Help with PM9 or P380...

[ShastaDuke]

I'm having a hard time choosing which gun to purchase first. I need/want deep concealment ability, but will be carrying IWB as much as pocket. I really like the PM9 but fear it may be a little large and heavy for consistent pocket carry. Whichever I choose, I'll likely purchase the other in a year or so... Any advice on which way to go for my first CCW would be appreciated. I currently own an XD40, which I don't plan to carry often once I figure out which Kahr to purchase.

[scott240]

Well where to start..........I had the p380 and had alot of problems. I loved the little Guy but also hated it. I really couldnt get my group small enough to my satisfaction . I did finally get it all dialed in after a stop to nice shot. Which if you are in redding go there to look at them, he is great and fixed my p380 and we shot a box of SD ammo off his shelf at no charge. If you are sure you want a kahr I highly recommend you get it from there, his prices are msrp but he will take care of you which is well worth it since kahrs seem to have alot of feeding problems, your might get lucky and get a good one. But as far as the p380 size you can't beat its size, you forget its there. I personally wont own another kahr and am looking to get a ruger lc9 to replace it which I feel is a better deal. I ended up trading my p380 for a hk p2000 and haven't looked back

[ShastaDuke]

Originally Posted by scott240

Well where to start..........I had the p380 and had alot of problems. I loved the little Guy but also hated it. I really couldnt get my group small enough to my satisfaction . I did finally get it all dialed in after a stop to nice shot. Which if you are in redding go there to look at them, he is great and fixed my p380 and we shot a box of SD ammo off his shelf at no charge. If you are sure you want a kahr I highly recommend you get it from there, his prices are msrp but he will take care of you which is well worth it since kahrs seem to have alot of feeding problems, your might get lucky and get a good one. But as far as the p380 size you can't beat its size, you forget its there. I personally wont own another kahr and am looking to get a ruger lc9 to replace it which I feel is a better deal. I ended up trading my p380 for a hk p2000 and haven't looked back

Bummer, I have read a few posts about your problems with the P380. I don't feel very comfortable spending so much on an unknown... I'll swing into nice shot and take another look. The PM9 seems to have less issues from what I've researched...

[Chadwick099]

I owned a Kahr PM40 as well and had nothing but problems with it. Expensive and overrated compared to today's competition. Have you considered the Sig P238 by chance? I shot one a while ago and I would say that is the finest .380 I've shot so far. There are better options in my opinion today than even 6 months ago compared to the Kahr.

[coq]

I really like the PM9 for a small carry gun. Mine has been very reliable, as most of them are. You can pocket it pretty easily in most pants, given the right pocket holster, and it's 9mm. If you have even slightly large hands, the smaller guns can get lost in your grip. I use a Hogue Handall Jr. upside down over the grip so that I can feel the gun in my hand. The P380 is quite a bit smaller still. I'd consider the PM9 a very small subcompact, and the P380 a pocket gun. Definitely check them both out before committing.

[ShastaDuke]

Originally Posted by Chadwick099

I owned a Kahr PM40 as well and had nothing but problems with it. Expensive and overrated compared to today's competition. Have you considered the Sig P238 by chance? I shot one a while ago and I would say that is the finest .380 I've shot so far. There are better options in my opinion today than even 6 months ago compared to the Kahr.

I'd love to find a P238, but nobody has them yet (CA version). I'd take one in a heartbeat if it was near.

[ShastaDuke]

Originally Posted by coq

I really like the PM9 for a small carry gun. Mine has been very reliable, as most of them are. You can pocket it pretty easily in most pants, given the right pocket holster, and it's 9mm. If you have even slightly large hands, the smaller guns can get lost in your grip. I use a Hogue Handall Jr. upside down over the grip so that I can feel the gun in my hand. The P380 is quite a bit smaller still. I'd consider the PM9 a very small subcompact, and the P380 a pocket gun. Definitely check them both out before committing.

I've handled both, but seem to be getting more recommendations to the PM9... I'll make another comparison tomorrow at the gun store, but am leaning towards the PM9.

[scott240]

Like Coq said there are alot of them that are reliable and I don't want to scare you away from kahr. Just plan on taking it to the range and firing a few hundred rounds down range to break it in to make sure there aren't any feeding problems. In my opinion after having it roughly 1.5 years is that it was a well built gun, but I think its over priced, for the same price you can get 2 lc9's. His and hers or left pocket and right pocket. As soon as you walk in nice shot look on the left wall right by the bathrooms he lets people put up for sale ads and you might find something used there too.

[ShastaDuke]

Originally Posted by scott240

Like Coq said there are alot of them that are reliable and I don't want to scare you away from kahr. Just plan on taking it to the range and firing a few hundred rounds down range to break it in to make sure there aren't any feeding problems. In my opinion after having it roughly 1.5 years is that it was a well built gun, but I think its over priced, for the same price you can get 2 lc9's. His and hers or left pocket and right pocket. As soon as you walk in nice shot look on the left wall right by the bathrooms he lets people put up for sale ads and you might find something used there too.

Thanks, I'll check it out tomorrow before I make a decision.

[coq]

Originally Posted by scott240

...[PM9]...well bult gun, but I think its over priced, for the same price you can get 2 lc9's...

This for sure. While there are some things about the PM9 that make the price worthy (arguably I guess), the CM9 version (same basic specs without some frills) brings cost back to competitive. Not sure of CM9 status on our awesome California Safe Handgun Roster (horsesh!t)...I don't think it's listed yet.

[tailslide]

Originally Posted by ShastaDuke

I'd love to find a P238, but nobody has them yet (CA version). I'd take one in a heartbeat if it was near.

The P238 is a great little gun, but I would strongly recommend against it unless you're a diehard 1911 fan. That safety is really small and easy to overlook unless you've had a lot of practice to the point of automatically sweeping off a 1911 style safety.

The Kahr PM9 has had enthusiastic support from Massad Ayoob, and there's no other single person whose opinion on such matters I value more.

[Yoda]

I've owned and carry a PM9 as a pocket gun and here's my report from almost 2 years ago.

http://www.calccw.com/Forums/range-r...ge-report.html

I have a TTGunleather pocket holster and use it a few times a week or when driving I keep it in a Kydex holster, stuffed between my seat and the center console. Normally it's a bug for me but at times when I'm in shorts and a shirt, it's a very easy firearm to conceal.

I like that it's a 9m but I just bought a Sig 238 for fun. Not sure I'll add the Sig to my CCW as I like the point and shoot of the PM9.

I'm very confident and trust my PM9. It's expensive with factory night sights and I'm told it can be finicky but mine is a very good "Second" firearm.

[ShastaDuke]

Originally Posted by Yoda

I've owned and carry a PM9 as a pocket gun and here's my report from almost 2 years ago.

Well, I bought the PM9 today... Looking forward to 10 days from now... Thanks very much for the advice!

[coq]

Originally Posted by ShastaDuke

Well, I bought the PM9 today... Looking forward to 10 days from now... Thanks very much for the advice!

Congrats on the great gun! Try one of these....I suggest using it upside down.

[ShastaDuke]

Originally Posted by coq

Congrats on the great gun! Try one of these....I suggest using it upside down.

Thx, I ordered one tonight on your suggestion! Looking at holsters now... Lots of info out there to review.