MK9 vs MK40

[Gun1]

I'm considering buying a Kahr MK. However, I really can't decide if I should go with the 40 or the 9. Also, none of the LGS here have any and you can't really appreciate the difference by looking at the website. Does anyone have any photos showing the difference between the matte finish and the polished finish? Also, between the regular sights and the night sights?
I also see that the 40 is about .04" thicker than the 9, is this noticeable?
Also, someone on here posted that they has spoken to Kahr CS a couple years ago and confirmed that the .40S&W would be discontinued by Kahr. Is this true?

[Old No7]

No idea about the status of the .40...

But I once had a P40 Covert (vintage, factory made) and it was SNAPPY to say the least; plus ammo cost more. So I went to a P9 Covert (also factory vintage) and I shot it much better.

I really think the recoil is something to consider, especially if you're a little shy of that.

Old No7

[Bawanna]

You won't notice the difference by looking, they are near identical.
But as Old No 7 so eloquently stated, you'll sure notice it when you pull the trigger.
I like the 40 round, it's good and often available when everything else gets scooped off the shelf, but not in a compact size gun.
I have a K40 magna ported and it still has a ton of flip every shot.
I'd get the 9. Actually I did.

[Cokeman]

I got the 9. It holds one more round over the 40. I assume it’s softer shooting.

[FreeMe]

You're not going to like shooting the .40. Get the night sight for the front for sure. The rear is your call, but not as important, IMO.

[O'Dell]

You're not going to like shooting the .40. Get the night sight for the front for sure. The rear is your call, but not as important, IMO.

That's not necessarily true. I have had eight Kahrs and currently have a PM9, CM45, CW45, and a MK40N. The MK40 is my favorite and most accurate, for me, of all. My CW40 was the second most accurate. It's the weight of the all steel MK40N- the PM9 has more felt recoil to me than the MK40, but the MK40 is 50% heavier.

[Cokeman]

Have you ever shot an MK9? It might be your favorite.

[O'Dell]

No, but I favor larger calibers. Out of fourteen pistols, I have one 9mm, PM9 pocket pistol, two 40's, and eleven 45's.

[187911]

That's not necessarily true. I have had eight Kahrs and currently have a PM9, CM45, CW45, and a MK40N. The MK40 is my favorite and most accurate, for me, of all. My CW40 was the second most accurate. It's the weight of the all steel MK40N- the PM9 has more felt recoil to me than the MK40, but the MK40 is 50% heavier.

I agree I shot the MK9 and MK40 and the MK40 is not hard to shoot or has that much recoil. I also agree with you that I shot lighter micro 9mms and polymer single stack 45 acps that had more flip. Some people see "40s&w" and then give a canned response.

[pk1313]

O'Dell - you DO NOT get the big stuffed animal at the carnival - I still see some of the orange on the bullseye !!!! The shooting gallery was always one of my favorite games at the carnival - I don't think I ever once won - LOL

[O'Dell]

O'Dell - you DO NOT get the big stuffed animal at the carnival - I still see some of the orange on the bullseye !!!! The shooting gallery was always one of my favorite games at the carnival - I don't think I ever once won - LOL

I suppose I should have shot another couple of mags since I evidently had the range. I was shooting at my normal 12 yard distance.

[Bawanna]

Nobody ever wins at the Carnival, I think they remotely control the barrels and when you get close they flip the switch so you can't hit a barn door. Lord knows I tried. That was my favorite thing too and I never won neither.

[Bawanna]

I suppose I should have shot another couple of mags since I evidently had the range. I was shooting at my normal 12 yard distance.

That's some mighty fine shooting for 12 yards. You got talent.

[BirdsThaWord]

He sure does! I can barely do that with a 1911 anymore. A double action? Forget about it!

[Wlfman13]

I'm considering buying a Kahr MK. However, I really can't decide if I should go with the 40 or the 9. Also, none of the LGS here have any and you can't really appreciate the difference by looking at the website. Does anyone have any photos showing the difference between the matte finish and the polished finish? Also, between the regular sights and the night sights?
I also see that the 40 is about .04" thicker than the 9, is this noticeable?
Also, someone on here posted that they has spoken to Kahr CS a couple years ago and confirmed that the .40S&W would be discontinued by Kahr. Is this true?

I have photos. Tomorrow. Matte finish MK40 vs DLC black MK9. I don’t have a glossy MK. However, BirdsTheWord is the guy to show you how a little elbow grease can make your MK shine.

I own both. An MK9 with stainless frame and DLC black slide, and an MK40 with stainless frame and stainless slide. Both have Lakeline G10 grips.

After owning both, my recommendation is to buy whichever MK caliber you find first, that fits in your budget. I waited for years, and found my MK9 dual color for $500. I was a happy man. Prior to that, I passed on a used MK40 for $379, and regretted it. Then, four years later, I found my MK40 (brand new) for $299. (It was $699, then $649 when it didn’t sell, then $599, then $549 when it didn’t sell, then the Range/GS sent it to their “sister range” to sell at $399. It sat at $399 for 3 months. Then, they marked it down to $349. I had been watching it for a while. One night, 30 minutes before closing time, I finished shooting and told the sales guy that “If you really wanted to sell the MK40, you woulda priced it at $299. As a matter of fact, if you can get it to $299, that falls into my “no justification/no excuses needed” price range. 5 minutes later, his boss dropped the price to $299. I was a really happy man. (I forgot to mention it has Meprolight Night Sights.). I love it. Don’t worry about the recoil. If you bought/buy it, you’ll love it. If not, someone will buy it from you. Not many things are worth the same amount tomorrow after buying them today. An MK40/MK9 bought for a good price is one of them.

Bottom line is “If you can find one for a good price, or in your budget, buy it.”

If you end up hating it, post it For Sale on KahrTalk and someone will buy it from you.

-Wlf

[O'Dell]

Err, thanks guys. Now I'm blushing. This was my second most accurate Kahr, a CW40. Unfortunately I sold this pistol.

[FreeMe]

That's not necessarily true. I have had eight Kahrs and currently have a PM9, CM45, CW45, and a MK40N. The MK40 is my favorite and most accurate, for me, of all. My CW40 was the second most accurate. It's the weight of the all steel MK40N- the PM9 has more felt recoil to me than the MK40, but the MK40 is 50% heavier.

Nice shooting.
Now compare that with the MK9. Surely some people won't care, but there is a difference most will notice. I find the MK models to shoot just about as well as the K's, and the K's better than any of the plastics.

But yeah, today it may be a case of buying whichever becomes available first.

[Scarpia]

I'm considering buying a Kahr MK. However, I really can't decide if I should go with the 40 or the 9. Also, none of the LGS here have any and you can't really appreciate the difference by looking at the website. Does anyone have any photos showing the difference between the matte finish and the polished finish? Also, between the regular sights and the night sights?
I also see that the 40 is about .04" thicker than the 9, is this noticeable?
Also, someone on here posted that they has spoken to Kahr CS a couple years ago and confirmed that the .40S&W would be discontinued by Kahr. Is this true?
Many months later, which way did you go? 9mm or 40S&W??
And yes, it's well known that Kahr has dropped guns in 40S&W. As far as the snappy recoil of the 40 goes, yes, it's true because the round is a heavy bullet being launched by high pressure gases. No one seems to complain about the same weight bullet (180 grains vs. 185 grains) in a low pressure 45ACP round. My solution as a reloader is to charge the 40S&W 180 grain bullets at the low end of its range. The felt recoil isn't any different than shooting a 9mm. I consider a downloaded 180 bullet in 40S&W as a 9mm magnum or high powered 45. That makes the MK40 into both a MK45 and/or MK9. I don't own a MK40 at this posting but it's very high on my list if I can find one. I do own a PM9, CW45 and K9 Elite '98.

[Gun1]

Many months later, which way did you go? 9mm or 40S&W??
And yes, it's well known that Kahr has dropped guns in 40S&W. As far as the snappy recoil of the 40 goes, yes, it's true because the round is a heavy bullet being launched by high pressure gases. No one seems to complain about the same weight bullet (180 grains vs. 185 grains) in a low pressure 45ACP round. My solution as a reloader is to charge the 40S&W 180 grain bullets at the low end of its range. The felt recoil isn't any different than shooting a 9mm. I consider a downloaded 180 bullet in 40S&W as a 9mm magnum or high powered 45. That makes the MK40 into both a MK45 and/or MK9. I don't own a MK40 at this posting but it's very high on my list if I can find one. I do own a PM9, CW45 and K9 Elite '98.

I went with the MK9, but only because I was looking for a new gun and the MK40 was already discontinued.

[Scarpia]

I went with the MK9, but only because I was looking for a new gun and the MK40 was already discontinued.
Well, that's that, eh? I buy both new and used. I don't recall having any regrets buying a used gun. My collection is probably half-half new and used. My next gun will be a MK40, hopefully in high polished SS (that I can afford). :yo:

[Scarpia]

Well, that's that, eh? I buy both new and used. I don't recall having any regrets buying a used gun. My collection is probably half-half new and used. My next gun will be a MK40, hopefully in high polished SS (that I can afford). :yo:
Correction: I stopped by one of my fav LGS's today and found a MK9 tagged at $650 with 6 and 7 round magazines in original box. I asked if that was the best they could do then they said $475. I jumped on it at $475. When the deal was done, and all paperwork completed, I asked why they discounted the price so deep? The owner said they were shutting down the business at the end of the year. How come? The owner said he was tired of dealing with the regulations and dealing with the feds, etc. I asked if he was going to sell the business and said that was possible, 'in the works'. He said he could discount some guns just to reduce inventory and the MK9 was one. I asked if he was going replenish guns as they were sold, he said 'I will replenish then ones I know I can sell' which I assume are Glocks. I really do like my PM9 and K9 Elite '98 so this MK9 will complete my Kahr 9mm collection.

Anyhow, I will take possession of the MK9 no later than 11/9. The law says that the county sheriff or local police jurisdiction must make a determination within 10 days and if they don't the gun is mine. I have taken possession within a week and up to 20 days. I live in the county, so the sheriff's department is my go-to agency.

So why did I opt for the MK9 and not the MK40? If they had a MK40 I would have gotten it; however, I do admit this was an impulse buy.

[Bawanna]

Our state is indeed a regulation nightmare and the 10 round magazine ban just made it even worse. I don't know what the shops did with all the guns that hold more than 10.
Several shops up here in Snohomish County are closing up, one new one is opening up that I'm hoping will be a good one. They are hyping it up alot on the internet. Think they open in November.
State law says 10 days or the shop can deliver, some shops are afraid to abide by that but that's the deal.
The shops in my town loved me when I was working, I often got them results in hours or even minutes. I live in the county and they are much slower, in fact they have a reputation of waiting till the last day.

[dao]

It's only the mags that are limited. If the LGS has a gun with mags that hold more than that they can sell them to out of state buyers, or they can buy 10rd mags and sell the guns with those, and then sell the mags out of state, for example on Gunbroker. It's a stupid, stupid law that accomplishes nothing whatsoever in terms of protecting law abiding people from criminals.

[Bawanna]

Some guns they don't make 10 round mags for yet. I planned ahead for some guns I plan to hunt down when the piggy bank allows. Like the Springfield SA35 High Power clone. I have 6 mags but can't find a gun???? Maybe some day.

[Scarpia]

Some guns they don't make 10 round mags for yet. I planned ahead for some guns I plan to hunt down when the piggy bank allows. Like the Springfield SA35 High Power clone. I have 6 mags but can't find a gun???? Maybe some day.
Yeah, me too. I bought magazine extenders so I could get more than 10 in the mag before buying the gun (Glock 27). These stupid laws are passed by stupid people. I guess having 10+1 can do less damage than 15+1 and that a 'win' in their way of thinking. Then there's the no limit on how many magazines you can carry. What am I missing?

Anyhow, I also deal with a kitchen table FFL so I can get new guns at a fair price through him. It's the used guns that are an issue with me. I did see another gun on display that I have always wanted and might yet go for it. That would be an alloy frame, compact 45ACP, like a Kimber 'Ultra' and others etc. They had several available. My major source of play money is trading stocks. If I score another quick $500 or so, I might grab one of these 45's.

[Barth]

Arizona still has no such restrictions and has deemed itself a 2nd amendment sanctuary state :cool:
We will ignore any so called Federal Assault Weapon and/or high capacity mag ban :p
Hk 13/15 round mags are recently on sale for P30SK/VP9SK guns @ $22 each.
https://us.hkwebshop.com/hkstorefront/hk/en/Handgun-Parts/Magazines/Magazine-13rd-VP9SK-P30SK-9mm-Extended-Floorplate/p/226345S
Already had three, but bought three more just because I could - LOL!
https://www.riflegear.com/images/product/large/15150.jpg

[Barth]

Oh what thread drift on a very old thread - LOL!
I've got a MK40 Elite that I love.
It's soft shooting and very accurate for such a small gun.
My particular weapon loves 180 gr subsonic ammo :)

MK9 or MK40? Either will serve you well.
It's Personal Preference really...

[Scarpia]

Oh what thread drift on a very old thread - LOL!
I've got a MK40 Elite that I love.
It's soft shooting and very accurate for such a small gun.
My particular weapon loves 180 gr subsonic ammo :)

MK9 or MK40? Either will serve you well.
It's Personal Preference really...
Got it...I also shoot 180 grain JHPs in 40 S&W, I consider loading the 40 at the low end of its range for any given powder as a 9mm magnum while loading it at the high end of the range as a 45ACP magnum with 185 grains JHPs. So, you might say the 40 S&W is a three-caliber gun. Anxious to get my MK9 and the search for a K40 is still out there. Stay tuned...

[berettabone]

I carried an MK9 for almost nine years. You'll like it................ I also shoot 180 gr. in .40 cal, along with 165 gr. and 155 gr.

[Scarpia]

I carried an MK9 for almost nine years. You'll like it................ I also shoot 180 gr. in .40 cal, along with 165 gr. and 155 gr.

I'm basically converting my primary carry guns from plastic to metal with capacity aside (aka: as an excuse to buy guns). The MK9 will be my metal equivalent to the Shield 9 and PM9 even though I have a K9 Elite '98. The K40/MK40 if I ever get one, will be the equivalent to the Shield 40, Springfield XD Mod 2 Compact and Glock 27. I have many carry guns but find myself grabbing the Shields or the Glock before others.

I also load 40's with 165 bullets but not so much with 155. I even have 200 grain JHP and round nose 40 S&W loads.

[boscobarbell]

I'm still on the hunt for an MK40...tough to find out there.

I may grab a PM40 to tied me over, but the search will continue.....

[Scarpia]

I'm basically converting my primary carry guns from plastic to metal with capacity aside (aka: as an excuse to buy guns). The MK9 will be my metal equivalent to the Shield 9 and PM9 even though I have a K9 Elite '98. The K40/MK40 if I ever get one, will be the equivalent to the Shield 40, Springfield XD Mod 2 Compact and Glock 27. I have many carry guns but find myself grabbing the Shields or the Glock before others.

I also load 40's with 165 bullets but not so much with 155. I even have 200 grain JHP and round nose 40 S&W loads.
Finally got the MK9 to the range and pleased to report she loaded, fired and ejected about 50 rounds of 115 grain JHPs (RMR 115 grain "Nukes") charged with both Bullseye and Power Pistol. She put 25 rounds down range at 50 feet within a torso sized area and another 25 into the splatter target at 10 yards. As expected, I really liked the feel and shootability of the MK9.

[187911]

Arizona still has no such restrictions and has deemed itself a 2nd amendment sanctuary state :cool:
We will ignore any so called Federal Assault Weapon and/or high capacity mag ban :p
Hk 13/15 round mags are recently on sale for P30SK/VP9SK guns @ $22 each.
https://us.hkwebshop.com/hkstorefront/hk/en/Handgun-Parts/Magazines/Magazine-13rd-VP9SK-P30SK-9mm-Extended-Floorplate/p/226345S
Already had three, but bought three more just because I could - LOL!
https://www.riflegear.com/images/product/large/15150.jpg

Arizona is turning Blue. Might want to stock up on 10rounders for the future.

[Bawanna]

Arizona is turning Blue. Might want to stock up on 10rounders for the future.

AuContraire, I'd stock up on hi caps in case they try to pull the 10 rd thing. It's a silly idea. How do they know when you bought them and if they insist you turn them in we all know that just ain't gonna happen.

I have no where near enough ammo to fill them but I got 30 30rd AR mags prior to our state's idiot governor and attorney generals 10 rd ban thingy. I'm sure there are others with far more money that got a lot more than me.

[Barth]

AuContraire, I'd stock up on hi caps in case they try to pull the 10 rd thing. It's a silly idea. How do they know when you bought them and if they insist you turn them in we all know that just ain't gonna happen.

I have no where near enough ammo to fill them but I got 30 30rd AR mags prior to our state's idiot governor and attorney generals 10 rd ban thingy. I'm sure there are others with far more money that got a lot more than me.

I'm with you Colonel.
Got +20 30rd AK mags (5.56), +20 25rd mags (308) and +20 30rd mags (9mm).
Plus too many high cap pistol mags to count - LOL!
Might have some ammo too...
:Amflag2:

[Old No7]

I'm still on the hunt for an MK40...tough to find out there.

I may grab a PM40 to tied me over, but the search will continue.....

Hello! See the PM message I just sent to you - found one for you!

Old No7