rule and trading out the recoil spring every 200 rounds, I stayed with my PM9 for deep cover, it's run great for a couple thousand rounds.

I guess paying more $$$ doesn't always mean you get the best gun.

 

[340PD]

Stinger327, My PM9 is just the standard black on black.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM9-Black-w-Night-Sights.asp

Is it worth the extra cost over the CM9? Too me, yes.

 

[RyanM]

You actually do get more than just the mag, with a PM9. Chronograph testing has pretty consistently shown that polygonal rifled Kahrs will shoot significantly faster than conventionally rifled ones. Kahr PM/MK guns actually usually chrono about as fast as a Glock 26/27 when being fired side by side with ammo from the same box, despite the 1/2" barrel length difference and both being polygonally rifled. Kahr is definitely doing something right with their barrels.

In a mousegun with a 3" barrel, I'll take all the extra FPS I can get. Saving money up front, but firing weaker shots every single time you pull the trigger, just doesn't make any sense to me. A couple ft-lbs of energy might not matter that much, but modern JHPs are typically designed to work at full-size barrel velocities. The closer to that velocity you get, the better the ammo will perform.

 

[stinger 327]

You actually do get more than just the mag, with a PM9. Chronograph testing has pretty consistently shown that polygonal rifled Kahrs will shoot significantly faster than conventionally rifled ones. Kahr PM/MK guns actually usually chrono about as fast as a Glock 26/27 when being fired side by side with ammo from the same box, despite the 1/2" barrel length difference and both being polygonally rifled. Kahr is definitely doing something right with their barrels.

In a mousegun with a 3" barrel, I'll take all the extra FPS I can get. Saving money up front, but firing weaker shots every single time you pull the trigger, just doesn't make any sense to me. A couple ft-lbs of energy might not matter that much, but modern JHPs are typically designed to work at full-size barrel velocities. The closer to that velocity you get, the better the ammo will perform.

Where is Kahr made?

 

[Jitterbug]

Kahr's used to be made in Mass, but I think they may have moved manufacturing.

When I purchased PM9 # 2, I did some careful research and number crunching and personally found the extra dollars for the PM9 to be worth it for me. I wanted the factory night sights, extra mags and the same rifling as the PM9.

One thing I didn't want to mess with was the outstanding accuracy of the PM9, maybe the CM9 will shoot every bit as well but I didn't want to mess with success so we went with a second PM9 and don't have any regrets.

I agree with the above post about wanting every additional fps from the 3" barrel. Although I don't know for sure if there is a measurable difference between the CM9 and PM9.

I get 1163 fps in 4.25" M+P Pro and 1030 fps in the 3" PM9 from the same 124 gr. XTP handload.

Some guys rave about the CM9 and it might be just fine, we're happy withe PM9's.

 

[stinger 327]

Kahr's used to be made in Mass, but I think they may have moved manufacturing.

When I purchased PM9 # 2, I did some careful research and number crunching and personally found the extra dollars for the PM9 to be worth it for me. I wanted the factory night sights, extra mags and the same rifling as the PM9.

One thing I didn't want to mess with was the outstanding accuracy of the PM9, maybe the CM9 will shoot every bit as well but I didn't want to mess with success so we went with a second PM9 and don't have any regrets.

I agree with the above post about wanting every additional fps from the 3" barrel. Although I don't know for sure if there is a measurable difference between the CM9 and PM9.

I get 1163 fps in 4.25" M+P Pro and 1030 fps in the 3" PM9 from the same 124 gr. XTP handload.

Some guys rave about the CM9 and it might be just fine, we're happy withe PM9's.

The CM9 is larger than the PM 9. I would prefer the smallest 9mm possible. I don't know how many versions there are to the PM9 from Black Rose to the other black model but I prefer the one with the silver stainless steel slide. Perfect size and great trigger pull.

 

[RyanM]

Kahr's used to be made in Mass, but I think they may have moved manufacturing.

According to their website, they're still made in Worcester, MA.

I agree with the above post about wanting every additional fps from the 3" barrel. Although I don't know for sure if there is a measurable difference between the CM9 and PM9.

Chrono tests I've seen showed about a 50 fps difference on average with 124 grain ammo, 35-ish fps with 147 gr. But every gun is different, of course.

 

[Jackal]

The CM9 is larger than the PM 9.

No it is not, they are the exact same size! Both pistols share the same dimensions. One other thing to consider, you cannot shoot lead reloads from the PM9's barrel, whereas you can with the CM.

Here's the deal: Buy whatever you want, but they are functionally the same pistol with a $200 difference in price. I have had both, the CM9 is the exact same gun with a traditionally rifled barrel (which seems to work just fine on every other handgun made). Here's a good review that sums it up. http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/the-kahr-cm-9/

 

[stinger 327]

No it is not, they are the exact same size! Both pistols share the same dimensions. One other thing to consider, you cannot shoot lead reloads from the PM9's barrel, whereas you can with the CM.

Here's the deal: Buy whatever you want, but they are functionally the same pistol with a $200 difference in price. I have had both, the CM9 is the exact same gun with a traditionally rifled barrel (which seems to work just fine on every other handgun made). Here's a good review that sums it up. http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/the-kahr-cm-9/

FROm the specs I saw in the Kahr Website CM9 and PM 9 are different sizes. That's the problem iwth all of these different models they get mixed up. Thanks for that review.

 

[Jackal]

Kahrs sight list same sizes on both.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CM9.asp
http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM9.asp

 

[C0untZer0]

Kahr did a design change right when the CM9 came out. Today, CM9s and PM9s that come off the line are the same size, but older PM9s were smaller.

 

[stinger 327]

Kahrs sight list same sizes on both.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CM9.asp
http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM9.asp

tHE Only difference I see is the 3.1", polygonal rifling vs. 3.0", conventional rifling and the engraving all of which is cosmetic in appearance.
I guess I would have to see the PM 9 and the CM 9 together hold each one in hand.
This is a great option to have a less expensive model that does the same thing as the expensive model if all other things and results are the same.

 

[Doogledog]

The CM9 and the PM9 is exactly the same size. You may be getting them confused with the CW9 which does have a slightly larger grip. I own a CW9 and it is my favorite carry gun. It's been 100% dead reliable, accurate and most of all, very easy to carry.

 

[stinger 327]

The CM9 and the PM9 is exactly the same size. You may be getting them confused with the CW9 which does have a slightly larger grip. I own a CW9 and it is my favorite carry gun. It's been 100% dead reliable, accurate and most of all, very easy to carry.

The CM9 and PM 9 are the smallest 9mm that Kahr makes yet your CW9 is easy for carry?

 

[Jackal]

yet your CW9 is easy for carry?

I think it depends on your method of carry. Pocket, inside waist band, small of back, etc.

 

[Doogledog]

I personally prefer IWB. I don't have to buy pants any bigger in the waist when carrying the CW9. It is a little too large for me to pocket carry and I prefer the longer grip on the CW as opposed to the CM model. I'm sure if you choose to pocket carry the CM would be best.

 

[stinger 327]

Ok so between the CM9 and PM 9 if you were blind folded you couldn't tell or feel any difference between in shooting these two guns other than $200?

I also notice they have a black diamond coat which costs even more.

 

[wow6599]

Ok so between the CM9 and PM 9 if you were blind folded you couldn't tell or feel any difference between in shooting these two guns other than $200?

If you are on a budget, buy the CM9. If you have $600, get a PM9.

I have a PM9, my wife had a CM9 that was stolen.

You get what you pay for......

 

[Jackal]

You get what you pay for......

Except in this case. Get the CM9 and 6 mags.

 

[cemjr]

The PM9, all black with night sights, is my EDC. I shoot this gun alot (practise,practise.practise). No complaints

 

[stinger 327]

The PM9, all black with night sights, is my EDC. I shoot this gun alot (practise,practise.practise). No complaints

What is the black model called? Is it that Diamond coat? Or is it the Black Rose?

 

[Shawn Dodson]

PM-9 is my general-purpose summer carry gun - due to the lightweight fabrics I wear to endure the summer heat and humidity. I carry it in a Milt Sparks Executive's Companion leather IWB holster. I bought it new in 2008 for less than $500. It's been a reliable little pistol for me. However depending on the activities I'm going to be engaged in I might opt to carry a Glock 26 instead.

My primary winter CCW is a Glock 19.

I also carry the Glocks in a Milt Sparks Executive's Companion IWB holster (as this holster has worked very well for me).

All three have identical manual of arms so all my manipulations smoothly carry over from gun to gun.

I load all three with Speer 124gr +P Gold Dot.

 

[heeler]

When I bought my PM9 the CM was a rumor but was not yet available at the time.
The fit and finish along with the excellent night sights and was mentioned the polygonal rifling probably would have still pulled me towards the PM9.
On the other hand if I had been hard pressed financially the CM model would have been highly considered but then again I would at that point even then consider the KT PF9 as it is at least $125 lower in price than the CM.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

engineer88 writes:

My one beef with it is carrying an extra mag can be a pain due to rounds getting loose and I can live with that as Iusually employ it as a bug or have a backup to it.

I carry my spare PM-9 magazine in a belt carrier from Milt Sparks.

However I had the same problem as you when I carried a spare Seecamp .32 magazine in my pocket, which compelled me to order a custom made leather "standard" magazine pouch from Meco Pocket Holsters (http://mecopocketholsters.com/magpouches.htm). I had it custom made so that it covered only about half the magazine, which allows me to easily flick the pouch off the magazine with my thumb during a Combat Reload.