M&P Shield vs kahr CM40

[bobboberson]

I'm looking for a of duty/backup gun. I want to be able to carry it in a pocket. I like the shield because I carry a M&P 40. The thing I don't like is is the thumb safety and it may be a little big but I'm not sure. I like the Kahr because of the smaller size and no thumb safety but I'm not familiar with Kahr. I'm looking for your thoughts and input. Any other ideas? My department doesn't allow 9mm so all 9s are out. Thanks for your help

[nickbackouris]

I pocket carried a cm9 for years until the xds came out. I don't think the cm40 is much larger.

They're good guns, but they need some smoothing out and breaking in before I trusted mine.

[bobboberson]

How long did it take to smooth out?

[Watchur6]

I got a shield 9mm and I don't think I would ever consider pocket carry; I know some say it's possible but it just seems a little too bulky to me. I don't much about the kahr.

[71MUSTY]

IMHO the Shield is easier to learn to shoot.

[bobboberson]

If the shield doesn't work for pocket carry how do you carry it on duty?

[Watchur6]

I should have been more specific. My shield is off duty, IWB.

[digdug74]

Was recently in the market for a pocket pistol larger than .380 ACP. I looked at both the Shield and XDS and ruled them out fairly quickly -- just too big for pocket carry (of course this is somewhat subjective and will depend on the size of your pockets ) Anyway, ended up getting a Kahr CM9 (same size as the CM40). Mostly positive results so far. Easily pocket carryable in cargo shorts or pants, though probably not so much in jeans or slacks. The pistol has proven to be reliable provided decent factory ammo and very accurate if you can manage the longish trigger. My only nitpick is carrying spare mags -- not such a good idea to just throw them in a pocket. The feed lips hold the top round very loosely (in order to facilitate feeding up that "offset" feed ramp Kahr uses) and if not properly secured, the top round in the magazine can easily come partially or all the way out from just jiggling around in a pocket. Best to use some sort of magazine pouch or carrier if you're toting spares.

[Heiko]

I've had a Kahr P9 for many years and I love that little gun. Well, it's not that little compared to the CM9. I agree with the comment about the magazine feed lips. I am always checking. I have removed a spare magazine from the carrier and a round had popped out inside the carrier. Like it was stated, they do need beak in before being considered reliable. I had some malfunctions within the first 200-250 rounds but no problems since.

[nickbackouris]

I think kahr recommends 200 rounds to break in, and I had a few hiccups in that period. I've put about 1000 rounds through it and haven't had an issue post break-in.

I prefer the very long trigger pull for pocket carry, that's part of the reason I chose that pistol. It takes a deliberate squeeze to make the little guy go boom.

And I agree about the feed lips. I made a small kydex cover/sleeve for the mag after repeatedly having top rounds fall out. It's simple and solved my issue.

I don't have much experience with the m&p series. I've played with them and although some people swear by them, I wasn't very excited. I'm not against them, though.

[Marinos]

Shield 40 definitely. It carries better, has a better trigger, and is a better deal. On top of this I find the Shield to be much more comfortable in my hand.

[bobboberson]

Why do you say that the shield carries better?

[Spyder]

My K40 was an excellent carry gun. I'm in the market for an MK9 Elite 03.
The c and p series Kahr didn't ever do it for me, but the mk is tiny. I recommend looking in to an mk40.

[Marinos]

Why do you say that the shield carries better?

It's thinner and seems to sit flatter against me. I looked at both when I was shopping. I ended up getting the Shield 40.

[HardCharger619]

I have a kahr p40! Sold my g27 for it. I absolutely love the size of the p40. I have had a lot of failure to cycle issues, I dont think im anywhere near 300rnds through it. I have read many people with the the same issues for a new khar. Gun store guy said it could be my duty hollow point round (federal 135grain). Not use to malfunctions since carrying a g23 and g27 for a long time prior. For pocket carry I really love the LCP....380 or not its great!