Kahr pm9

[sawdeanz]

I did a thing, I bought my first ccw pistol. I have a bunch of experience shooting full size pistols and saw one for sale locally for a great price. I had been considering the shield and the g43 and was able to shoot both, but I really liked the feel and size of the Kahr better. Was most likely going to settle for the cw9 but I was able to pick up it's premium line for only $450 with tru-glo night sights and 4 mags. This was the safety version with loaded chamber indicator. I was a little taken aback at the transaction because while I wasn't surprised that Kahr would have a safety model, I was surprised to find the safety worked backwards, swiping up to fire.

I really liked how it shot. It wasn't as uncomfortable to shoot as the sig 938 or the Kimber solo. In fact both me and my friend really enjoyed it, although the mag pinched him a little. It had the fantastic trigger that these are known for. The safety model supposedly has a slightly shorter trigger. It was still long, much longer than the Shield but I didn't feel like it was a detriment to shooting at all. I Both of us shot it very well at the range. It was reliable as well in the almost 100 rounds I put through it. Compared to the shield it is pretty much the same width but shorter in length and height by a good margin. I feel like I could definitely get away with pocket carry in your typical front cargo shorts or jean pockets, no bulgier than the wallet I typically carried there.

Things I don't like is it is a little finicky to disassemble. The shield is so much easier. On the kahr the slide much be held back while the slide stop is pried out and and the trigger pulled as the slide is pushed forward but sometimes you have to do it a few times. They don't say in their instructions but I think the striker should be released before starting to disassemble and one should avoid recocking it before taking the slide off.

I had passed on the p938 models earlier due to cost and the difficulty of using the safety with my big hands. On the one hand I could see how this backwards implementation might be just as effective on a tiny gun, it has a longer rotation but is easy and kind of snaps into place. I found it was easy to use but not consistently easy to use. I should note the shield safety is also incredibly small and a bit difficult to use. In fact I'm not convinced that the PM9 safety is any worse than other sub-compacts although you could certainly discuss the merits of needing a safety at all. Through my range session and dry fire sessions there were several times when I failed to disengage the safety. I think there is definitely a technique that one would have to practice and I haven't figured out a reliable movement yet.

Personally I don't think the features of the PM9 as I understand them are worth the price over the cw9, but for the deal I got I wasn't worried.

 

[C0untZer0]

The other part I dislike is the polymer slide rails. This is the only polymer pistol I've seen that doesn't have metal inserts

The metal inserts are there.

 

[CDW4ME]

Looks like you got a great deal on a good pocket pistol.
The PM line has (had) a machined slide stop vs MIM on the CM series.
PM line also has better sights.

 

[9mmepiphany]

This is the only polymer pistol I've seen that doesn't have metal inserts but I haven't heard anything negative about these pistols reliability or durability so should I be worried?

Not because of this...because the metal inserts are embedded in the polymer

 

[C0untZer0]

I have the CM9 and I like it. The PM9 is a nicer pistol and there are threads upon threads over at KahrTalk on the differences between the two guns.

Did you get the model with the manual safety?

I found that the safety on the PM9 didn't work well for me. It's not like flicking the safety off on a 1911 or a Hi-Power. It's more like rotating a dial, IMO.

I tried it and decided that it would take too much training for me to be able to use it under stress.

 

[jimbo555]

I guess someone from Massachusetts moved to Florida and traded it in. Never seen the safety equipped pm9 in person. I would leave it in the fire or off position.

 

[340PD]

Nice find. As others have mentioned go over to Kahrtalk forum for better help with specific questions.

I have the Shield and the Kahr. The PM9 is a true (in a pocket holster) pocket carry gun. The PM9 will seem a bit finicky to field strip until you get used to it. I think one of the usual hangups is the wire spring not being in the correct position when you replace the slide release lever. http://www.kahrtalk.com/archive/index.php/t-7231.html
Take your time and pay attention to YouTube videos for tips and tricks.
Overall, I find the Kahr to be a terrific carry gun.

Enjoy your gun.

 

[Tony k]

Compared to the shield it is slightly heavier and the same width but shorter length and height wise by a good bit. I feel like I could definitely get away with pocket carry in your typical front cargo shorts or jean pockets, no bulgier than the wallet I typically carried.

Pm9 weighs 14 oz (15.9oz with full magazine).

9mm shield weighs 19oz.

I have a cm9 and a shield. The cm9 is obviously lighter and noticeably more compact. The shield's dimensions are just a hair too big to pocket carry for me. I pocket carry my cm9 every day with a galco holster.

With a proper holster, the kahr doesn't need a manual safety in my opinion.

 

[sawdeanz]

Pm9 weighs 14 oz (15.9oz with full magazine).

9mm shield weighs 19oz.

I have a cm9 and a shield. The cm9 is obviously lighter and noticeably more compact. The shield's dimensions are just a hair too big to pocket carry for me. I pocket carry my cm9 every day with a galco holster.


With a proper holster, the kahr doesn't need a manual safety in my opinion.

Original post edited for correctness. Holding the two side by side did feel like the shield was heavier, but could possibly be due to the balance or the shield's slightly larger grip.

Not because of this...because the metal inserts are embedded in the polymer

Edited my original post for correctness, I'll have to look more closely to understand how that works. I do intend to shoot this gun a lot as my only and primary carry gun, but despite my experimentation with loading, holding, shooting and ammo-brands it didn't hiccup once so that's the important part for me.

 

[wombat13]

My carry gun is a PM9. It was the best option available when I bought it a few years ago. I just shot back-to-back with my G17 and the Glock trigger is so much better. Makes me want to shoot a G43.

I still like the PM9 very much, but love the Glock trigger. Makes me think I could have saved hundreds of dollars if Glock had just brought out the G43 a few years earlier.

 

[PCFlorida]

If you are talking about the long trigger pull, from what I understand that is because many people pocket carry it. I do, trigger takes getting used to for sure, but you'll also never have an ND with it.

 

[Snowdog]

I'm sure you'll keep loving it. I decided to go with the CM9 and have put plenty of rounds through it, all flawless. Mine seems to like (non +P) 124gr HST and keeps the groups tight for such a small pistol.

 

[wombat13]

If you are talking about the long trigger pull, from what I understand that is because many people pocket carry it. I do, trigger takes getting used to for sure, but you'll also never have an ND with it.

Yes, the trigger pull is long and I understand the reason for it. The PM9 is an excellent handgun and is still my choice for carry. But I am tempted to try a G43. Unfortunately, there are no ranges that rent guns in my area.

 

[sawdeanz]

Yes, the trigger pull is long and I understand the reason for it. The PM9 is an excellent handgun and is still my choice for carry. But I am tempted to try a G43. Unfortunately, there are no ranges that rent guns in my area.

I had tried a g43 as well. I really liked that one too. I was surprised how fast I could shoot it accurately and in fact if I haven't come across the Kahr I would have probably gone with that. The G43 is a little bit bigger, closer to the shield in size yet still carrying only 6 rounds. It was very nice to shoot but I liked the ability of the Kahr to pocket carry and figured if I didn't like it I could sell it easily for what I paid and get the Glock instead.

 

[Iggy]

Anybody who has carried a revolver for the last 40 years will find the Kahr trigger and the lack of a manual safety plumb familiar.

My wife and I both went from revolvers to Kahr 45 ACPs. Easy transition.

 

[george burns]

46 years carrying, and 6 years with the PM9 as my pocket gun. It has not failed me ever, the only thing is it could use some new night sights. I recommend this gun to anyone who asks, It runs and runs, any type of ammo through 6 mags I have for it, including the 7 rounder.
I have many other guns, and sometimes carry a larger gun as a primary, but I trust it as much as any of my Glocks.
I bought it from a friend, I met on a gun Forum about the same time and have done 2 deals with him. I trust his word, an ex Cop from Chicago, who is very detail oriented as am I.
He did send it to Kahr one time to have the NS installed and they polished the entire guts of the gun from the inner slide to the trigger, "I looked" and that may contribute to it's awesomeness. He had a few fte wit it when he first bought it, and it wasn't enough Gun for him. I traded him a M&P 9c, and he was happy with that gun because of the size and weight. The 9c was a great gun also, but too large to pocket carry, and I like to have that option even when I carry a larger gun like a Glock 19. I don't mix calibers, if I am carrying 2 guns they are either both 9mm, or 45, sometimes a 357, for arming my wife with 38's in it.
The gun is easy to shoot well.

 

[Fishbed77]

Edited my original post for correctness, I'll have to look more closely to understand how that works.

The rear inserts are there in pretty much the same location as you would expect to find them in a Glock, etc. They are black, partially molded over, and difficult to see.

The front inserts are thin stainless rails, and are very easy to see, but are located down in the dust cover, in an atypical location.

 

[C0untZer0]

The MK9, PM9 and CM9 are also the least finicky eaters of all the micro-nines or specifically 9mm pistols that have a 5.5" x 4" or smaller footprint.

I shoot 115gr WWB, TULA BRASS MAX, and Federal Champion, 123gr ZQI, 124gr NATO, 147gr Ranger "T" series and HST out of my CM9.

I've never had a failure to feed, fire, eject or go into battery.

Its nice I can use cheap practice ammo with it.

 

[texagun]

I bought my Kahr PM9 back in 2006 and have never been disappointed with it. It's been an excellent little carry gun during the summer months when concealability can be a problem. I carry mine in a Kusiak IWB holster and highly recommend it. The PM9 is a very accurate little gun for it's size and friends who have shot it have been duly impressed with it.

 

[Tirod]

Sans safety it's why a bought a CW380. I tried triggering the LCP (first gen) and sold it, then shopped the internet focusing on triggers and which are the best. In the gun store back to back the Kahr holds it's near legendary reputation for having the best trigger. Unlike others I don't have to fight thru a stack up, pull it back to the frame, or battle getting it to operate on the second knuckle to keep from adjusting my grip. A lot of other guns have those issues.

Add the manageable recoil that makes shooting the CW380 thru a box of 50 vs an LCP thru two or three mags maximum and it comes down to being a easier gun to shoot accurately. Too many makers seem to think a difficult trigger is the best answer for liability concerns when the point is that requirements can be met without endangering the shooter.

Im honestly concerned when owners of some pistols admit they don't like shooting them but it's ok to carry because they are pocket guns and won't ever be needed. There's just too many conflicting issues to be answered. They get zero practice with the gun but expect to be supremely proficient the one time it might be needed. That's like asking Tiger Woods to never play golf between tournaments. Just show up cold and deal with it. Im not old enough to say I ever saw Babe Ruth hitting homers but I do know he did practice - and practice is what makes perfect. You practice until you can't do it wrong. What good is a difficult gun you won't practice with going to do you when you need it?

Kahr = great trigger = fun practicing = better shooter. And yet there are those who brag about having guns they can shoot well despite the trigger being abominable, as it that's a good thing. It's not - and neither is the concept.

If more people would actually try out triggers then choose the best in a blindfolded comparison they'd be surprised at how bad their favorite guns treat them.

 

[bannockburn]

Tirod

That beautiful and smooth DA trigger is what sold me on the CM9. To me it's like the perfect semi-auto complement to my other favorite CCW, my S&W Model 638.

 

[franco45]

In my opinion 9mm is the sweet spot for Kahr pistols. I have my CM9 in my pocket as I type this.

 

[Safety First]

I have Kahr PM9 I bought for pocket carry maybe a couple of years ago.
I tried carrying it in an Alesi leather pocket holster but the gun just flops around in my pocket making it impossible to pocket carry.

I am actually thinking about selling it to help fund the purchase of another gun. It has just sat in the Safe since I fired the 250 rounds through it for break-in. As far as how it shoots it is really a fine handgun but the LCP just works better for pocket carry for me.

 

[bannockburn]

Safety First

I have carried my CM9 in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster but it somewhat depends on the size and shape of the pocket of the pants or shorts that I'm wearing as to how comfortable it feels. A much more direct solution is to carry it in an IWB holster like the DeSantis SOF-TUCK. Extremely practical, very concealable, and much easier to access immediately if need be.

 

[C0untZer0]

My R9 is perfect for jeans, CM9 is a little bit tight, but the R9 swings out and back against my leg when walking wearing shorts but the CM9 fills up the pocket a little more and I don't have that problem with it.

I would have purchased 2 Rohrbaughs but they're pretty expensive. The CM9 has a very similar double action trigger, so I really didn't mess myself up training with both.