Need a new Kahr handgun

[ironduke]

I have three options that are being weighed.

1. Trade my Sig P229 .40 for a Kahr PM9.
2. Buy a Kahr PM40 and keep the P229. (Shared ammo)
3. Buy a Kahr PM9 and keep the P229

I current don't have any 9mm's, so I am tempted to drop .40S&W and stick to 9mm & .45ACP. Any ideas?

 

[grimjaw]

Do you have any other handguns besides that SIG? If not, I'd keep it. I can't recommend the PM40 from personal experience (although I did own a PM9), but I imagine the recoil has got to be uncomfortable to say the least. The PM9 is tolerable, and was more manageable to me than the .38 snubbies I tried.

Can you get a 9mm conversion barrel for that SIG? I've never looked into it.

 

[ironduke]

I carry an USP Compact .45 and also have an old .38 revolver. The recoil on the PM40 would a concern to me also. I wouldn't shoot it at the range that much, but it would make sense to get something so uncomfortable that I would not train with it.

 

[mongo4567]

I have a PM40 and love it. It is so small and light that it is a pleasure to carry. The recoil isn't fun, but I've shot over 200 rounds in it and am plenty accurate for defensive purposes. It is easier to shoot a Beretta Cougar, G27, or G23 in .40, but they are bigger and heavier. I would always much rather carry .40 or .45 than 9mm, but the PM9 is a good choice.

I have one friend that has a PM40 and loves it, and another friend that refuses to shoot mine after the first time. It really depends on how much recoil bothers you.

 

[Rodentman]

iMHO the PM40 is a great carry gun, not such a great range gun. But I don't find the recoil an issue. Of course my 329NG isn't an issue either........

 

[Guillermo]

Not weighing in on your decision but I do have some input if you decide to buy the 9mm

as the owner of a PM9 I would recommend the P9 over it.

concealability is barely impacted but much easier to shoot

 

[Schofield3]

I really preferred 9mm to 40S&W - till I got a 40 cal.
9 is great and all and can do a lot but 40 just has great ballistics & is super available around here

 

[grimjaw]

ironduke, well in that case maybe you could look at the MK40. I have a MK9, and while it's heavy compared to the PM9 the weight doesn't bother me for pocket carry in the large pockets of the leather jacket I wear when riding my motorcycle. It still conceals just as well as the PM9 and doesn't fatigue me at the range as much.

Keep in mind, too, that the Kahr's have more frequent manufacturer-recommended recoil spring changes than some other pistols.

Personally, I dropped lots of different calibers and consolidated. I have .22LR, 9mm, and 12G, and then some black powder stuff. I toy with the idea of picking up another caliber but can't bring myself to do it. However, in your case looks like you'd just be trading one caliber for another and still ending up with three (.45, .38. and 9mm). If that doesn't bother you, no big deal.

 

[riceboy72]

If you can keep the 229 and get a 9mm Kahr, I'd say go that route. In the last few months, I bought P9 for my girlfriend as her backup and off duty gun, and then acquired a PM9 a few weeks ago. I have to agree that the PM9 shoots better than the P9 (honestly don't know why, but it does), despite the P9 winning hands down for ergonomics. Both have been utterly reliable, but I think the PM9 shoots softer an is more accurate than the P9 which was an honest surprise to me.

I am not disappointed with either pistol, and actually bought the PM9 thinking she'd be more attracted to it for it's size to carry in her purse and when it's attached to her body armor. She wound up keeping the P9.

 

[Retired Consultant]

Kahr P9 over PM9

Prefer P9 as carry gun since PM9 is all steel and considerably heavier. P9 is not a problem as far as recoil is concerned and I find it more than accurate as a defense weapon.

 

[dogtown tom]

Retired Consultant Prefer P9 as carry gun since PM9 is all steel and considerably heavier.

The PM9 is the same polymer, but smaller frame as the P9. I think you mean't K9 which is the steel frame

 

[gordy]

KEEP THE SIG YOU WONT REGRET IT. TRADE, and you will be mad at your self.

 

[Bovice]

What? Trading in a P229 for a KAHR? Are you feeling ok?

Keep it. The 229 is an outstanding gun, especially in .40. I'm on the lookout for a .357 Sig barrel for mine... Just because.

If you want the Kahr, buy it. But don't get rid of the Sig. You will regret that.

 

[rick melear]

Keep the Sig and get a P9.