Went to the Indpls gunshow today... Kahr PM9 vs CM9

[Dr_2_B]

One booth had the CM9 for $399 and the PM9 for $577 or so. I'd been saying I wanted to hold out for the PM9 because I want the monotone black and the polish & finish of the PM9. Well, FORGET that crap. They're so similar as to be identical for all intents and purposes. When I buy (soon) there's no question... I'll get the CM9 or a CM40 and have the slide duracoated or something.

I can imagine the CM series making the PM series totally obsolete.

 

[wally]

Not really dovetailed sights and better finishes on the PM series along with a minor difference in the slide lock -- the cross pin is a roller in the P & PM but just a pin on the CW & CM series. Also the polygonal barell in the P series should give slightly higher muzzle velocity, although the standard rifling in the C series is better for hard cast reloads.

I've on a PM40 and a CW9. I carry the 40 and practice using the CW9 with hard cast reloads -- figure I've more than paid for the CW9 from the savings in practice ammo cost. Over 8000 rounds through it during the four years I've had it -- I try to run a box a week through it. They are well made little pistols.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I can imagine the CM series making the PM series totally obsolete.

Sort of doubt it, the CW9, forerunner of the CM, didn't really cut much into the sales of the PM9. The CW/CW family are targeted to a different economic segment of the shooting population.

Besides the finish differences, there is also the different contour of the slide, engraving, barrel, slide stop and sight mounting. Also you get one less magazine.

I've been very happy with my CW9, but there are times when I wish I had just saved the extra money

 

[dogtown tom]

wally:.....along with a minor difference in the slide lock -- the cross pin is a roller in the P & PM but just a pin on the CW & CM series.

Huh?
The only difference in the slide stop is the lever on the CW/CM is MIM, the lever on the P/PM is machined.......the actual pin itself is identical.

I have no idea what you mean by a "roller" pin.

 

[LightningMan]

Also with the PM9 you get the extra extended mag. as you only get the single mag with the CM9. LM

 

[DeepSouth]

If I'm buying a defensive gun I want be buying the budget model. The polygonal barrel and the dovetailed front sight by them selves would be enough to make me save up another $150-200, it's a one time purchase and I don't like regrets.

 

[kokapelli]

For me the Extra $40 magazine, better sights, polygonal barrel, blackened slide and Machined slide stop are well worth the difference in price, but if money is tight I'd be perfectly happy with the CM9.

 

[BamAlmighty]

the P series exist, because people want choice.

If I could do it all over again I would have gotten a P9 over the CW9 just to be able to replace the front sight.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Everything you guys say is true. You're all obviously well-informed. For me it came down to holding the two at the same time. Contrary to my previously held belief, there's just not enough difference in the two to justify paying the extra money for the PM series. Granted, I am very practical-minded when it comes to guns... they are just tools to me. Well, tools I love to look at and hold.

 

[dascollector]

If you buy a CM9 now, you can get the extra magazine as part of Kahr's magazine rebate. http://www.kahr.com/PDF/FKCWM2011.pdf