Anyone Kahr P9 owners?

[mlaustin]

My girlfriend was thinking of getting a Kahr P9 as she has small hands and doesn't feel in control of any of the double stack 9mm pistols we've tried. The P9 is the best feeling gun she's ever handled, according to her. Before she gets one, she wanted to fire one to make sure the recoil would be manageable (especially considering it's small size) - this would be an all around gun rather than a carry piece and see a lot of rounds fired at range sessions.

We haven't been able to find anywhere that rents them in the Sacramento or Bay Area.

So I figured I would ask here: if anyone in the Sacramento or Bay Area has a P9 they'd let her try we'd be glad to buy you a box of ammo or something for your trouble. She just wants a chance to put maybe ~50-100rds of factory ammo downrange. We normally shoot at Yolo Sportsman or USI in Concord, but can drive anywhere nearby.

PM me or reply here if you'd be willing. Thanks!

[paul0660]

A CW9 would serve the purpose as well.

[mlaustin]

CW9, if someone has an off roster TP9, any single stack 9mm kahr would be great. Thanks paul.

She really just wants to make sure the recoil in the light gun and single stack grip are manageable.

[tsisco]

I wish I was closer. I've had my PM9 for about 2 months and 1000 rounds so far and it has been spectacular. There are some aftermarket springs from Wolff that can lessen the already very manageable recoil and reduce the trigger pull a bit. I have mine primarily as a carry weapon and I can highly recommend it for that. It has been accurate beyond my expectations at the short ranges that might be encountered in a SD situation. I don't know that it is the ideal all around weapon, however. The small size, 3" barrel and short sighting radius is going to impede accuracy at longer ranges. Just my opinion and I'm sure there are those who might disagree. I'm no expert, just a Kahr owner. Good luck!

[Kelvrick]

Feeling nice in the hands is different than feeling nice when actually using. My wife likes how my P9 feels, but she likes how my 9mm 1911 most when actually using something.

She also likes the M&P (both full and compact) as well as the cz p01.

Otherwise, I'll be at sac valley next sunday for IDPA and would be willing to let her try it out.

EDIT: My wife is 5'1" and 120lbs.

[SVRider]

9mm is pretty tame in general when it comes to centerfire cartridges, but if she has any concern, see if you can find her a Kahr K9 instead.

23ozs instead of 15ozs....that extra 1/2lb of stainless will help significantly in recoil control. I've never had a problem with any of the plastic framed Kahrs, but the steel frame are said to have much better reliability (or more specifically consistent reliability from pistol to pistol). All in all, they are solid. I don't think I have ever heard anything negative said about the steel framed Kahrs.

As a less expensive alternative to the P9, you might also look at the Ruger LC9. From what I have seen, it retails for $400 or less....

Good luck!

[Heiko]

9mm is pretty tame in general when it comes to centerfire cartridges, but if she has any concern, see if you can find her a Kahr K9 instead.

23ozs instead of 15ozs....that extra 1/2lb of stainless will help significantly in recoil control. I've never had a problem with any of the plastic framed Kahrs, but the steel frame are said to have much better reliability (or more specifically consistent reliability from pistol to pistol). All in all, they are solid. I don't think I have ever heard anything negative said about the steel framed Kahrs.

As a less expensive alternative to the P9, you might also look at the Ruger LC9. From what I have seen, it retails for $400 or less....

Good luck!

Just to add to this, my P9 has been fine save for the break in period where the tightness of a brand new Kahr needed to be worked out. After about 250 rounds it's been great, including with +P+. On that note, hopefully she will find out for herself but I think the recoil would be very manageable for her if she stays with less "hot" ammo. Luckily, there are lots of choices in 9mm.

As far as steel versus polymer, I do like the feel of a metal framed gun but some feel that a polymer frame helps absorb recoil. I've never really noticed either way when it comes to 9mm pistols. Now an alloy frame versus steel frame in .45ACP....

As for the LC9, I would not buy one. I admit to no live fire time with it but the time I played with it in the gun shop left me hating it. There is a good review/thread started by RollingCode3 when the LC9 first came out. My specific beef with it is the horrible trigger and the weird double reset. It's awful.

[9mmepiphany]

I have a Kahr CW9 and I'm in the Sacramento area...actually Elk Grove. Depending on how recoil sensitive she is, you might also consider the K9. The polymer is pretty light and the K9 has the stainless steel frame to dampen recoil a bit. I have a female friend who found the K9 better for her during a 500 round training class

Drop me a PM and we'll find a time that will work for both of us.

[Jack L]

My CW9 works great. The K9 is very nice and has added weight for less recoil but cost more of course.

[mlaustin]

When we tried the K9 she didn't like the feel of it as much as she did with the P9. If the recoil turns out to be an issue, we always have the option of going to the K9.

Kelvrick - we're out of town this weekend, but thank you very much for the offer.
9mmepiphany - sent you a PM.

[SVRider]

When we tried the K9 she didn't like the feel of it as much as she did with the P9.

She didn't like the feel of it I am assuming means she didn't like the weight of it. You said it was going to be a range gun not for carry so regardless how objectionable the recoil in the polymer frame may/may not be, the extra heft of the steel frame will make it more enjoyable to shoot in the long run and less fatiguing after a long day at the range.

Make sure she understands that weight and recoil (in the same platform) are inversely proportional....

The P-series are made to be as small/light as possible for CCW. The K-series are better suited to general range use. That convenient easy to handle light weight comes at a price. I don't have a problem shooting the polymer Kahrs in 9mm, but I do know I would be less tired shooting a steel frame one at the end of the day.