new PM45 range report

[el_presidente]

All went well!

Put 112 rounds down the pipe with few issues: I shot 100 Freedom Munitions 230 grain reloads and 12 hollow points - some Golden Saber and a few Federal HST. The HPs were at the end of the session and I was starting to have issues by then, most likely due to the gun being dirty in the middle of the factory recommended break-in period.

There were a couple failures to return to battery (the slide "hung" about a sixteenth of an inch out of battery) over the course of the session. A tap was all it took to get it where it needed to be. There were five failures to feed (nosedives), three of which were HST hollow points at the end of the shooting session. Not sure if my PM45 doesn't like Federal HST, or if it just needed to be cleaned by that point. I'm going to finish up the "break in" next Saturday, and I'll bring my HSTs again to find out.

In general it shot extremely well. I was consistently on target at 7 yards, nearly always inside the 9-ring. Recoil wasn't much different than with my CM9 (about 60 problem-free rounds went through it) BTW, such that follow-up shots were accurate and quick. Some have complained about the stippling, but I found it to be the right balance between comfortable and "grippy."

I can't think of anything else to say other than I love this gun!

[Bill K]

Well written range report. Thanks.

I do my break-ins with a cleaning then 50 rounds, then a cleaning, etc.. Don't really know if it helps or makes any difference but it has now become habit.

[Redstate]

Thanks for the range report. Surprised to hear that you found the recoil not much different from that of your CM9. Hope it reliably feeds the HST after your break-in.

[cgpeanut]

Had issues with HSTs hollow points with PM45 switched to hornady critical defense and worked without issues that's another option just in case :)

[el_presidente]

I'll probably go with Golden Saber if I need to. Really impressed with its performance in all calibers out of short barrels. I have some Ranger T I could use also... might go that route. We shall see...

[diablo53]

The low bore axis of this pistol makes for very controllable and comfortable shooter. I enjoy shooting it

[kenemoore]

I'll probably go with Golden Saber if I need to. Really impressed with its performance in all calibers out of short barrels. I have some Ranger T I could use also... might go that route. We shall see...

You can't go wrong with Golden Saber, I carry it in all my 1911's, the round profile seems to feed better than others. My PM45 eats them without any hiccups, have about 200 rounds of GS down range so far.

[el_presidente]

You can't go wrong with Golden Saber, I carry it in all my 1911's, the round profile seems to feed better than others. My PM45 eats them without any hiccups, have about 200 rounds of GS down range so far.

Nice! Appreciate that info; I just ordered 300 rounds of GS so I'll probably put about 25-50 down in mine... but that definitely gives me some extra peace of mind! I'll probably do some Ranger T as well just so I know...

[b4uqzme]

Yep. I carry Golden Saber in 9mm, .40sw and now I gotta get some .45acp. Good choice IMHO.

[el_presidente]

I keep GS in both my 9mms and .357s as well. I have Ranger T in .45, .38, and .380... it expands a little more aggressively, but isn't necessarily "better," with the exception of .380. The difference there is markedly in favor of the Ranger.

Most of my pistols are short barrel - I just prefer subcompacts - and GS is rare in that is consistently performs at all velocities. Really just an outstanding cartridge. If I had to choose one, it's be GS.

[el_presidente]

Went back to the range today and shot 50 UMC FMJ and 45 Golden Saber. Turns out my PM45 really doesn't care for Remington ammo! So that nixes Golden Saber and Federal HST for carry ammo. Gonna have to try Winchester Ranger-T next.

[Redstate]

Hope the Ranger T works well in your gun; my Glock 36 sure likes that stuff, plus the velocity with the 230 gr is pretty darn high for the Glock 3.78" barrel length per my chrono results. If the Ranger T does not work out for you, you may want to try the Speer Gold Dot, or call Kahr.

[el_presidente]

I wish I could say it did. It nosedives regularly when I drop the slide. Haven't fired a shot and the gun jams :confused:

Looks like good old Hydras will cycle, so for the moment that's my load. Going to try Speer at the first opportunity. If Speer don't work, I'm calling Kahr for sure. I have to be able to use modern SD ammo... so far HST, PDX, Golden Saber (iffy reliability), and Ranger-T are out.

[kenemoore]

I think I would call Kahr. My PM45 eats everything. Never had any type of malfunction. Something is not right.

[el_presidente]

I think I would call Kahr. My PM45 eats everything. Never had any type of malfunction. Something is not right.

You're right. I shot them an email, we'll see if they'll service it.

[el_presidente]

Went ahead and sent it in. They received it today, so we'll see what the turn around is. It's too good a gun not to get done right!