Kahr mk9 vs. Pm9

[oldjarhead]

I am looking to buying a kahr mk9 or a kahr pm9. Can someone with experience on both advise me on the pros and cons of each one? Thanks.:):)

[Ikeo74]

The answer is in what you plan on using the gun for. The PM9 is for pocket carry and a great self defense gun. The PM9 is the working model. The MK9 is for belt carry and is the show gun that can be dressed up with wood grips, it is the "Caddilac Gun" and is too heavy for pocket carry, but the top of the line for a belt holster.

This is what I call: One is for show and one is to go!

[berettabone]

Been carrying an MK9 in my front pocket for 5+ years............................................. ......some people like to tell you that the MK is too heavy for pocket carry. Depends on who you are. I like a heavier firearm, less recoil. Occasionally, I carry it IWB, but that's with dress clothes, which I try to stay away from.:) I've never had an issue carrying it in my front pocket. Do I know it's there? Of course, that's the plan. I like them both, but prefer metal versus polymer. If it was my only firearm, I might rethink the options, but it's not. I have tailored different firearms for different uses. The MK9/40 and the K9/40 are the flagship Kahr's. Differences??????? PM is lighter, MK is less recoil.

[b4uqzme]

... Differences??????? PM is lighter, MK is less recoil.

👍 That pretty much sums it IMO. Since it's a carry gun, I opted for lighter. I'll deal with the recoil if I need to.

[Midas]

Agree. I have both. PM9 is my carry for the warmer weather (shorts & lighter weight clothing). MK9 is my pocket carry for the colder months (when I wear jeans).

Both are great guns

[kenemoore]

I always wanted an MK, never ran across one in person. I wonder if the recoil is truly easier with the MK. I've watched some slo-mo high speed stuff with glock frames, and the frames absorb a lot of the recoil. I think perhaps it might be true with other polymer framed pistols. Does an all metal frame with more mass have less perceived recoil than a flexible polymer frame. Only my hair dresser knows for sure.

[berettabone]

Recoil is always in the eye of the beholder. I own/have owned polymer compacts and steel compacts, and I have to say that for me, the perceived recoil is a bit less in a steel compact versus polymer. As you say, this may not apply to ALL handguns, but my experience is that for a compact, the MK shoots like a dream, compared to other compact polymer 9mm's. If you move up to .40 or .45 cal., that changes some for me. Nothing wrong with a PM either, or a CM for that matter. I just prefer steel when it works for the situation. Call me crazy, but for close defensive needs, I prefer the heft. They've done wonders with the materials that they use for frames these days.

[OldBoldPilot]

I have both a PM9 and an MK9 Elite 03. The PM9 is the one that gets carried more, as it's appreciably lighter than the MK9. My PM9 also has the "short pull" trigger, which is simply amazing. Both function flawlessly. I wouldn't part with either one...or with my K9 Elite 03. I believe that the MK9 and the K9 are the class of their categories in every respect...including price :)

Also, the PM9 has the trigger guard mounted Crimson Trace laser, while the MK9 has the grip-style Crimson Trace laser (no longer in production). I prefer the trigger guard mount, actually, over the grip mount (which I also have on my K9, and which is also now out of production).

Side note: I had issues with both the MK9 laser and the K9 laser. I sent them off to Crimson Trace, out of warranty, and they fixed both of them at no charge and shipped them back within a week. Great service.

[Bills1873]

Mk9 is so pretty! If you're interested in that cool factor, then it's the one. Practically, CM or PM9 is the choice. Also less to loose if something bad happens, God forbid.

[CPTKILLER]

It is a metal vs plastic decision. I chose the MK9.

[finpro]

My two cents: In the small size, the PM9 rules. In small steel guns, go with the K9, which carries on a belt equally or better than an MK9 and shoots better.

[gb6491]

I had a CM9, but I didn't carry it in a pocket. On my belt, I found the CW9 (and it's extra round) better. The CM9 has found it's way to another owner.
I also have a K9, but prefer the CW9 over it for carry.
I have a MK9. It's just such a smooth operating, confidence inspiring piece that it's my choice when carrying a Kahr 9mm. I find I shoot it (http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?29951-So-what-s-with-all-the-MK9-posts-the-last-few-days) just as well (if not better) as my CW9 or K9.
With all that said, I carry a CW45 most of the time, but do carry the MK9 on occasion.
http://i67.tinypic.com/21f0jd2.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[finpro]

I had a CM9, but I didn't carry it in a pocket. On my belt, I found the CW9 (and it's extra round) better. The CM9 has found it's way to another owner.
I also have a K9, but prefer the CW9 over it for carry.
I have a MK9. It's just such a smooth operating, confidence inspiring piece that it's my choice when carrying a Kahr 9mm. I find I shoot it (http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?29951-So-what-s-with-all-the-MK9-posts-the-last-few-days) just as well (if not better) as my CW9 or K9.
With all that said, I carry a CW45 most of the time, but do carry the MK9 on occasion.
http://i67.tinypic.com/21f0jd2.jpg
Regards,
Greg

Just curious, why do you think you shoot your MK9 better than your K9? I prefer to belt carry and shoot my P9 over my PM9. The PM9 is reserved mostly for pocket carry. For actual shooting, I prefer the steel versions over polymer versions of similar size pistols.

[gb6491]

Just curious, why do you think you shoot your MK9 better than your K9? I prefer to belt carry and shoot my P9 over my PM9. The PM9 is reserved mostly for pocket carry. For actual shooting, I prefer the steel versions over polymer versions of similar size pistols.
I guess when I added "if not better" I muddled my point.
From shooting them both, I know for a fact that I shoot the MK9 just as well as the K9. On many outings, the MK9's results best what I get with the K9. As to why....my guess is because the trigger is lightly better on the MK9, plus I also like shooting pinky under.
FWIW, I bought my MK9 used. I wasn't all that interested in picking one up, but the shop let me shoot this one. The first rounds I put through it at ten yards, offhand convinced me to buy it.
http://i65.tinypic.com/315edyb.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[finpro]

An obvious case of love at first target...

[1911master]

I have owned CM and PM 9s. In February I purchased an MK9 Elite 03. I will tell you the MK shoots like a dream. I added Lakeline grips, UBG holster and a bunch of magazines. It is the one pistol I will take to the grave with me, if my son doesn't cheat me out of it. Has some weight but I use to carry a full size 1911 so I really don't see a problem.

[RevRay]

It is a metal vs plastic decision.

This is ultimately what it comes down to ... that and the sheer beauty of the MK9.

[kenemoore]

I admit, I own a K9 and a PM9 and a T9, but....If I ran across a quality used MK9 at a LGS, might follow me home.

[Bawanna]

I wouldn't mind adding an MK to my accumulation either. I have a loaner I borrow from time to time but not the same as being my own.

I keep thinking I'd want an early model, the GA series with the rubber grips originally but a new style frame would be nice to make a few grips on.

Ok Ok, guess I'll have to get both......