Who can tell me about Kahr 9mm's?

[manalive]

OK--call me a "gun-nut." While I am waiting to take possession of the p380 I just bought, I am now searching around for a Kahr 9mm. I am a bit overwhelmed at all the different designations there are:cm9; cw9; p9; k9; pm9; T9; Tp9; mk9; pm9, etc etc. My head is starting to spin. I am loking for conceal-carry so that should narrow it down a bit. But still, can someone give me a quick/short overview and steer me to a recommended small 9mm? Thanks!

Allen R
San Diego

[JimC]

This should be good. :rolleyes:

Start here Kahr Arms (http://www.kahr.com/)

:popcorn:

[Tinman507]

for true concealment go with the cm9. For a sweet shooter go with K9.

[Planedude]

Here is what I've found to explain it all.

Kahr Model Legend


TP: Polymer Frame, 3.965"~4.04" Barrel
KP: Polymer Frame, 3.54"~3.6" Barrel, 2.53" Barrel (.380 ACP Models)
PM: Polymer Frame, 3.1"~3.24" Barrel
KT: Steel Frame, 3.965"~4.0" Barrel
K: Steel Frame, 3.465"~3.5" Barrel
M: Steel Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel
CW: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.565"~3.64" Barrel
CM: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel

1st Three Numbers
454: .45 ACP
414: .40 S&W (with External Safety & LCI)
404: .40 S&W
919: 9mm (with External Safety & LCI)
909: 9mm
383: .380 ACP
3823: .380 ACP (with LCI)

4th Number
0: Carbon Steel, Black Oxide*
1: Carbon Steel, Nickel Finish*
2: Carbon Steel, Black T Finish*
3: Matte Stainless Steel
4: Blackened Stainless Steel
6: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite98*
8: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite2003
* Discontinued

Letters at end
L: Crimson Trace Laser Sight
N: Tritium Night Sights
NOVAK: Novak Low Profile Tritium Night Sights
TP: Polymer Frame, 3.965"~4.04" Barrel
KP: Polymer Frame, 3.54"~3.6" Barrel, 2.53" Barrel (.380 ACP Models)
PM: Polymer Frame, 3.1"~3.24" Barrel
KT: Steel Frame, 3.965"~4.0" Barrel
K: Steel Frame, 3.465"~3.5" Barrel
M: Steel Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel
CW: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.565"~3.64" Barrel
CM: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel

1st Three Numbers
454: .45 ACP
414: .40 S&W (with External Safety & LCI)
404: .40 S&W
919: 9mm (with External Safety & LCI)
909: 9mm
383: .380 ACP
3823: .380 ACP (with LCI)

4th Number
0: Carbon Steel, Black Oxide*
1: Carbon Steel, Nickel Finish*
2: Carbon Steel, Black T Finish*
3: Matte Stainless Steel
4: Blackened Stainless Steel
6: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite98*
8: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite2003
* Discontinued

Letters at end
L: Crimson Trace Laser Sight
N: Tritium Night Sights
NOVAK: Novak Low Profile Tritium Night Sights

I have a P380 and you"ll love it. Kahr triggers are the best and it's (almost) the only 380 with really good sights.

[CJB]

OK--call me a "gun-nut." While I am waiting to take possession of the p380 I just bought, I am now searching around for a Kahr 9mm. I am a bit overwhelmed at all the different designations there are:cm9; cw9; p9; k9; pm9; T9; Tp9; mk9; pm9, etc etc. My head is starting to spin. I am loking for conceal-carry so that should narrow it down a bit. But still, can someone give me a quick/short overview and steer me to a recommended small 9mm? Thanks!

Allen R
San Diego

Just get a PM9 if you like 9mm.

Silver, black, with/without night sights.

Done.

[crazymailman]

OK--call me a "gun-nut." While I am waiting to take possession of the p380 I just bought, I am now searching around for a Kahr 9mm. I am a bit overwhelmed at all the different designations there are:cm9; cw9; p9; k9; pm9; T9; Tp9; mk9; pm9, etc etc. My head is starting to spin. I am loking for conceal-carry so that should narrow it down a bit. But still, can someone give me a quick/short overview and steer me to a recommended small 9mm? Thanks!

Allen R
San Diego

The P/CW are the same size, with the CW being a more economical version. The PM/CM are smaller and easier to conceal with the CM having a lower price. Although all Kahrs can be conceal carried, the T/TP9 models are the largest Kahrs and I would consider them target models.

[ripley16]

I think of the Kahrs this way... small, medium and large.

Small has a 3" barrel, a 6 round long length grip.
Medium has an extra 1/2" added to the barrel and a 7 round long grip.
Large has yet another 1/2" longer barrel, total of 4", and yet another round in the magazine for a total of 8.

There are lots of variables and models involved, but they all revolve around this concept. If I carried a Kahr it would be a medium, (K, P, CW, E). My favorite is the large, (T or TP). Many people prefer the small, MK, PM or CM because they hide easier or may be pocket carried. The choice is yours.

[mser]

...steer me to a recommended small 9mm?

I've carried a PM9 as an off duty / backup pistol for just over ten years. In my opinion it was and still is the finest pocket nine available. It has proven itself to be flawless in function and performance since day one. The size gives me the diversity to carry on the hip, in the pocket, IWB or in an ankle holster. At around 1.25 pounds fully loaded with Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +P rounds it is definitely a self defense force to be reckoned with.

The CM9 is the econo version of the PM9, but still a fine pistol. As JimC posted, check out the Kahr web site for a wealth of information on all of their pistols.

[kerby9mm]

I never knew that the C in the CM model meant Concealed. I was guessing that the C meant costs less or cheaper. I stand corrected. My recommendation is the mk9 probably because I have one and prefer metal frames to plastic.

[PYROhafe]

I never knew that the C in the CM model meant Concealed. I was guessing that the C meant costs less or cheaper. I stand corrected.

I always thought they should have switched the pm and cm model names so you could have the Poor Mans, and the Cost More model but they got it backwards so maybe we could go with Pricey Model and Cheap Model lol

Anyways... I LOVE my cm9, GREAT carry gun, but still a blast for me at the range. Added bonus is not a lot of people enjoy shooting it (especially new shooters) so I get to do most of the shooting of my gun. If you want as small as you can get in 9mm, the pm/cm is for you. If you want easily concealed but still full grip and "easier" to shoot, then try out the cw. If you want all metal, try out the mk or k models.

[muggsy]

Manalive, your not a gun nut. If your head is starting to spin from all of those model destinations you're a man possessed. We'll have to send Father Jocko to perform an exorcisim accompanied by Brother Bawanna. It's the only cure. Try to avoid projectile vomiting. Father Jocko has a weak stomach and Brother Bawanna scrounges brass.

[LorenzoB]

I always thought they should have switched the pm and cm model names so you could have the Poor Mans, and the Cost More model but they got it backwards so maybe we could go with Pricey Model and Cheap Model lol....

PYROhafe, that is perfect!

manalive, since we live in CA, some of these are not available to us or are available to law enforcement only. Make sure to check the Roster of Handguns before you order online (but you may already know this)... http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

For example, the CM9 is not available, but the PM9 is.

[muggsy]

Here is what I've found to explain it all.

Kahr Model Legend


TP: Polymer Frame, 3.965"~4.04" Barrel
KP: Polymer Frame, 3.54"~3.6" Barrel, 2.53" Barrel (.380 ACP Models)
PM: Polymer Frame, 3.1"~3.24" Barrel
KT: Steel Frame, 3.965"~4.0" Barrel
K: Steel Frame, 3.465"~3.5" Barrel
M: Steel Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel
CW: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.565"~3.64" Barrel
CM: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel

1st Three Numbers
454: .45 ACP
414: .40 S&W (with External Safety & LCI)
404: .40 S&W
919: 9mm (with External Safety & LCI)
909: 9mm
383: .380 ACP
3823: .380 ACP (with LCI)

4th Number
0: Carbon Steel, Black Oxide*
1: Carbon Steel, Nickel Finish*
2: Carbon Steel, Black T Finish*
3: Matte Stainless Steel
4: Blackened Stainless Steel
6: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite98*
8: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite2003
* Discontinued

Letters at end
L: Crimson Trace Laser Sight
N: Tritium Night Sights
NOVAK: Novak Low Profile Tritium Night Sights
TP: Polymer Frame, 3.965"~4.04" Barrel
KP: Polymer Frame, 3.54"~3.6" Barrel, 2.53" Barrel (.380 ACP Models)
PM: Polymer Frame, 3.1"~3.24" Barrel
KT: Steel Frame, 3.965"~4.0" Barrel
K: Steel Frame, 3.465"~3.5" Barrel
M: Steel Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel
CW: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.565"~3.64" Barrel
CM: Concealed Weapon, Polymer Frame, 3.0"~3.1" Barrel

1st Three Numbers
454: .45 ACP
414: .40 S&W (with External Safety & LCI)
404: .40 S&W
919: 9mm (with External Safety & LCI)
909: 9mm
383: .380 ACP
3823: .380 ACP (with LCI)

4th Number
0: Carbon Steel, Black Oxide*
1: Carbon Steel, Nickel Finish*
2: Carbon Steel, Black T Finish*
3: Matte Stainless Steel
4: Blackened Stainless Steel
6: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite98*
8: Polished Stainless Steel, Elite2003
* Discontinued

Letters at end
L: Crimson Trace Laser Sight
N: Tritium Night Sights
NOVAK: Novak Low Profile Tritium Night Sights

I have a P380 and you"ll love it. Kahr triggers are the best and it's (almost) the only 380 with really good sights.

Someone should make this post a sticky.

[jocko]

how about the letter for NYPD trigger..

[MW surveyor]

Wow. I can't believe that this thread has not taken off on a tangent.

Must be the Christmas spirit.

To the OP - Check what is available to you in California, then make your decision.

[wyntrout]

Look at your budget and include buying enough magazines to have at least 3 and any upgrades in sights and or finishes. You should have at least 3 mags for a self-defense pistol. I have 7 to 12 or more for each Kahr. Mags fail or get lost in scuffles, so having two working mags is nice... like having a spare tire.
The "C" models come with ONE magazine, a plastic front sight, and no dovetailed front sight. The slide is blockier... not finished as well, but it functions the same as the "premier" models.
My first Kahr was the all stainless K9 and I found it too heavy for CCW... wearing shorts a lot in Florida, sometimes with no belt. I DO wear a gun belt now and like the security and better retention.
I now have 6 polymer Kahrs, including 2 P380's. The P9 weighs about 8 ounces less than the K9 and is the same size. I did put flush-metal bases on my P9, PM9, and P40 for CCW and I carry the largest Kahr mag for each as a reload, which is a 7-round extended-grip mag for my PM45. I have DLC and SS slides and like both... and I prefer Night Sights on my CC pistols... and my larger ones as well.

Just consider your budget and what's available, then think about what's most important to you in features and go for the one you can afford.

Good luck and don't forget to watch the Kahr Take Down video and check out the new member links on lubrication and care of your intended purchase... BEFORE you take it apart and put it back together with bad consequences!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!

Wynn:)

PS: For magazines, check out Ivanhoe Warehouse first. They show whether they have any in stock, charge some of the lowest prices, have quick shipping, AND $5 shipping for your whole order by USPS Priority Mail. I've bought dozens from them:

http://www.ivanhoeoutlet.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=43

[2edgesword]

I hope to have a lot more to say on the subject next month when my PM9 finally arrives :).

[manalive]

Thanks guys. This gives me some direction on my quest for which Kahr 9 I should get.

[manalive]

You're a wealth of info Wynn. Thanks for all the good pointers and suggestions. I'll be checking all these things out.

[manalive]

The chart is a BIG help! Thanks!!!

[manalive]

Thanks for the info!

[wyntrout]

Here's some pix of Kahrs. Not shown is the P9 which is DLC and about the same size as the P40 shown... the size of the CW/P9, only a tiny bit thinner. All fit in my Crossbreed Mini Tuck for the PM9.

P380 at top... PM45 center left, P40center right, and PM9 in holster.

http://kahrtalk.com/showpost.php?p=187790&postcount=6

I like choices!

Wynn:)

[manalive]

What a beautiful sight! This gives me some very good ideas/options. I'm big on having choices too. Thanks Wynn!

PS--I'd be glad to have you as a fellow shopper if anything bad went down in any store! :-)