PM40 vs. MK40

[cmichael22]

Which you think is better and why?

[kerby9mm]

I own a mk40 & it is one of my 2 favorite guns. The other being my mk9. The 40 from the get-go is just a little smoother,tighter fitted by just a tad. IMO the only thing better about the pm is it's lighter weight but with the OWB concealment holster I carry it in the extra few ounces is not noticable. I don't own any poly guns because I like the feel of steel and as far as Kahrs go have less problems.

[Joe L]

I have a PM40 and would love to try an MK40, just to see how much more comfortable it is to shoot. I carry a CM9 and occasionally the PM40 but I don't shoot the PM40 much because the recoil is pretty strong. I love the accuracy and the feel of the gun, however. I have two alloy SIG P226s but have bought an all stainless P226 and an X-5 and really like the extra weight of the all stainless guns, thus my interest in an MK40.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, just depends on whether you like/want the additional weight of the MK40.

Joe

[Barth]

Which you think is better and why?

Recoil is subjective and opinions vary.
I 'd rent or borrow both, or similar guns, and make a decision yourself.

Generally speaking, for most folks, the Stainless guns are a little heavy for extended pocket (MK9/MK40)
The Polymer guns are lighter and have more recoil.
But pocket carry better.

Personally I think the light polymer guns are best in 9mm.
More fun to shoot and practice with.

On a belt the stainless guns are great.
And the additional weight soaks up the recoil nicely, even in 40.
I have an MK40 Elite and enjoy shooting it very much with the hottest LE ammo.

Taking my own advice, when interested in a Kahr, I rented a P9, P40 and K40.
That experience was necessary and made my decision easy and clear.

Reading others thoughts and experiences is a good thing.
But will only take you so far.
Not all the way to an answer for you - IMHO.

[O'Dell]

First, I've never owned a PM40, but I have had a PM45, and I do own a PM9 and a MK40. I'm not recoil sensitive and I did shoot a PM40 some years ago, and I don't remember it as a major Problem. The big advantage of the PM40 is that it's a pocket gun which makes it more accessible for carry. The MK40 is not, it's too heavy. I bought the MK40 because I got a great deal on it, and it has proved a reliable and accurate pistol. For me, it's more accurate and easier to shoot than my PM9 because of the extra weight.

Personally, I think the MK is a better looking gun, but that's just my opinion.

[bonjorno2]

Pocket carry pm.... Iwb carry mk

[Barth]

Pocket carry pm.... Iwb carry mk

How come I took a whole page to say that?
Don't answer please.

[cmichael22]

I was thinking that the MK40 would be best for target practice and having the PM40 for carry since its like 8oz lighter but also packs more of a punch.

[Gliderguy]

If there is any difference in barrel length between the PM and the MK, it is not enough for one or the other to "pack more of a punch". Velocity or energy wise, there is no statistical significant difference between the two pistols. I thought the barrel length was the same for both PM and MK, on the PM40 it is 3.07 inches. The first two inches do about 3/4 of the work of speeding up the projectile, the next inch or two only add maybe 100 fps each or so. Once a barrel is out to 5 or 6 inches or so, doubling it MAYBE nets you another 100fps. This is for AUTO pistol calibers like 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP. These calibers run out of steam on a 12 to 16 inch carbine length barrel where the velocities just kind of stagnate and additional barrel only might help by giving you a longer sight radius for better functional accuracy. The magnum revolver calibers like .357, .41, and .44 with correspondingly larger case capacities can really put to use barrels out to 6 or 8 inches before additional barrel length only gives small returns, but are still accelerating and gaining velocity at 18 inches of barrel lenght or more.

[Gliderguy]

It occurred to me that maybe you just meant the PM series has more recoil, and that would be true, if that is what you meant by "packs more of a punch" I really like my PM40, I think the .40 does about as well as any caliber out of a 3 inch barrel with minimal losses, but I think my hand would get tired from the recoil if I was firing more than maybe 100 rounds in a single session. I had drooled over the idea of a MK40, but never ran across one for sale when I had funds to pick up a pistol.

[jocko]

at the range, how cold one notlove the Mk series over any PM series?/ Just two different guns. I love my PM ( but wouldnot have 32K runds oput of a PM40 that is for sure. It is a gun that will save ur life, no doubt but IMO just not a 150-200 round range gun. accept it for that and a PM40 is IMO the way to go. If u want more pleasure in shooting a 40 kahr, get a steel version. If u waste band carry it, then steel is good. Thats why I stick tomy 9's. not alot of decision making needed. a simple gun for a "simple" man. Just sayin

[cmichael22]

Is one better for IWB carry anyone know?

[Gliderguy]

Just the weight difference to recommend the PM. If you want to add a laser, there is a Crimson trace grip version for the MK that doesn't bulk up the gun and will still work with whatever holster you might already have. If you don't care about the laser, then choose the PM for the lighter weight and ease of carry.

I don't have the MK, but I understand at some point there was some kind of change on the frame around the grips and there may be a compatibility issue for fitting the laser grips. I am sure an MK owner will bounce in here and set the details of that point right.

[jeepster09]

Is one better for IWB carry anyone know?

My MK40 is great IWB and my PM40 is also good that way {just lighter :=]}. The MK40 is a better shooter, however both are Magnaported and both shoot well.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG-20120514-00246.jpg


http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG-20120413-00190.jpg

[Barth]

If there is any difference in barrel length between the PM and the MK, it is not enough for one or the other to "pack more of a punch".

MK40 03 and PM40 both have 3.0" barrels.
There is no difference.

[Barth]

Is one better for IWB carry anyone know?

I carry an MK40 on a belt and the weight is no problemo.
For belt carry, I'd go for the all steel MK40 or K40 without hesitation.
The extra weight means nothing on a belt.
But shooting the all steel gun is pure sweetness.

I would conciser the slightly larger K40 though.
That makes it a little large for pocket carry.
But on a belt?
Why not.

Also Kahr NS are excellent.
And I highly recommend upgrading to the Elite Series.
Well worth the price of admission IMHO.

[yqtszhj]

My MK40 is great IWB and my PM40 is also good that way {just lighter :=]}. The MK40 is a better shooter, however both are Magnaported and both shoot well.

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv276/jeepster09/IMG-20120514-00246.jpg



Another Jeepster Black over OD Green production. That thing looks nice. :cool: I was just looking at an older post of your CZ Rami, same colors.

[jeepster09]

It's just a coincidence.....hmmm nice color!

[cmichael22]

Does 8oz really make much of a difference when carrying because I notice that the mk is a bit of a chunky monkey?

[Gliderguy]

Weight, with a good holster on a good belt, 8 oz isn't much of an issue, IWB over a dress belt that wasn't really designed to hold up an extra pound or two, maybe a bit more problematic. But there are a LOT of firearms that fall between these two weights, including some much larger pistols. 25 oz with magazine is getting on up there when you are talking about a small pistol.

Chunkyness of MK40, are you referring to the somewhat fatter grip area? IWB probably not a practical difference in concealability. The real question is would the extra grip size make the pistol fit your hand that much better, or do you work better with the thinner grip of the PM. There is a point where a tiny increase in size gives a huge boost to the ergonomics and shootability of a pistol, I notice it between my LCP and PM40. I keep wondering if I should go up another size or so and see if I get another great leap in ergonomics. At some point you pass sweet spot where a little bigger doesn't really help you shoot the gun any better. Somewhere well before that the cons of harder concealability outweigh the pros of shootability. Very personal decision and all of us here cross that line at a different place.


The best advice already given is to try to arrange to shoot both back to back if possible. Or at least try to handle both back to back.

The quality is there for either arm, We are almost down to trying to recommend a certain size and brand of shoe for someone else based on OUR experiences, when your hand shape/size may become the real deciding factor.

[cmichael22]

Thats true I have smaller hands so I thought the PM40 fit my hands a little better than the MK40 which would probably fit someone with a bit bigger hands better.

[jocko]

I bet the great one on this forum could trake a pair of MK wood grips and make them thinner than factory rubber grips even. Just sayin. He is very good at that. I would think it is the grips that adds thickness to ther MK over the PM, again not owning an MY I am just surmizing..

[cmichael22]

Might trade PM40 in for MK40 because I was thinking it would be better for CCW thoughts anyone?

[jeepster09]

Pocket carry pm.... Iwb carry mk


Totally agree, I have both and they are both awesome. However the PM40 can be carried in more ways, pocket or in a holster. Both are magnaported and both shoot awesome.

[jeepster09]

Is one better for IWB carry anyone know?

The MK40 for IWB.

[cmichael22]

What kind of pocket holster do you use for your PM40?

[TucsonMTB]

What kind of pocket holster do you use for your PM40?
http://ak.buy.com/PI/0/350/220204768.jpg
Desantis SuperFly that I got used from Mr. JFootin. I only use the holster part, not the flat flap. I like it because it is just about the same shape as the Desantis Nemesis for my little Kel-Tec P-3AT but is scaled up to fit the PM40 very nicely. The shape allows gripping the pistol easily in the pocket so that it comes out ready to use. It's also stickier and a little stiffer than the Nemesis, good things in my estimation.

On the package it came in it says "De Santis Super Fly M44BJMKZ0" and indicates the target pistols are Kahr K9/40, P9/40, MK9/40, PM9/40, PM40, PM45 as well as Kel-Tec PF9, Ruger LC9, and SIG P290. Wow, that covers the waterfront. ;)

Here's a link to the first supplier I found with a quick search: http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=218076965&listingid=123166075

I probably should add that I am an active cyclist with pretty well defined leg muscles and prefer "Docker style" chino shorts for day to day dress. The slash pockets are way more generous than jeans, which I don't find comfortable here in sunny Arizona. John didn't like the holster because he is a little bonier than I am and it did not conceal well for him. He also complained that it was too sticky . . . never a problem for me.

Also, guns in pockets are kind of the norm around here, so concealment is not really that important for us harmless looking, old guys.

Anyway, it's not just the holster you need to consider . . . ;)

[cmichael22]

Oh ok thanks I will check it out!

[JFootin]

What kind of pocket holster do you use for your PM40?

http://ak.buy.com/PI/0/350/220204768.jpg
Desantis SuperFly that I got used from Mr. JFootin. I only use the holster part, not the flat flap. I like it because it is just about the same shape as the Desantis Nemesis for my little Kel-Tec P-3AT but is scaled up to fit the PM40 very nicely. The shape allows gripping the pistol easily in the pocket so that it comes out ready to use. It's also stickier and a little stiffer than the Nemesis, good things in my estimation.

On the package it came in it says "De Santis Super Fly M44BJMKZ0" and indicates the target pistols are Kahr K9/40, P9/40, MK9/40, PM9/40, PM40, PM45 as well as Kel-Tec PF9, Ruger LC9, and SIG P290. Wow, that covers the waterfront. ;)

Here's a link to the first supplier I found with a quick search: http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=218076965&listingid=123166075

I probably should add that I am an active cyclist with pretty well defined leg muscles and prefer "Docker style" chino shorts for day to day dress. The slash pockets are way more generous than jeans, which I don't find comfortable here in sunny Arizona. John didn't like the holster because he is a little bonier than I am and it did not conceal well for him. He also complained that it was too sticky . . . never a problem for me.

Also, guns in pockets are kind of the norm around here, so concealment is not really that important for us harmless looking, old guys.

Anyway, it's not just the holster you need to consider . . . ;)

I'm glad you're liking it, Jim! :) I still don't do much pocket carry because I am seated most of the time. But I found a pocket holster that is way cheaper than the Desantis holsters and has, to me, some superior qualities. It is just $14.95 including shipping. It is durable yet soft, being made of microfiber with the typical smooth nylon lining for easy draw. It is thinner, yet does an excellent job of disguising the shape of the gun. It is available in a number of models to fit various guns. And as the name implies, it stays put better than any pocket holster I have seen. It is the Stays-Put Ultra (http://www.concealmentspecialties.com/products.html). I have one for my J frame and one for my TCP. I intend to get one for my CM9.

Funny thing, though. I like to use them AIWB instead of the pocket. They work great there, riding low with a negative cant to make the grip lay down horizontally just above my belt. Extremely comfortable, extremely easy to draw while seated or standing, effortless to insert or remove without unfastening the belt and they stay put all day long there under belt tension without having to fiddle with them. Quite amazing, really! :D

[cmichael22]

PM40 is winning poll! Anybody surprised?

[cmichael22]

Yeah ive heard alot of people say they dont like the PM40 as much because apparently it tends to fail more I personally had some troubles with mine to start but had feed ramp polished and works pretty good now. Also PM40 is a bit lighter if you conceal carry. I agree that for range use MK40 would feel better.

[cmichael22]

Does anybody have pics of comparisons like the pm40 on top of the mk40 and side by side?

[O'Dell]

Does anybody have pics of comparisons like the pm40 on top of the mk40 and side by side?

I don't have a picture, but my PM9 [same size as the PM40] is about 1/10 inch longer than my MK40, and they are the same height and thickness. I think the MK9/40 is the same size as the old blunt-nosed PM's. The big difference is the weight, the MK being 7 or 8 ozs heavier.

[jocko]

learn sujmin new every day here. I did not know that--

[cmichael22]

I thought that the thickness of the MK's werethicker than the PM because of the grip having to be added to the frame.

[O'Dell]

I thought that the thickness of the MK's werethicker than the PM because of the grip having to be added to the frame.

I measured the slide - I didn't check the grip.

[JFootin]

I thought that the thickness of the MK's werethicker than the PM because of the grip having to be added to the frame.

As I understand it, the wood grips are thicker than the plastic grips. But just having to add grip panels doesn't necessarily make it thicker because the steel frame is much thinner than the polymer frame on the PM40.

[Barth]

As I understand it, the wood grips are thicker than the plastic grips. But just having to add grip panels doesn't necessarily make it thicker because the steel frame is much thinner than the polymer frame on the PM40.

The wood grips do appear to be thicker for my MK40 than the plastic.
Although mine don't fit anyway.
I decided to stick with the plastic for pocket carry and printing.
But the gun is really a little heavy for pocket carry.
So I added a Hogue grip sleeve that I like.

Actually just got a Galco ankle glove light for the MK40 that seems
like it might be an interesting way to carry the little monster.

[cmichael22]

Whats printing? Like if someone can see the outline of the gun through your clothes?

[Tinman507]

Yeah, like if someone says "Is that a Kahr in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

[jocko]

itcould be a macanado to u know. Just sayin

[OlympicFox]

Ease & comfort of carry? The PM40.



Lighter is always more comfortable.
The PM40 is a passable pocket gun given an adequate pocket and heavy duty attire.
IWB? Again, the PM40 because it's thinner

Shootability? The MK40. The MK40 is about the same weight as our M&P 40c - far more pleasurable to shoot. I was shooting 50 rounds/day with my PM40 during break-in. Not a lot of fun. I did 100 rounds one day. My hand wouldn't spoke in profanities for several days.