Which First Kahr?

[Kal0348]

Hi everybody. New here, and can't say I've been hanging around for long. I've owned a P-11 and PF9, both of which are gone now...just got tired of the challenges of making them work.

I now own an LCP which, though perfectly reliable and concealable, isn't my first choice of caliber for concealed carry. I also have a 709 Slim, PT145, and SR9c. All of these work well, but none of them has the "right" combination of concealibility, fit-in-the hand qualities, and shootability all wrapped up into one package.

I know that most pistols are a compromise, but I'm looking to sell or trade some of these pistols to get my first Kahr. 9mm would be the minimum caliber I'd want to carry, and I'm tempted by the Kahr PM40 with the same basic dimensions as the PM9.

But I remember one afternoon firing some Black Hills 115gr out of my P-11, and the pain associated with firing that round out of the KT with its long heavy trigger. The gun worked, and I carried it most places, but I wanted a gun that I could carry easily, and shoot often as well.

Because of a messed-up back, I can't carry any pistol that starts out weighing more than 20oz empty. My hands are on the small side, and while the SR9c and PT145 are a little too large in the grip, the 709 Slim (even with a Hogue Handall Jr) is maybe a little too "slim".

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've been around the block a few times with trying out revolvers and semi-autos since we moved down here from Illinois. I've really been trying to find the "right" package for concealed carry IWB (preferred), or pocket carry, and although I haven't had a chance to handle or shoot one of the PM series Kahr pistols, I'm ready to order one.

I want to give Kahr a try, since these pistols seem to be put together very well, and most here seem to really enjoy shooting them as well. I really could use some help from those of you who own a PM9, 40, or 45. I miss the size of the P-11, but not the trigger. I want to be able to run 100 rounds or more through whatever caliber pistol I get, and not have to swallow pain meds waiting for the pain to subside.

I'm thinking the 9mm would be a good first Kahr, since I wouldn't have to reload in this caliber. But I've got the dies and stuff to assemble .40 or .45 cartridges, and I'm tempted to go for one of these calibers first.

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for being here, and for any help in choosing the caliber of my first Kahr.

[Thunder71]

I love the 9mm round and the PM9 is a great gun to shoot, I could fire it all day long I bet.

[jocko]

If you buy anything but a PM9, I will never write to u again!!!!!!

[Bawanna]

If you buy anything but a PM45 I'll never write you again!

Seriously, well I dont do serious but the PM9 would be a great first Kahr. Or save a few bucks and go for the brand new CM9. I personally and I'm gonna get flamed on this one but I would pass on the 40. Many here have them and love them. I have one and love it but just too much bang for the buck in a small package. Mine is the all steel K series so the PM would have to buck even more. It's manageable and it's not unpleasant by any mean just too much jolt for a ccw to me.

I have a PM45 which runs well as a traveling companion to my 1911's, even shares the same magazines. So in my semi not worth much opinion I'd go PM9 or skip to the Wide Track Pontiac bullets and go 45.

I was just funnin ya. If you get a PM9 I'll still write to ya. (just not much).

[DriveMyKahr]

Well, Kal0348, You just heard it from the Grand Masters. I sat on the fence for awhile pondering 9mm vs. .45ACP. Even though its been 35 years since I field stripped and cleaned my last Government issued M1911, the urge for a heavy-weight round is still fresh in my mind.

But in reality, I knew in my heart that the 9mm PM9 was the right "first Kahr" for me. It met all of the requirements: light-weight, easy carry (disappears in my front pocket), easy field strip, inexpensive and proven cartridge. 500+ rounds later, I have bonded with it, as Jocko would say, and have experienced total satisfaction with my buying decision. Not a single Fxx, not even a hic-up, 100% never leave home without it reliability. I just love driving my Kahr.

And one thing that should not be overlooked --- the superb customer service/tech support from the Kahr factory guys and the fine, knowledgeable and encouraging folks here on KahrTalk. You can't put a price tag on that.

I'm sure you will have a similar experience to mine. And then you can drool over the PM45 when you get the urge for your "second Kahr".

[jocko]

pay no attention to Bawanna, but to ol jocko and drivemylkahr. bawanna has threated to not talk to me for over a year. He is easy to bluff, Secretely has has a PM9 hidden under his chair seat, so when that PM45 jams, he has a real proven back up.
go with the 9mm . Now I will have to give him some credit for I forgot the new cm9 is just goonna be kahrs best seller, no doubt in my little mind. It is a true PM9 in size and weight and quality and u can knock off a few undred bucks to. As long as it is a 9 I will chat with you but if u chose a 45 over a 9, then the marriage is over and my penned up northern agression will come forth with a vengence..

[OldLincoln]

The CM/PM9 fits the pocket okay as long as it's a larger size pocket. I've heard of carrying it just fine in pleated pants or casual fit Levis. Some carry it in tight pockets but when I do that I know I'd look like Barney Fife trying to get it out.

If not for pocket carry, then I'd recommend the PM45 for the carry part of the discussion. If the cost difference of the 45 ammo is no big deal, I'd go PM45 otherwise the PM/CM9. Of course, everybody suspects there will be a CM45 out within a year. I'm guessing it will arrive in time for Christmas and cost about what the PM9 does now.

[gagnejs8]

The PM9 was my first gun, let alone first Kahr. I've had no issues with it thus far, and it is a very well made gun. My brother tried to steal it from me.

[Squib]

I think you are getting some excellent advice. For a 9mm, I agree on the CM9 or PM9. If you are leaning toward a .45, you're only choice is a PM45. Personally, I feel confortable carry my CW9.

[jocko]

by theway OLD LINCOLN is Bawanna half brother!!!!

[Kal0348]

I just know I'm gonna like it here! Thanks all for your helpful replies.

So, if I've got this right, for me to be able to talk to all of you here, I'll eventually have to get one of each caliber:eek:.

I guess I'll say adios to the 709, and pick up either a PM9 or a CM9, and get the PM (or maybe CM) 45 later. Will my LGS be able to order the CM9?...I know it's just recently become available. Do I understand it right that the only difference between the PM and CM9 is that the CM comes with only one magazine, has a MIM slide lock, and a conventional-rifled barrel? And for those changes, I can save about $200?

As for pocket-carrying the pistol, I'll probably do a lot of carrying in a belt-slide of some kind, especially during the hot summer months down here. I've tried carrying the 709 in a loose-fitting jeans pocket, but I just can't seem to yank the sucker out of the pocket without taking half of the pocket with it:ohmy:...seems that the adjustable sights keep getting hung up on the lining.

I can't find a Kahr PM around here, so when I go to the local emporium, what can I expect to pay for either a PM9 or a CM9? Or should I do an online purchase and go through a local FFL?

Thanks again for your help.

[MikeyKahr]

Whereabouts in Southern Alabama are you? Close enough to get to Mobile? I'm fairly certain there'd be a local fun store in Mobile that would have a PM9 for you to ogle and maybe even try out. As for the differences between the CM9 and the PM9, you're right. I've already noticed a bit of a price drop on the PM9 in the last few weeks since the CM9 has been released - it may even drop a bit more. At a local shop, CM9 should run somewhere in the neighborhood of ~$400-$425 (some more some less) and PM9 should run somewhere around ~$625-$650 (some more some less). Internet is a good place to get a great price, I'd hit up Bud's Gun Shop out of KY - that's where I got my PM9.

[Bawanna]

I was gonna say everything nephew just said, dang he's wicked quick today.

Do you know that Forest Gump guy. I think he lives around Green Beau.
Usually walks around with a box of chocolates?

Just curious.

Let me know when you get the PM/CW 45. We'll talk.

[DKD]

Once you see the quality and hold one of these pistols you...ah ...well...
Might just have to buy both a PM9 & a PM45.
Just like the old Freto Lay potato chip..."Betcha can't have just one"

[jocko]

I just know I'm gonna like it here! Thanks all for your helpful replies.

So, if I've got this right, for me to be able to talk to all of you here, I'll eventually have to get one of each caliber:eek:.

I guess I'll say adios to the 709, and pick up either a PM9 or a CM9, and get the PM (or maybe CM) 45 later. Will my LGS be able to order the CM9?...I know it's just recently become available. Do I understand it right that the only difference between the PM and CM9 is that the CM comes with only one magazine, has a MIM slide lock, and a conventional-rifled barrel? And for those changes, I can save about $200?

As for pocket-carrying the pistol, I'll probably do a lot of carrying in a belt-slide of some kind, especially during the hot summer months down here. I've tried carrying the 709 in a loose-fitting jeans pocket, but I just can't seem to yank the sucker out of the pocket without taking half of the pocket with it:ohmy:...seems that the adjustable sights keep getting hung up on the lining.

I can't find a Kahr PM around here, so when I go to the local emporium, what can I expect to pay for either a PM9 or a CM9? Or should I do an online purchase and go through a local FFL?

Thanks again for your help.

with what ever kahr yoiu buy as long as it is a 9. the cm9 is new out and should come in aorund $425, the PM9 should come in around $550-600. in regular finsih and standard sights. Either one is a good buy, the extras on the PM9 are nice but not necessary. Doesn''t make it any more reliable, the MIM slide stop is as good if not better than the forged ones, which lately have been alittle out of spec. Fear not that MIM part, Not sure after u get the PM9 0or cm9 that you will want that big butt ugly 14# PM45 kahr:behindsofa::behindsofa:

[Bawanna]

Darn it, he used up all the couches to hide behind and I ain't gonna fling no 45 arrows without a couch to hide behind myself. Them nasty little 9 pebbles don't hurt much but they sting and sometimes leave a mark.

[jocko]

Darn it, he used up all the couches to hide behind and I ain't gonna fling no 45 arrows without a couch to hide behind myself. Them nasty little 9 pebbles don't hurt much but they sting and sometimes leave a mark.

sting but they don';t take all damn day to get their either:behindsofa:

[jocko]

:behindsofa:
Darn it, he used up all the couches to hide behind and I ain't gonna fling no 45 arrows without a couch to hide behind myself. Them nasty little 9 pebbles don't hurt much but they sting and sometimes leave a mark.

sting but they don';t take all damn day to get their either:behindsofa:

I read where corbon is coming out with a new 45 rounds that after 30 feet it springs legs and walks up to the BG as it is spent out in 29 feet . any truth to that...

[Bawanna]

Where the heck did you find that couch. Must have got some more in.

I feel like Elmer Keith reborn, trying to educate Jack O'Connor with about the same success he had in real life too. NONE.:32::behindsofa:

Ha ha, found a couch. Or maybe it daveno on your side of the tracks.

[MikeyKahr]

I was gonna say everything nephew just said, dang he's wicked quick today.

More like wicked sick. I think I type/post faster/better when I'm under the weather. Don't worry, I'll hopefully be back to my normal slow, boring, half-right self soon enough.

[Bawanna]

You just keep on doing what your doing. You need me to bring ya some chicken soup or some gun powder or something to get ya feeling better.

I think Auntie's cooking up some kind of gruel, I mean soup as we speak. Cure ya or kill ya sometimes.

[Ardbeg]

To make the decision harder on the PM9 VS CM9: GTDist.com had both in stock (you have to call and talk to them). CM $399 and get this: PM $519!!! My CM shows up tomorrow--wish I had the extra 120...

[Kal0348]

Ya'll seem to have a hybrid version of a caliber war going on here...what with duckin' .45 arrows behind couches, and 9mm pebbles flying every which way.

Actually, I live about 9 miles from the 'guff'...I figured that the farther south I moved, the quicker I'd pick up the local customs and lose my 'accent'.

But no matter how many times I say 'ya'll' to folks down here, everybody still keeps asking me where in the deuce I come from with my heavy accent:confused:...I don't get it. Just because I don't drive a pickup, and am allergic to gumbo, still I thought for sure I'd dazzle people here with my quick study of the local accent.

I guess they see right through me, which considering my current mass, is quite an accomplishment. Maybe they smell my fear of hurricanes or something.

As for the durability of the MIM slide lock, if it did flex a little, maybe I could finally accomplish a speedy (in less than 5 minutes) draw from a pocket. And the standard sights will do just fine...I can't see 'em anyway, so I just keep my eyes closed while shooting:D, and if I wear my 2.50 readers, I can see the sights ok, but my friend's neighbor's cattle might be placed in jeopardy:eek:.

Bawanna, if I get the 9 first, can we still talk, since I do still own a PT145?

[Kal0348]

Ardbeg, thanks for the info about GTDist.com's in-stock status (and great prices) of both of the CM and PM's. I get the feeling that you're gonna really like your CM, and just think of all the ammo that that extra $120 will buy.

Like others here mentioned about the CM's...the quality will still be there. Tell and show us how you like your CM when you get it. Even though I'm image-posting illiterate, I still like to see pictures of people's pistols.

[kpm9]

you'll buy a PM or CM9, P45 or whatever and you'll lust after the K9.
Just sayin...

[HadEmAll]

Because of a messed-up back, I can't carry any pistol that starts out weighing more than 20oz empty..........

If there's any wiggle room in that, the K9 is listed at 23 oz.

Like the Glock 17 being Glock's first handgun (not product) and being what some call their best, the K9 is what put Kahr on the map. It would be softer shooting than any of the polymer Kahrs.

[Allen]

To make the decision harder on the PM9 VS CM9: GTDist.com had both in stock (you have to call and talk to them). CM $399 and get this: PM $519!!! My CM shows up tomorrow--wish I had the extra 120...

Having the same decision to make as Kal0348, especially between the PM & the CM. Since the CM only comes with one magazine I guess that would make the two even closer in price by the time you get a second one for the CM. And this will be my first Kahr besides my first 9mm.

[OldLincoln]

At about $35 each, $120 would buy a few magazines. Also you can shoot lead through the standard CM barrel whereas not the PM polygonal barrel so ammo may be cheaper (especially if you reload).

[jocko]

one has to realize that that extra magazine that kahr sends with the PM9 is the extended magazine that most have issues with and that most don't like either If kahr sent a flush fit spare magazine then I would say HOORAH!! I nevr my butt ugly extended magazine in my PM9 so I bought a spare 6 rounder anyway. So to me no big deal with the spare magazine part.