powernoodle
06-21-2004, 09:11
PM9 review
The Kahr “blackened stainless” Polymer Micro 9mm (PM9) was introduced at the 2003 Shot Show. Like its successful sibling, the stainless finished PM9, the blackened flavor weighs in at just under 16 oz. The most notable distinguishing feature of the blackened model is the Tungsten DLC finish. Produced by Bodycote, and formerly known as Black Diamond, the matte finish produces an attractive (and apparently durable) blackened slide that matches nicely with the polymer frame. Under the finish is a CNC-milled stainless slide, riding on steel inserts in the frame. Like the stainless-finished version, the blackened model features a 3.0" “match grade” (isn’t everything?) polygonal rifled barrel, double recoil spring and stainless steel guide rod. Standard are flush-fitting 6-round and extended 7-round magazines, both again formed of stainless. Those who like the durability and rust-resistance of stainless steel will find plenty of it in the diminuative PM9.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/p657e0974558478f27631a547fbaf624f/f82e0835.jpg
Kahr PM9
My blackened PM9 is of recent production. Serial number VB1XXX, it was manufactured in late May, 2004, and was purchased in early June, 2004. I had long been curious about the PM9 and Kahrs in general, but was reluctant to purchase given my perception that early models were sometimes lacking in quality. Whether or not my perception was grounded in fact, I waited on purchasing my first Kahr until recently. I’m glad I made the leap.
The PM9 is a small gun by any measure. This is especially true given that it spits out a “major” caliber generally regarded by most as at least adequate for up-close self-defense. The gun is 5.3” long, only 4.0” high, and a scant 0.90” wide. It weighs in at 15.9 oz. For comparison, the other small 9’s in my collection include the Kel-tec P11 at 5.6” x 4.3” x 1” and 20 oz., and the Glock 26 at 6.3” x 4.2” x 1.2” and 21.75 oz. Whereas the PM9 carries 6+1 rounds of 9mm with the flush-fitting mag, the thicker P11 and G26 carry a full 10+1. While size is subjective (make your own joke), I find the PM9 to be easy to carry in the front pocket in an Uncle Mike’s size 3 pocket holster, with the P11 being difficult, and the G26 all but impossible. Those fractions of inches and few ounces make a big difference. The difference can most easily been seen in the second picture below:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/pa12f87d7482150592ae8043707832b7b/f82e083a.jpg
L-R: Glock 26, Kel-tec P11, Kahr PM9
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/p9b1b1a799a9f66952734b55ef0fe3ed0/f82e0833.jpg
L-R: PM9, P11, G26
Others can draw their own conclusions in this regard, but for me the PM9 has been a joy to carry in this manner. Since purchasing it, giving it a ramp and hood polishing, and making sure its goes bang, it has been my sole carry gun. This is high praise, given that I have a healthy stash of Glocks, 1911s, Hi-Powers, CZs and others from which to choose. Riding in my front pocket and replacing my usual Glock or 1911 carried IWB, it liberates me from the constant struggle not to reveal the butt of the gun when I bend or twist. Now I can even tuck my shirt in like a grown-up. For me, drawing from a front pocket is no more difficult that drawing from under a t-shirt IWB. I have a Blade-Tech IWB holster for the PM9 on order, and am looking forward to seeing how it works out.
Many PM9 owners add an Agrip, Hogue Handall Jr., and/or Pearce grip extension. I have never tried the Agrip, and find its looks unappealing. It looks like black moss to me. Those who have tried it often praise it. I do like the Hogue Handall, and most of my Glocks and Kel-tec sport them. Today in the mail I received from Brownell's a pair of Pearce grip extensions. The extension easily slips on the bottom of the flush magazine, replacing the factory floor plate and insert. While it completely changes the character of the gun (for the better, IMO) by adding a place for your pinkie to rest, I'll be leaving it off for pocket carry. For those who carry IWB, or don't carry the PM9 at all, the Pearce extension may be recommended. For those so inclined, it can be ground down to suit your tastes.
On to performance. After the obligatory fluff and buff, a detailed version of which for the P11 can be found at www.ktog.org, I ran 248 rounds of S&B and Blazer 115gr fmj thru the gun. I was very pleased to note not a single failure to feed, nor failure to extract, nor failure to go bang. While any gun costing $500+ should go bang every time, not every gun does. Nothing but pull the trigger and bang with this one. Not only is that what we expect from a self-defense pistol, it is what we need. Kahr advises to feed the gun 200 rounds before testing for reliability, but mine was good to go from the outset. As I’ve stated on another thread, a little TLC in the form of polishing the ramp and exterior barrel surfaces with a dremel likely helped in the reliability department by more or less “breaking in” the gun before it had been fired. I worked until the barrel surfaces and ramp had a slick, mirror-like finish. I also hand-cycled the slide a couple of hundred times before firing. This in itself was not easy, as the dual recoil springs are stiff, and the tiny slide somewhat hard to grasp. Since the initial 248 round session, 124gr +P Gold Dots have been equally reliable.
Like size, recoil is subjective. I was pleasantly surprised, as the PM9 exhibited what was, to me, a very mild recoil. While properly described as “snappy”, which is what one would expect from such a small, lightweight gun, I found it on par with the Glock 26. In my hands, the P11 is downright punishing, but much of this I believe is attributable to the loooooong, haaaaaard trigger pull on the P11 that serves to make shooting more of a chore than a pleasure. The PM9 settled in nicely, and controlled pairs at short distances were not difficult after becoming acquainted with the gun. This gun won’t be used for self-defense at long distances, as that scenario would find me running instead of shooting. The standard drift-adjustible sights functioned well, with the front dot being held over the rear sight’s vertical bar. At under 15 yards, where most of my shooting was conducted, holding the dot right on the expected impact point produced good results. On my gun, a “six o’clock hold” would produce a low group. That’s good, because I like to hold the dot right where I want my shot to go.
The trigger on the little PM9 is also something to be praised. It is quite different from both the G26 and the P11 triggers. Whereas the G26 has the typical Glock 2-stage pull, with a loose take-up being followed by a somewhat mushy second stage, the PM9 exhibited a smooth, easy pull which I would estimate in the 9 pound range. Just a guess. Heavier than the light G26 pull, but clearly lighter than the heavier trigger one might expect on a P11 or Smithy J-frame, for example. I found it to be a pleasure, and experienced no fatigue after the 248 round session. This gun is not only a carry gun, but is a shooter as well. I’ve read elsewhere that all polymer Kahrs have the upgraded “elite” trigger. Someone smarter than me can elaborate, but I do know that I like it.
I have not benched the gun nor chronoed it. Stephen A. Camp reports that at least with lightweight Tritons, a Kahr MK9 with the same 3” barrel as the PM9 ran about 100 fps slower than did a 3.5” barreled Glock 26 with the same round. A similar differential could be expected from other rounds. For those who care, Mr. Camp has produced an interesting book on 9mm ballistics in Browning Hi-Powers, which provides good data for anyone interested in the 9mm round in any gun. Given the pocket-sized self-defense mission of the PM9, fist-sized groups I made (slow fire, unsupported) at 25 yards are more than adequate.
As most folks know, Kahr is marketing a .40 caliber version of the PM9 called the PM40. If it is found to function as reliably as the PM9, it will be a good choice for those who are willing to accept the added recoil and slightly reduced capacity of the .40. It is worth noting that Kel-tec’s foray into .40 caliber mini-guns was a failure, as alleged problems with limp-wristing caused so many of their P40’s to be returned to Cocoa, Florida, that production was ceased. Hopefully the same fate will not befall Kahr’s little .40. I am probably not among those who will purchase one, but either caliber in such a small package produces one of the best caliber to size ratios you will find, especially in true pocket guns. In the $500 and up range, they are priced competitively with the baby Glocks (G26, G27 and G33) but at least $250 more than the P11.
Given the PM9’s size, reliability, big-boy caliber, and lifetime warranty, I find its worth it. You only remember the cost of the guns that don’t function reliably. As such, you likely won’t remember what you paid for your PM9.
Upsides: size, reliability, caliber, stainless components, trigger, warranty. Unlike Kel-tec and Glock, Kahr actually responds to email, and even apologized for the delay after a 3-day wait. I hope never to find out if they have good customer service.
Downsides: yet unproven long-term durability (both gun and finish), little trap door on the right side of the grip which must be removed for a detail strip; needs witness marks on right side of slide to aid in take-down (it has ‘em on the left side). Not much else.
Best regards.
The Kahr “blackened stainless” Polymer Micro 9mm (PM9) was introduced at the 2003 Shot Show. Like its successful sibling, the stainless finished PM9, the blackened flavor weighs in at just under 16 oz. The most notable distinguishing feature of the blackened model is the Tungsten DLC finish. Produced by Bodycote, and formerly known as Black Diamond, the matte finish produces an attractive (and apparently durable) blackened slide that matches nicely with the polymer frame. Under the finish is a CNC-milled stainless slide, riding on steel inserts in the frame. Like the stainless-finished version, the blackened model features a 3.0" “match grade” (isn’t everything?) polygonal rifled barrel, double recoil spring and stainless steel guide rod. Standard are flush-fitting 6-round and extended 7-round magazines, both again formed of stainless. Those who like the durability and rust-resistance of stainless steel will find plenty of it in the diminuative PM9.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/p657e0974558478f27631a547fbaf624f/f82e0835.jpg
Kahr PM9
My blackened PM9 is of recent production. Serial number VB1XXX, it was manufactured in late May, 2004, and was purchased in early June, 2004. I had long been curious about the PM9 and Kahrs in general, but was reluctant to purchase given my perception that early models were sometimes lacking in quality. Whether or not my perception was grounded in fact, I waited on purchasing my first Kahr until recently. I’m glad I made the leap.
The PM9 is a small gun by any measure. This is especially true given that it spits out a “major” caliber generally regarded by most as at least adequate for up-close self-defense. The gun is 5.3” long, only 4.0” high, and a scant 0.90” wide. It weighs in at 15.9 oz. For comparison, the other small 9’s in my collection include the Kel-tec P11 at 5.6” x 4.3” x 1” and 20 oz., and the Glock 26 at 6.3” x 4.2” x 1.2” and 21.75 oz. Whereas the PM9 carries 6+1 rounds of 9mm with the flush-fitting mag, the thicker P11 and G26 carry a full 10+1. While size is subjective (make your own joke), I find the PM9 to be easy to carry in the front pocket in an Uncle Mike’s size 3 pocket holster, with the P11 being difficult, and the G26 all but impossible. Those fractions of inches and few ounces make a big difference. The difference can most easily been seen in the second picture below:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/pa12f87d7482150592ae8043707832b7b/f82e083a.jpg
L-R: Glock 26, Kel-tec P11, Kahr PM9
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid122/p9b1b1a799a9f66952734b55ef0fe3ed0/f82e0833.jpg
L-R: PM9, P11, G26
Others can draw their own conclusions in this regard, but for me the PM9 has been a joy to carry in this manner. Since purchasing it, giving it a ramp and hood polishing, and making sure its goes bang, it has been my sole carry gun. This is high praise, given that I have a healthy stash of Glocks, 1911s, Hi-Powers, CZs and others from which to choose. Riding in my front pocket and replacing my usual Glock or 1911 carried IWB, it liberates me from the constant struggle not to reveal the butt of the gun when I bend or twist. Now I can even tuck my shirt in like a grown-up. For me, drawing from a front pocket is no more difficult that drawing from under a t-shirt IWB. I have a Blade-Tech IWB holster for the PM9 on order, and am looking forward to seeing how it works out.
Many PM9 owners add an Agrip, Hogue Handall Jr., and/or Pearce grip extension. I have never tried the Agrip, and find its looks unappealing. It looks like black moss to me. Those who have tried it often praise it. I do like the Hogue Handall, and most of my Glocks and Kel-tec sport them. Today in the mail I received from Brownell's a pair of Pearce grip extensions. The extension easily slips on the bottom of the flush magazine, replacing the factory floor plate and insert. While it completely changes the character of the gun (for the better, IMO) by adding a place for your pinkie to rest, I'll be leaving it off for pocket carry. For those who carry IWB, or don't carry the PM9 at all, the Pearce extension may be recommended. For those so inclined, it can be ground down to suit your tastes.
On to performance. After the obligatory fluff and buff, a detailed version of which for the P11 can be found at www.ktog.org, I ran 248 rounds of S&B and Blazer 115gr fmj thru the gun. I was very pleased to note not a single failure to feed, nor failure to extract, nor failure to go bang. While any gun costing $500+ should go bang every time, not every gun does. Nothing but pull the trigger and bang with this one. Not only is that what we expect from a self-defense pistol, it is what we need. Kahr advises to feed the gun 200 rounds before testing for reliability, but mine was good to go from the outset. As I’ve stated on another thread, a little TLC in the form of polishing the ramp and exterior barrel surfaces with a dremel likely helped in the reliability department by more or less “breaking in” the gun before it had been fired. I worked until the barrel surfaces and ramp had a slick, mirror-like finish. I also hand-cycled the slide a couple of hundred times before firing. This in itself was not easy, as the dual recoil springs are stiff, and the tiny slide somewhat hard to grasp. Since the initial 248 round session, 124gr +P Gold Dots have been equally reliable.
Like size, recoil is subjective. I was pleasantly surprised, as the PM9 exhibited what was, to me, a very mild recoil. While properly described as “snappy”, which is what one would expect from such a small, lightweight gun, I found it on par with the Glock 26. In my hands, the P11 is downright punishing, but much of this I believe is attributable to the loooooong, haaaaaard trigger pull on the P11 that serves to make shooting more of a chore than a pleasure. The PM9 settled in nicely, and controlled pairs at short distances were not difficult after becoming acquainted with the gun. This gun won’t be used for self-defense at long distances, as that scenario would find me running instead of shooting. The standard drift-adjustible sights functioned well, with the front dot being held over the rear sight’s vertical bar. At under 15 yards, where most of my shooting was conducted, holding the dot right on the expected impact point produced good results. On my gun, a “six o’clock hold” would produce a low group. That’s good, because I like to hold the dot right where I want my shot to go.
The trigger on the little PM9 is also something to be praised. It is quite different from both the G26 and the P11 triggers. Whereas the G26 has the typical Glock 2-stage pull, with a loose take-up being followed by a somewhat mushy second stage, the PM9 exhibited a smooth, easy pull which I would estimate in the 9 pound range. Just a guess. Heavier than the light G26 pull, but clearly lighter than the heavier trigger one might expect on a P11 or Smithy J-frame, for example. I found it to be a pleasure, and experienced no fatigue after the 248 round session. This gun is not only a carry gun, but is a shooter as well. I’ve read elsewhere that all polymer Kahrs have the upgraded “elite” trigger. Someone smarter than me can elaborate, but I do know that I like it.
I have not benched the gun nor chronoed it. Stephen A. Camp reports that at least with lightweight Tritons, a Kahr MK9 with the same 3” barrel as the PM9 ran about 100 fps slower than did a 3.5” barreled Glock 26 with the same round. A similar differential could be expected from other rounds. For those who care, Mr. Camp has produced an interesting book on 9mm ballistics in Browning Hi-Powers, which provides good data for anyone interested in the 9mm round in any gun. Given the pocket-sized self-defense mission of the PM9, fist-sized groups I made (slow fire, unsupported) at 25 yards are more than adequate.
As most folks know, Kahr is marketing a .40 caliber version of the PM9 called the PM40. If it is found to function as reliably as the PM9, it will be a good choice for those who are willing to accept the added recoil and slightly reduced capacity of the .40. It is worth noting that Kel-tec’s foray into .40 caliber mini-guns was a failure, as alleged problems with limp-wristing caused so many of their P40’s to be returned to Cocoa, Florida, that production was ceased. Hopefully the same fate will not befall Kahr’s little .40. I am probably not among those who will purchase one, but either caliber in such a small package produces one of the best caliber to size ratios you will find, especially in true pocket guns. In the $500 and up range, they are priced competitively with the baby Glocks (G26, G27 and G33) but at least $250 more than the P11.
Given the PM9’s size, reliability, big-boy caliber, and lifetime warranty, I find its worth it. You only remember the cost of the guns that don’t function reliably. As such, you likely won’t remember what you paid for your PM9.
Upsides: size, reliability, caliber, stainless components, trigger, warranty. Unlike Kel-tec and Glock, Kahr actually responds to email, and even apologized for the delay after a 3-day wait. I hope never to find out if they have good customer service.
Downsides: yet unproven long-term durability (both gun and finish), little trap door on the right side of the grip which must be removed for a detail strip; needs witness marks on right side of slide to aid in take-down (it has ‘em on the left side). Not much else.
Best regards.