PM9 Input Please!

[Drh]

I have been researching for a small 380acp or 9mm for pocket carry. I am interested in the PM9 due to its size so I have been doing a lot of research online as well as reading the forums on this gun. Most of what I have been finding is older posts but not many newer ones. It feels like I have read many posts that getting a good quality PM9 is hit and miss though I don't see many newer 2015-2016 posts or reviews on the gun at all. With all of the newer small hand guns that have come out in the recent past there is a lot more competition so I am not sure what to think about the PM9. I also read several posts about terrible customer service at Kahr. Finally, I am ultimately trying to get a feel for whether the PM9 is a great reliable choice for concealed carry or really is hit and miss on reliability? Again there are several choices but in 9mm it it the smallest. I called several dealers all over my area and no one even stocked either the CM9 or the PM9 yet the small SIGs, Glocks, Shields, LCPs, etc... can be found every where. I just don't get it but am shying away from the PM9 due to my concern or uncertainty as I don't need a touchy, finicky self defense gun, so in closing I would sure appreciate hearing from owners, especially recent owners what they have to say regarding whether this gun is a good choice with reliability in mind. I would appreciate any feedback to help in my decision whether to proceed with purchasing one.

Thanks
Dan

[Alfonse]

Dan, its your call. As far as my opinion, the PM9 and CM9 are the highest quality pistols in their class. I am convinced that most of the problems where people can never get them to run, even after trips back to Kahr, are due to the owner's grip, or lack therof. You can bet they functioned fine for the folks at Kahr. Small pistols, and Kahrs in particular, require a good grip. My $.02

[RonR]

All I can say is I have had my PM9 for about 2-3 months now. I pretty much followed the instructions for breaking in a new Kahr that I found on this forum and have not had a single malfunction of any kind. I used all 115 gr. factory ammo (standard and +P) of the different brands I could readily find. Both solid and hollow point. None were seriously considered as top defensive brands that are advertised as such today because they were not available when I wanted to shoot. I put easily 4-500 factory rounds through it and have since switched to my hand-loads which work well in my other nines. Still no failures. I'm approaching at least 7-800 rounds now. The only thing I have seen is the slide not going into battery fully when I have forgotten to use the slide release lever to charge the gun as Kahr recommends. My usual habit on other nines is to slingshot the slide. At this round count it may be OK to do so, but I find it is easier to use the slide release anyway. I have no concerns with the gun and am planning on pocket carrying it as my CCW soon. I think I am getting reasonable accuracy with it, but will still practice weekly with it to improve. Would buy it again!

[Bawanna]

I agree and I think while there were some teething problems early on, more so with the 380's than the 9's I think Kahr has them figured out. Because of this we just don't hear that many reports. People go out of their way to complain but seldom do so to praise. This is true across the board, not just for Kahrs of course.

They are small, they are tight and stiff. Some may balk a bit at first while they work themselves together, both the gun and the shooter.

[b4uqzme]

There are no guarantees in life. But if it helps, mine runs fine! Chances are yours will too if you follow the lube/prep/grip advise offered up in this forum. Good luck.

[kenemoore]

IMHO, most of the problems seem to be with the CM9, the PM9 cost more, but has more secondary operations performed, less sharp edges, more deburring etc.. IMHO this leads to a better chance of a good running pistol. My PM9 has about 3000 rounds down range, never a hiccup. I used to carry a .38 Special , Model 60 as a backup, now I carry a PM9 ALWAYS. I do have one pair of pants with a small pocket, I carry a CW380 in those, but only those pants.

I think there were s afew snafu's with the CM9's in the beginning, but not anymore, I would recommend both the PM & CM without hesitation.

[OvalNut]

Echoing the above positive feedback. I just got back from the range where I ran rifle drills and single and two handed 2+1 drills with my PM9. 5 mags worth, and it accurately ran like a champ as it always does. Fantastic, small, high impact, ultra concealable pistol.


Tim

[kwh]

I bought my CM9 4 years ago. After the first 3 mags during break -in there have been no malfunctions. it is my every day pocket pistol. Take it to the range every week or two, shoot 30-40 rounds mostly FMJ,but also some of my Federal HST carry rounds, and clean it each time. I have never tried to shoot it dirty.
My CW9 ,CW45, and CW380 have been more picky, but they are still 100% with ammo they like. Much less so now with Lakeland replacement followers.

[Bills1873]

My pm9 is a 2013 model, and has been 100% through 6-700 rounds. I sold an lc9 to get it.

[CharlieR]

I first bought a P380, but once I got my PM9, it has been my favorite pistol (and there are quite a few). I am not a large guy, and concealment of the PM9, and the accuracy are without peer. I think that if you follow the break-in suggestions on the site here, you will love a PM9 (or CM9....very little discernible difference).

[Drh]

Thanks to all of you for your reports. I am happy to hear all the positive responses and I am convinced. I called all around and no one stocks the pistol so went by my local gun shop today to find out about ordering the pistol and I knew it was a spendy pistol but I don't know why it is so expensive, anyway he quoted me as follows:
PM9093A Stainless - $679
PM9094NA Black - $799

I then looked on gallery of guns and got the following prices:
PM9093A Stainless - $644.99
PM9094NA Black - $674.99. (Currently on sale thru Davidson's).

I really prefer the black version so going to try and work this purchase in to the budget before the sale ends.

[dustnchips]

I bought a CW380 first at the beginning of the year. They say they are harder to get to run, but after the suggested polishing and lube it has run perfectly. I just bought a used PM9 that was built in May of 2013 and it has run perfectly. I like the 9 better but the size of the 380 is a lot smaller so it goes well in the pocket. I love both guns and find them both easy to shoot and more accurate than I can hold them. I don't think you can go wrong with a Kahr. If it won't run the people here or at Kahr can certainly get it going for you. Remember that most people only write to complain not complement.

[mser]

I purchased my first PM9 in November of 2002. It was my backup and off duty pistol until early 2014. During that time it was reliable and functioned perfectly. Versatility of carry (Ankle, Pocket, IWB) is unmatched. I would still be carrying it today had I not come across a new PM9 with factory night sights that was monetarily too good to pass up. It has proven itself to be just as reliable and functional as the first one, and will continue to be my EDC for the foreseeable future.

I've had the opportunity to experience Kahr customer service a few times over the years and have found them to be professional, friendly and attentive to customer concerns.

[CharlieR]

Thanks to all of you for your reports. I am happy to hear all the positive responses and I am convinced. I called all around and no one stocks the pistol so went by my local gun shop today to find out about ordering the pistol and I knew it was a spendy pistol but I don't know why it is so expensive, anyway he quoted me as follows:
PM9093A Stainless - $679
PM9094NA Black - $799

I then looked on gallery of guns and got the following prices:
PM9093A Stainless - $644.99
PM9094NA Black - $674.99. (Currently on sale thru Davidson's).

I really prefer the black version so going to try and work this purchase in to the budget before the sale ends.

If you can get the PM9094NA for that price, I'd highly recommend it. That includes the night sights, which I think are a BIG improvement.

[dustnchips]

I opted for a used PM9 with night sights over a new CM9. I ended up paying 505 by the time I was done with shipping and the FFL guy. I got mine off of Gunbroker.com The whole thing went smoothly and my gun was built in May 2013 and shows very little wear where things slide over each other. I love the night sights compared to the stock ones.Just another option.

[Drh]

Thanks for a lot of great feedback. I feel much better now about the PM9. As I am doing my research on the different choices Out there I can't help notice that a new PM9 will cost me $675.00 and that is on sale thru Davidson's yet I can get a Glock 43 or XDS for $445, a shield for $375 and then moving up either a Sig P938 or Kimber Solo for around the price of the PM9 so for those of you with the PM9, knowing what you know about your PM9, would you choose differently given the newer choices that are now available and some at quite a bit of savings to your pocketbook?

[b4uqzme]

Thanks for a lot of great feedback. I feel much better now about the PM9. As I am doing my research on the different choices Out there I can't help notice that a new PM9 will cost me $675.00 and that is on sale thru Davidson's yet I can get a Glock 43 or XDS for $445, a shield for $375 and then moving up either a Sig P938 or Kimber Solo for around the price of the PM9 so for those of you with the PM9, knowing what you know about your PM9, would you choose differently given the newer choices that are now available and some at quite a bit of savings to your pocketbook?

Good question. Yep. If I were perfectly rational I would have purchased a new CM9 for around 3-400. That is certainly your best bang for your buck.

[kenemoore]

I have the PM9 with DLC, if for some reason I had to replace, I would buy another just like it. I'm sure the CM9 would work as well, but it's not available in all black.

[Tuco]

I too had the same concerns. I liked the size and grip feel, had concerns about the reliability. I bought used so before I bought, I called kahr to verify the date of manufacture which turned out to be two years old. That was 6 months ago. I've shot about 500 rounds, ball and hp, several different brands, including g +p and had not one issue. Even with the 7 round mag which is where I expected problems.

I went from apprehensive to very pleased. No problem recommending.

[CharlieR]

Thanks for a lot of great feedback. I feel much better now about the PM9. As I am doing my research on the different choices Out there I can't help notice that a new PM9 will cost me $675.00 and that is on sale thru Davidson's yet I can get a Glock 43 or XDS for $445, a shield for $375 and then moving up either a Sig P938 or Kimber Solo for around the price of the PM9 so for those of you with the PM9, knowing what you know about your PM9, would you choose differently given the newer choices that are now available and some at quite a bit of savings to your pocketbook?

Well, I have the PM9, as well as the Kimber Solo DC(LG), the Shield, Glock 43, and several other single stacks. All of them (except for the Solo) are larger than the PM9, and IMHO not as accurate. I do love my Solo, but if you go that route, be prepared to send it back to Kimber at least once. It also kicks like a mule compared to the PM9. I have shot my brother's P938, and do not consider it to be an "upgrade". The PM9 consistently meets all the reasons I wanted a single-stack 9MM, and is the most comfortable to shoot of the lot.

Gun purchases are a very personal preference thing, but you are talking about a price difference of approximately one case of 9mm ammo in price. Over the life of ownership....it is worth the difference over the Shield and Glock.

Charlie

[CharlieR]

I have the PM9 with DLC, if for some reason I had to replace, I would buy another just like it. I'm sure the CM9 would work as well, but it's not available in all black.

You can get the CM9 in all-black. http://www.keelyarms.com/product_p/kahr_cm9093cb.htm

http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13899&stc=1

[Bobshouse]

You're paying for the size. I purchased a p380 for about 650.00 about a year ago and am very happy with the price and the firearm. I just hope nothing goes wrong as I will need a powerful magnifying glass and a strong pair of tweezers to do any work in the frame.

Im really considering a PM9 right now, only thing is I don't reload 9mm or .40 cal. My wife includes the cost of dies and press parts in the final cost and we have an agreement of 50/50, so what I spend, she gets to spend. That PM9 will end up costing me about 1400.00 in total, and I don't think it has that much more umph over a 380.

[Drh]

I sure do appreciate all of the great feedback. I am not sure about considering the CM9 but noticed it is a lot cheaper than the PM9. I don't want to take any chances on reliability and I believe they cut some corners in manufacturing on the CM9 so any feedback whether the best bet is to just lay out the higher cost and go with the PM9?

[CharlieR]

I sure do appreciate all of the great feedback. I am not sure about considering the CM9 but noticed it is a lot cheaper than the PM9. I don't want to take any chances on reliability and I believe they cut some corners in manufacturing on the CM9 so any feedback whether the best bet is to just lay out the higher cost and go with the PM9?

I went with the PM9 and P380, but my brother has the CM9 and CW380. His have been just as reliable as mine.....I just wanted the DLC (black finish) and night sights (which weren't available for the CM & CW before.....now you can add them at a cost of $80)

Charlie

[kenemoore]

Well shut my mouth, did not know the CM9 was available in DLC, never seen one around these parts.

[CharlieR]

Well shut my mouth, did not know the CM9 was available in DLC, never seen one around these parts.

I think it's armor black cerakote, not DLC.

[Drh]

Well I still have the PM9 in the back of my mind as a gun I would like to add to my concealed carry inventory. I came across a used CM9 with extra magazine at my local shop for $299. Something just keeps me from making the purchase and I know it's because in the back of my mind I am concerned about reliability. Well this weekend while at the coast I came across a real nice gun shop. In the used gun section they had a used PM9, all black with 3 magazines and night sights. The frame was a little scratched but not to bad. Supposedly an elderly lady bought it and discovered the slide was to hard to rack so she traded it. I would agree the slide was pretty tight. They were asking $500 for it. After looking for the box and magazines for an hour they gave up and said they would keep looking and call me when they find it. Unfortunately I live 2 hours away from the shop so I came home with the opportunity to decide if this is what I want to do and is the PM9 worth the additional $200 if there is no reliability difference between it and the CM9?
what do you guys think?

Dan

[Bills1873]

The working parts of the CM9 and PM9 are the same, cosmetic machining on the slide and polygonal barrel rifling are added to the PM9 at additional cost. Reliability will be the same and accuracy difference is negligible. Both are great carry guns that once broken in are truly trustworthy, reliable self defense firearms.

[Tuco]

If I recall correctly the sights on the CM are different as well, something about being plastic. I'm not into all the minutiae but do the research before I make a purchase. I found a recent model used PM9 for the price of a new CM9 so I bought it.

I still can't tell you if the PM9 is worth more than the CM9 which is your question. But I'm very happy with my PM.

[dustnchips]

I have the night sights on my PM9 and prefer them over the standard bar dot sights. The 500 is a great price for a PM9 with night sights and an extra mag. I got a good deal at 450 for mine with the two standard mags but then had to pay another 55 for shipping and my FFL guy. My eyes are such that if I wear glasses I can see the sights clearly and if I don't I see the target clearly so the night sights help as I practice both ways. I shoot the PM9 better than my CW380, but I am about to change the sights on the CW380 to night sights also. You will love a Kahr once you shoot it.

[jcannady]

If you can afford a PM get it. There are definite differences between the CMs and the PMs.

[kwh]

If you want night sights get the PM9,if not, go with the CM9.

[jcannady]

Lot more than night sights make the PM worth the extra money. Finish is far better and you get a far superior barrel.

[mpgo4th]

If you want night sights get the PM9,if not, go with the CM9.

CM is available with night sights also.


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[mpgo4th]

I chose the cm9 because of cost. I've owned a cw40 before and loved the trigger but hated the grip texture. I picked up my cm9 and added a talon rubber grip to it. It is now in my opinion the best pocket 9 for the money. I love mine and choose to carry it over glocks, sigs and rugers that I own.


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[Drh]

Does anyone make a paddle holster for the PM9? I am really surprised I can't find one for as long as this gun has Been on the marke.

[kenemoore]

Does anyone make a paddle holster for the PM9? I am really surprised I can't find one for as long as this gun has Been on the marke.

Comp-Tac makes one. http://www.comp-tac.com/outside-the-waistband/paddle-holster-10212

[skiflydive]

Galco makes one. https://www.galcogunleather.com/m5x-matrix_8_5_1197.html
(https://www.galcogunleather.com/m5x-matrix_8_5_1197.html)
I just bought one. It fits well, retains well, is comfortable.

[Drh]

Galco makes one. https://www.galcogunleather.com/m5x-matrix_8_5_1197.html
(https://www.galcogunleather.com/m5x-matrix_8_5_1197.html)
I just bought one. It fits well, retains well, is comfortable.
i like the looks of the M5X. It looks like it is polymer right?
it looks sort of big but is it really and does it fit tight to the body to hide the PM9 under a t-shirt or does it lean outward so that the gun does not conceal well?

Thanks
Dan

[Drh]

Thanks, wow $65 for a kydex paddle holster. I do know they make quality holsters though.

[jocko]

Lot more than night sights make the PM worth the extra money. Finish is far better and you get a far superior barrel.

not sure about the fgar superior barrel part. Just my 21 cents. More of as sales pitch IMO.