Kahr vs Kahr?

[76shuvlinoff]

I went to yet another gun show today, in the end kept my wallet in my pocket.
I've been entertaining the thought of a pocketable 380 for more than a year but decided I'd like to handle the smaller 9s before I make that call.
I thought I spotted a used Kahr PM9 but when I got the vendor to open the case it was a PM40 with tritium sites and a $699 price tag. I handled it and it is sure a lot smaller than my daily XD40sc but in my opinion it's not pocket size.
So from those that have handled each.... is the PM9 appreciably different (carry wise) than the PM40?

Thanks!

 

[jocko]

about

the same in every dimension but the 40 cal is just one hard shooting caliber in the lite weight kahrs. Some report alot of recoil. My choice is the PM9, easy to shoot, ammo when availalbe is affordable, it will do the job.

If I owned a PM40 I would defiitely have it magna ported.

Buy the PM9, u won't regret it.

PM40 15.8 ounces pM9 14 ounces
PM40 5.35" length PM9 5.3 lenght
PM40 4.0 height PM9 4.0 height

not enough to make any difference, UNTIL u pull that trigger..

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The two guns only differ in the width of the slide, the .40's being about 1/10 of an inch wider, which in turn makes it perhaps an ounce heavier. No substantial difference there.

I've only owned and shot the 9, but a .40 in any gun this small and light is going to have both some bark and bite to it.

... but in my opinion it's not pocket size.

It is not a good fit in jeans pockets, perhaps, but carries well in larger pockets like those of cargo pants. It is about the same height and length and thinner - having no cylinder bulge - than the classic pocket gun, the lightweight snubnose revolver.

 

[cbailey]

For all practical purposes, the PM40 and PM9 are equivalent in size. I haven't shot the .40, but I would imagine it would be a handful in terms of recoil, as others have stated. The various standard pressure loads I've just "broken in" my PM9 with (note: no issues whatsoever) were suprisingly pleasant, despite the light weight and two-fingered grip.

That said, I can pocket my PM9 in just about any pair of jeans I own. Getting it out in a timely fashion is a whole different story, so I don't think I'll be front pocket carrying in most jeans. It does work fine for pocket carry with my casual slacks, cargo shorts, etc. But it definately is not equivalent to the modern small .380's in pocketability.

I must say I'm really liking the 9 so far. I love the dimensions, shooting characteristics, and the suprising accuracy.

 

[jocko]

definitely not a fast draw gun for front pocket carry, the PM9,nor really is my P380, but my PM9 rides in my jeans front pocket 24/7 .

i don't really worry to much about the fast draw issue either,. I think there is a trade off in pocket carry over waste band carry.

I don't want to dress to carry and the PM9 allows me to dress about any way I want and still have good decent firepower..

I just think you would be much happier with the PM9 .

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Thanks, I am not shopping for another 40, I have my XD40sc I carry when I can dress for it or it rides in my truck console. Something I can put in my pocket on occasion would be optimal for me. (no ass left so my jeans ain't all that tight anyhow) I looked over a pile of snubbies today but a good Kahr 9mm, even preowned, would probably fill the bill. If it can't go in the pocket it should be easy enough to stash IWB.

Thanks again!

and the search goes on...

 

[Philip Marlowe]

Similar in size - but not recoil

Handled both - own the PM9. I don't really feel that the PM9 is a pocket gun - in my opinion. They are just a bit too big, but maybe it's my pockets.

Anyway - firing 9mm +P out of the PM9 really isn't that much fun (I own one). But it's not a range gun anyway...

Kahr makes a fantastic handgun that can be worn strongside with just a t-shirt. You'll probably not notice much difference between the .40 and 9mm if you just pick it up.

Good luck.

 

[dbltp]

The PM9 is my daily carry gun (full disclosure it is my first and only handgun...) and I love it. The size makes it very versatile. If I am in shorts it slides right into a front pocket and with the right pocket holster it will not print (in the shape of a gun anyway).

When the weather is colder or I need to wear jeans/slacks it rides in a Mitch Rosen Express line behind my hip.

Incredibly comfortable in either position even when driving and so light you can forget it is there.

 

[RyanM]

I'd avoid the PM40 just because I've heard about longevity problems. .40 is just a bit too much for the PM frame, apparently.

My MK40 has been great, on the other hand, and recoil is just the tiniest bit snappier than a Glock 23. Of course, the Kahr, empty with magazine, weighs an ounce more than a bone stock Glock 23.

I think it's easily pocketable in jeans despite the weight, though. Just wear a belt so it doesn't pull your pants down, and it's fine.

 

[CDW4ME]

I have a PM9 and a PM40. I bought the 9 first, figured I could handle the 40.
The 9mm does kick less; I don't mind the CorBon +P load in the 9mm.
The 40 seems most controllable with Rem. GS 165 rather than Win. Silvertip 155. No CorBon in the PM40 for me.

I typically wear loose cargo jeans / shorts. I didn't think I could hide a J frame smith in my pocket, but I can; the butt of gun is near top of pocket and an untucked shirt is required. The Kahr is more compact than the J frame so I'm gonna give it (pocket carry) a try as soon as the holster arrives.

 

[ScareyH22A]

Did the OP say that a PM40 was not pocketable? Seriously? Ok. Get the 380 then. Easy.

 

[jocko]

I pocket carry my PM9 24/7 and a PM40 is the same size, it wold be pocketable, no doubt in my mind. The P380 IMO is just one supper kahr. this gun eaks in quality over the kt kand lcp guns. If you lokve your PM9,u will love the P380, forit is a scaled down in every part model kand just a super nice 380 to shoot and extremely accurate. the best .

380 I have ever owned. It looks and feels like a quality gun.

ryam M. My best frinds son was Govoner bush (florida) odyguard for 4 years and he carred a BUG MK40. He loved it.

Now compare the PM40 to the Glock 23 loaded and ur looking at the glock at 32 ounces and the PM40 loaded at 19 ounces.

The PM40's can take the rounds down range without any issues bu the MK or K series 40 cal just make sit so much more pleasant to shoot IMO.

If I owed a PM40, I would magna port it, no doubt. It will turn a tornado into a small wind..

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Thanks folks I have smaller hands and in handling the 40 it just didn't seem pocketable to me but I suppose it depends on the pockets eh? I really would like a middle range 380 for a bug but with the noticeable absence of ammo I'm steering clear for now. I believe the 9mm is just more universal. I've never had a Kahr but their rep seems good. Of course I expect more flip with with lightweight pistol but this would not a be 200 round per session firearm so I figure if I'm fine with my xd40sc the 9mm Kahr can't be a hell of a lot worse even if it is lighter.

as always I appreciate the comments. Now the hard part, gotta find one .... cheap