View Full Version : choosing the RIGHT kahr is hard
i decided i want a KAHR but cannot decide which one
this is a hard choice
i like the t9 alot but not sure if i want a fullsize
i like the K9/k40 thinking the all metal frame will help with recoil a lil bit
also like the PM 9/PM 40 but i dont imagine either being fun to shoot
choices choices man this is hard
To me the M series offers the most. You can do pocket carry with the fluch mag or belt carry with an extended mag. You lose a little velocity and sight radius but make up for it with versatility.
c_w_cunningham
02-06-2005, 07:45
I don't find my P9 or PM9 punishing in the least. The PM9 has more "lively" recoil, but it doesn't approach the punishment you take when shooting a .357 magnum in a small frame revolver. It's more like a .38 special light weight small frame revolver. If you buy a PM9, keep in mind that you will probably need to fire around 200 to 300 rounds through it as a break-in period. Mine required about 250, after that it has functioned reliably, but when I first got it, it would fail to feed about once a magazine, then it was about once every other magazine and this tapered off, then it started feeding %100 by about 250 rounds.
Michigun, as well as several other members here tout the P9 Covert. If I could only buy ONE Kahr, it would probably be the P9 Covert, but I don't currently own one, yet. I think the Covert model is a nice balance between the P9 and the PM9.
I would think that if you require the smallest gun possible it would narrow your choice down to either the MK9 or the PM9 by default.
Otherwise, you're looking for a belt gun. As has been said on another thread here - if you can only have one Kahr, buy the K9. Buy a good holster and belt to go with it (you should have a good belt if your gunny anyway) and forget about the weight.
Think thats the problem
Dont know what i want
i usuallay cary a G 23 iwb
and a S&W 340PD with 158 grain .357 gold dots in my left front pocket.
so all the bases are covered i just like the THINESS of the Kahr gotta go to the range and see if i cant shoot me some
Conservadude
02-07-2005, 16:38
Just tossing in my 2-bits. I wouldn't say the PM9 is hard to shoot or too 'lively'. My 9-yr old son shoots it and he's a weenie when it comes to not liking recoil. At only 16 ounces unloaded, it has a little muzzle flip to it but if your grip is correct (backstrap tight on web between thumb and hand) and you've been practicing follow-through as you should be, then the gun just goes 'pop' and bounces back on target. I let a friend shoot it this weekend (his first Kahr experience) and he did a quick draw from a pocket and rapid-fired 6 rounds into a target that was about 20' away. The sucker's good ...all were within about a 5" circle. He didn't have an issue with muzzle flip, but did remark on the longer pull (compared to his Glock) saying that you had to move your trigger finger further forward to reset. He then shot golf balls at 75' with it and hit most of them. Now I know it's not the gun when I miss a target ...sigh. My friend was quite impressed with the gun's feel, operation, fit, quality, and accuracy ...but preferred the shorter pull of the Glocks. He constantly complains about lack of accuracy in Glocks ...but then again, he's kind of anal about shooting perfectly and has the awards to prove it.
Brian
Mud....
I guess you're going to have to decide once and for all just what your intentions and wants are.
I'm one of those who still doesn't like plastic in guns. Yeah, yeah....I know that some of the modern plastics are pretty darn good, but that's my preference. Anyway, lightness is good, but not as comfortable to shoot.
Do you require deep concealment? The MK series is your answer. If you want a gun to carry on the belt or in a shoulder holster, the K series will fit just fine and they are better for comfortable shooting. I already had a tiny Seecamp for pocket carry, so the K series was right for me.
If power is your thing, the 40sw might get an edge over the 9mm. I got the K40 for this reason. The K40 is a little uncomfortable to shoot, because the top of the web rests right on the second knuckle of my thumb....those who have bigger or smaller hands than I do might not experience this problem. It is of small concern anyway, because I really don't notice the soreness until after a shooting session.
Like you, and others, I have several carry guns.....each with a different carry choice.
The Seecamp for pocket, Makarov for IWB, S&W 36 for OWB, and the K40 Kahr for shoulder holster carry. This is the choices I've made, and those who choose to carry differently certainly aren't unjustified in your own personal choices.
I find that the weight of the K40 carries very well in the shoulder holster....something to think about.
hog
http://pic12.picturetrail.com/VOL431/781008/1425902/78911815.jpg
Not a hard choice to me, my brothers.
The Kahr K9 all the way. No hesitation. Get others if you want to, that's THE carry gun. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Conservadude
02-08-2005, 16:39
Can't argue with the K9, but for deep carry the PM9 is better. It virtually disappears into whatever you are wearing ...only 0.9" thick. Take THAT you G26 lovers! (Haha, And ...I couldn't afford both ...had to pick just one.)
Brian
Jerseycitysteve
02-10-2005, 19:52
I went to the range today to practice the Mozambique Drill (triple taps) with my K9. What a sweet shooting pistol. With 115 grain pmc fmj, the muzzle barely climbs at all. I sometimes miss the head shot but practice makes perfect. ;)
I carry my K9 in an IWB holster all the time. For a slim belt gun you can't do better. I may be buying a pm9 as a pocket pistol but I'm in no rush.
CougarRed
02-11-2005, 01:51
Hi Mud.
I went thru your decision matrix last year. I chose a used Kahr K9 Elite 98 as my first Kahr. I read so many articles praising the K9, and the articles were right. Great gun.
I liked it so much I decided to get a smaller Kahr for everyday concealed carry. Not that the K9 isn't small. But it is a little heavy for its size.
I decided on a 9mm, after concluding there really any difference in terminal ballistics between the 9mm and 40, and you get 1 more round with the 9mm in Kahr guns than the 40.
I looked at the PM9 and P9 Covert. The P9 Covert has a short grip like the PM9, but a slightly longer barrel and slide. The Covert is also a little cheaper. I chose the Covert, and I love it.
As for recoil, I can shoot my Covert all day long with no pain or soreness. Very comfortable to shoot, aided by the A-Grip and Handall Jr. grip sleeve.
Good luck with your choice.
Owning every model in 9mm at one time and still owning 14 in which some are duplicates, I go back and forth between what is the best model. The MK9 Elite 03, I give this gun so many props on this board for a reason. Not only is it machine precise but than it is finished of by hand. I have learned how to master carrying the gun that many feel are just too heavy for comfort. Let me share. There are holsters that fit inside the waistband and have two belt loops with snaps. Don hume makes a better one than some that are three times it's price. Picture a regular old school clock.At the 1:30 mark, closer tothe front than the typical hip or kidney carry, it lays much firmer and you can still sit and stand. if your a lefty it would be the 10:30 mark. The most comfort is to ahve it where the grip faces forwards (cross-grip syle) and you can do that by switching it to your week side. The weight balance works out perfect and if you nedd to get the gun out its coming out.
It's not their most expensive gun for a reason. On the other hand i have seen some botched up polishing jobs that have burn marks from teh dremel they use. You can always request an MK9 elite 03 without the sides and slide being brushed.
Quickly, i'll give you my second choice of the basic P9 or covert option. It gives you a little more room to work on than the micros and have benn around longer to get the kinks out. I find it a great size gun for carry.(I am pro-metal but I am starting to open up to the polymers since I have so many that I never have used or opened. Straight to the safe.
regards,
compman
MK9 Box model.
$398.00 NIB out the door from local dealer
It is the best CCW for size.
I went with the metal instead of PM9.
It is great reliable and fun to shoot.
I would recommed this one in a second.
Mud,
Simply knowing you are tuff enough to carry a 340PD with 158gr Gold Dots I know shooting a PM9 or a PM40 will be like "plinky" with a 22!
I know this because I too carry and "rarely" shoot a 340PD with 158gr Gold Dots! ;)
I find my PM9 to be a wonderful balacne of size, weight, caliber, and capacity, but thats just me.
I rarely carry PM9 in anything but a Hedley Pocket holster. I feel that if I can conceal an IWB or OWB its going to be a 40 or 45, but again, thats just me.
Good Luck! :)
BONE if i cant find a range that rents em maybe you and me can hook up for a shooting session?
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