New PM45 first time prep

[TroyKoi]

Hey Guys - first time Kahr owner and want to prep my PM45 correctly before taking it to the range for the first time. Any help greatly appreciated!

[Bawanna]

Go to the tech section. Read Jocko's proper prepping of your new Kahr. While there also check out the Kahr lube chart that Cappy did. Good stuff.
Read the owners manual, I usually toss paper like everyone else, with a Kahr, read it, and reread it a second time.
The PM45 is a great gun, lots of guys here really like them.
I wish you all good things with it. Hope it's a keeper for ya.

[TroyKoi]

Thanks Man!
Will update with results -

[TroyKoi]

I have 185 and 230 fmj - any preferences?
Thanks -

[Bawanna]

I don't really have a preference. I've been using 230 for carry loads but usually reload 200's or sometimes 185's.
I thought about trying 185's or 200 defense loads in the PM45 just to see how it likes them and how they work. I used to carry 185's all the time in my officers model then switched to the 230. No doubt bigger is better mentality.
I carry 230's in my other 45's so will probably stay consistent with all of them unless I find something very beneficial in the PM45 to warrant the switch.
You'll want to just use ball ammo to break that thing in. I used aluminum cased blazer but there's lots of practice type ammo options that should work fine.

[DKD]

BAWANNA,

You might want an experiment some with the HP 200 & 185 grainers. The added velocity especially out of the 3" Tube of your PM45 will help alot with expansion vs the 230 grain slugs.

[Bawanna]

BAWANNA,

You might want an experiment some with the HP 200 & 185 grainers. The added velocity especially out of the 3" Tube of your PM45 will help alot with expansion vs the 230 grain slugs.

Exactly my thinking when I carried my officers model. And now the PM45. While not a huge difference they could certainly help things along.
I think I even have a box of hornady 185's I could load up to try, then switch to factory if I like em. I never carry reloads for ccw. That way I can play dumb on the stand. And all I gotta do is act naturally.

[TroyKoi]

Do either of you guys carry and if so, what type of holster do you use?
I'm going to try the 185 and 230 gr and see how it goes -
Thanks -

[Mudinyeri]

Do either of you guys carry and if so, what type of holster do you use?
I'm going to try the 185 and 230 gr and see how it goes -
Thanks -

I carry a CW40 and have both a CrossBreed SuperTuck and a Comp-Tac Minotaur. Both are excellent IWB holsters and are very comfortable. You might look at the CrossBreed MiniTuck for the PM series of Kahrs.

[Bawanna]

I haven't been to the outhouse in almost 40 years without a gun on me. I'm a big fraidy cat, scare real easy.
My PM 45 is in a Uncle Mikes ankle rig almost always. I usually have my full size Para 1911 LDA in my Mernickle OWB whenever possible which is almost always. It's pretty warm right now even in WA but I still just wear a vest or shirt over it. At home the Para goes on the dresser but the PM45 stays.
I have one of rpollards iwb rigs but I'm still in transition with it. Nice rig.

[TroyKoi]

Hey, thanks for the info.!
I've been carrying a G19 in a Fobus OWB and can't believe how much smaller the PM45 is. I like to be able to carry more often but have never gone IWB.

[Bawanna]

I generally don't care for IWB anymore, I used to when I was leaner and not nearly as mean.
If you want to experiment I would suggest rnpollards rig, it's inexpensive and it just might put me back in the IWB category myself from time to time.
http://kahrtalk.com/holsters-gear/2176-updated-leather-kydex-hybrid-holsters-all-kahrs-others.html

He's a great guy to deal with, a member here and many others here have very high opinions of his work. I mentioned to him once that I didn't really care for IWB. His suggestion was to tuck my gun in my waistband with no holster which I did. He then said it would be more comfortable with his holster and while I've never drank his kool aid or received a single commision check from him I believe it's true. It's a great set up.
If you don't like it, you'll have no trouble sellin it and far as that goes as good as he is to deal with he'd probably just take it back and refund ya. Don't quote me on that, I think he has my home address.
The quest for holsters never ends, I find myself looking when I don't have enough marbles for a new gun, it's almost like a wardrobe thing. I do love my Mernickle OWB and forsake all others for it so far with no exceptions. Just works perfect for me.

[DKD]

Me personally, like the Hornady and Speer Gold Dots especially the 200 grainer Gold Dots...look & perform like flying garbage cans. Mine fly to point of aim at 7 & 10 yards, feed really well...whats not to loke about that? Another point I made earlier to BAWANNA's post, you'll get a bit more velocity from the slightly lighter bullets in the short barreled PM45 or any other compact 45 ACP. I do the same for my Kimber Ultra Raptor with 3" barrel.

[DKD]

Sorry, forgot to respond to your holster issues for IWB. RNPOLLARD is a super guy and I also have one of his holsters for my PM9 also works with my PM45.
Like BAWANNA I have a draw full of holsters for all occations. I also have some HBE holsters, Andrews Leathers holsters, and RGrizzle holsters for my PM45 on order as well. Just go on line and have fun, there are many really good ones out there to be sure.
If you tend to be alittle on the chunky side the IWB are not as comfortable as the OWB designes, just check with one of the custom makers as they can adjust the order to meet your needs and carry requirements.

[TroyKoi]

Thanks guys!
Looking forward to the weekend so I can break it down and start cleaning and lubing!
I'm guessing the first time will be an experience - has anyone used a rubber mallet instead of the back of a screwdriver?

[Bawanna]

I use a rubber mallet (small) on my K40 all the time, it requires a good tap, you shouldn't need it with the PM45. I can't quite push mine out with a finger but just about any thing gets it done. I quite often just use the head of the mallet as a pushing tool.
For what it's worth, I keep the take down lever down at about 3 or 4 oclock position as you insert it, I put it in as soon as the barrel lug lines up, then bring it back to the witness marks or I just look at the notch in the slide and bring the take down lever up to 3 as I push it in the last little bit.
A little dab of grease on the take down lever and on the spring seems to help for future takedown and assembly.

[TroyKoi]

Hey Guys - I was able to break my PM45 down for the first time using my thumb to push the pin out - I was very relieved!
Reading Jocko's first time cleaning guide - can I use Hoppes 9 Clean Start on the clean out hole?
Thanks!

[jocko]

any spray cleaner will work in that area. just don't re oil that area. clean that hole out when you clena the gun, might take 15 seconds longer to do so...

[TroyKoi]

Thanks Man!

[rnpollard]

The last thing I want is an unsatisfied customer. I do all of my business by word of mouth advertising.

If someone is not pleased with my work all they have to do is return the holster and I will adjust it to make them happy or refund their money minus shipping.

This is a hobby for me at this time but could become more than that. I've carried my PM45 and P45 in one of my rigs for a couple of weeks and am very satisfied. The P45 has a little bit of a print due to the larger grip but the PM carries just like the PM9.

While it is possible to carry both the 9 & the 45 in a single holster I prefer to have a separate one for each.

Take care,

Rick