Kahr PM9 and MK9

[Anna's Dad]

I'm considering a Kahr PM9 or MK9. I'm not opposed to polymer at all, but I've read a number of posts (on other forums) regarding problems with the PM9 and many of them were specific to the PM9.

I would love to hear comments and opinions on the following:

1) Reliability of the PM9 and MK9

2) Break-in period on the PM9 and MK9 (i've heard numbers well over 500 rounds from some posters)

3) Feasibility of pocket carry (my preferred method of carry) of both, in particular the MK9 with its higher weight

Thanks!

 

[critter]

I own the MK9. Mine has been absolutely 100% reliable from round #1 so I guess it had no 'breakin period'. They are more accurate than anything that small has a right to be. They are simple in that there are no levers, switches, safetys, gadgets, etc. to fool with. If you want it to 'get loud', all you do is pull the trigger. The trigger is long and a bit heavy (as it should be with this as the only 'safety' mechanism) but smooth.

The only fly in the ointment as I see it is that it is a bit heavy for pocket carry. I do carry it that way a good bit, but NOT in lightweight dress pants. Heavier pants (like jeans) will do ok.

It is my most often carried gun if that tells you anything! It should.

 

[warmrain]

pretty much what critter said...

I've had my MK9 Elite 98 (better trigger) since 1998 and it has been flawless, no breakin, not a single malf in 3,000+ rounds.

It is a bit heavy for pocket carry, but it can be done. I did it for years and found that it required a gun belt to support the weight (even though it was IN the pocket) and that while running it had a large pendulum effect. You will find that the rear sight may wear through the pockets and I used iron on denim patches.

The PM9 (I've had a PM40 and three PM9s that would not run or run well enough to carry) that don't have any of the weight related pocket carry issues. If it were to be reliable it would be the perfect pocket carry IMHO.

 

[JN01]

I've had both models, still have the MK9.

The MK9 has been totally reliable straight out of the box. My PM9 was also reliable, but if you do a search on various gun boards, you will find quite a few people who have had problems with them, much more so than the steel framed models. I did hand cycle the PM9 slide about 500 times before I took it to the range the first time. I don't know if that is the reason, but I never had any malfunctions with it on the range.

I find the MK9 a little heavy for pocket carry. The PM9 is also has a little flatter grip, which makes it better in that role. It felt a little too small for me and I prefer the feel of the MK9. That's why I ended up selling the PM9.

I can easily and comfortably carry the MK9 in a flat OWB holster or SmartCarry.

 

[Vonderek]

I have no experience withe PM9 but own an MK9...an early one after they first came out. It is a great little gun capable of astounding accuracy and will digest anything you feed it, std pressure or +p. Mine had a cracked slide between barrel and guide rod on the front of the slide after about 1,000 rounds. Kahr sent me a new slide and guide rod/spring assembly no charge and since then it has performed flawlessly for several thousand rounds so far. The trigger is much lighter than a DA trigger and very buttery feeling (if that makes sense) and takes a bit of getting used to. Once you become acclimated, it is a terrific trigger.

It is a tad heavy for pocket carry but I don't mind. It fits perfectly in an Uncle Mikes pocket holster. I would recommend the extended 7-round mag or Pierce magazine extender to give a better grip on the gun.

 

[Ichiro]

The reality of pocket carry is littered with compromise, to the point that it can get rather frustrating.

On the one hand, the polymer Kahrs are by far easier to carry due to their light weight, but there have been so many complaints about reliability that I'd be more willing to purchase a Kel-tec for several hundred dollars less (given that I'd likely have to have either gun "made reliable").

On the other hand, the steel Kahrs have great reviews, but their weight is a constant complaint for pocket carry. I guess I'd prefer a steel model, find just the right holster(s), and deal with the weight.

In my experience with two Kahrs (P-9 and K-9), they both fairly regularly failed to go into battery after racking the slide, and both of their slides failed to lock back on an empty magazine. The triggers were nice, though. Just not the gun for me.

I pocket carry a 642 revolver and just deal with the bulge.

 

[Anna's Dad]

Thank you

You are all confirming what I was beginning to believe from reading other forums. I guess I'll either get the MK9 or skip Kahr all together. Thanks!

 

[warmrain]

My MK9 Elite 98 is my favorite carry (and I'm really a 1911 guy!...). The PMs all reportedly have the "Elite" trigger and I'm not sure about the all stainless pistols... But you might want to research it. The Elite trigger is shorter, smoother and lighter.

I know on the PMs the barrels are manufactured by someone else (name escapes me now, perhaps Lothar Walther) and that could be part of the problem. I know that they had about a 25% (reported) failure rate on a series of barrels.

The situation with the MK9 may be different, or the suppliers may be.

BTW, did you know that Kahr produced a lot of frames and other parts for NAA and recently lost that contract due to reported (on the NAA site) quality issues...