kahr vs kahr

Kahr PM9 vs CM9: The Little DAOs That Could

For those that like Kahr pistols, choosing a CCW pistol from their lineup frequently comes down to the Kahr PM9 vs. CM9. They don't always get the same amount of press as some of the other gun brands do, merely Kahr pistols really have a lot to offer believe it or non.

Kahr pistols are simple, but that'southward really a good matter. There isn't as well much to larn about them, unlike a unmarried or double-activeness pistol. Every single gun they make is DAO, with an internal hammer. Load, rack, aim and squeeze; repeat until empty. The potent trigger is the rubber feature (forth with a firing pin block as a drib safety) and that'due south well-nigh it.

They offer a few unlike trim levels with various differences, so what you'll end upwardly wondering is whether the upsell is worth the divergence in price. Is information technology? Well, permit'south go over that.

Kahr PM9: A Premium Pocket-Size Pistol

kahr pm9

The PM series by Kahr are their subcompacts, which makes them pop for concealed comport. In candor, the price difference doesn't yield whatever new features; the difference is in the materials and build quality.

The Kahr PM9 has a 3.1-inch barrel, standing 5.42 inches long, 4 inches tall and .9 inches wide, as information technology's a single-stack. It'south also nice and low-cal, at xiv ounces unloaded. The flush-fit mag holds vi+one of 9mm, though a vii+1 magazine with a little finger extension comes with information technology too.

The frame is polymer, the slide is stainless with drift-adjustable sights. The base of operations sights are 3-dot, though night sights can be had as an optional upgrade as can a manufacturing plant-installed transmission prophylactic if desired. You tin also elect for a Rose Golden, matte stainless or black stainless stop.

The barrel differs from the CM9 as the PM9's barrel employs polygonal rifling. Traditional rifling uses spiraling grooves cut into the barrel, but polygonal rifling cuts channels into the barrel. Through a borescope, it looks like hills and valleys that twist toward the opening. This creates a improve gas seal with the bullet. This gives projectiles more than consistent velocity, a more stable spin and better accuracy.

Granted, you probably won't be making as well many 100 yard shots with it...but every little scrap counts.

Kahr CM9 For The Budget Crowd

kahr cm9 pistol

The budget model is the Kahr CM9, which is about the same gun. The devil, of class, is in the details.

The specs are the aforementioned, relieve the butt. The CM9 has a 3.0-inch barrel, the PM9 has a three.1-inch barrel. Other than that, no departure. The CM9 takes the same magazines, except information technology ships with only the vi-circular flush fit. Y'all tin can buy the extended floor plate mag a la carte if desired.

The base of operations handgun sights are the aforementioned, except the front sight is polymer instead of steel, and pinned rather than dovetailed. The rear sight is still migrate-adjustable, and they do brand a model with night sights. There are some additional finish options available too, including Kryptek Camo, Armor Black, and even Tungsten with a Pachmayr Grip Glove and little finger extension mag floor plate for an boosted accuse.

The slide has a lot less machining and is very plain. You lot won't take a problem getting purchase, merely they spend a lot less time on it. The frame, though, is the same. The butt is traditionally rifled, with screw grooves instead of polygonal rifling. A number of components are also MIM rather than milled, though that doesn't actually affair as much as people say it does.

In other words, the finished production gets less attending to the details to save toll, with no compromise in terms of function. It's kind of similar the difference between a run-of-the-mill GI-spec 1911 and a Wilson Combat. They both work, and in a lot of ways it'south the same gun. Information technology's only that one has been pored over a whole heck of a lot.

Deciding Betwixt The PM9 vs CM9

pm9 vs cm9

The question is really whether the detail piece of work of the Kahr PM9 vs CM9 adds up to plenty to justify the divergence in MSRP. The base PM9 retails for $810, the base CM9 for $460. Wait to pay closer to $600 (though possibly less) for the PM9 and closer to $300 (same again) for the CM9.

In either case, you get much of the same thing. Both guns are known for a smooth, crisp double-action trigger pull, with a break at most 8 pounds, requite or take. You lot tin can get spring kits to reduce it, but a lot of people actually view this every bit a condom feature. The trigger won't get pulled unless you darn well mean it, and a lot of shooters have establish Kahr guns to take one of the more pleasant double-action triggers.

Both guns are known to be authentic and reliable, though at times discerning when it comes to ammunition. Y'all may take to observe a deport load and practice ammo the gun digests well, though reviews have institute both eat almost all of what they're fed.

Will the butt rifling add up to a globe of departure in accuracy? Given the short length...probably not. This is a subcompact CCW pistol, not a benchrest rifle. The sights...well, it'due south really the aforementioned story. Having a drift-adjustable front helps, but these pistols are for use upwardly shut and personal. Equally long as that front sight is on target, you'll hit what you lot aim at.

On newspaper, the CM9 appears the better buy. Information technology's practically the same gun, but with minor differences and for several hundred fewer dollars in request price. Do those details really add together up that much?

It'due south actually going to depend on what you lot recollect, because that aspect is far more than subjective. Handle and shoot both, if possible. If a clear winner emerges, get that one. The gun that works better for you is better for you lot, and that's the one yous should get.

Accept you shot these firearms? What did you lot similar, and what didn't you?
Allow usa know in the comments below!

About The Author

Writer sam hoober

Built-in in southeastern Washington Country, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University. He resides in the swell Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. His varied interests and hobbies include camping ground, line-fishing, hunting, and spending fourth dimension at the gun range as frequently as possible.