My latest pocket companion...

[TGO David]

I have held off on posting about this simply because I wanted time to make sure it was running right before I posted and had someone come along behind me and tell me how bad it was going to perform. Not that this would ever happen on TGO mind you.

A few weekends ago I stopped by The Outpost Armory and got a good deal on a new, current generation Kahr PM9. Thanksgiving weekend I took it out to CHMR (Owl Hollow) and ran the snot out of it using a variety of different 9mm cartridges and never had so much as a single problem. I did however spend a few evenings doing nothing but cycling the slide while watching TV, which loosened the slide perceptibly the more I did it. This may have helped, and was prescribed on a few other gun forums.

To say that I am pleased with the PM9 would be an understatement. It is small, light weight, thin and disappears into the pocket in an A-Holster or a wallet holster. I honestly prefer the way it "prints" in pocket as opposed to a J-Frame's cylinder, as it looks more like a PDA or a phone or any number of other common electronics.

Tight 1" - 2" groups both two handed and one handed at 15 feet were no problem whatsoever. It's far more accurate than a "get off me" gun needs to be. My wife likes it enough that she wants one now too.

Now for the obligatory gun porn...

[ftncityfatboy]

I have held off on posting about this simply because I wanted time to make sure it was running right before I posted and had someone come along behind me and tell me how bad it was going to perform. Not that this would ever happen on TGO mind you.

A few weekends ago I stopped by The Outpost Armory and got a good deal on a new, current generation Kahr PM9. Thanksgiving weekend I took it out to CHMR (Owl Hollow) and ran the snot out of it using a variety of different 9mm cartridges and never had so much as a single problem. I did however spend a few evenings doing nothing but cycling the slide while watching TV, which loosened the slide perceptibly the more I did it. This may have helped, and was prescribed on a few other gun forums.

To say that I am pleased with the PM9 would be an understatement. It is small, light weight, thin and disappears into the pocket in an A-Holster or a wallet holster. I honestly prefer the way it "prints" in pocket as opposed to a J-Frame's cylinder, as it looks more like a PDA or a phone or any number of other common electronics.

Tight 1" - 2" groups both two handed and one handed at 15 feet were no problem whatsoever. It's far more accurate than a "get off me" gun needs to be. My wife likes it enough that she wants one now too.

Now for the obligatory gun porn...

Very nice!!! I hate you......

[Oh Shoot]

Great choice...

While I would like to carry my XDsc everywhere, the uber concealment of my PM9 makes it the perfect choice if that is an issue, which it is with me about half the time.

- OS

Edited December 4, 2010 by OhShoot
added pic

[Raoul]

Welcome to the PM club. Mine's always with me.

[DaveTN]

Did they happen to have the PM40? And if so was it the same physical size?

I just can’t do pocket carry; do any of you guys that have them have any decent IWB holsters?

[Raoul]

Did they happen to have the PM40? And if so was it the same physical size?

I just can’t do pocket carry; do any of you guys that have them have any decent IWB holsters?

AKJ Concealco.

[TGO David]

Did they happen to have the PM40? And if so was it the same physical size?

I just can’t do pocket carry; do any of you guys that have them have any decent IWB holsters?

I didn't even bother looking to see if they had the PM40. For me I wanted something that I can shoot a lot of, affordably and comfortably. I've got two .40SW handguns nowadays and just don't really shoot them a whole lot despite the fact that I do have a fondness for that cartridge.

[AMSting]

Looks nice. I have wanted one of these for some time. Finding a good deal before someone else gets it has been my problem.

Does this carry better in the front or back pocket in terms of printing?

[Oh Shoot]

... the PM40? And if so was it the same physical size?

So close that you might as well say yes.

PM40 is 1/20" longer, 1/25" wider, weighs 1.8 oz more (all according to Kahr specs)

- OS

[Guest CJK]

Well, you just helped me pick my first pocket auto. (I have two J frames, one pocketable, the other not so much, but I am looking for something with a little more firepower when I can't carry the 1911.)

[TGO David]

Does this carry better in the front or back pocket in terms of printing?

It depends on the pants you're wearing and the holster you're using. I wear 5.11 Tactical khakis a lot, even for work, just because they are roomy and comfortable and hold up to a lot of abuse. The large slash pockets on the hip make it really easy to carry the PM9 in a wallet-style leather pocket holster. When I do this, it absolutely disappears and is not uncomfortable in the least when I am sitting.

I have no problems concealing it in a front pocket in either my 5.11 khakis, Carhartt dungarees or jeans. If your pants have deep enough pockets, you'll have no problems. The only time I have issues is with certain khakis -- like Dockers -- that have small wimpy little metrosexual pockets.

[Guest Lester Weevils]

I never pocket-carried my S&W 649 .367 snub. Well, it was heavy enough to make the pants swing around funny when you walk, but it also printed too much for my taste.

P9 is bigger than PM9, but I don't have trouble front-pocket-carrying even the P9 in ordinary XL cargo pants or jeans.

The P9 is the smallest pistol I've had I could actually shoot half-way accurately, though my accuracy with the P9 is probably not quite what David is getting with his PM9. But lots better than I ever got with the .357 snub or NAA .380.

XS big dot sights are helpful for me with the P9. My eyes just ain't too good. But even without the big dots it was pretty easy to shoot.

Been thinking about maybe trading my NAA .380 toward getting a PM9 to go along with the P9. Haven't carried or shot the NAA .380 since getting the P9.

Am a little doubtful if I could shoot the PM9 as good as the P9. Losing a half inch of barrel length probably wouldn't matter much, but perhaps losing one finger of grip would matter. Am pretty certain I could shoot a PM9 better than the NAA .380 anyway.

I think Kahr made the NAA .380 for NAA, and it is well made. But the NAA trigger is stiff and the sights are so tiny that it might as well not have any sights. Somebody more skilled could probably shoot the NAA .380 a lot better.

[Chazmr]

Nice choice. Looks like a good option.

Thanks.

[TGO David]

XS big dot sights are helpful for me with the P9. My eyes just ain't too good. But even without the big dots it was pretty easy to shoot.

That is the one thing my PM9 lacks that I really wish it had. However it's just a matter of $140 (ouch) and sending the slide off to Kahr to have them install the XS Big Dot sights. I'm very tempted and have been thusly tempted since I bought the gun. However I'd hate to be without it for a week or two now at this point in the game.

[Guest Lester Weevils]

Does the PM9 require a trip to Kahr to get this done? The P9 slide is dovetailed so a confident amateur or just about any gunsmith can install sights no problemo.

If it has to go back for big dots, then if I buy one will likely just special-order so it doesn't have to make an extra trip.

[Sidewinder]

Nice choice David. The only carry I do is a front pocket carry, with my KelTec P-11. I imagine it's about the same size. I had Gary Bowman (an expert craftsman) build me a "pocket carry" holster, very similar to the A-holster, and it works great in all type of pants pockets. Of course, the trick is to not carry anything else in the same pocket. I see it working great in a confrontation, where you already have your hand in your pocket, and on your gun. I experienced just such a confrontation last Christmas eve! Thankfully, I didn't have to draw, but could have done so very quickly. The man threatened to put a bullet through my head, but did not have any visible gun drawn! It was very comforting to know my hand was already on my weapon, and that I could have drawn and fired in a split second! I think you'll get used to it being there in your pocket quickly, and will have an extra sense of security knowing it can be drawn and fired very quickly, if need be.

[DaveTN]

I didn't even bother looking to see if they had the PM40. For me I wanted something that I can shoot a lot of, affordably and comfortably. I've got two .40SW handguns nowadays and just don't really shoot them a whole lot despite the fact that I do have a fondness for that cartridge.

Thanks.

How did it handle? As far as controllability? I know you said you shot a good group, but was it hard to bring it back on target?

And for you guys that have this gun in .40S&W… what do you think?

It’s only about 25% lighter than my M&P40 Compact so I wouldn’t think there would be a lot of difference.

[TGO David]

Does the PM9 require a trip to Kahr to get this done? The P9 slide is dovetailed so a confident amateur or just about any gunsmith can install sights no problemo.

Bear in mind that I own quite a few purpose-built sight installation tools courtesy of MGW. That said, I understand that the Kahr sights are pressed in harder and tighter than Springfield XD sights; and those are some real sons of bishes to get out.

Thanks.

How did it handle? As far as controllability? I know you said you shot a good group, but was it hard to bring it back on target?

I had no problems getting it back on target quickly. The PM9 isn't exactly the gun I'd want to have to do rapid sharp shooting with, and it's really meant for those up close and personal social encounters. In cases like that, you'd have to be waving your arms around like a palsied baboon in order to not be able to keep your shots center of mass anyway.

[tnhawk]

Congrats on a fine pistol. I've had a Kahr for over ten years without any problems with it.

[Raoul]

Thanks.

How did it handle? As far as controllability? I know you said you shot a good group, but was it hard to bring it back on target?

And for you guys that have this gun in .40S&W… what do you think?

It’s only about 25% lighter than my M&P40 Compact so I wouldn’t think there would be a lot of difference.

Luv my 40's. The PM is a good shooter and for me easier to handle and way more accurate than a LCP. I recently picked up a CW 40 from a TGO member and I've put 300 flawless rounds through it . It's a bit bigger than the PM but still very concealable. The larger size makes for an easier more accurate doubletap.

Kahr's just need a break in period and then they're great. My PM had 1 ftf and 1 fte in the first 10 rounds, probably caused by me.

[7dogguy]

I have held off on posting about this simply because I wanted time to make sure it was running right before I posted and had someone come along behind me and tell me how bad it was going to perform. Not that this would ever happen on TGO mind you.

A few weekends ago I stopped by The Outpost Armory and got a good deal on a new, current generation Kahr PM9. Thanksgiving weekend I took it out to CHMR (Owl Hollow) and ran the snot out of it using a variety of different 9mm cartridges and never had so much as a single problem. I did however spend a few evenings doing nothing but cycling the slide while watching TV, which loosened the slide perceptibly the more I did it. This may have helped, and was prescribed on a few other gun forums.

To say that I am pleased with the PM9 would be an understatement. It is small, light weight, thin and disappears into the pocket in an A-Holster or a wallet holster. I honestly prefer the way it "prints" in pocket as opposed to a J-Frame's cylinder, as it looks more like a PDA or a phone or any number of other common electronics.

Tight 1" - 2" groups both two handed and one handed at 15 feet were no problem whatsoever. It's far more accurate than a "get off me" gun needs to be. My wife likes it enough that she wants one now too.

Now for the obligatory gun porn...

Very nice David - handy little pocket companion indeed.

Edited December 5, 2010 by 7dogguy
can't spell

[Jasongar8]

I have the .40 and love it. It is a handful though.

[leroy]

David and all our Kahr toting brothers and sisters:______________

I (...like all of you...) like the "little" kahrs. I think they are the ultimate pocket pistol to date.

In regards to the "break in". What is your collective opinion about the break in? Do the kahrs need the "rough

edges" worn off; or are they built so tight that they need to be loosened up?

What da ya think?

Leroy

PS-- David; I really like tha kahr. I'm waiting to find a "lightly used, lovingly cared for" oney myself!

[Raoul]

David and all our Kahr toting brothers and sisters:______________

I (...like all of you...) like the "little" kahrs. I think they are the ultimate pocket pistol to date.

In regards to the "break in". What is your collective opinion about the break in? Do the kahrs need the "rough

edges" worn off; or are they built so tight that they need to be loosened up?

What da ya think?

Leroy

PS-- David; I really like tha kahr. I'm waiting to find a "lightly used, lovingly cared for" oney myself!

My personal experience is that you need to shoot them to break them in. They are very tight at first but after a few hundred rounds they really become a pleasure to shoot.

[hipower]

I'm about to go off on a slight tangent here, so I got this Kahr K9 stainless a while back. Love the trigger on it. I think it's on a par with the SR9c, maybe even a little better...or softer anyway. But haven't had much range time with it yet, so how do you Kahr guys compare the PM9 to it? I'd welcome any comments. Thanks.