PM9 Vs. the P9 Help me decide

[Rosco1080]

Hello, new here. Seems like a very helpful friendly place with lots of good advise. Maybe I can get some

Help me make up my mind!
Hope you guys/gals can help me make up my mind. Looking for practical hands on experience.

Anyway, I have been reading up on Kahr's for a while now. I have been turned off lately by some of the bad news I have found, but I am still interested. It seems to be the most practical gun for everyday carry as far as size/caliber goes. A S/A is out of the question, my duty gun is a 4006TSW and I want to stay with similar weapon systems.

I am looking for someone that owns both the PM9 and P9, or has in the past at least. I think the PM9 is a little small unless you use the 7rd mag, then all fingers have a place to go. So I was thinking you can use the 6rd for deep concealment (back up), and the 7rd most of the time.

Then I thought the P9 is only 1/2 bigger on each end, maybe just go with that, since it is a full grip.

So anybody want to share their experience with owning/carrying both of them. Did you tend to carry one more than the other? If so, why? I guess this would apply to the steel versions also. Or did you buy one, and wish you had purchased the other.

Right now I am undecided, and I can't find a dealer that stocks more than 1 Kahr around here, so it is hard to compare the two side by side. If they were not so darn expensive I would buy both. I may do that anyway if I like the Kahr that I buy, but that would be a while.

Incase you are wondering the Kahr would be replacing my CS9 which I have had for a while.

Oh, I usually carry IWB around 1 o'clock or so, but with the Kahr I will be trying IWB a 4 o'clock or so. For back up use, it would either be strapped to a vest (under uniform shirt), put in cargo pants side pocket, or maybe in the 5.11 duty shirt ("hidden breast pocket") if I get them?

Thanks for any constructive input.

 

[BamBam-31]

First off, "GET SOME!!"...err, I mean, welcome to THR!

I only have the MK9 Elite 98, and I've never shot or handled the K9, but I do have this to say for the MK9: It's size makes it very comfortable for carry. You can even carry it in your pocket with the wallet-looking holster. Can't do that with the K9/P9. Besides, this is basically a BUG, right? Smaller is probably better. Get a range gun for a range gun.

I find the MK9 shoots reasonably comfortably with the 7 rounder. If you buy the Pearce extensions, the 6-rounder is not bad either. The pistol shoots amazingly accurate with either mag, you won't be disappointed. The trigger is long but smooth (at least my Elite 98's is) and breaks clean. Nice fit and finish, too. I guess that's where the money goes.

My MK9 doesn't go out to the range with me very often. I shot it just enough to ensure it functions well. If I had to carry a pistol, however, it'd be the first one I reach for from my stable of guns.

I've also had good experiences with their customer service, FWIW.

 

[Rosco1080]

Ok, do you have any desire to go for a PM9, for the reduced weight. I also considered going with the MK9, but figured I would then be gaining weight, instead of losing it. Just curious, thanks for your input.

 

[BamBam-31]

The MK9 is a bit heavy, it's true. If I had to do it over again, I'd wait a bit for Kahr to get the kinks out of the PM9, then go for that. But since I already have the MK9, and it's been working fine for me, I'd rather just get a good stiff belt.

 

[kahrcarry]

I would go with the P9. I own 2, and they have replaced nearly all of my previous carry guns. I had a PM9 for a while, but chucked it when I realized that I never carried it. The size difference between the two is negligable. I can carry the P9 under a loose fitting t-shirt, and no one ever knows. At least, no one has ever told me that they noticed it. It really is the perfect "summer" gun. Fall, spring, and winter gun, for that matter. If cost is a concern to you, you may want to take a look at the CW9. It's basically a P9, minus the polygonal rifling. It has a few other differences (staked front sight, one mag, engraved logo), but it is the same gun at about $125 less. It's worth a look.

 

[meef]

I can't speak to the P9, but I do have a PM9.

I got it because I like my P40 Kahr a lot and am very pleased with Kahr quality.

The PM9 is a very easy carry due to its size. However.... I am not recoil sensitive but the PM9 really is a handful to fire with decent defense loads. It has a fair amount of jump and bark. I find it harder to shoot quickly and accurately that the P40, which isn't very much bigger. There's a good chance I will sell the PM9 unless I can find some way to convince myself to keep it.

It's a good enough pistol, it just doesn't "feel" all that right to me.

 

[tatertot]

I carry the MK9 also and find it very easy to carry. It does have some weight to it but I find it reassuring. I've read about too many kinks in the PM9 to rely on it when I need it. I carry the MK9 in a Mitch Rosen owb and it is very easily concealed, very tight to the body.
Larry

 

[Phaetos]

Actually, i know.. it's not a PM9 or a P9, but I finally got to handle the new CW9. Nice fit, very small and light. Poly bottom, steel slide. I liked it.

 

[foxmoor]

Consider P9 Covert?

Have you considered the P9 Covert, which is the P9 in barrel length with a PM9 sized grip? I have one and think it is the perfect compromise: slightly easier to shoot than the PM9 due to its longer barrel but the shorter grip helps with the CCW aspect. Plus, put a longer magazine on it and you have a standard P9! Great shooter.

 

[kimberkrazy]

PM9 is excellent

I have owned a PM9 for about a year and carry it everyday. It shoots very well for a compact and recoil is not bad. I can keep all six inside the 8 at 10 yards and I can shoot it well one handed. I think it is the perfect CCW size. It hides well and is easy to carry in a pocket or a holster all day. My last CCW was a S&W airweight and the PM9 is a huge improvement. Keep in mind that the 9mm doesn't loose much in short barrels. I have had some experience with the P9 and it is a fine pistol but too large for my CCW. I would carry my Raptor Pro if I wanted something that big.

 

[Rosco1080]

Thanks to all.........
......your input was very helpful.


I was lucky enough today to go to a fairly new Sportsman's Warehouse (about 35min from my house). The store stocks all their stores the same, despite no CCW in WI. They had 11 Kahrs I don't even think Milwaukee shops have that many.

They only carry the P series, no steal anymore. But I was able to hold both at the same time and compare. I even brought my CS9 along. I intended to get a trade price, but they do not take them Oh well, probably get more selling it my self.

Both PM9 and P9 seemed really well made a solid. I also handled a TP9 and a P40. They sell the TP9 for $450!!! That seemed cheap to me.

The price on a DLC PM9 was around $540, a stainless finish was $520, P9 was $530 (Gander Mountain wanted $622 for the same P9). So prices are not bad and they have a bunch in stock. They always stock them. So if you are in an area and have a hard time finding Kahrs, see if you have a Sportsman's Warehouse.

I am going to sleep on it for a few days and probably get it next week. I think I am going for a P9 at this time. All else being equal, it is winter now, figure by summer I can get a PM9 for really light carry. I guess I forgot how small the P9 was already.

I really do not pocket carry much. I will have my model 37 hammer bobbed after I get my Kahr, that will then be a nice pocket gun if needed.

I brought a DeSantis tuck this holster with me to the store and was amazed and how slim the gun/holster was in the waist band. Length was not an issue. I think I will feel a little more confident carring the P9 for now. If I have good luck with that then a PM9 will probably follow. That way if I do have a problem with it (PM9) I have a good CCW while it gets fixed by Kahr.

 

[Candiru]

I've owned both a PM9 and a P9. I still have the PM9 for times and places where I can't conceal anything larger. I traded the P9 for a K9 because the K9 handles recoil a lot better and the wider grips fill the hand very nicely. The drawback to the K9 is that it requires a good belt to handle the weight, but I wouldn't make a decision before you get a chance to try one out or at least handle it. If it's a choice between the PM9 or P9, definitely go for the P9 if you don't intend to pocket carry and don't require deep concealment.