First time gun owner - CM9

[sullypc2002]

Hey guys,

First time gun owner here and I'm pretty clueless so bear with me. Just picked up my CM9 this morning after reading a ton of reviews and choosing this over a Ruger LC9. From what I've read on here, I made the right choice. I just read the sticky about cleaning and taking apart the gun but I have 0 gun experience (besides 2 trips to the range renting guns) so I don't even know where to start as far as buying a cleaning kit or how to take it down or anything. :confused::confused::confused: I know its a rookie question but I'm a rookie and figured I could get some help on here, thanks in advance!

[Tinman507]

Welcome! Congrats on the new purchase.
Cleaning kits for pistols aren't complicated or expensive.
All you really need is a rod, brush, a jag for pushing cotton patches. Some Hoppes #9 solvent. Some rags or paper towels. Some gun oil or grease for the rails. Lots of folks swear by Non-Chlorinated brake cleaner for the real cleaning. CM9's typically like to run wet - meaning a little extra lube on the rails - when new

Takedown is very simple and there are excellent tutorials on the Kahr site.

[jocko]

adding to what tinman stated,I would when at the gun stores,normaly the bigger stores.stock um. Buy what we call the snake cleaning rope. I think Hoppes makes them. just buy for the 9mm size and ur good to go. An excellent cleaning tool IMO.

Take some good reading time asthis forum has alot of good info that will help your first hoot a good andfun one. The kahr tech section is the place tolook for things and if u don' find what ur looking for just come here and ask, these guys are good and friendly and helpful. Rememberwe were all newbies at one time or another. so wehave been there do that sort of thing..I realy do feel the cm9 is kahrs diamond in the ruff. no doubt the best buy for the buck and built like a tank..I would advise reading the propper preppig thread, there are some helpful tips..

[yqtszhj]

Welcome and you did get yourself a nice pistol. You should be very pleased as you begin shooting your new gun. Just yell if you have any more questions.

[Bill K]

Welcome to KahrTalk and CM9 ownership.

At times like this the internet is your friend. You'll be up to speed in short order.

[sullypc2002]

Thanks for the help gentlemen, I live in Philadelphia and there aren't really any of the "bigger gun stores" around, mostly just small local stores, at least to my knowledge. I've been looking online at some of the cleaning kits, http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001A4N47G/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1342278455&sr=8-1&keywords=9mm+cleaning+kit&condition=new this for $15 bucks looks like the best deal for the basics since it had a lot of the things you mentioned. As for a Jag and the snake bore cleaner, i've watched some videos and have been doing my homework here on the forums, do I need both, if not, which is better? It seems like they do the same thing but I'll defer to the wisdom of the forum.

[Tinman507]

Most any Wally World in the Delaware Valley should have most of what you're looking for.
Definitely get a Boresnake AND a pistol cleaning kit with brush, jag and rod.
Dicks Sporting Goods should have some of that too.

[pineappleshooter]

Sully,

Where are you located in Philadelphia? I am in Abington.

[sullypc2002]

Sully,

Where are you located in Philadelphia? I am in Abington.

Small world, I actually live in Elkins park, near where Church meets Old York so not far from Abington at all, straight shot up 611.

[JFootin]

You should be able to pick up a Hoppe's cleaning kit for about $8 at Wallyworld. Get some Winchester or Federal FMJ ammo there, too, for breakin.

The most important things to remember on the takedown and reassembly are to carefully align the recoil spring assembly and follow the instructions about orienting the slide stop lever: 4:00 until half way in, then 3:00 and finish inserting it. This is important in order to get the slide stop spring positioned properly in relation to the lever.

Keep your wrist firm and a decent (not killer) grip on the gun when firing in order to provide a good platform for the slide to cycle fully. For goodness sake, don't get any part of your hand near the back of the slide when firing, or it will bite you badly when it cycles at 100 mph! And practice a smooth, continuous trigger pull past the letoff point. Don't try to stage it or anticipate the letoff point because that Kahr trigger won't give you a clue when it is. If you are not anticipating or flinching, but letting the BANG surprise you, you will stay on target better.

You got a really great gun. Good luck at your first range session! :D

[jocko]

what JFootin said is gospel, according to Luke and Ol Jocko to.

[sullypc2002]

Thanks guys, some really helpful stuff, broken down easily enough for even me to understand. Gonna hit Wallyworld first and if I don't find everything, Dicks sporting goods on the way home, luckily for me they're close to each other. I've got all day today and tomorrow to try and learn/clean/prep this gun, and I plan on using as much as I need.

[Tinman507]

Sully,

Upper Bucks County here. Where'd you purchase the CM9?
They should have a lot of what you're looking for.

[sullypc2002]

I bought it online and just picked it up at the closest FFL which was Abington Gun Sports. To be honest I didn't look around a ton because I had an appointment for work so I'm not really sure what the store carries in the ways of cleaning products, but I know they don't carry any Kahr products. Whats up with that?!

[Tinman507]

It's hit or miss. Gun shops carry what moves. Glock and M&P still do well around here.
It'll be cheaper at WW or Dicks.

[GROTMAN]

If not too late..you might want to try the Hoppes elite.. does not have the smell of the regular Hoppes and your wife will let you clean your gun IN the house. :) Anyway congrats on your purchase and happy shootin!

[jocko]

elite is good stuff, IMO.

[pineappleshooter]

Sully,

Abington gun sports is ok but I would tell u to go to Classic Pistol on Industrial Blvd over in Southhampton. They know their stuff, offer lots of classes, and have a good selection of products to choose from. Let me know if you want to go shoot and we can set something up.

pineappleshooter

[sullypc2002]

If not too late..you might want to try the Hoppes elite.. does not have the smell of the regular Hoppes and your wife will let you clean your gun IN the house. :) Anyway congrats on your purchase and happy shootin!

Thanks for the heads up but I already stopped into ****'s and got myself a kit. The wallyworld near me actually doesn't carry anything gun related, bummer. I followed the videos and prep instructions and did the take down, cleaned her up, and properly lubed it. Thankfully no wife to kick me out of the house, just my dog, so I think I'll be alright:cool: Now I just have to shoot the thing!

[sullypc2002]

Sully,

Abington gun sports is ok but I would tell u to go to Classic Pistol on Industrial Blvd over in Southhampton. They know their stuff, offer lots of classes, and have a good selection of products to choose from. Let me know if you want to go shoot and we can set something up.

pineappleshooter

That's actually where I went to shoot the 2 times I have been to the range, the guys there seemed great, I just got my gun delivered to AGS because it was closest. I'd love to head up there sometime soon to start breaking it in, my schedule is pretty flexible besides tues and thurs nights, let me know when would work for you. I'd love to get to the range with someone with more knowledge than me.

[wyntrout]

See the video for your gun at Kahr.com:

http://www.kahr.com/Videos.asp

and check out the FAQs there:

http://www.kahr.com/faq.asp

Wynn:)

[TheTman]

If you've never shot a gun before, or it's been awhile, it might not be a bad idea to take a basic class on firearms safety, function, and shooting basics. Most indoor ranges offer these classes, and they are not too expensive, and will give you a good basic understanding of your firearm, and possibly any local laws you should be aware of. At the least, take an experienced shooter to the range with you, so you'll have someone to possibly answer any questions that might pop up. Since you bought the CM9, and not one of the larger pistols, I'm wondering if you'lll be applying for a concealed carry permit. If so, the a basic class will help get you ready for the CC class, by teaching the basics of safe handling, and safe shooting that you will need in the CC class.
Going back and re-reading some posts, I see you have shot a couple times, but a class still might not be a bad investment. Or take pineapple shooter up on his offer to go shooting with you. No offense to pineapple shooter, but it's hard to beat a good NRA sanctioned class to learn the proper basics.

[muggsy]

For a rookie you're off to a very good start. The CM9 is an outstanding choice as a defensive pistol for a concealed carry. :D

[sullypc2002]

See the video for your gun at Kahr.com:

http://www.kahr.com/Videos.asp

and check out the FAQs there:

http://www.kahr.com/faq.asp

Wynn:)

Gracias, that should keep me from bugging the forum with many of those questions

[sullypc2002]

If you've never shot a gun before, or it's been awhile, it might not be a bad idea to take a basic class on firearms safety, function, and shooting basics. Most indoor ranges offer these classes, and they are not too expensive, and will give you a good basic understanding of your firearm, and possibly any local laws you should be aware of. At the least, take an experienced shooter to the range with you, so you'll have someone to possibly answer any questions that might pop up. Since you bought the CM9, and not one of the larger pistols, I'm wondering if you'lll be applying for a concealed carry permit. If so, the a basic class will help get you ready for the CC class, by teaching the basics of safe handling, and safe shooting that you will need in the CC class.
Going back and re-reading some posts, I see you have shot a couple times, but a class still might not be a bad investment. Or take pineapple shooter up on his offer to go shooting with you. No offense to pineapple shooter, but it's hard to beat a good NRA sanctioned class to learn the proper basics.

In PA where I live, you don't need to take a class to get your CC permit, I actually already have mine. I have considered a class though and have still not ruled it out, thanks for the heads up!

[sullypc2002]

For a rookie you're off to a very good start. The CM9 is an outstanding choice as a defensive pistol for a concealed carry. :D

I guess I'm wise beyond my years? Hah, or just got lucky and read a ton of reviews and the good folks of this forum lead me the promised land that is kahr-ownership.

[Tinman507]

Sully,

There's a place not horribly far from you that does classes and range. Nice folks, ranges are outdoors. Classes are well done. It's in Furlong Bucks County.

http://www.wicenshootingrange.com/

[sullypc2002]

Sully,

There's a place not horribly far from you that does classes and range. Nice folks, ranges are outdoors. Classes are well done. It's in Furlong Bucks County.

http://www.wicenshootingrange.com/

Only a half hour from me, and like 20 from my work, not bad at all. Any recommendations for which pistol class would help more? They have a 1st steps and also one called Basic Pistol. Reason for carrying is that I'm a Realtor and sometimes work with investors, I had a run in with some drugged-up squatters with used needles on the floor and decided that my muay thai background wasn't enough. Don't know if that makes a difference for which class, just figured it might help.

[Tinman507]

Do First Steps then Basic Pistol.
They do First Steps almost every Sunday in the summer.

[sullypc2002]

Do First Steps then Basic Pistol.
They do First Steps almost every Sunday in the summer.

Thanks for the advice! I'm gonna look into it, funds are short right now until my next settlement check comes on the 30th so I'll check it out then. I wear a tucked in, button-down shirt to work every day with dress pants, so I'm thinking pocket carry is my best bet for those situations, any recommendations for the best concealment? I'd like something thin that will be as concealed as possible, I was looking at the one from pocketholsters.com that a guy on these forums has for sale, thoughts?

[Tinman507]

Totally PJ Holsters (http://pjholster.com/).
It's 100% Kydex and disappears. The tuckable will allow you to tuck the shirt in and blouse the shirt out a bit. Paul is also local. In Ivyland I think.
He's a great guy to deal with. His turnaround is about 2 weeks right now.
I would suggest at least the FBI cant. That's approx 15°. It allows the end of the grip and the muzzle to be more vertical (picture a line running from the muzzle end to the butt of the grip) That gives you a decent area to grab it while making it more concealable.

This is my K9 in a PJHolster. The CM9 fits it just as well. Single over the belt clip.

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o542/tinman507/newPJholstera.jpg

I just realized you asked about pocket holsters. Paul makes pocket holsters as well.

[JFootin]

For total concealment in an office, consider the SmartCarry (http://www.smartcarry.com/), which puts the gun down in front next to your junk. Works real well with the compact CM9. You adjust the strap so that it lays across you hips below your beltline. Seems awkward, but you can slide it to the left when you tinkle and up on your belly when you take a dump. So you never have to remove your gun in the bathroom. The real beauty of this is about 0% chance of discovery. If you look on the website, you will see the family concealing some real big guns with it, so the CM9 realy disappears. I have one and a CM9 to put in it, so I know whereof I speak. I don't have a job because of severe disability, so it sits in the drawer most of the time. But I know people who use them every day carrying in the office. BTW, totally comfortable.

[pineappleshooter]

Sully,

If you go to Wicens, see Rich and tell him Dale sent you - he will take good care of you.

pineappleshooter (Dale)

[TheTman]

Dale, do feel confident in your knowledge to give Sully a "private class" on gun safety and maintencence and shooting techniques and things? Might save him some $$ and get him started on the right track. Possibly *** some bad habits in the bud before they are ingrained. And possibly make a new best friend, that would be very cool. Do you get much small arms training in the Navy? Just wondering if they put the emphasis on small arms training since unless you are a Seal, you have little need of rifle or pistol training to do your job on a ship, or at the shipyard or whatever. And thanks for your service to our country.

[TheTman]

n i p gets starred out? as in n i p some bad habits in the bud.........

[sullypc2002]

Sully,

If you go to Wicens, see Rich and tell him Dale sent you - he will take good care of you.

pineappleshooter (Dale)

Thanks Dale,

Any advice on where I can pick up some ammo in the neighborhood, the closest wallyworld (easton road in wyncote) didn't have anything and the ****'s in willow grove I believe only has hunting ammo (so a friend told me).

[sullypc2002]

Dale, do feel confident in your knowledge to give Sully a "private class" on gun safety and maintencence and shooting techniques and things? Might save him some $$ and get him started on the right track. Possibly *** some bad habits in the bud before they are ingrained. And possibly make a new best friend, that would be very cool. Do you get much small arms training in the Navy? Just wondering if they put the emphasis on small arms training since unless you are a Seal, you have little need of rifle or pistol training to do your job on a ship, or at the shipyard or whatever. And thanks for your service to our country.

I appreciate it, I'm young, broke, and just bought my first house, every little bit helps.

[wyntrout]

n i p gets starred out? as in n i p some bad habits in the bud.........

Hey! You're on a gun forum and you can't use the word for readying the hammer or striker to fire... c0ck! You can use ! for i and @ for a, etc. Or just make up your own substitutes. Jocko does it all the time, but it's hard to decipher his "normal" spelling, so who knows?

I don't know why Bl@ckberry is censored, either!:rolleyes:

Wynn:D

[jocko]

WTF is normal spelling for ol jocko???? Just sayin

[Tinman507]

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o542/tinman507/KAHRTALKEYECHART.jpg

[bandrich]

tinman, excellent very cleaver indeed. ;)

[MW surveyor]

Tinman, you've got too much time on your hands...........and we like it! LOL

[jocko]

way way way to much time!!!! Just sayin.

[johnnyaxxe]

That was awesome!!!

And yes, taking a class or 4 is a very good idea. You have to get a comfort level with your firearm.

For cleaning definitely watch the Kahr videos. Alot of folks have alot of opinions on what to use - Hoppes, Ballistol, Remoil, etc. You'll have to experiment to see what works for you. One video I watched a bunch of times was Hickock45's on cleaning. Its not specific to Kahr (its a Glock) but is a good overview, he uses Ballistol in it. Honestly thats all i use to clean my pistols and shotguns, but again you have to make up your own mind based on what works for you. Here's a link to the video - and YouTube has a ton of information on this subject so surf away! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZf4mUM10Vc

AND...congrats on your first pistol, welcome to Kahrtalk!!

[sullypc2002]

That was awesome!!!

And yes, taking a class or 4 is a very good idea. You have to get a comfort level with your firearm.

For cleaning definitely watch the Kahr videos. Alot of folks have alot of opinions on what to use - Hoppes, Ballistol, Remoil, etc. You'll have to experiment to see what works for you. One video I watched a bunch of times was Hickock45's on cleaning. Its not specific to Kahr (its a Glock) but is a good overview, he uses Ballistol in it. Honestly thats all i use to clean my pistols and shotguns, but again you have to make up your own mind based on what works for you. Here's a link to the video - and YouTube has a ton of information on this subject so surf away! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZf4mUM10Vc

AND...congrats on your first pistol, welcome to Kahrtalk!!

Thanks, I went with Hoppes to start but I'm open to recommendations since I don't know what the he11 I'm doing:confused: