Kahr CM9 vs PM9

[CNobbe]

I had a Kahr CW 9 at one point, nice gun, but wanted something smaller and ended up with another gun.

I remember the long smooth DA pull, liked it a lot so when I was looking at a new CM9 and PM9 this evening I noticed that while the dimensions are the same, the triggers were definitely different!

The PM9 trigger felt just like my CW9 did, long but smooth pull with a crisp break.

Tried the CM9 trigger dry firing and honestly thought the gun was broken..

Same pull as the PM, but it wouldn't break or fire unless the trigger was pulled as far back as possible with some extra force on it.

Not sure if this was a gun in need of repair, as the trigger pull seemed much longer than I remember my CW9 being..

Even the guy at the shop thought their was something wrong with the CM as he couldn't get it to fire until we realized it needed more pressure than the PM9 to fire.


Had this shops prices on the PM9s not been so crazy I probably would have gotten one tonight, but wanted to know if Kahr offers two different types of triggers on their CM9s..

I thought PMs and CMs were the same except for the rifling and machining on the slides, but perhaps their triggers differ as well..

 

[Fishbed77]

Sounds like something was wrong with that example. The trigger of the CM9 should feel identical to the PM9, provided both guns are broken in.

 

[C0untZer0]

You had a PM9 with the enhanced trigger. It is a 33% shorter trigger pull and it is a lighter trigger.

I've read on KahrTalk that you can re-create it on any PM9 by changing out the spring and some other components - essentially putting a trigger kit in a PM9.

I think if it can be done with a PM9 it can be done with a CM9.

 

[CNobbe]

Wasn't the enhanced trigger model...no thumb safety or loaded chamber indicator..

Two PM9s I looked at had the same trigger pull.. The one PM9 w/ the safety and loaded chamber indicator had a shorter pull than the other two PMs. Significantly shorter.

The CM9 was the one we had concerns with as it needed way more effort to fire than the PMs, and the CW I used to have..

Leaning towards an issue with that particular CM9, but am going to stop by Cabelas tomorrow and see what they have..

 

[chris in va]

Probably the NYC trigger. It's longer and heavier. 1/2" vs 3/8".

The P series uses the 'elite' system, smoother and lighter.

 

[usp9]

The long pull, found on the standard K9 until recently, and also called the New York P.D. trigger, is used only on the K9. All other Kahrs have essentially the same trigger except for the new Enhanced trigger found on some PM9s.

My guess is the CM9 you fondled had some problem. My first thought was that the PM had the enhanced trigger but you say "No". Doesn't take a lot to throw a Kahr trigger off it's game.

 

[SeanSw]

I was just at the LGS to possibly trade in my CM9. My Kahr is not yet through the break in period but a few things were immediately apparent. My significant other cannot comfortably operate this pistol and the slide stop bashes my thumb on every shot.

While at the LGS I tried out some larger Kahrs. The reviews are mixed but I like the size and style of Kahrs a lot. The triggers on some of those Kahrs felt like laying my finger to rest on a pillow with a very undefined snap as the striker released. Like a long DA trigger pull of very low weight. All were much longer and softer than my personal CM9.

Mine is slightly used (~150 rounds) while the others were NIB, and the triggers were like a night and day difference. I much preferred the shorter pull and more definite release on my CM9. It gave me some pause that I may be trading in "one of the good ones". There wasn't anything in stock that I was sure of trading for (XDs 9mm, M&P Shield .40, Glock 26) so the CM9 is still with me for now.

 

[C0untZer0]

the slide stop bashes my thumb on every shot.

I agree.

I also was interested in the P380 but the slide stop is right there. I just couldn't find a comfortable place to put the thumbs.

Also one of the reasons I got the Rohrbaugh... there is no slide stop to either work around or worry about activating. I know people's preferences are all different.

For some people, last round lock open is a must have, so I understand that.

 

[SeanSw]

That was definitely my problem at the range. There wasn't a natural feeling spot to place my thumb anywhere else. If you had larger hands you might be able to get your thumb comfortably over the end, but then you risk riding the slide stop at the same time. With the short grip I really felt the need to choke up and grip firmly which I couldn't do holding my thumb lower. I do hope the next compact 9mm I find is as accurate as the Kahr CM9. Those tight tolerances must count for something!

For ccw I am in favor of a slide lock but could live without it. The same goes for a traditional thumb style magazine release. I can even see how a heel style release could be more secure. The Rohrbaugh is too expensive for me but they seem to be in a class by themselves.

 

[CNobbe]

Well I stopped by Cabelas tonight to see what they had, no PM9s but had a CM9 on display and the trigger on this CM9 was the same as the PM9s I looked at last night. Definitely an issue with the CM9 trigger I first looked at.

Still can't decide on the CM or PM..lol

 

[orionengnr]

You had a PM9 with the enhanced trigger. It is a 33% shorter trigger pull and it is a lighter trigger.

Nah, I don't think so. My PM9 is 8 years old, and dead stock.

 

[hardluk1]

If one was used it may also have a lighter striker spring that changes the pull weight.

 

[SDGlock23]

Having had several PM's, I can say the CM's are a better value for your money. Sure you only get one mag, a cardboard box, a slightly less spiffy slide, and I think the take down pin is slightly different too and you get conventional rifling, but those things don't matter. I actually prefer the traditional rifling over the polygonal.

And yes, triggers are the same, frames too, sights as well as the recoil assembly.

 

[chris in va]

That's the only gripe I have with my k9 is the poly barrel. Can't shoot lead through it. That's why I'm considering the R51. Kahr told me I can't swap in a CW9 barrel.

 

[340PD]

I have a PM 9 and it is possible to shoot lead. I don't just because of the velocity involved, but I have shot thousands of Berry's plated with no issues. I find the polygonal barrels clean much easier.

The PM9 in addition to the extra mag, has better sights than the CM version.

Is all that worth it? Your call. For me it was.

 

[gym]

I was at a local gun show, and "as usual" sold 2 guns to 2 different people, "I don't work there" just like to help people who have that look on their face. Any how, this guy just had spinal surgery, "I had the same one in the past" so he was trying to trade in a new "Defender" for a pocket pistol. As usual, he was receiving no help as far as his needs go, and latched onto me. I spoke to him for a while, "great guy", and recommended the Kahr CM9, as I carry the PM-9. I tried several of the demo guns triggers, and they were all similar.
He loved the gun and ended up buying it, I also got him a hundred more for his. They were offering him $225 for a gun that was used 3 times, looked new. Maybe it cost him a hundred twenty five bucks, for the gun when all was done. So no the triggers were all the same.
They had the 380's in also, if I was in the market for a 380 that would be the one. It's just expensive, especially from a gun show price. Msrp $649 , they were in the 5's.
I saw a guy take $40.00 for a nice 9mm derringer, I didn't want to get involved, but I should have pulled him to the side and grabbed it for $50, the kid who worked there really didn't care, and told me after he was going to keep it because I didn't say anything to the guy.