Kahr PM9 range report

[gbran]

Picked up my new PM9 yesterday and went to the range this morning to see what this little thing would do. First, let me say that I lit off 200 rounds of 115 gr Amarican Eagle FMJ's without a hiccup. I did expect some failures, but was pleasantly surprised to find none.

I started at 7 yds off-hand, shooting Casey-Birchwood 6" targets. Initially, I wasn't too happy and eventually figured out that the rear sights on the pistol did not have the 2 white dots and was kinda hard to line up on the all black targets I was using. So, I took a sheet of white paper and drew my own targets with a marker. I did much better and soon was able to group about 4-5 inches @ 10 yards off-hand and about 2 1/2 to 3 inches at rest. I chrono'd the rounds (@10') and they were going 947fps.

I'm not going to discuss my 15 yard performance. Let's just say I need some practice. This little gun is only 5.3 inches long and weighs less than 19 ounces loaded. I've never owned a pistol this small, and BTW, my eyes aren't the greatest either. But, I am more than satisfied that it will excell at what I bought it for.

My recommendation; Buy it, but try to at least get it with 3 dot sights (I'll be changing mine). The other point to mention is that Kahr has a barrel recall out for certain serial numbered pistols. Mine is a recalled unit and I will be sending the barrel to Kahr pretty soon. I understand they are turning them around very fast. I really think I'm gonna find this was the best move I ever made.

 

[boing]

A guy at the range said he doesn't shoot past 7 yards because of the limitations of his PM9. Another guy took it and put three rounds into two inches at 25 yards.

I shot a magfull just for kicks. Surprisingly low recoil, much less than my KelTec P11. Rates high for shootability, IMO.

 

[gbelleh]

The PM9 is a great little gun. I've never seen one without dots in the sights.

My PM9 is far more accurate than I ever expected it to be (as long as I do my part).

 

[Catbird]

About 2 months ago, I bought a previously owned but unfired Kahr PM9 for $375. I was a little concerned because of their reported "spotty" performance. Mine has been perfect so far, but I only have about 500 rounds through it. I've shot a wide variety of ammo...everything from my personal reloads, WWB, Winchester Ranger T 127 grain +P+, Winchester Ranger T 147 grain and CorBon 115 grain +P. FWIW, I carry the 147 grain Rangers Ts.

Mine is also on the recall list, however because it has worked so well with all of the above ammo, I'm not going to bother sending it in. Just for good measure, I did perform a thorough "fluff 'n buff" on the barrel feedramp and chamber.

Good luck with yours.

 

[Greg Bell]

I have one and it is excellent. Suprisingly accurate and totally reliable. Recoil isn't bad but it is a little sharp compared to my P99 and P7 .

I have a set of AO big dot sites on my gun (that a local "gunsmith" butchered) and they are nice. Still, the rear insert fell out fairly quickly. I would stick with the factory sites if I was you.

 

[gbran]

gbelleh

My front sight has the standard white dot. The rear has a verticle white line in the middle of the sight. I assume you're suppose to put the front dot on top of this white line. The ears have a wierd design and don't lend themselves to sight paint. Since posting, I've looked at tritium sights and will probably order a set.

I am very happy with the accuracy, but I've got a lot of practicing to do. My benchrest work showed me the gun is far more accurate than I am.

 

[Catbird]

Regarding replacement sights:

I installed XS Big Dot Tritium sights on my P40 and Meprolights on my PM9. I prefer the Meprolights, myself, because they are very bright and easy to use. With the XS Big Dots, what I've gained in quick sight acquisition, I have lost in accuracy. YMMV.

 

[gbelleh]

gbran,
I misunderstood. I thought your rear sight had no dots of any kind. Mine also has the bar on the rear sight. I prefer the 3 dot system and plan to get night sights installed when I can. Enjoy your PM9.