Kahr PM9

[LG1980]

I went to the range with a fellow female Calgunner last week and really enjoyed shooting my Kahr PM9. At first, I thought the gun was failing because it kept misfiring after 2 rounds. Then after a few more rounds, I realized that it wasn't the gun, it was me. My right hand was too tense, and my thumb was hitting the magazine release while I was firing! Sigh, need more range time and training.

Anyway, I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with this little piece. It is 15 oz, holds, 7 (and +1 I think), and is REALLY compact. It has no safety, and feels well balanced. A perfect ccw piece. Not that I will ever get a ccw in Ca., not in the bay area, anyway. But eventually for a Utah or Oregon ccw, it's pretty great. One of the guys at the range was trying to convince me that a .40 subcompact was better. It shot fine, and true, it's a bigger caliber (the Kahr is 9mm). But compared side by side, the Khar is significantly smaller, lighter, and thinner. To me, the point of a conceal piece, is to have thinness and lightness as fortes.

After acquainting myself with the feel, and I stopped popping out the magazine mid-shoot, I was able to do a descent grouping at 20 yards, though, truly, for its purpose, I doubt I will need to shoot it at such a long distance. Nice to do it for precision sake though.

Anyway, I recommend the piece. I'd read through some of the other posts about comparisons. I've shot a lot of the smaller 9mm, and eventually want a Walther ppk too, but after some research, I think my decision to get the Kahr PM9 for a ccw piece was a good choice.

[paul0660]

The pm9 weighs about 14 oz, plus ammo.

[IrishPirate]

The pm9 weighs about 14 oz, plus ammo.

...are you saying that's bad?

thanks for the advice on the Khar, looking at getting my wife something, will consider this if i see it in a store.

[LG1980]

Thanks! That's what I meant! I changed it, actually, it's 15 oz. And it is definitely 7 rounds +1.

[LG1980]

Don't know if it matters to you, but the small size fit my small hands rather well. Well I have long fingers, but anyway, it was really the balance and the way it shot, smooth action (after breaking it in, bc, when new, it kicks totally differently) that sold me.

I think it's good for both men and women who need a good conceal piece.

...are you saying that's bad?

thanks for the advice on the Khar, looking at getting my wife something, will consider this if i see it in a store.

[k1dude]

Spelling police here. Kahr is the correct spelling, not Khar.

The size difference between the Kahr PM9 (9mm) and the Kahr PM40 (.40 cal) is negligible. Unless you're the princess that can feel the pea, there's little chance you will feel the difference of 4 one hundredths of an inch during CCW.

I have no problem with either as a defensive CCW caliber. Both are potent enough to do the job. If you're happy with the PM9, don't fret about the .40. The PM9 has had very few problems. The PM40 had some issues which I think have been resolved.

I too have been wrestling with which caliber to pick for my Kahr. Normally I would choose the more potent caliber if the size is basically the same. But, I think I'm going to go with the PM9 simply because the ammo is NATO, so availibility will always be there. It's also cheaper than .40 ammo. And as I mentioned previously, the PM9 has had relatively few problems compared to the PM40.

[a1c]

There actually is a .40 version - the PM40 - but it's known for jamming a lot. Don't know if it's because the PM was originally designed for 9mm or if it's some issues with specific .40 ammo, but it's a well-known problem. Dealers have been sending back tons of PM40s back to Kahr, particularly from cops who used them as backups or off-duty guns to match their .40 service pistols.

Otherwise, the PM9 is a lot of fun to shoot. Haven't broken in the wife's yet, but it's a really nice compact gun (it's going to be her CCW gun). Kahr has been clearly marketing this model to women, and it seems to work well for them, but it's also a favorite of many LEOs. She considered Sig's P238 for a while (which has similar dimensions), but was turned off by the caliber (only comes in .380).

(Standard mag holds 6, but the PM9 comes with a second mag with grip extender which holds 7.)

[LG1980]

arrrgghhhhh
Kahr
Khar
Kar
Car! :d

GOOD POST!

Spelling police here. Kahr is the correct spelling, not Khar.

The size difference between the Kahr PM9 (9mm) and the Kahr PM40 (.40 cal) is negligible. Unless you're the princess that can feel the pea, there's little chance you will feel the difference of 4 one hundredths of an inch during CCW.

I have no problem with either as a defensive CCW caliber. Both are potent enough to do the job. If you're happy with the PM9, don't fret about the .40. The PM9 has had very few problems. The PM40 had some issues which I think have been resolved.

I too have been wrestling with which caliber to pick for my Kahr. Normally I would choose the more potent caliber if the size is basically the same. But, I think I'm going to go with the PM9 simply because the ammo is NATO, so availibility will always be there. It's also cheaper than .40 ammo. And as I mentioned previously, the PM9 has had relatively few problems compared to the PM40.

[LG1980]

I'm a little princess, short and stout, here is my trigger finger, here is my spout.

Yea, it's a 1 oz difference... the PM40 is also one less round than the 9.

The size difference between the Kahr PM9 (9mm) and the Kahr PM40 (.40 cal) is negligible. Unless you're the princess that can feel the pea, there's little chance you will feel the difference of 4 one hundredths of an inch during CCW.

[redcliff]

I've been carrying a Kahr PM9 for the last year; it's by far the best ccw pistol I've had. It's a perfect combination of size, calibre and capacity to me.

I definitely prefer the 9mm to the .40 in a pistol that small. I normally carry it in a pocket holster.

[LG1980]

nice - may I ask what kind of holster it is? The brand that is? Have you practiced drawing it, and is the motion smooth?

I've been carrying a Kahr PM9 for the last year; it's by far the best ccw pistol I've had. It's a perfect combination of size, calibre and capacity to me.

I definitely prefer the 9mm to the .40 in a pistol that small. I normally carry it in a pocket holster.

[Shooter9696]

I actually was visiting some friends in Chico this weekend and rented the PM9 at the local range. Put about 50 rounds through it and was pretty impressed.

I'm 6'4 and 280 lbs... A big fella, the gun is tiny, I found myself needing to grasp it with my ring finger very tightly to shoot it well.

Groups were good at distance... boring indoor range, so I couldn't function test it. If and when I get my CCW this will be my choice, possibly with a pinky extension.

[k1dude]

If and when I get my CCW this will be my choice, possibly with a pinky extension.

The PM9 comes with 2 magazines. One holds 6 and one holds 7. The 7 shot mag is an extended magazine. If you need a pinky extension, use the 7 shot.

[Spyder]

I've been ccw'ing a Kahr K40 for the last five years. The full stainless frame is a bit heavier and I'd like to eventually get another one in a P40 or P45. I like it a lot. The trigger reset is loooong, but if you practice, that's fine. I use a Don Hume IWB holster that is sold on the Kahr website.

And as for spelling, on my CCW they keep spelling it Kaur!

[mala in se]

i have a mk9, and whenever i do group shoots, people are so surprised at how smooth the trigger is, and the accuracy of a 3" barrel.

it's one of my favorite 9mms in my collection.