Kahr PM9, CM9, MK9?

[Rjeezie]

I know that the MK9 is all stainless and weighs more and also slightly shorter in length, but I didn't see any difference in the dimensions of the PM9 and CM9 from Kahr's website. What is the difference? Which one do you prefer? Does the added weight on the MK9 justify the price jump?

[chris in va]

The C-series Kahr models have cost saving deletions, such as normally rifled barrel, non-polished/throated feedramp, longer 1/2" trigger pull, less slide machining and one magazine. The PM9 and MK9 are similar to each other, save for the frame.

Really it depends on your needs. I wouldn't get the MK9 for pocket carry, too heavy. That extra mass really helps with follow up shots though.

I have a K9. It's like an improved steel Glock with normal grip angle and better trigger.

[Scimmia]

non-polished/throated feedramp
untrue
longer 1/2" trigger pull
untrue

OP, from Kahr's own press release:

Differences between the CM models and PM models include: the CM9093 has a conventional rifled barrel instead of the match grade polygonal barrel on Kahr's PM series; the CM slide stop lever is MIM (metal-injection-molded) instead of machined; the CM series slide has fewer machining operations and uses simple engraved markings instead of roll marking; and finally, the CM series are shipped with one magazine instead of two magazines.

Part of the "fewer machining operation" includes eliminating the dovetail front site in favor of a pinned one, the other changes there are cosmetic.

The PM9 has a few more options as well, such as an available black slide, manual safety, etc.

[Rjeezie]

Thanks

[nate45]

I like my PM9 and I've only held the CM9 and never fired one. Even so, I find it hard to believe, that the differences between the two, would make a significant difference at typical SD ranges.

[Rjeezie]

It's really weird me... It seems like a lot of people LOVE their Kahr's, but then I run across people who have had issues with theirs (FTE, mag issues, etc.)

I've always wanted to look into getting one, but have kind of been scared off by the issues I've heard about.

[Roshi]

I have owned and carried a PM9 for years. I got the PM9 before the CM9 came out. The PM9 dovetailed sights allowed for night sights that I prefer.

I had reliabilty problems with 7 round mags but none at all with any of 6 round mags I have.

I continue to find the PM9 an ideal carry gun. Small and light easily carried in a DeSantis Fly pocket holster but powerful enough to get the job done.

[Hairbag]

Depends on if you want steel or plastic I've owned just about every kahr pistol except pm40 I still have the K9 elite and the MK9 The MK9 is a rock solid dependable pistol. Usually not always I have found the Kahr steel pistol much more dependable. The Elite series are a thing of function and beauty.

[carguychris]

I have a K9. It's like an improved steel Glock with normal grip angle and better trigger.
Or the Model 3946 that S&W never built. ;)

[AH.74]

I got a used PM9 a while back and liked it so much I wanted another. This time around I found a great deal on a new CM9. If I hadn't found the good deal originally on the PM9 I would have gone with the CM9 and probably been very happy with it, as I am with the new one I just got.

There is a slight dimensional difference in the slide due to the different machining which was mentioned- the CM9 is just slightly wider across the top overall.

The front sight is also plastic which I don't believe was mentioned. I don't see this as a big drawback and do plan on getting the front Mepro sight sooner or later. I did put a set of Mepro's on the PM9.

All that being said, I don't find enough of a difference to be significant.

[Rjeezie]

Nobody mentioned the MK9 much. I guess people don't think the steel and extra weight adds the value or is worth the extra money

[chris in va]

What's untrue about thise statements? The C series does not have the 3/8" 'elite' trigger pull of the P series. Unless they changed something this year. Also the chamber isn't finished to the same degree as the higher models. I actually looked at them the last gun show and verified for myself.

[AH.74]

The elite trigger is an upgrade as far as I'm aware. Regular models have the exact same trigger pull- I know my PM9 and CM9 do. They are exactly the same.

I have heard nothing about different chamber finish- only the rifling with regard to the barrels. I will have to inspect mine later and see if I notice anything.

Nobody mentioned the MK9 much. I guess people don't think the steel and extra weight adds the value or is worth the extra money

Honestly I haven't ever had the chance to check one out- they're just not that commonly seen in my area; Kahrs in general are not easy to be found in local stores. But they weight would put me off; if I want to carry something that heavy and don't mind something a bit larger I'll just go with a Glock 26.

[Rjeezie]

Well the reason I mentioned the MK9 is that some people were saying how snappy the PM9/CM9 was... MK9 is the same size just with added weight, so figured some people would like that size with the extra weight to offset the snappiness

[Scimmia]

What's untrue about thise statements? The C series does not have the 3/8" 'elite' trigger pull of the P series. Unless they changed something this year. Also the chamber isn't finished to the same degree as the higher models. I actually looked at them the last gun show and verified for myself.

On the trigger, the "C" series certainly does have the 3/8" pull "Elite" trigger. This isn't something that changed this year, for over ten years now, the only pistol Kahr has made with the 1/2" pull is the K9 NYPD model. The triggers on the CM9, MK9, and standard PM9 are identical. Just in the last couple of months, Kahr has introduced a new "Enhanced" trigger with a 1/4" pull, but only on the PM9 with a manual safety. All of this has been verified multiple times by people on Kahrtalk who have asked Kahr directly.

For the chamber finish, ALL Kahr chambers and feed ramps are nickel plated and polished. What differences did you see exactly?

[Erich]

My CM9 has the same trigger pull and same degree of feed ramp polishing as my P9 Covert. FWIW.

The CM series is quite a value. :)

[AH.74]

Well the reason I mentioned the MK9 is that some people were saying how snappy the PM9/CM9 was.

If you want to experience snappy, try an LCP. That's snappy. The PM9 is not snappy, at least not to me. Actually pretty tame for what it is. A Grip sleeve or piece of inner tube certainly helps for range sessions.

[Roland Thunder]

since the PM9 has polygonal rifling, would that mean a person should not shoot lead from a PM9

[BigD_in_FL]

I alternate a CM9 with a 642 in my pocket - It has fired everything I have put through it, including my handloads, with zero malfs - I trust it to work when I pull the trigger. Stay away from the 7 round mags for it - they have issues. And go to the Kahr forum and follow the tutorial someone made about what to do with your mags initially - the process seems to prevent jamming on the third round and takes about 5 minutes

[kahrguy]

Rjeezie are you going to try to pocket carry these. The mk is a bit heavy for that as it pulls on the pockets even with its size. If not maybe add the CW and P series to your group. Only 1 1/2oz heavier than the cm/pm , 1/2" more barrel and round round longer grip. Same lgs price as the cm and way easier to shot and control. Maybe just to large.

[KyJim]

since the PM9 has polygonal rifling, would that mean a person should not shoot lead from a PM9 I would think that to be the case -- at least you would have to "de-lead" the barrel very often. You probably don't hear about this with Kahrs because they are purchased in far smaller numbers than Glock and the average Kahr is probably shot a lot less than the average Glock.

[wild cat mccane]

Don't for a second believe people when they say the MK has less recoil than the CM or PM.

That is flat wrong. It is total assumption from non owners.

[Officer's Match]

Mine is an earlier shorter slide PM9 DLC. It eats anything I feed it and even slingshots. Love the dovetail sights too (mine wears 24/7 XS Big Dots).

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e131/sly250r/IMG_0240-1.jpg

[chris in va]

I apologize, guess my information was wrong. Four years ago I looked at the various models and those were the stats given to me. If Kahr is putting the 'Elite' triggers in all the models now, they're an even better deal.

Kahr did reply back to my email stating the CW9 barrel won't fit in my K9 so I could shoot lead out of it. Oh well.

[wild cat mccane]

I am not sure that the MK series is still shorter?

Kahr changed the length of the PM and CM series without a word on why.

Did I mask my disdain for this company good enough? (past PM40 owner)

[PSP]

Just to be clear on the triggers...

Kahr now offers three different triggers; the original K9 (1/2") and the shorter pull on other models. They now offer, on the PM model, a manual safety and "enhanced" trigger. I've only owned the standard NYPD 1/2" and the 3/8" elite. I haven't even seen the enhanced trigger for sale. Personally, I prefer the shorter trigger.

The only real differences that I can say would influence me if deciding between a C and a P model is the front sight dovetail, or lack thereof, and the fact the only the P comes in all black. I like all black for carry guns. The other differences are immaterial IMHO.

[jreXD9]

I traded my PM9 for an MK9 and slightly regretted it only because the MK is about 10 oz. heavier and not good for pocket carry due to the extra heft. It shot noticeably softer, though. The MK is a cadillac of a gun. I wish I still had the PM9, though. I can give an opinion on the CM9 in a few days. I'm hoping my LGS calls tomorrow to tell me that my new one came in. The PM and CM are essentially the same gun. I don't see the need for an upgraded barrel in a defensive gun. IMO, you can't go wrong with any of the 3.

[thinktwice]

I have the CM-9, MK-9 Elite, and an older P-40covert. The trigger on the CM is like everyone says long but smooth. The MK-9 Elite has a pretty short and smooth trigger pull, however I must say the P- 40 for some reason has the lightest shortest trigger pull in this type of gun I have ever seen. The less expensive CM-9 has been just as reliable as the more expensive ones from day one. It's also very accurate at self defense distances.

[Rjeezie]

What's a good price for used on these?

[Rjeezie]

Which of any of these would be a good deal:
$400 for a CM9
$475 for MK9
$500 for PM9 (trying to talk down though)

Are any of these reasonable?

[sirviveme]

I had the PM9 but it got send back several times for repair. I then bought the CM9 and did the fluff and buff. So who knows? It should work.

[Dashunde]

The PM9 is not "snappy". In fact its remarkably soft shooting.
While its no 9mm 1911, Glock 17, CZ75 or BHP it is miles away from the kick of a alloy snubbie, Glock 27 or even the little LCP.

As for the weight of a MK... its a very nice frame, but I wouldnt carry it.
I'd heft around a Glock 27 loaded with 9+1 of .40 long before I'd haul around the MK with only 6+1 of 9mm.
But I measure these things in terms of firepower and capacity per ounce... YMMV.

I've owned two PM9's and still have one, they've both been perfect beyond round number 20 or so. They're tight out of the box and I also quickly discoverd that the 7-round mags are crap. I sent it back to Kahr and they swapped it out for a 6-rounder no questions asked.

[AH.74]

Which of any of these would be a good deal:
$400 for a CM9
$475 for MK9
$500 for PM9 (trying to talk down though)

Are any of these reasonable?

I would say they're all reasonable, especially for the MK9. I haven't seen one going for that low.

If it's all the same I'd try to get the CM9 to start and spend the extra money on mags and ammo.

[Officer's Match]

Dashunde nailed it, the PM9 is a very shootable pistol, much more so than the 380's everybody seems to be enamored with.

[thinktwice]

I think the CM is going for around $400.00 just about everywhere. I did see one at the last gun show I went to for 379.00 new, so for the CM I think they can be found anywhere from say $380.00- $450.00 Just depends on where you live I guess. $475.00 for the MK would be an excellent deal if you are talking new or like new condition. Not to sure on the PM but I think they sell for around $600.00- $650.00 in most local gun shops around here.

[K.E.P.]

I have a cw9. I have not shot the p series, but I don't feel I am missing much. I went to the range. Surprisingly, I am at this point more accurate with my cw9 than my glock 17 or sig 229.

I almost sold my cw9 for a walther pps, but every time I am at the range, I am so consistent with it.

[NWCP]

I like my PM9. Being an HK owner I'm a fan of the polygonal barrel, plus the PM9 fit and finish is excellent. The cost is higher than the CM, but well worth it IMHO. :rolleyes:

[bitttorrrent]

Thanks to OP for raising this issue. I have been wondering between the many models of Kahr (they should update their website with a grid or something spelling out the differences).

I do intend on getting maybe a c or p series after reading through this post, but still think they should have a simpler system of identifying the guns.

[Cowboyflyer]

New to the post...

Just got my PM45 and pumped about 300 rounds through it.
I love the little thing. It came with night sights and I just ordered a CT laser for it. Plan on carring this thing everyday!

[Shadi Khalil]

The MK9 is one of the finest carry weapons I've ever owned. I've owned both the poly Kahr's and the steel, IMO the steel is the way to go.