Not sure which Kahr due to confusion.

[fallhunter]

I have been wanting to purchase a Kahr hand gun. The CW series can be had for $435 where I live. The CM series for $550 and the PM series for $925. Question is, what is the difference? I have a hard time justifying over $600 for a CCW firearm. What am I getting more by spending more, and is it really worth it? (Currently carry a Ruger SR9c and Springfield XDs)

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[Tilos]

Nothing, just some different parts to market/sell in 2 pricepoint markets.
That is, nothing really significant as the CW9 was the 1st, done to compete in the lower price point market and rolled out as having mim parts and a barrel with traditional style rifling to justify the lower price so owners of higher $ models wouldn't whine about paying more.
The rollout of new PM models is usually followed by a CM model of the same caliber.
Others will disagree, check the Kahr site for an the explanation (marketing ploy;)).
JMO

[chrish]

Tilos is mostly correct. Some marketing. Some real differences though. But functionally, as far as a CCW gun, not much difference. Whether the differences are worth the cost is a personal decision, but do they add any improvement on the gun? Not really.

First, add $35 to the price of any of the C series guns to make the cost comparison the same. You only get 1 mag w/ a C series. With a P series, you get 2.

From that point, it's largely cosmetic. The P series has more 'finish' to it, but one could argue that either looked better based on personal preferences. The P has more rounded corners and laser etched logos. The C has more right angles and stamped logos. Same trigger and frame on either. Slide stop pin is different.

On the P, you also get a polygonal barrel vs standard rifling in the C barrel...arguably better, but in a 3-3.5" gun, does that really matter? Nah.

I purchased P series guns. Liked the look better and when I bought my first Kahr, the C series didn't exist anyway. But I don't think I got a better gun in the later purchased guns, just wanted them all to match.


CM/PM same size, 3" barrel, 6+1
CW/P same size, 3.5" barrel, 7+1

[olympicmotorcars]

The sights are different also, PMs may be easier to fit night sights to.

[kwh]

No reason to pay more. I have a CM9 in the pocket, a CW 45 on my belt and just recently bought a CW380( don't know where I will carry it yet). My Son carries the Ruger SR9 IWB. The Kahrs are thinner and hold fewer rounds. The small CM9, which I everyday pocket carry suits me just fine, but is too small for my Son's hands for him to shoot at the range for more than a few rounds. I like the Ruger, but it is larger, thicker than what I prefer to carry daily. I wear business casual tucked in shirt and my Son dresses more casually.

[b4uqzme]

bought a CW380( don't know where I will carry it yet).

Wow. Door is open for a really bad comment but I'll restrain myself. :D

[kwh]

Wow. Door is open for a really bad comment but I'll restrain myself. :D
Thanks

[TheTman]

KWH, that CW380 might be a good one to put in an ankle holster for a BUG. I wouldn't carry a gun in an ankle holster as my primary CC weapon, but for a BUG it should be ok.

[kwh]

KWH, that CW380 might be a good one to put in an ankle holster for a BUG. I wouldn't carry a gun in an ankle holster as my primary CC weapon, but for a BUG it should be ok.
For someone with who has scrawny ankles and on their feet all day with a lot of walking, which would be a comfortable ankle holster that stays in does not slip down down after a few steps?

[chrish]

The sights are different also, PMs may be easier to fit night sights to.



Oops, forgot about that pinned front sight. Good catch.

[fallhunter]

The sight might be a concern. What do you mean by "pinned" and is it a good or bad thing.. or indifferent..?

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[chrish]

Pinned, just mounted directly into a hole in the slide. The P series has a dovetail and does have more options available. But the C has a few out there for a replacement front sight. Otherwise, yea, indifferent. Either will put you on target.

[garyb]

I have been wanting to purchase a Kahr hand gun. The CW series can be had for $435 where I live. The CM series for $550 and the PM series for $925. Question is, what is the difference? I have a hard time justifying over $600 for a CCW firearm. What am I getting more by spending more, and is it really worth it? (Currently carry a Ruger SR9c and Springfield XDs)

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There are differences in those guns with features reflected in the price...just as there are differences in cals. Sounds like you will not justify anything over $600, so that narrows it down for you already. Obviously price is a consideration in anyone's decision. I wanted the very best subcompact CCW in a good all black finish. I see guys purchasing the more inexpensive versions and then getting them blackened, purchasing more mags, changing out the sights, etc...and their price point goes up. I did not need to do this with my PM.....but I'm not going to try to talk you into a PM, because that price is not for everyone. However, I can say that the care Kahr put into my PM has left me with NO problems with it. It is flawless. You get what you pay for and you pay more for the PM. I suggest you listen to the input of the folks that own the various models (as you are doing here); take a good hard look at each of them; hold them; decide which one fits your preferred style of carry (which will change anyway); and fire them (if you can). Check out the differences and then decide. They are all good guns. Good luck with your decision and your new Kahr.

[fallhunter]

There are differences in those guns with features reflected in the price...just as there are differences in cals. Sounds like you will not justify anything over $600, so that narrows it down for you already. Obviously price is a consideration in anyone's decision. I wanted the very best subcompact CCW in a good all black finish. I see guys purchasing the more inexpensive versions and then getting them blackened, purchasing more mags, changing out the sights, etc...and their price point goes up. I did not need to do this with my PM.....but I'm not going to try to talk you into a PM, because that price is not for everyone. However, I can say that the care Kahr put into my PM has left me with NO problems with it. It is flawless. You get what you pay for and you pay more for the PM. I suggest you listen to the input of the folks that own the various models (as you are doing here); take a good hard look at each of them; hold them; decide which one fits your preferred style of carry (which will change anyway); and fire them (if you can). Check out the differences and then decide. They are all good guns. Good luck with your decision and your new Kahr.

If.. IF the differences are that large, maybe the PM would be the ticket. But is there a $500 worth of difference between the PM and CW?

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[wyntrout]

The prices in your area are very high. I got my Black with Night Sights PM9 LNIB for under $600 out the door. I have 6 Kahrs left after selling a redundant P380 that Wifey couldn't rack.

I looked and looked at the CW/CM models and could not stand the plain, slab-sided look with the seemingly hand-stamped-by-an-assembly-line of people, each with one letter or number. I bought a used P9 and a used P40 on our Marketplace.

If I had had the choice of a P380 or the CW380, I MIGHT have gone with the latter, though, because it's still tiny. I prefer the fit and finish and all of the extras with the P/PM models. I don't feel that I over-paid for what I got, but then I didn't pay RETAIL, either. I get the best deal on whatever I want... usually online.

It's like buying an Impala over a Bel Air... back in the fifties and sixties... Chevrolet, for you younger guys.:D

Wynn:)

[TheTman]

KWH, the only experience with ankle holsters I have is with an Uncle Mikes nylon rig. You could tighten up pretty well so that it didn't flop around, with a nylon strap to retain your gun with Velcro fasteners. I have pretty skinny legs too, and it worked out fine. Used to carry a little Beretta Tomcat in it. Sure doesn't work well with slim legged pants. I'd bet there are better ankle rigs out there, but the Uncle Mikes is hard to beat for the price and worked very well for me.

[BEARDOG]

I have been wanting to purchase a Kahr hand gun. The CW series can be had for $435 where I live. The CM series for $550 and the PM series for $925. Question is, what is the difference? I have a hard time justifying over $600 for a CCW firearm. What am I getting more by spending more, and is it really worth it? (Currently carry a Ruger SR9c and Springfield XDs)

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You could do much better then those prices by buying online.

Short answer NO... not worth it IMO.
The slight differences do not make any real appreciable difference to the basic function of a small defensive handgun.
As far as the CW/CM pinned in front sight there are multiple choices of night sights available to buy, and because it is not dovetailed in the job to change it is very easy to do (no pusher needed)

Maybe this will help you out.
http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/ae70/BeardogV1/cm-chart.jpg (http://s958.photobucket.com/user/BeardogV1/media/cm-chart.jpg.html)

[berettabone]

You could purchase 2 CM's for the price of 1 PM and have $$$$ left over for ammo. $925 for a PM? Crazyness..............................

[getsome]

Welcome to Kahrtalk fallhunter, You're going to like the way you look with a Kahr, I guarantee it.....Which model to pick???... Like others have said there really isn't enough differences between a CM and PM to justify the extra bucks IMO...A polygonal rifled barrel in a pocket pistol wont matter....If night sighs are important they can be added to the CM but in reality for what these pistols are made for, up close and personal work having a night sight probably won't matter....If looks are important then the PM may be the winner but to me it's a toss up between the two, both PM and CM Kahrs are very nice looking pistols....To me carry weapons are tools and likely to get dinged up some but as long as they work and go bang every time it doesn't mater...

Kinda comes down to how do you carry, if it's pocket carry then its CM or PM but if you IWB then the CW would be beter, more rounds and more grip length...If looks are really important to you or you just have to have a black pistol then it's PM...

Now the prices you gave are pretty high and you can do better buying on line OR do like I did and buy used...There seem to be lots of used Kahrs around either because people buy um and just dont get along with the stiff slide or the recoil is too much or they may think the thing should never have any kind of feed problem and dump a perfectly good pistol because they had a few jams and didn't stick it out through the 200+ round break in period to get it running right.......

I bought my slightly used (less than a box) PM40 black with night sights for $400.00 out the door...A man bought it for his wife and she couldn't handle the recoil and he didn't like it either so he traded it for a .38 special....He was happy and so was I with a great price on a real nice used PM40...I would highly suggest you look a used Kahrs and to me you will not only get a better deal, it's already at least partially through the expensive ammo break in period and if there is something wrong with it Kahr should honor the warranty and fix it...Many problems you can fix yourself with help from the good folks here and by reading the new user stickys....Good luck with your choice and let us know...Again welcome to the club!!!

[chaffdb]

I'll add my $.02. I definitely don't think it is worth the difference in the prices you mentioned. That being said, the price on the P/PM seems high as others have mentioned. I have a P40 that I got before the C series were made and a PM9 Black that I got very slightly used for about what a CM would cost. They have both been great.

If I bought a CM/CW, I would immediately add $60-75 to the cost. $30-35 or so for the extra magazine (including shipping), and then I would go ahead and buy a forged slide stop from a P/PM from Kahr. They are cheap ($30-40 including shipping or less) and according to Kahr it should be a drop in fit. It is very likely no one here has had any trouble with the CM/CW MIM slide stops and it may not be an issue at all, but I am a heavy competition shooter (15-25K rounds a year in the past) and I have seen more than enough failures in MIM parts, including slide stops. Granted these were not in Kahrs I readily admit, but I don't like or trust MIM parts for anything that takes abuse. Personal preference, but for a self defense gun, I'd spend the money here. Assuming I could get the sights I wanted, I wouldn't care about the other differences at all.

All that being said, I do like having the "top of the line" model rather than the "budget" model on my person daily.

[jocko]

My PMJ9 has over 32k rounds thorugh it, great gun, that bein said I would have bought the cm9 had it been avalable.

[jocko]

The prices in your area are very high. I got my Black with Night Sights PM9 LNIB for under $600 out the door. I have 6 Kahrs left after selling a redundant P380 that Wifey couldn't rack.

I looked and looked at the CW/CM models and could stand the plain, slab-sided look with the seemingly hand-stamped-by-an-assembly-line of people, each with one letter or number. I bought a used P9 and a used P40 on our Marketplace.

If I had had the choice of a P380 or the CW380, I MIGHT have gone with the latter, though, because it's still tiny. I prefer the fit and finish and all of the extras with the P/PM models. I don't feel that I over-paid for what I got, but then I didn't pay RETAIL, either. I get the best deal on whatever I want... usually online.

It's like buying an Impala over a Bel Air... back in the fifties and sixties... Chevrolet, for you younger guys.:D

Wynn:)

I paid $575 out the door for my DLC finsih PMJ9 with nite sites.

[Bill K]

Read through the responses and did not catch the obvious benifit of the PM over the CM/CW... SNOB APPEAL! :)

Actually though, as much as I like my PM9, being as frugal as I am I probably would have gotten the CM9 had it been readily available.

[fallhunter]

I do not like online purchases. I also pay cash for everything. (I do not even own a single credit card) that said, I also only have three gun dealers around me, none of which have any used Kahr's in.

I like a stainless slide if I can get it. That's a selling point for me. Some look better that way IMO.

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[jocko]

most motels, all car rentals, most all airlines DEMAND a credit card. i ONLY HAVE ONE CARD ANDTHATIS ALLi NEED but cash doesn't cut it anymore.

[fallhunter]

most motels, all car rentals, most all airlines DEMAND a credit card. i ONLY HAVE ONE CARD ANDTHATIS ALLi NEED but cash doesn't cut it anymore.

I dont travel. Except to see family. I have never rented a hotel. Not only that, but the FFL holders around here that I have found charge $50 for transfering.






most motels, all car rentals, most all airlines DEMAND a credit card. i ONLY HAVE ONE CARD ANDTHATIS ALLi NEED but cash doesn't cut it anymore.



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[muggsy]

No reason to pay more. I have a CM9 in the pocket, a CW 45 on my belt and just recently bought a CW380( don't know where I will carry it yet). My Son carries the Ruger SR9 IWB. The Kahrs are thinner and hold fewer rounds. The small CM9, which I everyday pocket carry suits me just fine, but is too small for my Son's hands for him to shoot at the range for more than a few rounds. I like the Ruger, but it is larger, thicker than what I prefer to carry daily. I wear business casual tucked in shirt and my Son dresses more casually.

I carry my P380 in my RF pocket and my CM9 AIWB.

[Tilos]

You can always use the online seller's prices as a bargaining chip with your local dealer, and call around other dealers within your state.
A short trip could save you some money.

[VN Vet]

Do you trust your abilities to know when to draw your firearm and pull the trigger? You need to trust your abilities, because after a shooting you will likely lose your firearm for a period of time. If you are cleared, the firearm will be returned to you.

While I do not know your financial situation, the cost of a premium item is long forgotten with time, but the joy of ownership can last forever.

My Primary carry is my $549.00 PT45 in my Black Hills Leather Pilots Shoulder Holster. My BUG is a $589.00 Sig P238, which is about the same size as your CW380. My BUG is carried in a Remora Pocket Holster.

[berettabone]

I do not like online purchases. I also pay cash for everything. (I do not even own a single credit card) that said, I also only have three gun dealers around me, none of which have any used Kahr's in.

I like a stainless slide if I can get it. That's a selling point for me. Some look better that way IMO.

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Get a card....................purchase online..................save yourself some $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$http://kahrtalk.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[fallhunter]

Get a card....................purchase online..................save yourself some $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$http://kahrtalk.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

I had issues with them in my younger years. I will never risk it again. I also do not like having what I buy that day. I do have patients for waiting. Overnight shipping would bring the price back to the same as buying locally.

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[DanTana]

Cabela's has the CM9 for $419.00 right now and Gander Mountain will match the price. I read someone said the PM9 has a nicer finish on the barrel but my CM9 has a mirror finish on the ramp and throat, didn't look like they skrimped there.

[Tilos]

Once again the ankle biters challenge the OP on something other than the subject of the thread.
Fallhunter says he doesn't want or have a credit card, and ends up defending this choice when he just asked a simple question about model differences.
Then some bloviating about trusting his ability to know when to draw your firearm and pull the trigger...what the hell does that have to do with the differences of Kahr models?

So I post a way to get a gun for a lower price and get no response because fallhunter is busy answering/defending the off topic remarks about something else.

If the scenters have to post, multiple times, in every thread, why not just post some simple encouraging remarks to a new member, instead of picking apart something other than the actual subject of the thread?
:confused:

[aemsee]

I had always considered the Kahr line for CCW as it doesnt get much simpler in design. But as the sole earner in my family, price is always a consideration. Then a couple of months ago I was searching for a single stack .45 as a replacement for my XD9 service. I was surprised to see the price on the CW45. I dont care about rolled vs. laser etched, the contour of the slide is fine for CCW, I will most likely change out the front site for a tritium and pinned is easier, and have never like polygonal barrels anyhow. So I guess the only negative for me was the lack of a secondary mag.
Function has been flawless and I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

So unless I pull it out in self defense and the bad guy points at it and says, "you bought the cheaper one", I will feel good about my purchase.:D:D

[muggsy]

While I do not know your financial situation, the cost of a premium item is long forgotten with time, but the joy of ownership can last forever.

There's another old saying, "A fool and his money are soon parted." No offense intended. A "CM" series shoots every bit as well as a "PM" series. We're talking self defense here. :)

[fallhunter]

Cabela's has the CM9 for $419.00 right now and Gander Mountain will match the price. I read someone said the PM9 has a nicer finish on the barrel but my CM9 has a mirror finish on the ramp and throat, didn't look like they skrimped there.

I should check with my local Gander Mountain. I really despise that store and refuse to buy anything there what so ever.

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[ltxi]

Saving money on gun buys is way over rated

[fallhunter]

Saving money on gun buys is way over rated

Its not, but waiting for one and all that.. not so much.

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[jocko]

I should check with my local Gander Mountain. I really despise that store and refuse to buy anything there what so ever.

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normally a first start to find a gun ur looking for and to get the feel of it, but then I just go to what few smaller shops are left and eithe rorder it our buy it.

gander does give a hell of a nice KY finger swab with every purchase, my local dealer just says no way..

[fallhunter]

gander does give a hell of a nice KY finger swab with every purchase, my local dealer just says no way..

Not sure what you mean here.

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[jocko]

ask ur proctologists. Most work at gander on their off hours. Just sayin

[WLEEP]

For someone with who has scrawny ankles and on their feet all day with a lot of walking, which would be a comfortable ankle holster that stays in does not slip down down after a few steps?

I have used a Renegade for the past five years, after the first five minutes you forget about it even being there. And has held up very well, actually it's pretty much like new.
Good Luck!

[T0RMENT]

Done...

http://www.slickguns.com/search/apachesolr_search/?keys=kahr+cm9&op=

For those unaware, probably not a lot of you, Slickguns.com does a lot of the work on the cost of a particular firearm out there on the internet.

I personally decided on grabagun.com for my NIB Kahr CM9 for $359.94 including shipping with no tax. Much cheaper than what I could find locally. Throw in $30 for my FFL, which is about a mile from where I live and I'm happy for the under $390 price for it all.

I found a Crimson Trace Laserguard I want to throw on it for $151.05 including free shipping and no tax.

Now, fingers crossed I don't have any issues with Grabagun or OpticsPlanet in getting these items to me.

In any case, I've really liked looking for different firearms and accessories at Slickguns.com

Have a good one.

[T0RMENT]

I have been wanting to purchase a Kahr hand gun. The CW series can be had for $435 where I live. The CM series for $550 and the PM series for $925. Question is, what is the difference? I have a hard time justifying over $600 for a CCW firearm. What am I getting more by spending more, and is it really worth it? (Currently carry a Ruger SR9c and Springfield XDs)

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BTW...Kahr PM9

No blemish $593,

http://www.slickguns.com/product/kahr-arms-pm-9-9mm-3-polymer-stainless-600-shipped

Or small blemish on slide, $549...

http://grabagun.com/kahr-arms-pm9-mic-9mm-3-6rd-pol-msts-blm.html

[fallhunter]

BTW...Kahr PM9

No blemish $593,

http://www.slickguns.com/product/kahr-arms-pm-9-9mm-3-polymer-stainless-600-shipped

Or small blemish on slide, $549...

http://grabagun.com/kahr-arms-pm9-mic-9mm-3-6rd-pol-msts-blm.html

If I get a PM series, I want night sights. The PM here for $925 had them.

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[T0RMENT]

If I get a PM series, I want night sights. The PM here for $925 had them.

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:crazy:

Maybe I misunderstood what you are saying here...but for the $325+ difference, I'm sure you can find some awesome night sights.

Good luck.

[fallhunter]

:crazy:

Maybe I misunderstood what you are saying here...but for the $325+ difference, I'm sure you can find some awesome night sights.

Good luck.

I was told the PM9 is available with standard sights and night sights. Night sights are $120 more.

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[Armybrat]

A PM45 with night sights is $750 at our local GT Distributor:


http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=KAHR-PM4544N

[fallhunter]

A PM45 with night sights is $750 at our local GT Distributor:


http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=KAHR-PM4544N

Still way too much for a CCW gun. I could never justify more than $600 and that's a big stretch.

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[garyb]

Spent way more for my PM40 with night sights, CTL, extra mags, various holsters, mag pouches, etc... I had the money and don't regret buying a top notch CCW gun. After all, our lives depend on it and it will last me forever. The finish wears like iron and it is a very reliable piece. Think of it this way....If you carry it for at least 10 years (which I will), divide the initial cost by 10....the cost is nothing and you still have a great gun that will be reliable for a lifetime. A good CCW is worth every penny you spend on it. But if you don't have the money, you do what you can do.

[DeaconKC]

fallhunter, I gotta disagree with you. Your carry gun is the most important gun you own. If you can't spend on anything else, that is the one to get it right.

[leftysixty]

If you have a max of $600 to spend and you want a Kahr pistol (good choice) then find the best deal you can get, that stays within your limits.

Accessories (night sights, mags, grips, ect.) can be purchased a little at a time as you can afford it. It is far easier to spend $50 to a $100 at a time to add these things.
example; at this point in time I have much more money invested in spare mags than I spent on my original CW40:D

Note;
I have owned both the P series and the CW series. I like the lines of the CW better than those of the P models. It's all a matter of what you like or want. They both will do the same job!

just my 2 bits worth, at no charge to anyone that cares to look:D:amflag:

[Barth]

I'd get the CM9 and not look back.
IMHO It's the best bang for the buck .
And as gotten great feedback from owners here at KahrTalk.

I've seriously thought about one for myself.
Almost ordered one on several occasions.
But my MK40 Elite said no way LOL.
And I already have a 11.1 oz S&W 324 ti 38 +P for a BUG.
http://www.tactical-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/kahr-cm9-9mm.jpg

[silvergrub]

I have a CM9 and it is a great pistol. Comes with only 1 six round mag but is much less costly than the PM9. I do not endorse any gun shop but Cheaperthandirt.com today has a CM9 for $359 with free shipping to your local FFL.