Kahr MK9/PM9, urrrr...

[Guest ladybuglady]

Anybody have experience with a Kahr MK9 or PM9? I'm a first time semi-auto buyer and would appreciate any tips. Are they ammo picky? Are there differences between the two types besides the material used/weight?

I'd love to hear recommendations for other guns that are of similar specs. My preferences: subcompact, 9mm (b/c of the cheap ammo), fun to shoot, reliable and I like a little recoil. I carry a 38 spl snub but would like a semi for target shooting with carrying potential.

Thanks!

Cat

[Oh Shoot]

Can only tell you I have about 500 rounds through PM9 now, and except for one or two failures of slide to completely return to battery in the first 50 rounds or so, has been rock solid (and just a quick tap of the slide corrected those). Chance I limp wristed on those, too; then again, conventional wisdom (and Kahr instructions) are to go through 200 rounds before even considering that there might be a prob.

Have shot mostly Winchester White Box, but also while settling in on a defensive load, 50 Remington JHP, 40 Federal HydaShok, and now 75 Golden Saber which I guess I'll carry. All flawless. Have left gun loaded, one in pipe, second mag loaded, for 3 weeks carrying around house; gun fired from that condition at range, flawless.

It seems to be about as accurate as any other handgun I've ever owned (but make no claims to be a particularly good marksman).

Gonna use in pocket in StellarRigs gizmo, 25oz with second mag in a 6x4.5x1" package (including the holster) is certainly conducive to ALWAYS being armed.

Only "drawback" is starting with "only" 7 shots, but everything in the self-defense equation involves some sort of trade off between all the possible variables.

If you were ONLY looking for a target piece, this isn't best choice, of course; no 3" barrel would be.

- OS

[Guest db99wj]

Don't forget the CW909 , http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_cw.html.;

That is their least inexpensive option. Canynracer on here has one, Kahrman, there are some more that will be in here later and can give you first hand experiences. From what I know, from Canynracer, I know him away from here as well, is that they great, they do have about a 200 round breakin period, that you have to go through, they are very tight and need to be broken in. I haven't heard Canyn say anything about being finicky with ammo.

Edited August 13, 2008 by db99wj
Meant to say 200 instead of 500

[Guest m4coyote]

I have a PM9 with DLC coating and night sights. It has been a very dependable pistol, and will be my carry choice when my HCP finally arrives. My PM9 is surprisingly accurate, and is the equal to my G19 in that department.

I had one round not completely return to battery at around round count 175, but a simple tap to the back of the slide made it go bang. In order to minimize initial malfunctions, I suggest that you hand cycle the PM9 slide quite a bit before actually shooting. These guns have an extremely tight slide to frame tolerance when they are new, and really need to go through the 200 round break in before they can be relied upon as a dependable carry weapon.

[Guest nj.piney]

and welcome to tgo.

[RDL]

Just ordered a PM9 today from my local gun shop. Should be here tomorrow or Friday. Can't wait to tr it out.

[Oh Shoot]

Just ordered a PM9 today from my local gun shop. Should be here tomorrow or Friday. Can't wait to tr it out.

Just in Case Hint:

Note that is highly recommended (by Kahr AND users) to chamber first round using slide release, rather than manually pulling back slide.

Most common first "problem" with Kahrs (not really a problem).

Most users say after breaking in they have no probs doing it manually, but I still use slide release, even after 500 rounds, as I find it just as easy, and dead on reliable.

Also, suggested you clean the pistol before first firing...

I did, but dunno if that's really necessary. But I WOULD at least lock slide back and put a drop of oil on the metal slide rails in the body, underneath back of slide, on barrel, etc, cycle slide/dry fire a few times, wipe down.

Reason for all this is that these small 9mm, .40, .45 babies are built to quite close tolerances, and you don't want to run them "dry", especially until you've loosened them up a little with shooting.

- OS

Edited August 13, 2008 by OhShoot

[RDL]

Thanks. Will do.

[Guest ladybuglady]

Thanks for the welcoming.

I've bought the MK9 and I'm really excited. I plan on going to the range this weekend. I've easily disassembled it and put it back together. It feels good. Thanks for the responses.

-Catherine

[Guest Brian@GunDepot]

The PM9 is sweet.... definitely a great seller for CCW.

I agree with db99, for the money the CW9 is only .5" longer and .5" taller with $250 less price tag on average. Unless your a small person or a weird build, I'd consider it.

You can't go wrong with a Kahr... no matter which version (although I'm not a fan of the CW40 sharp recoil).

[Guest db99wj]

Good deal, now get out and put some lead downrange!