Compact Kahrs: Worth the extra cash?

[Dannicus]

I'm in the market for a sub-compact 9mm and the PM9 is looking like it fits the bill pretty well on paper. I dig that it's extremely light, very compact, and that it's striker fired. I am kindof put off by the molded-in rail setup in the dust cover area, tho. I've read a couple of discussions about it and some have the opinion that it's "a carry weapon, not a range gun". To me that sounds like folks are dismissing durability in favor light weight and compactness on the Kahr. I think that's BS. I should be able to put a couple hundred practice rounds a month through ANY gun and not worry about a frame failure for years.

The alternative is the much cheaper LC9 although it is heavier and a bit larger. It feels sturdier and is designed a bit more robust. I'd just have to get used to the heavier and longer trigger. I'm completely indifferent about the "bonus" safety features.

Any further opinions?

[9mmepiphany]

I've always taken, it's "a carry weapon, not a range gun" to mean it isn't comfortable to shoot for an extended session...I usually refer them to the Kahr MK9

[Dannicus]

I've always taken, it's "a carry weapon, not a range gun" to mean it isn't comfortable to shoot for an extended session...I usually refer them to the Kahr MK9

I can understand that view. The recoil doesn't bother me with most lightweights. I usually just go through a box or two of cheap FMJ before putting it away in favor of something in .22lr.

If it were a .40 I'd probably leave it home, tho. I might be a wuss, but IMO, .40s are pretty rude in sub form.

[Dannicus]

Wow, somehow I totally missed this: Ruger LC9 vs. Kahr PM9

[RollingCode3]

Kahr cw9 = $349
kahr cm9 = $450

[Dannicus]

Kahr cw9 = $349
kahr cm9 = $450

CW9 = Not as compact
CM9 = Not CA Approved

[Cutest]

You want a better trigger over LC9, get the Kahr. You don't want iffy reliability, get the LC9.

[InGrAM]

I always thought that I would want a super compact, pocket pistol, like a kahr P380, pm9, or sig p238 for CC. It turned out after awhile, that I like having a larger pistol for CC (shocking, right?). I just feel more secure with a compact to full sized firearm. With modern CC holsters it is quite easy to conceal them as well. Especially if you live in a colder area of CA. Also, they are funner to shoot.

I understand where you are coming from.

I carry a kel-tec p-11 for hot weather. In the winter I will carry a Commander or M&P. The kel-tec is a perfect size for a summer CC gun. Also it carries 11 rounds of 9mm and is as cheap as the LC9. Just something to think about.

[Steve-O]

Slight threadjack, do I recall correctly that some of the polymer framed Kahrs were problematic in the recent past? Have all the kinks been worked out of them?

I am in the same boat as the OP, basically looking for the smallest, affordable 9mm I can find. The PM9 looks like it might work.

[Sir Stunna Lot]

Get the CW9, it is more comfortable to shoot and more affordable.

the only benefit of the PM9 is that it can fit inside your pants pocket

[shadow65]

I've had a PM9 for some years now. It's not considered a "range weapon" due to the small size and associated recoil. But I have never had an issue with the 9mm recoil.
It is easy to conceal and will carry in an ankle rig.
But with the proper holster, a bigger weapon isn't hard to conceal.
I'm one of those guys that has just never found any weapon or holster that I was satisfied for concealment wearing a T-shirt.
Dave N

[Dannicus]

I've had a PM9 for some years now. It's not considered a "range weapon" due to the small size and associated recoil. But I have never had an issue with the 9mm recoil.
It is easy to conceal and will carry in an ankle rig.
But with the proper holster, a bigger weapon isn't hard to conceal.
I'm one of those guys that has just never found any weapon or holster that I was satisfied for concealment wearing a T-shirt.
Dave N

Same here. The only holsters I've ever been comfortable with were ankle and shoulder holsters. A smaller gun could open up the option of waist carry for me. I'm not one to change the way I dress just to make a carry rig work. A shoulder holster was fine for most of the year when I lived in Washington due to the cooler climate, but tees and shorts have to be an option here in CA.

[okglockman]

I personally like my Kahr and haven't have any issues with it. For a backup, I'll generally carry the LCP or Keltec because of their lighter weight. The think I like about the Kahr is it's ability to handle +P Buffalo Bore Ammo.

[jaucoin]

I have Kahr PM9 and it is a range weapon. I have even shot several IDPA matches and did pretty well considering the size of gun. The recoil is very manageable, don't even notice the recoil difference between the PM9 and Sig P226 anymore. I have not had a single malfunction or issue with this gun even after about 1000 rounds so far. I carry the PM9 is both a crossbreed mini-tuck and desantis pocket holster and it just disappears in the crossbreed.

[Agent Orange]

I own a CW9 with appx 2K rounds through it without a single problem other a couple of stoppages during the break in period. There's a guy on the KahrTalk forum that claims to have over 20K rounds through his PM9.