[Not] another this gun vs that gun thread (CM9, LCR)

[g_one]

Just to clarify, my question here is not about comparing the cartridges these guns shoot, or comparing snub revolvers to subcompact 9mms. Unless you really want to have that conversation again (which we all know gets us nowhere and just comes down to opinion a vs opinion b), I would say we can just leave that part out.

Speaking only about the shootability and overall quality of a gun that I will hopefully be carrying around in my pocket for years to come (and taking to the range every now and then to keep practice with it), I'm interested in getting some opinions on the Ruger LCR vs the Kahr CM9.

All of the reviews I've read about the LCR say that the trigger pull is a wonder, and that it tames .357 loads fairly well considering how small it is (which means it doesn't 'tame' them at all, but at least makes them a little easier to shoot than your average j frame). I've never owned one but I have had the opportunity to put a few cylinders of 38+P through one. Likewise with the CM9 I have shot some standard white box through a PM9 that had already been sufficiently broken in, and I can honestly say I'm equally impressed with both guns.

Personally my vote is swaying me towards the CM9, but there's something about the LCR that is nagging the back of my mind to just rethink things a little longer. For reference, my current EDC pocket gun is an LCP - I think it is a great gun but .380 just doesn't do it for me and the trigger pull doesn't match up with my preferences/tastes. Check my post in the classifieds section if you're interested in buying or trading for it.

 

[g_one]

Thread name probably dissuaded most people from even peeking. Fair enough.

 

[hardluk1]

You know, there not many "bad "handguns today, just some that you like better than others. I carried a snubby for 20 years before try'n a pistol. Then I carried a KT pf-9 for 2 years and a couple thousand rounds all trouble free. Now I CC kahrs do more to the fact a guy sold me a cw9 so cheap I had to take a chance. I don't like mixing handguns and still needed a pocketable handgun so I bought a cm9 and ended up selling the pf-9 now have a tp40 kahr. It does not mean it does anything the best but it works well enough to fill all my carry needs.

Rugers LCR is a very good revolver with what many think is the best trigger and recoil control in any snubby.

I think if all you need is 1 handgun for CC the lcr is hard to pass on and try to keep the 380 for a back up or faster reload.

 

[hardluk1]

Picking out a handgun is so much a personal thing. Heres something to think about . Anyone can pull the trigger on a revolver and it will go bang. With a micro sized 9mm you have to have good handgun control.

I carried a snubby for 20 years before moving to kahrs. Only bought a cw9 cause it was offered so cheaply from a pissed off owner I had to buy it. I ended up buying a cm9 and retired my revolver and now own a larger tp40. Both the lcr and cm9 do the job well so its almost a flip of a coin . I will say IF you can keep the 380, keep it as it can make for a faster reload if ever needed.

 

[AFDavis11]

I would find this a difficult choice too. I'd eventually buy both. Personally, I'd go with the CM-9. As much as I love revolvers in my heart, I have to concede to the logic of the benefit of the auto as a better fighting tool.

I would not like the .357 in that small of a gun.

I carry a reload and find speed loaders kind of . . . unwieldy.

 

[Ledgehammer]

Both have great triggers with a slight nod to the cm9. I've owned both and loved shooting my cm9. With the lcr I didn't care for shooting more than 30 per session. Recoil is snappy and painful. My vote goes to the cm9. The revolver is 5 for sure and the kahr is a tight gun fresh out of the box. You can't go wrong though with either.

 

[Wishoot]

My LCR was great but I would not want to shoot .357 out of that thing. Stout .38's were controllable, but somewhat uncomfortable. Anything bigger would be challenging (especially for quick follow up shots).

 

[fxstchewy]

My view, i have a CM9 and LCR .357, i carry the LCR more...reason? because i do feel that if i need it for SD the LCR is going to work, now i REALLY like my CM9 and it is great to shoot and accurate more than i would have thought it to be and mine has never had one issue but... i don't like the little spring for the slide lever, if it is under the lever it will lock open the slide and i think the trigger bar that rides against the slide shows ALOT of wear that is said to be normal.
I really like the CM9 and like to shoot it but a couple of things just kinda concern me with it to be a carry pistol.

 

[Manny]

I have an KLCR w/ Crimson Trace grips that is my carry piece and find it to be by far the best compact gun I've ever fired. I shoot 125 gr .38+p's and find the recoil very managable and acceptable, the grips quite comfortable, the gun eminantly carryable and shootable. The single change I plan on making is to install a more visible front sight. IMHO it's the best compact gun going.

 

[SDGlock23]

I've had both, I'd go CM9 for carry comfort and the advantages the semi-auto platform provides. Nothing against the LCR at all, both are nice handguns but you also get considerably faster reloads with the CM9 should you need it. Quite a bit of firepower in the CM9 and the sights are really good, easy to hit 25yd poppers with it consistently.

 

[Hometeached1]

If it was me I'd go for the LCR, but for some odd reason I shoot snubbies better than subcompact autos. YMMV. Hope which ever one you get works out for you.