Should I get a CM9.

[Outdoorsman5]

I carry concealed in my front pocket regularly where legal. In my edc rotation are my Kel-Tec PF9, Ruger LCP, Glock 27, and Glock 29 (for woods carry.) I carry the PF9 the most though around town.

I have had too much trouble with my PF9 (bought it in 2008,) and have sent it to Kel-Tec twice. After the last repair (new barrel) I got two good years out of it (not perfect but better.) This past weekend, however, the gun started acting like its old self again. I shot 90 rounds (Atl Arms and PMC.) I had 5 failures. I cleaned the gun thoroughly, and shot 100 more rounds (PMC and Blazer.) I had 5 more stoppages. I shot it again last night with more failures.....dang.

Even though I love how the kel-tec fits my hand, I can't trust it. I now need a new pocket 9.

Out of all the choices out there why should I get a Kahr?
(I really like the trigger after dry firing a couple. I haven't shot one yet. Seems like the older/wiser folks are recommending them the most.)
Is the CM9 the top shelf choice for pocket 9's in this price range?

[wyattninek]

Take it from someone who also front pocket carries. I have front pocket carried a glock 26, p32, a diamondback db9 which was total junk. I have had a PM9 I needed money at the time and sold it and thats why I came back and bought a CM9 (because I really like the overall size/trigger of that pistol) just Monday as I posted my review a couple thread down from this. In my opinion its the best 9mm for pocket. Although I really like my Glock 26 and have been carrying it for a couple years. You cant go wrong with the CM9, get rid of that PF9 if your on a budget and use the money towards the CM. (My kel tec p32 barrel lug just broke the other day while shooting regular ammo! I havent called them yet to get it replaced but I will.. I like that little gun but you get lemons here and there or its just cheap steel..)

[forestranger]

I pocket carried a PF9 for 6 yrs. Wore out two, one replaced, one rebuilt(almost replaced). I enjoyed shooting them but they don't hold up to a lot of shooting (got 5000rds out of one). I wanted a CW9 for IWB and a CM9 for pocket since they first came out. Got the CW first, liked it so much I got a CM within a month. Shoots great, pocket carries fine after carrying PF9 for so long. Keeping PF9s since they have lifetime warranty and don't bring much on resale but I am very happy with CM9. The $355 price for CW and $380 for CM helped me make the jump.:D

[kahrsport]

my experience with 3 different kahr pistols, 1st cw9 excellent, 2nd k9 excellent, 3rd cm9 excellent... that said i wished i never stumpled upon stuch..'s thread about his isolated issue with a cm9 which deterred me from getting one sooner... the cm9 is a fine tool for ccw... don't get better than this... get one

[Outdoorsman5]

Thanks for the replies. The CM9 looks & sounds like a solid gun. I've been reading about em a lot, and it does seem to be the most recommended pocket 9 out there...am I wrong about that?

I don't want to go through what I've gone through with this PF9 again, so I want to make a good decision on this one.

[Bawanna]

Momma always said if you don't have something good to say about something don't say nuthin at all.

So with that in mind Keltec............................................ .......................

The CM9 is not Vegas gambling. It is a real gun built with pride and quality.

Very good chance it'll be a keeper right out of the box and serve you well for a lifetime. If not, Kahr will take care of it and make it so it does.
This doesn't help if you have a product that is junk from birth and the company will work on it and tinker with it for a lifetime, as they will have the product more than you do.

It's worth it even if it does need a fine tuning trip. It rarely happens, sadly we hear about most of them right here.

[muggsy]

All Kahr pistols are endorsed by Muggsy, himself.

[Paxmo]

Yknot:cheer2::7:

[yqtszhj]

I had a CW9, have a CM9, and have a CW45.

Get the CM9. Mine has been EXCELLENT!

[warbird1]

I had the Kel Tec pf-9 for about 4 mos. No real problems other than I didn't like the trigger or the way it felt in my hand. Sold it and bought a PM-9. Had a problem with light primer strikes. Kahr replaced the barrel and slide (great service) and now it runs like a dream. Love the trigger and it's accuracy. Highly recommend the PM9 and the company service.

[olympicmotorcars]

I vote PM 40

[fitpro]

I started looking for a single-stack pocket 9mm about six months ago. I had the experience from hell with a PF9. I walked into a gun store looking for a CM9 and they didn't have any but I bought a PF9. The first range session I had about 8-10 FTEx out of 100 rnds. I went on the KTOG website and reported the problems. Several members and mods popped up to tell me it was my fault:mad: for "limp-wristing" (I have fired tens of thousands of rounds and NEVER had a limp-wristing issue, even in light high-caliber pistols) and that it just needed a fluff-n-buff and tightening of the extractor screw. I did those things.

Range session 2 brought more FTEx, FTFeed, the mag dropping out randomly, and it started keyholing from 7 yards. I mentioned this on the forum and got attacked by the keltec cult.:7: Every problem was my fault and their guns never keyholed. I sent the gun back to KT on their dime and they returned it three weeks later, replacing almost the entire gun.:p I went back on their forum to report the findings and they banned me for being a "lying troll.":confused: I traded that gun in to Bud's Gun Shop without even taking it to the range. Mentally I could never depend on it, no matter what would have happened next.

I bought a CM9 and I could not be happier!:D It is a quality weapon, very well-made, has a great trigger, and it's extremely reliable. You NEED to own a CM9 if you want to pocket carry a 9mm.:cheer2:

[Outdoorsman5]

I've been a kel-tec fan for a while (not a fanboy as I love my glock G27, G29, & G30, S&W .357, Springfield XDM9, & Ruger LCP.) I owned the Kel-Tec P32 then the P3AT when they first came out, and both of those were pretty decent guns. I thought they were ugly though & sold them. I got the Ruger LCP, and it is serving as an outstanding & trusted replacement. I wish Ruger had done as well of a job on the LC9. I view that gun as not ideal (I don't like the safety, mag disconnect, & loaded chamber indicator.)

I pocket carry my Glock 27 some, but find it to be on the big side of what I want. The Sig P290 looks good, but is heavier. The M&P Shield looks to be too big, and the Springfield XD subcompact is even bigger. I handled the Beretta Nano recently, and just didn't like the look or feel of it. The DB9 looks great (size-wise,) but I can't find very many folks that trust em (keep seeing comments like "junk" or "jam-o-matic" or "pins walking out," etc.) The Rohrbaugh is way more than I want to spend. The Boberg is too new & weird lookin.

So, I keep coming back to the Kahr's. I see some negative comments, but they still seem to be the most respected out of the true "pocket" 9's. The Sig P290 is a close second in my mind. It is heavier though, and is a new design without a track record. Does anyone have a Sig P290? How would you compare it to a Kahr CM9 or PM9?

Truthfully the Kel-Tec PF-9 feels the best in my hand out of all of em, but again I can't trust it.

[Outdoorsman5]

I vote PM 40

I hear you on the PM40, but I have seen more negative comments about it than the PM9 or CM9. Seems there is a problem with the magazine that remains unfixed....magazine followers I think. Let me know if this is wrong. Also, I'm good with my edc being a 9mm. I already have a G27 in .40 caliber, and view it as my best "all-around" gun. It's just not perfect for pocket edc.

[JFootin]

I hear you on the PM40, but I have seen more negative comments about it than the PM9 or CM9. Seems there is a problem with the magazine that remains unfixed....magazine followers I think. Let me know if this is wrong. Also, I'm good with my edc being a 9mm. I already have a G27 in .40 caliber, and view it as my best "all-around" gun. It's just not perfect for pocket edc.

Wise thinking, IMO.

[Outdoorsman5]

Can anyone give me any feedback on how the CM9 compares to the Sig P290? Thanks.

[fitpro]

Can anyone give me any feedback on how the CM9 compares to the Sig P290? Thanks.

The P290 is a good pistol but it is heavier than the CM9 and there is a vast difference in the trigger quality, with the CM9 winning handily.

[olympicmotorcars]

I did have a broken follower recently, did not even know about it until I cleaned my gun after a range visit. Not a big deal.

[MikeyKahr]

I don't think you should be selfish and buy a Kahr for yourself, but you absolutely may be generous and buy a Kahr for me. I'll take a TP9 and a K9. And a P380. And a CM9. And a K45 if they ever come out. That's it, that would suffice. :music: I'm horrible, I know.

[CJB]

I front pocket the PM9 (same as CM9) as well the PM45... no problems, but do keep them clean!

[Outdoorsman5]

I don't think you should be selfish and buy a Kahr for yourself, but you absolutely may be generous and buy a Kahr for me. I'll take a TP9 and a K9. And a P380. And a CM9. And a K45 if they ever come out. That's it, that would suffice. :music: I'm horrible, I know.

Ha.....

Just over the past two days I've discovered that not only do I want the CM9, but I now want the P380. Just read reviews of people comparing the P380 to the Ruger LCP (which is what I have.) Seems as though most say the P380 shoots like a full sized gun, and out-classes the LCP. The P380 has a better trigger, has real sights (can even get night sights), has a lower bore axis for better shoot-ability....Dang it! Now I want one.

I'm wondering if my wife would like to shoot the P380. She hates all of my auto loaders, and only likes her S&W snub-nosed 357 mag revolver (shoots .38 specials only though.) She's thinking about getting a CCL, and I want her to use an auto loader for the firearms training.

So there, I'm only being 99% selfish. See, I'm "thinking of others".....sorta.

[TheTman]

i would recommend the cm9 without resevation. We hear few complaints on that pistol. The P380 on the other hand is the most complained about pistol Kahr makes. I've heard the problems have been mostly taken care of, so if you do get a P380, make sure it's one recently manufactured. I myself am not wholly convinced the pistol is right yet. I think if I already had an LCP, that went bang everytime the trigger was pulled, i might not fool with the P380. For awhile, it seems like there were 3 or 4 complaints about the P380, compared to all the other Kahr models. Like I say, i believe most of the issues have been fixed, but I would have a hard time trusting my life to one. Maybe as a BUG but not my main weapon.

[Outdoorsman5]

That's good advice. My LCP is a good one, and has been dependable. If I got the P380, I wouldn't trade in my LCP. I've gotten out of the habit of trading guns (too many regrets like my old Springfield 1911 and my old Colt Mustang.) I don't even think I'd trade out my problematic Kel-Tec PF9. Probably wouldn't get much for it anyway. The Kel-Tec could become my backup weapon kept in the car. If it ever got stolen...then no big.

[Yogi 117]

Ha.....Just read reviews of people comparing the P380 to the Ruger LCP (which is what I have.)
I also have the Ruger LCP, and have been seriously thinking of trading it for a CM9 for 24/7 carry. I realize it's bigger for pocket carry (which is my method), but I can adjust to the slight difference. I also wonder why I would want to keep the .380 for various reasons, it's not really fun to practice with, the ammo is more costly than 9mm, and at 10 yards the rounds are all over the target. I've shot the CM9 my brother has, and there's no comparison when it comes to the trigger. Think hard on the P380, not sure you need it...but probably just want it. Good luck! :)

[les strat]

Short answer: YES!

Will shoot like a Cadillac compared to that Keltec.

[les strat]

I also have the Ruger LCP, and have been seriously thinking of trading it for a CM9 for 24/7 carry. I realize it's bigger for pocket carry (which is my method), but I can adjust to the slight difference. I also wonder why I would want to keep the .380 for various reasons, it's not really fun to practice with, the ammo is more costly than 9mm, and at 10 yards the rounds are all over the target. I've shot the CM9 my brother has, and there's no comparison when it comes to the trigger. Think hard on the P380, not sure you need it...but probably just want it. Good luck! :)

Yogi, as an ex-member of the Elsie forum, I liked my LCP for its size and reliability, but the CM9 is in a different league and is actually fun to shoot. You have seen the holster I got from Bear Creek. It makes the pocket carry great.

[fitpro]

I don't even think I'd trade out my problematic Kel-Tec PF9. Probably wouldn't get much for it anyway. The Kel-Tec could become my backup weapon kept in the car. If it ever got stolen...then no big.

Bud's Gun Shop will give you a decent price for trading or outright selling the PF9...I did it! Could you ever REALLY trust your life to that gun when you own a Kahr?

[Yogi 117]

Yogi, as an ex-member of the Elsie forum, I liked my LCP for its size and reliability, but the CM9 is in a different league and is actually fun to shoot. You have seen the holster I got from Bear Creek. It makes the pocket carry great.
I remember you from the other forum. I shot my brother's CM9 again this afternoon & loved it, so on the way home, I stopped at a LGS and ordered the CM9, and he's taking my LCP in on trade. I will be in the market for a new pocket holster. I hate losing the small size, but man, that CM9 is such a sweet shooter, and not that much bigger. I'm stoked tonight, and even Mrs Yogi was ok with it. Will be at least a week before the order comes in, so I'll be ordering a holster, more mags, and look for mag carriers. Oh, to buy a new Kahr. :)

[les strat]

I remember you from the other forum. I shot my brother's CM9 again this afternoon & loved it, so on the way home, I stopped at a LGS and ordered the CM9, and he's taking my LCP in on trade. I will be in the market for a new pocket holster. I hate losing the small size, but man, that CM9 is such a sweet shooter, and not that much bigger. I'm stoked tonight, and even Mrs Yogi was ok with it. Will be at least a week before the order comes in, so I'll be ordering a holster, more mags, and look for mag carriers. Oh, to buy a new Kahr. :)

HEY CONGRATS! NGD is always a good day! I think you'll love it. :)

[c6vetter]

First, how does ANYBODY pocket carry a Glock 26/27? I have one, LOVE IT (flawless), but IWB is tight. Could not imagine pocket carry - I am 6'4" and 250# ... so, not a small guy. I'd love to, but dimensions are prohibitive.

CM9 - I agree with most on gun quality. Magazines are problematic and the source of most FTF or nosedive issues that people experience. Unfortunately, I've been one of the 'few' with these problems. Follow the stickys on this GREAT forum and you'll be much better off than calling Kahr Customer Service. My experience has been sub-optimal at best with them (being professional here to keep Moderators happy).

I just picked up a Ruger LCP with Buffalo Bore ammo ... smaller to carry with = 9mm punch (not +P, of course). The LCP, like the Glock, has been perfect. So for me ... it's LCP in the summer, G27 in the winter and Kahr CM9 sent back to Massachusetts to figure out what's up.

[Outdoorsman5]

First, how does ANYBODY pocket carry a Glock 26/27? I have one, LOVE IT (flawless), but IWB is tight. Could not imagine pocket carry - I am 6'4" and 250# ... so, not a small guy. I'd love to, but dimensions are prohibitive.


The G27 is too big as a pocket edc. I carry it occasionally, but I mostly carry my PF9 and occasionally my LCP around town. I carry the G27 as a woods gun loaded up with heavy double tap ammo. It fits in my baggie jeans & shorts with large pockets, and is comfortable enough. I like IWB carry as well. My preferred woods gun is my Glock 29 (10mm.....I'm in black bear country quite a bit.) The G29 is even bigger than the G27, so sometimes the G27 just fits better depending on what we are doing (hiking, camping, etc.)

As for my Kel-Tec PF9, I am thinking the CM9 would be a good replacement.