P40 vs PM40

[Mits3kgt88]

I know...another comparison thread about recoil and etc..Here goes:

Does anyone have experience with owning or shooting both the P40 and PM40 side by side? I'm debating about which Kahr I want to buy for pocket carry. I'm debating between the PM9 and PM40.

I currently have a P40 and can handle it well with a firm grip. I have handled a PM40 at my LGS and can only get two fingers on the grip so I'm curious as to how much worse the recoil is to people who have shot both. I was leaning towards the PM9 since with normal pressure rounds it isn't snappy like a 40 cal. But then I thought about firepower. I know that shot placement is more important then caliber and that people should pick the caliber that they can shoot the with the best follow up shots. I just want opinions on the comparison of the two models. Thanks in advance!

[southx]

Never fired a 40 ever but my LGS had 6 PM40's in the used case all at the same time.

[Mits3kgt88]

Oh. I'm guessing it's because many people don't enjoy shooting them due to recoil or they've had issues. There are about three or four used PM40s at my LGS going for $499-599. I persnally would much rather pay more and get a brand new one. I'm trying to patiently wait for next april or so when I get my tax return to get mine. I'm still debating with myself between the PM9 and PM40.

[Bawanna]

Unless your trying to keep the whole wardrobe the same caliber I personally would opt for the PM9 over the 40.
People here will and already have labeled me a woose. I'm not recoil sensitive although am getting more and more so with mileage.
I base this on my K40 which is all steel. It shoots well and I like it, I had it magna ported, looks cool too. BUT, it's snappy enough that I don't like what it does to my follow up shots. I think with a bit of adrenaline thrown into the mix of a real world event it might even go unnoticed.
I in all honesty prefer my PM45 over my K40 and if your choices were PM9 or PM45 I'd for sure without reservation say go PM45.

Now I've done it huh? Muddied up the waters really really bad.
The PM9 is a great little pocket, on ya all the time shooter. If it was me, I'd got that route first, then add the others later, all of em.

[kahrseye]

I'm with Bawanna, I have the PM9 and the PM45. I love both but prefer the PM45. If it was between the PM9 or the PM40, I'd go for the PM9. Lighter and easier to carry, cheaper ammo. Nuff said.

[Mits3kgt88]

Thanks for the replies. It would be better to stay with 40 cal so that I wouldnt have to deal with more than one caliber. I would like to trade my P40 for a PM45 and then get the PM40 or 9 for pocket or easier concealment. I'm not a big guy, only 5'8" or so and 140lbs so with somewhat tight shirts my P40 prints a bit. Even with my Crossbreed. I do know that with tighter fitting clothes guns will print no matter which holster you're using.

[Natron]

I never liked the guns I could only get 2 fingers on.
I got the P9 a few years ago, before the PM series came out and I am glad I did. I like the P9 so much as my daily carry.

Natron

[PaiN]

My first Kahr was a PM40...As much and as many guns as I've shot, I have never considered myself "recoil sensitive"....but that PM40 was a ***** :mad: It killed me...being a combo of the PM's small size, where it sat in my hand and snap recoil of the .40S&W. After not too many rounds the skin in the web of my hand at the thumb knuckle would open up and I'd have bone bruising there which wasn't pleasant. The only other .40S&W I've owned was a Glock23 and I never had a problem shooting that one.
Since then I've owned P and CW 9's and they have all been a pleasure to shoot.

[jocko]

PaiN: Your very truthful, some people will feel it is unmacho to post your post but I have just read to many reports on owners osfPM40 that report what you did.Not one is saying they are un shootable, just uncomfortable compared to a PM9. Ever wonder why we don't see +P in 40 cal ammo. It's hot as hell as it is ..

If u can't practice alot and feel compfortable with a 40 cal, then how do you ever really get "proficient" with it.

[Bawanna]

AZ has a sound plan but as unmacho as it is it still bucks a good bit. I have a K40 and had it magna ported. Its much much better but still a good jolt.
I love the gun, I've considered trading it off but doubt I will. Its a great gun and I can shoot it all day, it's just too much buck for a defense gun to me.
I'm also not recoil sensitive but for a defense gun I just don't want a big kaboom between me and hitting whats threatening me.

Plus I can hang wicked cool wood on the MK's and K's which is a plus to me. I love my PM45 though.

[Mits3kgt88]

I wouldn't say I'm very recoil sensitive either. I can handle my P40 and shoot it proficiently. Well enough that I can get all seven shots of a topped off mag with one in the chamber within a 4-6" group in semi-rapid fire. Mostly thanks to a CT lasergrip and a manly grip :p I am somewhat concerned with only having two fingers on the grip but I think it's something that takes skill and getting used to, like when first got my P40. I'm still impatiently waiting for the day that I purchase a PM. I'm waiting on funds to become available.