Help K9 vs P9 recoil?

[Mark in GA]

I am looking to buy a Kahr 9mm soon and I am trying to decide between the steel vs. polymer models. This will be a CCW for my wife. I have never fired a Kahr so I am not sure what the recoil will be like.

I am torn because if the gun kicks too hard she won't want to shoot it enough to get good with it. Is it is too heavy, I am afraid she will leave it at home.

I used to have an all steel S&W 640 357 mag that she could shoot pretty well w/ +P 38's in it. How do the K9 and P9 compare to that?

I am thinking the K9 might kick a little less or about the same while the P9 would kick harder. Please help with out by passing along your first hand experience.

Thanks,
Mark in GA

[Big Mike 1939]

Trust me, your S&W has more muzzle flip that either the P9 or the K9. Because the barrel is low the major recoil is straight back with some muzzle lift, but not like a revolver with similiar loads. I personally like the polymer guns.(I have 3) The PM series have more felt recoil than the P series. I think she would be comfortable with either, but the weight of the K series gets old if carried a lot.

[tabor-pm-9]

Originally posted by Big Mike 1939
The PM series have more felt recoil than the P series. I think she would be comfortable with either, but the weight of the K series gets old if carried a lot.

My PM9 has A LOT more felt recoil than my mom's K9. I disagree that the K9 in too heavy to carry, but I carry a Walther P99, so I guess "different strokes." How would your wife be carrying? I would be hesitant to buy the P9 when the TP9 is for all intents and purposes just as easy to conceal.

[Denied]

Been carrying the P for a couple of years now in a waist band holster, every waking hour. Shoots well, recoil is very manageable and easy to conceal.

[u084708]

I have a P9 Covert that I find very comfortable to shoot. I don't have a K9 to compare it to, but it is lightweight to carry and can essentially become a P9 if you use a +1 extended magazine.

Foxmoor

[josp]

I've had two K9's and am now on my second P9. The K9's have a little less felt recoil in my opinion, but there are both easier to shoot than my old J frames with +p loads.
I went to the P series for easier carrying. The K requires a holster on the belt or waistband, and I like to carry in the pocket especially at summertime. The lighter weight of the P series makes this easy.
If you stay with non +p 9mm rounds for a while I think she'll be fine. My wife shoots my P9 occasionally and doesn't complain, but I know she only really likes her Walther P22 (non carry gun). There are recoil reducing guide rods out there that I've read about, but have no experience with. That could also be a solution for you.

[Lynn D]

I'll offer up my experience. Only have P9, and not anything else really to compare. It took me a bit of practice to get the recoil under control, as this was my first gun. That said, I got accustomed to it and can control it so well that the gun does not move much after each shot.

I carry IWB quite comfortably on your basic man's belt. I've not ever carried a K-series, but have handled them. I can see that they might be "heavy" at the end of the day. Then again, it's all up to your wife with this one.

Best wishes to you both.

Lynn

[jpshaw]

I'll echo Lynn. P9

[VictorLouis]

If she's okay with +Ps from a steel J-frame. :)

[MTPD]

My petite wife carries a CW9, which is the economical version of the P9. She likes it just fine and never has complained about the recoil. It has functioned flawlessly with over 600 rounds fired. It cost $390.00 new, plus TX sales tax.:thumbsup:

[jpshaw]

I am a P9/CW9 fan for carry and feel the recoil is very managable. Some of that extra recoil of the P9 and CW9 over the K is the very thin grips. Its the thin grips that aid in its concealability. If you finds the recoil to be a little much just put a "Agrip" on it.

[swank]

I have owned both a K9 and a P9. The K9 was definately more comfortable at the range; little wider grip, more weight, less felt recoil. Nice rubber grips too. Wasn't as good as the P9 for concealed carry though. Sold the K9 and carry the P9 daily. Nice and thin, much lighter, just right for pocket carry or IWB and gobbles anything you put down the pipe. 100% reliable to boot!

If you're looking strictly for a range gun and home protection, it's hard to beat the K9 (or any alloy framed Kahr for that matter). Won't let you down, you can shoot it all day and there's a variety of ammo to choose from. Although not as comfortable a range gun, the P9 is just super for CCW. Too many rounds at the range and the stipling on the front strap may become a bother, as others have mentioned.

Of all the carry guns I've had over the years, I like the P9 the best. The last CCW piece I had was a Sig P232 in blue. After six months of IWB carry (in Florida) against my sweaty bod, the slide started to rust. Hence my move to a polymer frame with stainless slide. 9MM to boot - what a deal!!!!

Your original post stated "This will be a CCW for my wife." I vote for the P9 - for what it's worth, IMHO:rofl:

NRA Life Member
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