Summer carry-642 or PM9?

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JREwing

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Apr 1, 2005
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I hear good and bad about both. Help me decide.
Simplicity of a revolver vs: extra capacity of an auto. Price is considerably cheaper with the revolver. By next summer I will probably own both, but need one now!
 
I have a PM9 that has pretty much ended up being my primary ccw gun. I am biased toward 1911's but this little gem had been on my hip more than my Kimber compact CDP as of late.
It is just so easy to carry. I have been spoiled by it. I have a FIST ultra thin kydex holster that will clip on to anything. The set up is so light that I can even wear mesh shorts or anything with a draw string and it will not even make them sag.
I would guess I have around 500 rounds through it. About 50-60 were hollow points. I have not had one malfunction. The gun has been flawless. It is also a very easy gun for me to shoot.
My only problems that I have had with the gun are that I used to accidently hit the mag release when shooting it and for some reason to get the slide to close after inserting a magazine I have to hit the bottom of the magazine with my hand. This has never caused any malfunctions while shooting.
I like the PM9 so much that in a couple of weeks I am going to trade off my Kimber Ultra Tactical for another one.
 
I have a PM9 and Taurus 85UL that I use for summer carry. I find them both easy and comfortable to carry. I almost always carry the PM9 because of the extra capacity. But, they are both fine choices for CCW.
 
I have owned several S&W 642s and have handled, shot and pocketed a PM9, but don't own one....YET. For me, the Kahr was more comfortable to carry in a pocket and was more comfortable to fire with full-power ammo. If it says anything, I no longer own a 642, and my next firearms purchase will be a Kahr PM9.
 
I had a 340PD and sold it to purchase a PM9. I shoot the PM9 better. The PM9 holds an extra round, and 9mm might be a better round than .38spl. ThePM9 and the 642 weigh the same. The PM9 is twice the price. I would like to get another J frame (642) someday, but I believe that the PM9 is better, both as a "pocket" sized primary gun or as a BUG.
 
Ok....Heres my take on the debate...Take it or leave it. I own both. I have carried a 642 as a back up gun for 11 years. Every day. Often dropped in my pocket for a quick trip in town (I do not live in a high crime area) I have carried a PM9 for several years as an off duty gun, in my right front pocket.

I can shoot the PM9 more accuratly.
It carries more rounds.
Its easier to reload.
Its been utterly reliable for well over 500 rounds.

The 642 will remain my choice as a back up gun at work for one reason. Utter reliability. I envision the need for a back up gun being a very close up, dirty affair. Limp wristed, one handed, contact shot, rolling around in a parking lot, weak handed, possibly injured. No matter what state that little revolver is in, I am certain, it will go bang. Accuracy, though good, is secondary. If I need to shoot an armed robber across a resturant, If somebody were holding my kid hostage, I would rather have the PM9. There are no absolutes....make your decision based on all the scenarios you can envision and know, the fact that you have decided to carry something you are comfortable and proficient with puts you way ahead of the game.
 
I have a 642 now. Use to have a P9 that I traded off because the grips were too thin for my big hands. But my 642 grips are pretty small also. Was probably too hard on the P9 expecting it to fit my hands like a service size pistol and that isn't it's role.

I say get the 642 now and the PM9 later. You might decide after you get the 642 you don't need the baby Kahr.
 
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