PM40 vs P40

[Mits3kgt88]

This thread has been posted in the P and CW series section but I want to make sure both sections are able to see this thread.

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!

[garyb]

Your inquiry ought to stir up the pot....
I think it would be interesting to shoot both (PM9 nad PM40) side by side. I have the 40 because I was concerned about power too. So my input is partial...sorry 9mm lovers. The 40 is my cal. Clearly the 40 gives you the "power" you were concerned about over the 9. Lots of law enforcement went from the 9 to the 40. However, everyone warned me about the recoil of such a small light gun in a 40 cal. What I found was I did not think about recoil or barrel flip once I shot ONE full mag through the PM40. It is simply a pleasure to shoot and I have not agreed with all the hoopla about too much "snap" or recoil (even with the 5 round clip). With the 6 round mag with extension, you get all fingers around the grip which makes it even nicer to shoot. With an agrip around the grip, it is even nicer to shoot. Once you shoot it, it gets nicer and nicer to shoot... Get the picture? It is nice to shoot. Not at all like an ultralight Jframe 357 which I found painful. No pain with the PM40....all pleasure. I apologize that this does not answer your question on side by side comparision. It seems very clear that most guys would like way the PM9 feels (over the PM40). I think you will find the same to be true for the Glock 9 vs 40. If you look at sanctioned IDPA shoot and the data on what guys shoot, the # of 9's is overwhelmingly favored over the 40. In any style of gun, the 9's flip is less and you can get back on target much quicker...it is a simple fact. Regarding carry, the weight and size differences between the PM9 and PM40 are truly neglegable. I pocket carry my PM40 with CTL (rear and front pocket) in a Guru pocket holster by www.pocketholsters.com (http://www.pocketholsters.com) . The PM9 would feel "about" the same in your pocket. Pick up a PM40 and stick it in your pocket to see for yourself. Some guys will tell you to pick a cal and make it yours to make your life easy with ammo. Other guys will tell you that you need something in every cal...keep buying. They fact is that the 9 and 40 are both excellent guns and you won't go wrong. One additional and very important point to note is that the new +P 9mm defense rounds (like the 9mm Federal Hydrashock +P) DO rival many of the .40 defense rounds. There is excellent 9mm defense ammo out there. Therefore, the ammo you choose will make up for the stopping power differential you are concerned about, which makes the 9mm a good choice too. Both good guns.
Good luck with your selection.

[Mits3kgt88]

Thanks for the reply. I do own a P40 and getting a PM40 would definitely make it easier ammo wise by having both Kahrs in the same caliber. I probably won't be getting a PM series Kahr until tax return time next year if I can fight off the urge to charge it on my credit card :D I'm trying to get out of debt and seeing Kahrs in person and reading about them on this forum doesn't help at all. Kahrs are addictive.

[dirty_sanchez]

GaryB said it perfectly.

I first had a PM9, but all of my other carry pieces were 40's. I'd rather not have to keep up with two different calibers.

My PM40 with a CT laser is in my front or back pocket if I'm awake.

Snappyness got you worried? You'd better wash that sand out of your craw. It's not much more at all than the PM9. I know, I have both.

Dirty

[jocko]

port it!!! AND THEN SIT BACK AND ENJOY IT.

[Mits3kgt88]

Ok PM40 it is then..and if I don't think that I can do good follow up shots with it I'll get it ported. I may even trade my P40 for a PM but they only offered me $350 for my P40 without the CT lasergrip. Does that sound like a good deal? I know their new PM40s are going for $739 new which is high of course when compared to online prices. And that's $739 with standard sights. The lowest that I've seen a used PM40 go for at the LGS is $499 in "very good" condition. I haven't seen the gun in person, only it listed in their online used gun list.

[Mits3kgt88]

There is a gun show coming up next weekend. I'll stop by there and look around. Maybe I'll find one at a good price. I see the PM40 going for $635.99 without NS and $689.99 with NS on impactguns.com

[earle8888]

Have PM40 w/CTL. Thus one finger laser next finger grip. Thats all folks with five round mag. No problems. Feels like it will be a problem BUT U get use to it and it works fine. Think it is a little noisier than Nine.