PM9 Magazine Baseplate Alternative!

[jjk1285]

Thought I'd share this with others in case you were going through the same grief I was:

Like I've heard many others say, I hate the shine factor of the stock pm9 magazine baseplate on my DLC pm9. Also, the gap that is left after installing a pearce grip extension bothers me to no other, if you push the magazine into the grip slowly, you will see that the gap serves NO functional purpose. The magazine would lock in and eject properly if that gap were filled in.

So, I bought a TP9 magazine that has the black polymer baseplate and it seems to fit on the 6 round pm9 magazines. It functions perfectly, removes the gap between baseplate and grip, is BLACK! and best of all, serves to support my pinkie. (I do have small hands, probably won't support everyone's pinkie)

Kahr sells the TP9 baseplate and baseplate lock separately for 8.80 apiece.

anyways, this thread would be no good without pictures --->

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/jjk1285/DSC00844.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/jjk1285/DSC00843.jpg

[wagon]

Thanks for sharing, while I do not know about the "gap" with the Pearce grip (am new to Kahr), but I do notice the gap with the factory mag in mine. Your result looks GREAT, filled the gap effectively and looks so original.

Do we just need the baseplate? or we also have to use the baseplate-lock piece too?

I think all PM should have left the factory as what you are showing here.

[Bigcube]

Thanks for sharing the info, I think I'm going to order one of those. I put the perce grip extensions on 2 mags but wanted a shorter one for the carry mag, that looks like a very good option.

[jjk1285]

Yes, you would need to baseplate lock plate. I tried the stock metal lock plates but they just slipped out because they are too thin.

Also should note I gave the new plastic a bit of a rub with a scoth brite pad. It came very glossy and didnt match the grip.

[wagon]

Tks for the clarification, JJK!

[Kahrdog]

That looks nice. Thx for the info. This is the kind of thing that makes these forums so valuable. Oh, and I agree, this is how they should leave the factory. A touch of class.

[ltxi]

I very much prefer the stock, flush baseplate. My answer, as a match for my PM9, is to simply coat it black.

[Cappy]

Thought I'd share this with others in case you were going through the same grief I was:

Like I've heard many others say, I hate the shine factor of the stock pm9 magazine baseplate on my DLC pm9. Also, the gap that is left after installing a pearce grip extension bothers me to no other, if you push the magazine into the grip slowly, you will see that the gap serves NO functional purpose. The magazine would lock in and eject properly if that gap were filled in.

So, I bought a TP9 magazine that has the black polymer baseplate and it seems to fit on the 6 round pm9 magazines. It functions perfectly, removes the gap between baseplate and grip, is BLACK! and best of all, serves to support my pinkie. (I do have small hands, probably won't support everyone's pinkie)

Kahr sells the TP9 baseplate and baseplate lock separately for 8.80 apiece.

anyways, this thread would be no good without pictures --->

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/jjk1285/DSC00844.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/jjk1285/DSC00843.jpg

Like that! Great idea and effort! Thanks! :yo:

[wagon]

I put a Pearce extension on a 6 rounder and other than the unsightly gap, it does give me a much more comfortable grip. My pinky no longer would slide/curve towards the back of the base plate and pinched by it's pointy corner.

It does show a little when I carry it in 3:30 position and only when I bend/lean forward, but it is not showing if I'd carry in 3:00. I will see how it's like when IWB -- after I received the Mitch Rosen Clipper.

Meantime, I think it is a keeper.

BTW, I just don't trust the plastic base lock, so I reverse the factory ss baselock and stack it with the Pearce plastic piece, at least I know that the spring compression is evenly applied on to plastic base lock.

[mattmcg]

Not to necro an old thread but I think this is an excellent post.

With this mod, do you have any issues with magazine seating whether empty or full? Does the plastic base plate leave enough play to ensure proper mag seating?

Also, how is the fit of the TP9 base plate to the PM9 mag? Are the TP9 mags and PM9 mags identical on the bottom?

I'm very interested in trying this but would love some more info.

[deadhead1971]

Have you fired it with that set-up?
I have pearce grips, and they stink for pocket carry--prints.

I have the pearce grip baseplate lock. I wonder if that would work and save me $8. I want some of these.

http://www.kahrshop.com/cgi-bin/partsleftimg.asp?mod=19&asm=3

[jocko]

I sent my magazine in to some company in seattle for their hard black finish, and it is awesome. I think they charged $30 for two magazines. their finish is as duralbe as the kahr DLC finish.

I also wish kahr would offer a all black magazine for their DLC guns. I hated that matte stainless base plate. I did paint it but it just wore off fast but this finish is what a magazine should have on it. I cannot remember where I sent it to either, but a poster here did it first and stated where he had it done, so I just followed up on it.

[mattmcg]

Pics? Contact name of the company?

It would be very interesting to see. Did it help soften the edges of the metal base plate at all?

Being that these mags drop free (or should), the base should really be a plastic of some type in my opinion. While I've seen the TP9 baseplate thread, I'm actually thinking of milling down a Pearce grip extension to see how it turns out.

[In-Yo-Grill]

I like what you did and my go that route instead of the Pearce extensions. Can you give us a pic of how it looks while holding the gun with mag inserted?

[wyntrout]

I sent my magazine in to some company in seattle for their hard black finish, and it is awesome. I think they charged $30 for two magazines. their finish is as duralbe as the kahr DLC finish.

I also wish kahr would offer a all black magazine for their DLC guns. I hated that matte stainless base plate. I did paint it but it just wore off fast but this finish is what a magazine should have on it. I cannot remember where I sent it to either, but a poster here did it first and stated where he had it done, so I just followed up on it.

I still have that DLC-Like DIY Finish Kit, if you want to buy one. For you only $10 plus $8.95 shipping. That's 60% off the regular price:D
Always ready to help a bud.
Wynn:p

[jocko]

I still have that DLC-Like DIY Finish Kit, if you want to buy one. For you only $10 plus $8.95 shipping. That's 60% off the regular price:D
Always ready to help a bud.
Wynn:p

would paying you $19 almost be like pi-sing in the wind:confused:

[sean1997]

Kahr must of had a lot of requests for this, so they now sell the base plate and base plate lock together for $15 rather than $8.80 apiece, saves you a little money. It is listed on the Kahr shop site under Accessories -> Gun Maintenance -> Magazine Base Kits:

Polymer Magazine Base Kit (9 mm and .40 S&W) (http://www.kahrshop.com/cgi-bin/itemdetail.asp?itmid=2068)

-Sean

[Vinikahr]

Kahr must of had a lot of requests for this, so they now sell the base plate and base plate lock together for $15 rather than $8.80 apiece, saves you a little money. It is listed on the Kahr shop site under Accessories -> Gun Maintenance -> Magazine Base Kits:

Polymer Magazine Base Kit (9 mm and .40 S&W) (http://www.kahrshop.com/cgi-bin/itemdetail.asp?itmid=2068)

-Sean

Save a bit. Considering that you have to add $6 for S&H still a bit in the expensive side.

[mattmcg]

Yeah, I emailed them about a replacement base plate and they replied with this exact link. Sounds like they are now recognizing compatibility and selling it for folks like us! Nice!

Now to remove the small lip on that plate.

[Bawanna]

I sent my magazine in to some company in seattle for their hard black finish, and it is awesome. I think they charged $30 for two magazines. their finish is as duralbe as the kahr DLC finish.

I also wish kahr would offer a all black magazine for their DLC guns. I hated that matte stainless base plate. I did paint it but it just wore off fast but this finish is what a magazine should have on it. I cannot remember where I sent it to either, but a poster here did it first and stated where he had it done, so I just followed up on it.

Was it Southridge Arms & Refinishing by any chance? I can't think of many refinishers in Seattle but I found this place. Sounds like they have some process where they can apply 20 or more different colors? Just trying solve the puzzle.:confused:

[wyntrout]

Well, I have just the thing here. Check this out. Some re-application of the patented DLC-Like finish may be necessary... after touching or rubbing the DLC-Like finish. I'll have to research making it a more durable finish.:)
Wynn:D

After considerable and extensive testing -- several seconds or so, I've decided to withdraw this product from the market as it is not durable enough.:rolleyes:
Fortunately, or un-fortunately, lighter fluid removes the not-quite-so DLC-Like finish.
Uh, another update. After considerably more testing, I find that the patented DLC-Like finish is somewhat more durable when used on your fingers. I'm hoping that it will wear off eventually.:( (Maybe I fibbed a wee bit about the "patented" part.:rolleyes:)
Wynn:D

[jstringer]

I like how that looks but it seems it still wouldn't allow much of a hold to your pinky.
I agree Kahr should ship them new like that.
Don't quite get either why the Pierce extensions are short in the back, why not just extend to the rear of the grip for a much better flush fit?

[jjk1285]

Haven't been to this thread in a while.

To answer the question on page 2: I recently qualified for my CHL with my pm9 setup as shown in my original post. 50 rounds to qualify, zero issues.

The magazine seats fairly tightly. Thus, if you very slowly and gently push the magazine in, it won't click into place about half the time. But, any amount of momentum/force will properly seat the magazine.

I have hands on the small side. I suspect it won't be comfortable for everyone, but I think the more the better when it comes to grip length real estate.

[KahrKRL]

I think this thread is a good one as well....
I ordered the baseplate for my PM9, but did not like the way it seated in. It realy needed the extra push. I took my Dremil and ground off the top of the base plate where it meets the grip. This will allow a small gap and allows the mag to seat much easier.
Just wanted to improve another great idea....

[kahrseye]

Thought I'd share this with others in case you were going through the same grief I was:

Like I've heard many others say, I hate the shine factor of the stock pm9 magazine baseplate on my DLC pm9. Also, the gap that is left after installing a pearce grip extension bothers me to no other, if you push the magazine into the grip slowly, you will see that the gap serves NO functional purpose. The magazine would lock in and eject properly if that gap were filled in.

So, I bought a TP9 magazine that has the black polymer baseplate and it seems to fit on the 6 round pm9 magazines. It functions perfectly, removes the gap between baseplate and grip, is BLACK! and best of all, serves to support my pinkie. (I do have small hands, probably won't support everyone's pinkie)

Kahr sells the TP9 baseplate and baseplate lock separately for 8.80 apiece.

anyways, this thread would be no good without pictures --->

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/jjk1285/DSC00844.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/jjk1285/DSC00843.jpg

Thanks for a great fix. The only thing I can't stand about my PM9 is that magazine gap. Everything else about this gun says quality and class except for the magazine fit. I already purchased a Pearce Ext and although I liked the feel for shooting, it still didn't take care of the gap problem. I'll be ordering my new base plate today. Another reason I love this forum (well this and wyntrout).

[Parasite]

I sent my magazine in to some company in seattle for their hard black finish, and it is awesome....I cannot remember where I sent it to either, but a poster here did it first and stated where he had it done, so I just followed up on it.


Pics? Contact name of the company?



Was it Southridge Arms & Refinishing by any chance? I can't think of many refinishers in Seattle but I found this place... Just trying solve the puzzle.:confused:

@mattmcg & @Bawanna45cal: I may have the mystery solved. Jocko, did you by chance send your mags to Springer Precision (http://www.springerprecision.com/) that I spoke about in this post? (http://kahrtalk.com/kahr-tech/617-kahr-refinish.html#post4853) Later in the thread you said you sent some off - but we never heard an update from you...

[Bawanna]

@mattmcg & @Bawanna45cal: I may have the mystery solved. Jocko, did you by chance send your mags to Springer Precision (http://www.springerprecision.com/) that I spoke about in this post? (http://kahrtalk.com/kahr-tech/617-kahr-refinish.html#post4853) Later in the thread you said you sent some off - but we never heard an update from you...

Maybe a dementia or ahlzeimers test is in order. I'd hate for him to not remember where he left his Harley. Could be a really really bad thing.

[Ogso]

Maybe a dementia or ahlzeimers test is in order. I'd hate for him to not remember where he left his Harley. Could be a really really bad thing.

I would like to revive this thread since I'm a new owner of a PM9. I too replaced my stock baseplate with the polymer one from TP9. Really like the fit but has anyone had any problem withe baseplate failing since you had to sand/dremel the top to get it to fit?
Thank you
Bill

[Tilos]

I would like to revive this thread since I'm a new owner of a PM9. I too replaced my stock baseplate with the polymer one from TP9. Really like the fit but has anyone had any problem withe baseplate failing since you had to sand/dremel the top to get it to fit?
Thank you
Bill
Not understanding what you mean by fail(ing).
Did you replace BOTH parts?
The dimple in the metal retention plate is not defined enough to secure the polymer base plate, and it can slide off, use the polymer retention plate with the polymer base plate.
Mine:
20155
If you don't have the polymer retention plate, you can sharpen up the dimple in the metal retention plate to work.
Drill a hole in a piece of steel, slightly SMALLER THAN the hole in the polymer base, put the dimple over that hole, put a pin punch in the dimple and whack it with hammer.
That punch should be at least 2x the thickness of the plate SMALLER THAN the hole you drilled in the steel plate.
This will straighten out the dimple and square up the corner of it so it will not ride up out of the hole in the base plate.
Lots of words where a pic would show this better.

I'll add a pic and if the base plate sliding off is not your "failure", then nevermind...
:001_huh:
.
Edit: found this old thread: PM9 Mag Base Plate Mod (kahrtalk.com) (http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?2773-PM9-Mag-Base-Plate-Mod)

[Ogso]

I did use the retention plate properly. My question was more around the baseplate failing as the amount of material has been reduced that hangs onto the magazine. I did not take a measurement of the thickness before I started the sanding so it would seat properly. There still looks to be a decent amount of meat left but over time I wonder if the spring pressure will overcome the reduced rails of the baseplate. Mine will stay on the magazine in the gun and when Kahr gets more TP9 replacemenets in stock I plan on replacing a couple more mags, Thanks, Bill

[FreeMe]

I did use the retention plate properly. My question was more around the baseplate failing as the amount of material has been reduced that hangs onto the magazine. I did not take a measurement of the thickness before I started the sanding so it would seat properly. There still looks to be a decent amount of meat left but over time I wonder if the spring pressure will overcome the reduced rails of the baseplate. Mine will stay on the magazine in the gun and when Kahr gets more TP9 replacemenets in stock I plan on replacing a couple more mags, Thanks, Bill

All I can say about that is that I had an unmodified 9mm Kahr mag base break with no provocation other than age (over 20 years) and dump its contents while simply carrying the gun in the holster. And that is why I switch all mine to the steel base. There seems to be no problem with the plastic retention plates, and I haven't changed them.

[Tilos]

I did use the retention plate properly. My question was more around the baseplate failing as the amount of material has been reduced that hangs onto the magazine. I did not take a measurement of the thickness before I started the sanding so it would seat properly. There still looks to be a decent amount of meat left but over time I wonder if the spring pressure will overcome the reduced rails of the baseplate. Mine will stay on the magazine in the gun and when Kahr gets more TP9 replacements in stock I plan on replacing a couple more mags, Thanks, Bill

OH OK, so no failure...yet.
I have changed to pinky hook followers on my PM9 that have even less material above the slot, I'm not worried about them failing though.
jmo,
.