Rethinking MK9 Purchase

[itsthelaw]

I am looking at buying an MK9 for my father-in-law for his birthday. I love the plastic Kahrs for me, but also think the MK9 is a beautiful gun and the wood grip option makes it even better. BUT...is the MK9 a practical gun for carry? I know it probably doesn't matter as much to the recipient of the gift, but I would like to know the thoughts of those who own one. At 25 ounces, would someone more likely carry a small 1911 or a gun with more rounds or a 45 instead of the MK9?

Again, I think it is a beautiful gun and love the wood grip option. My F-I-L has his carry permit, but only carries in his truck. Thoughts?

[Bawanna]

If he only carries in his truck the weight won't be a factor at all.

Kind of a personal preference issue really. My first thought is the MK might hold up better in the truck but then I thought tupperware is pretty impervious to getting banged around and won't rust as even stainless can do from time to time.

Everyone dances to a different drummer, I'd go a 45 but given a 9 I'd like the wood grip option. I think either would work. The MK is not difficult to carry in a proper holster on a proper belt, just as easy as a CM or a PM, it's only when you try the pocket carry that the weight becomes a factor.

I never pocket carry so not an issue for me.

[CPO15]

I'll occasionally carry the MK9 and its polymer fraternal twin (separately) and really don't notice much difference at the end of the day. OWB mostly, never pocket carry and IWB with a Remora just for quick trips to WalMart.

The MK9 is a great gun, love the wood grips on mine, love the weight of it.

[Longitude Zero]

Depending upon his height/weight, clothing choices and holster selection it is a carriable weapon.

[Nimrod]

I have a MK40 which is essentially the same size and weight of the MK9. It is too heavy for pocket carrying but the weight is not a problem in a good holster. I have a PM9 which is the same size that I use for pocket carry (though that is not my preferred method of carrying). If your father-in-law never intends to carry on his person, then probably a larger gun would be preferrable, like a K9. I love my K9 and it is also small enough to easily conceal if he ever wants to conceal. My MK40 and K9 are both the 2003 elite models and they are both beautiful. The K9 has more grip and a larger sight axis and therefore it is a little easier to shoot. I think your father-in-law will be happy with either gun.

[Cyterio]

I carry my MK9 daily, and wouldn't even think of anything else. To me, there is nothing that compares to that beautiful stainless steel with wood grips. People tend to make a big deal over weight, as long as you have a decent belt and holster, its never an issue. The MK9 just reeks of quality and craftsmanship and I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that disagrees.

[Bawanna]

I agree that either the MK or the K would be good choices.

[JFootin]

Does he have one of the under-seat gunsafes in the truck? I wouldn't want to take the chance of losing a beautiful wood handled MK9 to theft. If the gun is not secured, I would use the cheapest one I could find: a KelTec or an old beat up revolver, or something.

[Bawanna]

Yall have thieves in North Carolina too? I thought that was a pretty nice neighborhood.

[JimBianchi]

I carry my MK9 in Crossbreed SuperTuck or an AHolster pocket holster. Occasionally I will use my Remora. They all work well, and each has its place in my carry rotation.

If I had to pick one over the others, it would be the AHolster pocket. Very slim, very secure, used it for many years and find it great for shorts and dress pants. (terrible for jeans, as are all pocket holsters)

The added weight is not a concern for me. The gun is so reliable and small I am fine with it the way it is.

[itsthelaw]

I love this forum...just sayin'.

[JFootin]

Yall have thieves in North Carolina too? I thought that was a pretty nice neighborhood.

Actually, here in the little town where I live and the surrounding area, people still don't lock their doors. In fact, keys left in the ignityion switch of a vehicle is not uncommon. But I can drive just a few miles and be in a place where crime is pervasive. So as a general rule, an unsecured gun is an irresistable target to anyone who breaks into a vehicle. But one of those compact gun safes that attach to the seat frame will frustrate a snatch and grab thief, even a stereo thief, because they can't take the time.