CM9 - use a K820 7 round magazine?

[Papersniper]

I am thinking about adding a Kahr CM9 to my collection. The only thing that makes me hesitate is the short grip (4.0 inch).....I own the guns below and I wonder if the grip might be too short for me. I have no difficulty shooting any of the guns below, but the shortest 9mm in the group is about a third of an inch longer.

However, I saw somewhere that a Kahr K820 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kahr-Arms-Factory-Magazine-7-Round-9mm-Mag-Stainless-K820/182111245783) magazine will fit the Kahr CM9...it will give an additional round, but more important, it appears to add a little to the grip length......question is: How much does it add? I don't want to go over .5 inch.

Anyone use a K820 magazine in their CM9? Have a photo? Or a link to the magazine in the gun? Curious how it would look....gap at the bottom showing the SS, or does the black plastic bottom of the magazine meet the bottom of the CM9's grip?

Thanks.



Kahr CM9 DAO

14.0
4.0
5.4
0.9
6+1


Glock 42 SF

13.8
4.1
5.9
0.9
6+1


Kel-Tec P11 DA/SA

14.0
4.3
5.6
1.0
10+1


S&W M&P 9c SF

21.7
4.3
6.7
1.18
12+1


M&P 9mm Shield SF

19.0
4.6
6.1
1.0
7/8+1


Glock 30 Gen4 SF

26.3
4.8
6.9
1.3
10+1

[Rubb]

What you want is the MK720, 7 round 9mm w/ finger ext, but all Kahr 9mm mags will work.
I get a solid 2 finger grip with the short mag and a solid 3 with the mk720.

[Papersniper]

What you want is the MK720, 7 round 9mm w/ finger ext, but all Kahr 9mm mags will work.
I get a solid 2 finger grip with the short mag and a solid 3 with the mk720.

Thanks for the reply, Rubb. However, the K720 looks a lot longer than the K820, at least in the photos I can find:
K720 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kahr-Arms-MK9-PM9-CM9-9mm-7-Round-Magazine-with-Finger-Extension-/291799070989?hash=item43f094790d:g:d8IAAOSw~oFXLQy 3)
K820 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Factory-Kahr-Arms-K-KP-CW-9mm-7-Round-Magazine-Mag-K820-/391473116047?hash=item5b259db38f:g:0FcAAOSwLnBXUJ2 F)

I don't need too much extra grip, just maybe .3 or so.

Wish I could find some photos of the CM9 with different 7 round magazines installed.

[Rubb]

Mags are same length.
Skip ahead to 3:20...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ0GAkChNe0

[wyntrout]

Here's my post on mags for the PM9... same for CM9. I would suggest that you get the CW9 or P9 as I did. I just sold my PM9 because I prefer the longer grip of the P9... perfect. I carry the 7-round mag with a metal bottom replacing the polymer one, but with an O-ring added to stop pinching... bad on my P40 before the O-ring. See post #8.

http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?2944-Kahr-9mm-magazines&highlight=K920G%20springs

http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2202&stc=1&d=1281383590

http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2201&stc=1&d=1281383573

http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2200&stc=1&d=1281383560

[RonW]

No....What you want is the MK720.... I own a Kahr K9 & a CM9. although the K9 mags will work in the CM9, they stick out. The MK720 is designed for the CM9

[Papersniper]

....... I would suggest that you get the CW9 or P9 as I did. I just sold my PM9 because I prefer the longer grip of the P9... perfect.


Yes, the CW9 would solve the grip problem, but that handgun is almost the same size as my current main carry, my S&W Shield. The CM9 is a bit smaller, just enough to make it close to my Glock 42. I use the Glock 42 when I ride my motorcycle due to its small size. There are some physical and equipment requirements that make carrying my Shield a problem when I ride. I wanted to get another pistol about that same size as the Glock 42. At first the Kahr CT380 looked very good to me (actually it STILL does!), but then I discovered the CM9 is about the same size, but in 9mm versus the 380 acp. So, it begins to look like the best solution to my quest.......but I would like to be able to add maybe .3 inch to the CM9's grip.....therefore my question on the K820 magazines. I do not care for the "pinky extension" of the K720 or similar magazines, I prefer the flush type, or nearly flush type.

Keep in mind do not own a CM9 nor have I shot one....only held a PM9 in the LGS. It felt good, but I figure a little longer grip couldn't hurt, even though it might not be necessary.

Thanks for taking the time to include those links and great photos.

[Papersniper]

No....What you want is the MK720.... I own a Kahr K9 & a CM9. although the K9 mags will work in the CM9, they stick out. The MK720 is designed for the CM9

Do you by any chance have a photo of the MK720 in the P/CM9? I think it would end up being too long for my requirements. It still looks like the K820 magazine would be less "obtrusive" than the 720, but of course I have never seen either in situ.

[TimtheRef]

There is not a longer mag that will only add what you're talking about, as the longer mags all fit the larger P/CW models and add much more at the bottom. However, I believe the CM9 is a fantastic weapon. I carry mine with the flush fit magazine, and shoot it just fine. I carry the longer P9 mags as spare/backup mags, especially when carrying the CM9 as a backup to my P9. If you're wanting just a little extra grip, I'd suggest getting the CM9, take the flush fit mag and replace the floorplate with a Pearce grip extension. My dad did that on his CM9 and it feels great in the hand. I didn't do it to mine as I normally pocket carry and don't like the extra grip length in the pocket, but this may be your best bet. It is ridiculously close in size to the G42, and is in my opinion, the superior weapon.

[wyntrout]

With all of my pistols... Glocks or Kahrs(main CC's), I carry the flushest mag in the pistol +1, and carry the largest capacity in a Kydex mag carrier opposite side. I have some with the belt loops cut off so that I CAN stuff one in my pocket if I desire.

Not having the "pinky" extension bit is why I switched to the metal base plates for my P40 and P9, but as I said, I had to add a 3/32" by 3/4" ID O-ring to stop the pinching.

I got Wifey a G43 and it's about the same size and weight as my P9, especially with the +2 mags, though I would prefer the flat base or Pearce +1 base. I only like the +1 because it does add another round and doesn't seem too much more to conceal, though I would cut the lip off and make the base flatter, if I were carrying it.

I couldn't see the G42 at all because it's larger than the PM9 and is only a .380. I wear my P380 all of the time at home and it's my first choice for deep concealment, especially when visiting the doctors and I have to disrobe. Then I use an old uncle Mike's Sidekick soft IWB holster that goes to my pocket for disrobing.

I like the G43 but carry my P9 with the metal-based mag+1 and I have the Kahr ported barrel for a few more fps. I sold my K9 of many years because the P9 is half a pound lighter than the K9.

Wynn :)

[wyntrout]

My post on the G43: http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?28961-Sights-for-Wifey-s-new-Glock-43-finally-arrived!

Barrels and base plates: http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?15749-Wynn-s-9mm-barrels-amp-black-base-plates&highlight=P9%20ported%20barrel

Wynn :)

[jonholl]

As an above poster stated just get the Pearce extension, that's what I did, 2 extensions on ebay for $14 delivered. I'm about to start sanding one down until I get just enough grip with the little finger for comfortable shooting. I pocket carry in a cheap Blackhawk #4 pocket holster & get a slight printing with the extension. It might not print at all with a better holster, but I like to "screw around" with things like this, & $7 is cheap enough if I mess up.

[Papersniper]

As an above poster stated just get the Pearce extension, that's what I did, 2 extensions on ebay for $14 delivered. I'm about to start sanding one down until I get just enough grip with the little finger for comfortable shooting. I pocket carry in a cheap Blackhawk #4 pocket holster & get a slight printing with the extension. It might not print at all with a better holster, but I like to "screw around" with things like this, & $7 is cheap enough if I mess up.

Thanks to everyone above who replied. Yeah, had I done more research when I bought my Glock 42 I'd probably have found the Kahr CM9 (both nearly identical in size) and gone with the 9mm over the 380 acp. On the other hand, I do like that Glock and it's fun to shoot, etc. I bought it only to carry when I motorcycle tour, as its tiny size works well with a behind the hip, IWB Kydex holster. Off the bike I carry a larger S&W Shield, S&W 9c or Glock 30. I don't want carry anything larger on the motorcycle as it would be too difficult to keep concealed - I always wear a jacket while actually riding, but usually remove it off in warmer months when I dismount, then I pull out the tail of my T-shirt to easily cover the tiny G42. The CM9 should work even better as it's shorter and thinner than the Glock. I may give up a bit in "shootability" with the shorter gripped 9mm over the Glock 42, but nothing in life is perfect, right?

I really don't care for the looks of those K720 magazines, and I only feel the need for a "longer" magazine for its added grip (not too much, not too little!). So I will check out the Pearce extension, although the ones I have seen in the past on other pistols would prevent me from carrying them due to their outline showing through a t-shirt. Perhaps sanding one down is a solution; that's for that idea. I don't care for pocket holsters, and that would not work on the tiny pockets in my motorcycle riding pants anyway - the only carry that's possible for me is IWB, which I by far prefer, or in the motorcycle jacket pocket. The latter would work except when I take my jacket off and stow it in the bike's trunk when I leave the bike at a gas station, restaurant, etc - which is of course when I NEED to have the pistol with me! <g>

You should post a photo of your Pearce sanding-mod job when you're finished so everyone can see what you did!

I still don't understand why those K820 magazines won't work for me; sure wish I could find one to try in my pistol. They can be found on line for the same price as the standard 6 round magazines, but I hate to get something I'd have to return.

[gb6491]

...
I still don't understand why those K820 magazines won't work for me; sure wish I could find one to try in my pistol. They can be found on line for the same price as the standard 6 round magazines, but I hate to get something I'd have to return.
You can use the K820 magazine in a CM9
It's going to look similar to this 7 round magazine in my CW45:
http://i56.tinypic.com/2d1sqdt.jpg
The MK720 magazine would look similar to this:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2n691g6.jpg

Lakeline LLC sells a +1 magazine extension that's not quite as large: https://lakelinellc.com/1-magazine-bases-for-kahr-9mm-magazines/

Just going with a Kahr or Lakeline (https://lakelinellc.com/shop/kahr-9mm-base-plate-for-use-stand-alone-only/) polymer base plate will add length to the CM9:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/jjk1285/DSC00844.jpg
jjk1285's photo http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?317-PM9-Magazine-Baseplate-Alternative!
You can sand them down if you like:
http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv206/JohnKSa/cw9magcomp_small.jpg
JohnKSa photo http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3859540

The Pearce extension will look like this:
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/s7/v7/p739655348-3.jpg
Ol'coot's photo http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?3243-Modified-A-amp-G-Grip-Extension-PM9

A Diamondback DB9 base plate will work as well:
http://commonbullets.com/uploads/pm9/floorplate_04.jpg
Photo is by Smokemup from another forum. I can't link it here, so do a search for "Kahr Floorplate Wars"

There were some other folks that made a pinky extension base plate out of aluminum. It was pricey and I can't find their website at the moment.

GUIDE TO KAHR ARMS MAGAZINES (https://www.kahr.com/kahr-mag-guide.asp)

Regards,
Greg

[b4uqzme]

...
You should post a photo of your Pearce sanding-mod job when you're finished so everyone can see what you did!...

Here's a pic of a ground down Pearce extension. You can experiment and remove as much or as little as you like.

[Papersniper]

AWESOME!:)

Thanks for posting those photos. Yes, the K820 will NOT work for me. I do like the looks of the Kahr or Lakeline (https://lakelinellc.com/shop/kahr-9mm-base-plate-for-use-stand-alone-only/) polymer base plate. I will order a few to use with the stock 6 round magazines.

[Papersniper]

The work you did on the Pearce extension looks very nice....but the LakeLine product looks like an easier install since I'd not have to modify it. I THINK the LakeLine will give me the additional .2-.3 inch I'd like to have over the stock CM9 magazine. Of course, I have forgotten to mention I did order a Kahr CM9 yesterday.....so now I am committed! I'll probably try the CM9 with the OEM magazine first before I get either floor plate extension.....who knows; I might be fine with the stock CM9 magazine.

[b4uqzme]

I also agree with Wynn carrying +1 mags as backups (you could carry 8 rd TP mags as well). Shown here in a Beardog pocket mag carrier:

[b4uqzme]

FYI: Lakeline's products are top shelf IMHO. Good choice.

[gb6491]

AWESOME!:)

Thanks for posting those photos. Yes, the K820 will NOT work for me. I do like the looks of the Kahr or Lakeline (https://lakelinellc.com/shop/kahr-9mm-base-plate-for-use-stand-alone-only/) polymer base plate. I will order a few to use with the stock 6 round magazines.
You'll also need to order the polymer retainer plates (Kahr or Lakeline) as the retainer for the steel base plates will not work without modification.
Regards,
Greg

[Papersniper]

I found this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kahr-Covert-MK-PM-CM-6-Round-9mm-Magazine-Stainless-MK620-/391479970367?hash=item5b26064a3f:g:c-sAAOSwLnBXUfjK)on eBay today: a MK620 that has a bit of a plastic floor plate. It's not listed at kahr.com, but who knows? It appears to be exactly what I (think I) need. However, it mentions the work "Covert" - not sure if that is a different model CM9?

As to the larger capacity magazine carried off the gun, good idea. Not sure where I could carry those.....maybe in my motorcycle jacket. There is no room for an additional magazine on my pants......have to work on that.......

[b4uqzme]

^^^ indeed that should work. That's just a standard six rd mag with the Kahr plastic base vs. the steel one. I'm not a big fan of that little lip at the front = why I chose the modded Pearce method. That lip hits you right in the middle of your pinky finger (CM, PM, MK). YMMV. You can buy that baseplate from Kahr without needing to buy the whole mag. Extra mags are good but I chose only one six rounder each for my PM and MK. All the rest are +1. But you must check all mags for reliability. Some members find that the ext mags won't work for them. I suspect their pinky squeezes too tight and tweaks the mag in the magwell.

More info than you asked for I know. But I hope it's helpful. :o

[gb6491]

I found this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kahr-Covert-MK-PM-CM-6-Round-9mm-Magazine-Stainless-MK620-/391479970367?hash=item5b26064a3f:g:c-sAAOSwLnBXUfjK)on eBay today: a MK620 that has a bit of a plastic floor plate. It's not listed at kahr.com, but who knows? It appears to be exactly what I (think I) need. However, it mentions the work "Covert" - not sure if that is a different model CM9?.......
That might be a generic photo. I'd ask the seller to verify that the magazine has a polymer base plate. The MK620 has a metal base plate on the Kahr website: https://www.kahr.com/Magazines/Kahr-6-Round-9mm-Magazine-MK620-MK620-PACKED.asp

"Covert" usually means the frame of a larger capacity gun was chopped to accept PM/CM size magazines. I say "usually" because some folks use the term to describe TP size guns chopped to P/CW size.
Here's a covert P9
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k100/eddief_01/P3220002.jpg
Photo: Cast&amp;Blast http://gunnerforum.com/semi-auto-pistols/4450-kahr-p9-covert.html
Regards,
Greg

[jonholl]

"Here's a pic of a ground down Pearce extension."

Thanks for the picture, now I have a reference.

[Papersniper]

^^^ indeed that should work. That's just a standard six rd mag with the Kahr plastic base vs. the steel one. I'm not a big fan of that little lip at the front = why I chose the modded Pearce method. That lip hits you right in the middle of your pinky finger (CM, PM, MK). YMMV. You can buy that baseplate from Kahr without needing to buy the whole mag. Extra mags are good but I chose only one six rounder each for my PM and MK. All the rest are +1. But you must check all mags for reliability. Some members find that the ext mags won't work for them. I suspect their pinky squeezes too tight and tweaks the mag in the magwell.

More info than you asked for I know. But I hope it's helpful. :o

One can never get to much info! I had not considered that the little lip might be uncomfortable to my pinky.......I might just hold off and do nothing until I've had the change to shoot my new CM9 later. It will only have one magazine, and I know I must get a couple of additional ones ASAP.

[Papersniper]

That might be a generic photo. I'd ask the seller to verify that the magazine has a polymer base plate. The MK620 has a metal base plate on the Kahr website: https://www.kahr.com/Magazines/Kahr-6-Round-9mm-Magazine-MK620-MK620-PACKED.asp

"Covert" usually means the frame of a larger capacity gun was chopped to accept PM/CM size magazines. I say "usually" because some folks use the term to describe TP size guns chopped to P/CW size.
Here's a covert P9

Photo: Cast&amp;Blast http://gunnerforum.com/semi-auto-pistols/4450-kahr-p9-covert.html
Regards,
Greg

Yes, I emailed the seller to confirm that his MK620 with the plastic base plate would work in my standard (not covert) CM9. If he will let me return them if they don't work I will probably order a couple and try them. In any event, I believe I'll hold off ordering anything until I've had a chance to shoot my new CM9 with its one stock magazine. If it works fine for me I'll just get a couple K620 magazine and maybe one K720 magazine for belt carry.

[Papersniper]

I also agree with Wynn carrying +1 mags as backups (you could carry 8 rd TP mags as well). Shown here in a Beardog pocket mag carrier:

Is that a Kershaw Skyline knife?:cool:

[b4uqzme]

"Here's a pic of a ground down Pearce extension."

Thanks for the picture, now I have a reference.

You're welcome.

[Bawanna]

Is that a Kershaw Skyline knife?:cool:

Looks like an SOG model to me, but I got nothing solid to back that up with.
They are local to us so I see them from time to time.

[b4uqzme]

Looks like an SOG model to me, but I got nothing solid to back that up with.
They are local to us so I see them from time to time.

Good eyes there Colonel. It's a SOG Twitch. The small one...not the XL.

[mpgo4th]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160628/300f7d88ab810338102d8b4e28c2616d.jpg K820

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160628/332475a98aa6ee234e13b78a0d790924.jpg stock 6 round.


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[b4uqzme]

^^^ funny. 31 posts in and somebody finally gave the OP the pics he asked for. ;)

[mpgo4th]

^^^ funny. 31 posts in and somebody finally gave the OP the pics he asked for. ;)

I aim to please. I carry the flush 6 round and put the 820 in my pocket as a back up.

[b4uqzme]

^^^ well done!

[Papersniper]

mpgo4th (http://www.kahrtalk.com/member.php?15187-mpgo4th) , thanks for that photo! Yep, the K820 is not what I need!

[Papersniper]

Well, probably not everyone has the K820 nor has the ability to take some photos.......no problems here............I am now looking at the standard 6 round magazines but with a different floor plate to give me a bit more room. I'm okay with the lesser capacity magazine for this pistol's intended role....read that to mean not ECD, but OCD (occasional concealed carry!). <g>

[mpgo4th]

A Pearce +1 mag extension on a stock 6 round mag sounds like what you need.


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[Papersniper]

A Pearce +1 mag extension on a stock 6 round mag sounds like what you need.


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But I will have to "de-horn" it before I can carry it. Every Pearce grip I've seen sticks out too much for my wants. But above there is a good description of a gent who reshapes his with sandpaper.........that's another good option I will consider.