PM9, P9, or P9 covert Please help

[lhgdale]

Hello, I am about to purchase a Kahr for one of my CCW but am having a hard time deciding on which one. I like the PM9 for its size and ease of concealment but have read some bad reviews from owner about various problems with the gun and the extended mag. The P9 has a 1/2 inch larger barrel and about the same for the grip but I have read nothing bad about this gun. I would greatly appreciate some input on this. I went to the local gun shop and held each gun they both feel really good and fit my small hands perfectly. Thanks for the info.

Also after reading a few posts in Kahr club I think I want to add the P9 covert in the mix. The gun shop did not have a covert but I guess it feels close to the PM9. What do you think about it?

[craig_o]

The problems associated with the PM9 are 100% manageable. Don't buy in to the hype.

If I were you I would buy whichever was cheaper. Concealability is not going to differ much (I would go so far as to say a difference only in the case of pocket carry).

I believe the P9 Covert only comes with a stainless slide, which I personally dislike strongly.

Also, if I were going to get a .40 (I think it's too much of a niche caliber) I would definitely go the Covert route.

[Tough Guy Levi]

Howdy lhgdale:

My Kahr PM 9 (VA 59XX - mfg June 03) has "digested" over 7400 rounds and has been 100% reliable since purchased new June 05. Depending upon your concealment requirements, you can't go wrong with either weapons (PM 9mm - barrel 3" vs P9 Covert barrel - 3.5"). Your body shape and how you carry your weapon probably will be your decision factors.

Usually I am in business attire at work thus carrying my Kahr is out of the question. Fridays are my dress-down days thus today I'm wearing jeans, T-Shirt and a sweatshirt. I'm able to carry my Kahr in a IWB Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 (carrying spare in Desantis weak side pocket magazine "holster". In business attire I usually carry a NAA Guardian .32acp in a Kramer Below the Waist-Band holster plus an extra magazine in Milt Sparks pocket magazine "holster". Weekends when riding my Harley, I carry one of the above plus,don't laugh, a Baby Browning .25acp Lightweight including an extra magazine (no pocket hoster). Sit down for the following: I purchased new my Browning in 1967 for $57.50 including a box of ammo and IWB holster. I still have the receipt! There are some things you never through way and my receipt in one of them!!

I'm happy with my PM 9mm but have considered purchasing a P9 Covert for training purposes because of the longer sight radius. I don't know if a half inch would make that much of a differnce to warrant purchasing the P9 Covert.

Happy New Year

Tough Guy Levi
SASS# 61430L
NRA Pistol/Per. Def. Instructor

[dkochan]

How will you be carrying your new Kahr? If you plan to carry IWB, get the P9. Otherwise, if you want to carry in a pants pocket, get the PM9. All my Kahr 9mm pistols have been accurate. I own a PM9, P9 and TP9.

[TommyTomTom]

I've put hundreds of rounds through my P9s (I have one now, but have had two since 2002), and I love it. My P9 is flawless from what I can tell, i.e., great finish, polymer frame is clean, smooth machining, etc. No failures of any kind either.

My brother's PM9 (subject to the barrel recall) has also been flawless. I think he's going to send it in this year just to be safe, but it feeds everything as well.

I think the P9 is just about perfect and I can't think of anything I would change on it.

[craig_o]

I just wanted to add:

Either choice will be a great one. I doubt shootability will make much difference (I have NO personal experience to back that up!).

My personal belief is that a CCW that you want to have with you ALL the time needs to be small enough to be put in your pocket (though SmartCarry is possibly the most versitile carry platform, if you're bundled up for cold weather it's gonna be hard to utilise... thus the jacket pocket carry option is, in my mind, critical for Gun #1)

For instance: I work at a Starbucks. When I'm carrying at work, I will be using a Desantis pocket holster in case there is a VIOLENT robbery (some crackhead with a knife can take the money; I'm not gonna shoot anyone unless there's imminent danger to myself, a customer or another employee) because getting to my SmartCarry would be tricky with a tucked-in shirt and an apron - I have flexibility thanks to the PM9. However, if I'm going for a run outside or I'm wearing an untucked shirt/going to be doing a lot of standing/sitting I want the extra invisibility SmartCarry offers (which is compromised more and more by larger guns).

After your always gun, a medium or full size gun makes sense just because the other category is settled.

All of this depends quite a bit on how you intend to carry. Yes, both the PM9 and P9 Covert are quite compact and very concealable... but the PM9 slightly moreso.

[SARDG]

My PM9 (VC47xx) has about 300+ rnds through it. The only problems whatsoever were 2 FTB because of a misfed (first) rnd from the high capacity mag. This happened twice within the first 100 rnds. There has not been a single other problem since, with either mag. I personally like to practice with the smaller mags because that's the way I carry it and the way I'll have to use it. Although my pinky dangles, I really don't have a problem gripping it or limp-wristing.

Before I shot it new, I cleaned and lubed it according to the lube diagram on this site and I continue to do that after each trip to the range.

I love this little gun and consistently get about a 1 1/2" - 2" group at 21' (uh, slow fire). The trigger will probably require some getting used to before you get that group. My 2-rnd, quick taps are not so good.

I use a Galco IWB UDC which seems to work well - though really made for the P9. It does take a dangerously long time to get to though, if I use the holster as a tuckable.

[lhgdale]

Thanks for all the info guys. I plan to pocket carry or with a Clipdraw I know it's not everyones cup of tea but I have read alot of good reviews of it and really want to try it out. I can get it for 15.00 so it's worth a try. I have alot of holsters for my 1911's and glocks and really want another option for carry. From what I have read if I do the proper break in and do normal maintenance cleaning and lubing either of the guns I listed will work just fine. It is a hard choice though. I really don't want to get one and then wish I had gotten the other.

Thanks again.

[josp]

Just a vote here for the P9 covert. I've had two. Both are reliable. The first was sold to a fellow at work (stupidly) so I had to replace it. I carry it at work and when not working everyday. I have several friends that have PM9's and like them, I just always liked the little longer slide for the "shootability" of it.