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View Full Version : Opinions needed please MK9 or MK40?



Kahrfan78
02-20-2024, 08:55 AM
I found one example of each of these in like new condition online both of the same price basically give or take $10. I previously owned an mk40 a little three that was a great gun and I didn't find the recall objectionable. However I've shot a canine and I've also owned a P9 and a PM9 the PM9 with plus P or plus P plus ammo can get a little jumpy but nothing that wasn't manageable or controllable.

Currently have a PM 45 with a DLC finish and night sights that's my current EDC and it does work well as a pocket gun and most of my pockets. I'm thinking going with the MK9 for better suitability cheaper ammo and all that jazz

If I could afford to buy both I would LOL what would you guys pick out of the two? I love 45 but I'm a big 9mm fan as well absolutely nothing well when a 9 mm specially with modern hollow points they're all pretty much about the same so it's not a caliber deal I'm thinking the MK9 carries an extra round and it's actually a little bit lighter than the mk40 to do it slightly thin or slide. Thanks for the info guys..

187911
02-20-2024, 09:52 AM
I found one example of each of these in like new condition online both of the same price basically give or take $10. I previously owned an mk40 a little three that was a great gun and I didn't find the recall objectionable. However I've shot a canine and I've also owned a P9 and a PM9 the PM9 with plus P or plus P plus ammo can get a little jumpy but nothing that wasn't manageable or controllable.

Currently have a PM 45 with a DLC finish and night sights that's my current EDC and it does work well as a pocket gun and most of my pockets. I'm thinking going with the MK9 for better suitability cheaper ammo and all that jazz

If I could afford to buy both I would LOL what would you guys pick out of the two? I love 45 but I'm a big 9mm fan as well absolutely nothing well when a 9 mm specially with modern hollow points they're all pretty much about the same so it's not a caliber deal I'm thinking the MK9 carries an extra round and it's actually a little bit lighter than the mk40 to do it slightly thin or slide. Thanks for the info guys..

Key points from your post:


"I'm a big 9mm fan as well"
"MK9 carries an extra round"
"MK9 for better suitability cheaper ammo"


I think this is a question only you can answer. Seems like you answered your own question in your post and that you're leaning towards a 9mm.

Since you asked what I would choose, I prefer 40s&w over 9mm, so I'd get the MK40. I know the forum mod and others are recoil sensitive and wouldn't choose the MK40, but I've shot the MK9, MK40, K9, and K40. I didn't find the recoil or follow-up shots to be bad at all. I've fired small polymer frame 9mms that were much worse than shooting the steel frame 40s&w's. Other than that, there is only a 1 ounce difference in weight between the MK9 vs MK40, so it's not something you'll notice in hand or while carrying.

I typically pocket carry a revolver as a back-up gun, but I sometimes pocket carry my MK40 when I start to miss it.

https://i.imgur.com/3HgBDZg.jpg

Kahrfan78
02-20-2024, 10:16 AM
True I am leaning towards the 9mm but it's not like 40 ammo is going anywhere anytime soon either. My previous MK40 wasn't bad at all in the recoil department. I used to have a PM9 that with +P ammo recoiled more than the MK40 so I agree sith you there as well. Maybe I will get the Mk40 instead. I really love my PM45 DLC finish it's a very soft shooting 45 especially when you take into account it's size and weight. While I've got nothing against 9mm I own a Beretta 92FS, it doesn't appear that the 40 caliber is less load specific when it comes to good performing hollow points.

Of course all handguns are under powered and shot placement is Paramount there is no magic death rate bullet as we know. But your point is valid sir why not throw a bigger bullet from the same size and weight platform assuming you could shoot it just as well any advantage is still an advantage when it comes down to it.

187911
02-20-2024, 10:43 AM
True I am leaning towards the 9mm but it's not like 40 ammo is going anywhere anytime soon either. My previous MK40 wasn't bad at all in the recoil department. I used to have a PM9 that with +P ammo recoiled more than the MK40 so I agree sith you there as well. Maybe I will get the Mk40 instead. I really love my PM45 DLC finish it's a very soft shooting 45 especially when you take into account it's size and weight. While I've got nothing against 9mm I own a Beretta 92FS, it doesn't appear that the 40 caliber is less load specific when it comes to good performing hollow points.

Of course all handguns are under powered and shot placement is Paramount there is no magic death rate bullet as we know. But your point is valid sir why not throw a bigger bullet from the same size and weight platform assuming you could shoot it just as well any advantage is still an advantage when it comes down to it.

If the price points are simular, the MK9 will be in more demand by more buyers. It will have higher trade value. The MK40 maybe harder to find in the future as Kahr has discontinued them. Just more food for thought.

berettabone
02-20-2024, 10:48 AM
I would think that the only question would be ammo availability/prices in the future. I pocket carried an MK9 for over 8 yrs. My preferred caliber is .40. I had other .40 cal firearms, so a 9mm filled a need. If you already have a .45 cal. I would get the 9mm for cost savings. You'll probably have a chance in the future to purchase an MK40....................

187911
02-20-2024, 12:13 PM
I would think that the only question would be ammo availability/prices in the future. I pocket carried an MK9 for over 8 yrs. My preferred caliber is .40. I had other .40 cal firearms, so a 9mm filled a need. If you already have a .45 cal. I would get the 9mm for cost savings. You'll probably have a chance in the future to purchase an MK40....................

On the other hand, Kahr stopped making the MK40 and K40, but they're still pushing out the MK9 and K9. It would be great if someone offered a 9mm conversion barrel for the MK40.

Bawanna
02-20-2024, 01:22 PM
I wouldn't say I'm recoil sensitive exactly. I find the recoil on my K40 to be too much for a defensive carry gun. Too much time and effort to get back on target for a follow up shot. Mid size guns like the XD's and Glocks etc, I had no issue with in 40 at all. I actually had several Glock 40's, all sold to other officers when they became hard to get during I believe the Clinton dynasty.

I'm not a devout 9mm fan actually but given these choices I'd go with the 9 myself. And due to cost, age, and several other factors I find myself with a 9mm 1911, although I still prefer the 45 for serious business.

Kahr not making the 40 at present is I'm told a temporary thing. They may start producing them again in the future and hopefully they will. A lot of 40 fans out there.

Kahrfan78
02-20-2024, 02:16 PM
Thanks everyone for the helpful information. Bawanna you make a good point as well I do already have a PM45 DLC and believe it or not its a smoother shooter than the MK40 I used to hsve. You would think the opposite with the PM45 being such a small lightweight gun.

I more recently also had a CM40 which I didn't find uncontrollable but pushing after a out 50 rounds of 40 JHP ammo. I much prefer my PM45 and the DLC finish is holding up great in South Florida here too. No surface rust even after days of carrying it. I think I decided on the MK9 but just got an email telling it may sell locally tomorrow.
If so I've already located another used one in great condition.

Bawanna
02-20-2024, 03:12 PM
I also have a PM45 which is probably my favorite of the kahr line, except on somedays where the T9 wins the day. Wouldn't mind shooting a T40 to see what that feels like.
My first Kahr was a K40, carried it for quite awhile, probably should still be but I get this gotta have a new gun fever sometimes. Seems like the older I get the more often it strikes.
For some unexplainable reason right now I got a hankering for a 32 Flintlock squirrel rifle. I can't even explain it to myself. I have some percussion rifles, 54, 45, never shot a flinter. Guess that's reason enough.????

Wlfman13
02-20-2024, 08:09 PM
In my opinion, buy whichever one you can find first (or cheapest).

20822

20823
https://www.kahrtalk.com/blob:https://www.kahrtalk.com/b65dec18-15e1-436b-85a1-a5e61ed49d99
https://www.kahrtalk.com/blob:https://www.kahrtalk.com/95a5e957-809d-46f9-b4a0-15ebcfe53455

getsome
02-20-2024, 10:02 PM
I’ve owned a CW40 that had issues which is how I found Kahrtalk looking for help…..Never felt good about that one so traded it for a PM40 which operated perfectly but I didn’t shoot it too well because of the recoil so it was traded for my current PM9 which is a great little gun that I pocket carry everywhere and I shoot it pretty good…..

All that being said, the reason I bought the .40 S&W pistols in the first place was because it was right after Sandy Hook and we had the Obama ammo scare and when all the 9mm .38 .357 .45 and even .22lr were gone and the shelves were bare there was always plenty of .40 S&W available at reasonable prices so I figured it made sense to have at least 1 pistol in that caliber……Now today ammo is available, albeit expensive but you never know for whatever reason it might get scarce again but I’m guessing .40 will always be available…….

As for your question MK9 or MK40 I would go with the 9 but with either one you can’t go wrong, good luck and let us know which one you decide on……..

kenemoore
02-21-2024, 09:02 AM
I own a PM9 and a MK9. Got a deal on the MK, would not run, so major discount. Fixed it. But..it is just a little bit too heavy for me to pocket carry.
If I need to carry it on a belt, might as well move up to the K9, slightly larger, but more rounds, and... less perceived recoil. Out of all my Kahr's the K9 is probably my favorite, so I am biased.

FreeMe
02-21-2024, 10:22 AM
I haven't shot the MK40, but I did have a range session with a rental MK9 years ago. I was amazed at how easy it was to shoot well. I'd say that little gun is probably my favorite pistol that I've never owned.


I own a PM9 and a MK9. Got a deal on the MK, would not run, so major discount. Fixed it. But..it is just a little bit too heavy for me to pocket carry.
If I need to carry it on a belt, might as well move up to the K9, slightly larger, but more rounds, and... less perceived recoil. Out of all my Kahr's the K9 is probably my favorite, so I am biased.

Those have been the reasons I never bought an MK9 as well. But that may change if I find a deal on one. After having the CM9 for a while, I can see that the MK would make sense for concealed OWB sometimes, instead of the K9.

187911
02-21-2024, 12:51 PM
I haven't shot the MK40, but I did have a range session with a rental MK9 years ago. I was amazed at how easy it was to shoot well. I'd say that little gun is probably my favorite pistol that I've never owned.

Those have been the reasons I never bought an MK9 as well. But that may change if I find a deal on one. After having the CM9 for a while, I can see that the MK would make sense for concealed OWB sometimes, instead of the K9.


I own a PM9 and a MK9. Got a deal on the MK, would not run, so major discount. Fixed it. But..it is just a little bit too heavy for me to pocket carry.
If I need to carry it on a belt, might as well move up to the K9, slightly larger, but more rounds, and... less perceived recoil. Out of all my Kahr's the K9 is probably my favorite, so I am biased.

I hate IWB carry, so I avoid it at all costs. IWB carry is doable, but just not as ideal or comfortable, plus i have to wear pants with an oversized waist. After experimenting and a lot of trail and error with every carry method and placement possible over the years with dozens of holsters to show for it, I have come to the realization that 3 o-clockhish OWB carry in a leather pancake holster is most comfortable for me and keeps the gun snug to my body.

20825

What I like about the MK9 and MK40 is that I can EDC it OWB even in the summer with nothing other than a t-shirt that's not oversized. I can wear an outfit similar to the picture above with a MK9/MK40 concealed OWB in a pancake holster and not print or have the muzzle show, and I still have a very shootable and comfortable package that handles recoil very well because of it's weight while not having to carry a bigger heavier gun. Other than that, the K and MK accepts the same magazines, so the capacity can be the same or less depending on the level of concealment needed.

https://i.imgur.com/HMJ1QNY.jpg?1

An older picture of what I use to EDC even sometimes at my old antigun place of employment for 12 hour shifts. I was a technician at a manufacturing plant, so I wasn't sitting stagnant at a desk all day. 7 rounds total in the gun with 7 round mags as back-up was more than enough for me.

Bawanna
02-21-2024, 01:51 PM
I used to agree with the hate for IWB, just didn't work for me. I usually just run things the way they arrive and don't mess with stuff. However I discovered since it didn't work for me, why not mess with it some. I did this with Garrett holsters. I really like the leather lined kydex. I changed the cant and tried different positions and alas they worked for me. Far as oversized pants, not really the case since I always have an IWB holster on. I think I have at least 8 Garrett Silent Thunder holsters, one for each possible carry gun. Since I carry a 1911 about 90% of the time, one holster works for several options.
Absolutely agreed, IWB isn't for everybody, but I converted from no way to going IWB every day. I also really like OWB and have some good rigs for that as well, but for me mostly around the house and yard, the IWB is the ticket.

FreeMe
02-22-2024, 04:00 PM
I carried either a K9, a 1911, or a HiPower IWB for years. Mostly the K9. Very do-able in a Milt Sparks VMII. But after I developed lower back trouble related to an injury, that method tends to aggravate it if I carry that way every day. I restrict IWB to certain occasions now. The rest of the time, it's unnecessary. Partly due to micro pistols, and partly due to where I don't have to go anymore.

Kahrfan78
02-23-2024, 03:39 PM
Hey thanks everyone for the info. The MK9 was sold and the MK40 was a consignment gun that has a deposit on it.

So I'm watching an MK9 on gun broker if it pans out I'll get it.

Barth
02-24-2024, 07:33 PM
Have a MK40 Elite.
Find it too heavy for pocket carry though.
On a belt there's no good reason not to have the extra capacity and grip of the K40.
If I had it to do over again I'd get a T9 Elite :cool:
https://www.kahr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/A-wood-grip-by-Hogue-is-part-of-the-elegance-of-the-T9-Elite..jpg
https://external-preview.redd.it/gobhkg8pledScifUu_3kgyaXMj82xEE1dGgLLovg4Qg.jpg?au to=webp&71a18831
https://external-preview.redd.it/gobhkg8pledScifUu_3kgyaXMj82xEE1dGgLLovg4Qg.jpg?au to=webp&71a18831

Bawanna
02-24-2024, 07:58 PM
The Elite must be the one that has a checkered front strap. Mine does not but it's not the Elite. Never knew any did but saw on a web someplace one with it. I'd like that.