PM40 or PM9

[gbran]

I've wrestled and wrestled with trying to find that just-right (for me) small summertime carry gun and sometime BUG. I really want a 20 ounce 600 Nitro Express pocket gun that holds 15 rounds and kicks like a 22. Since I can't find one, I've whittled it down to the Kahr PM40 or PM9. I've considered Kel-Tecs, Sigs and other small pocket rockets and the Kahrs still get my vote for weight, size, trigger, etc.

My dilemma is that I usually take the-larger-is-better position in the caliber wars. The PM9 holds 7+1 vs 6+1 for the 40. I'm leaning toward the PM9. I have other 40 cal pistols, but no 9 mm's. This would bring a new caliber to my already overcrowded field.

Can ya'all help me out here?

 

[gbran]

oops

This should have went under semi-autos......sorry

 

[wally]

Trust your bigger is better instincts and go with the PM40.

--wally.

 

[txgolfer45]

Shoot them both and then decide. I hated the PM40 due to recoil. The PM9 was much easier to handle.

Scott

 

[jetman]

I shot both a PM9 and a PM40 at a local range before buying my PM9. The 9mm round is already a handfull in such a small package and the .40 was even harder to keep on target for 2nd and 3rd shots. I felt I would have a better chance with the 9mm so I bought the PM9... and never had any second thoughts. I'm not recoil sensitive, since I've been shooting compact (3"&4").45's for years and a Sig P229 in .40, but I like the 9mm better. JMHO

 

[cobb]

I have a PM9 and use to have a PM40. The PM9 has been super for me and is ever so slightly smaller than the PM40. I can not say enough good about my PM9, accurate and easy for me to shoot, couldn't be happier with it.
Now the POS PM40 I use to have. After 3 trips back to the factory, and Kahr finally offered to replace it with a K40, I got rid of it. Constant jams, locking the slide open with ammo in mag, not fully going into battery, nothing but problems. I was told by Kahr that they use the same exact recoil springs in both the PM9 and the PM40, that I see as a problem. At one point they sent me 2 new recoil assemblies for my PM40, still no fix.
Now remember, this is my opinion of the 2 pistols and I am drawing from experience.

Go with the PM9.

 

[gbran]

To all

I am leaning toward the PM9. Your replies are really helpfull. I have heard of some problems with PM 40, but I've also heard Kahr has resolved them in new offerings.

I would really like to try both, but I can't find any that I can try before I buy, and none of my local or nearby ranges rent them.

 

[wally]

I've got a P40 which I liked so much that I got a PM40 as soon as I could find one and later jumped on a used MK40 for a bit of extra weight when practicing and to save wear & tear on the plastic gun. The slight reduction in size of the PM40 compared to the P40 is just enough that I rarely need to carry my Kel-Tec P3AT much since I can conceal the little Kahr most of the time and its got a whole lot more power.

I thought about trading the P40 but I like having the extra round when I can use fanny pack carry (its a very small pack that doesn't scream "gun inside" like most you see at gun shows since it wasn't made specifically to carry).

Only the PM40 had a minor problem -- about the third mag knocked the little metal insert piece off the mag catch causing the mag to not lock in. An Email to Kahr on Sunday night had three extra mag catches in my hands on Wednesday night despite it being Xmas Eve with an apology that they'd a batch of mag catches with improperly bonded metal inserts. No problems since and I've a pair of spare mag catches.

I broke in both plastic guns with 180gr Wolf FMJ and carry 180 gr Hydrashok or Golden Saber JHP. Only breakin issue was the longer 7 rnd mag wouldn't feed from slide lock in the PM40, only fed if you slingshotted it. Resolved itself after about 150 rounds. The used MK40 showed little wear and has been 100% from day one in my hands.

My three appear to be 2003 or early 2004 manufacture so I think the initial problems might be solved.

Recoil of the PM40 is absolutetly nothing after having shot 158gr Hydrashoks in my S&W SC360 Scandium .357 YMMV.

--wally.