P365 or stick with the CM9?

[Eagle103]

So now that it seems that Sig has the kinks ironed out with the P365 I'm considering one as a replacement or shared duty with my CM9. The CM9 has been flawless and I shoot it well so no complaints whatsoever. Size and weight are almost identical (I prefer pocket carry) but of course the intriguing thing is 10 rounds vs. 6. Certainly nothing wrong with the extra rounds but I question the likelihood of a scenario where 6+1 would be insufficient in my typically low threat environment. Rogue varmints are a far more likely problem. If anyone has had both I would like to know how they've compared for you regarding shootability/accuracy. Thoughts?

 

[Madcap_Magician]

So now that it seems that Sig has the kinks ironed out with the P365 I'm considering one as a replacement or shared duty with my CM9. The CM9 has been flawless and I shoot it well so no complaints whatsoever. Size and weight are almost identical (I prefer pocket carry) but of course the intriguing thing is 10 rounds vs. 6. Certainly nothing wrong with the extra rounds but I question the likelihood of a scenario where 6+1 would be insufficient in my typically low threat environment. Rogue varmints are a far more likely problem. If anyone has had both I would like to know how they've compared for you regarding shootability/accuracy. Thoughts?

One the one hand, I would question the likelihood of a scenario where having four more rounds would be harmful. But if you pocket carry, the extra tenth of an inch in thickness of the P365 may be noticeable. Also the trigger will feel different for obvious reasons.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I honestly think 6+1 in a CM9 is fine, but having more ammo is always a good thing.

I rented a P365 just the other day, and was very impressed by it. If it were me, I'd pick up a P365, and keep the CM9 as a backup.

 

[Eagle103]

One the one hand, I would question the likelihood of a scenario where having four more rounds would be harmful. But if you pocket carry, the extra tenth of an inch in thickness of the P365 may be noticeable.

The only harm would be to my pocketbook for a gun I don't REALLY need but you know the drill. I think I would notice that extra tenth of an inch though.

If it were me, I'd pick up a P365, and keep the CM9 as a backup.

That's looking more and more likely. $500 at Palmetto State right now.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

The only harm would be to my pocketbook for a gun I don't REALLY need but you know the drill. I think I would notice that extra tenth of an inch though.


That's looking more and more likely. $500 at Palmetto State right now.

That's a good price. I have a SA XDs-45 and am planning to buy a Sig P938 Legion. This last summer my XDs broke and had to go to the factory. As a result I had to force another gun that is not ideal for summer carry into service while I waited.

I realized that having several small concealable guns is a good thing.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

The only harm would be to my pocketbook for a gun I don't REALLY need but you know the drill. I think I would notice that extra tenth of an inch though.

Definitely true. A tenth of an inch in thickness makes a big deal sometimes. That's 90% of the reason why we have all those single-stack 9mm subcompacts in the first place, being a tenth of an inch or a fifth of an inch thinner than a Glock 26.

 

[greyling22]

don't forget those 4 extra rounds will weigh and additional 2 oz. personally, if you shoot the kahr fine, keep it. these aren't show pieces. Why buy a duplicate you have to learn and train on? if you're willing to go bigger and heavier, why not just get a 2nd mag to carry? But I am of the "if it takes more than 6 rounds I should have been running away" school of thought. Personally, I'd stay small and light.

 

[franco45]

If it were me, I'd pick up a P365, and keep the CM9 as a backup.

That's exactly what I did. My CM9 has been flawless but those extra 4 rounds are nice too have on hand.

 

[Jeff H]

. If it were me, I'd pick up a P365, and keep the CM9 as a backup.

I'm not a CM9 owner, but I did the same thing with my Shield. I do prefer the P365, but I'm keeping the shield as a backup.

 

[fordtrucks]

What about trigger differences?

Pocket carry of a striker with relatively short pull and no safety isn’t for everyone.

 

[Snowdog]

I have both as well. I carried the CM9 for several years and as it's been such a reliable pistol, I plan on keeping it. It won't see any carry time unless the P365 has to go in for repairs.

The overall size is quite comparable (see photos below for a brief comparison).

The 4-round advantage out of a pistol the same size as my CM9 was what drew me to the P365 and compelled me to order one. After receiving it, I found the capacity advantage wasn't the only thing the P365 has going for it.

For one, it has a better trigger... in my opinion, of course. It's about the same weight, but the travel is not anywhere near as long. Whereas the CM9 trigger feels like a decent double action revolver, the P365 has a much shorter pull (and a far shorter reset) approaching the feel you would expect from a single action.
Considering my carry method (Kydex IWB holster), this is an advantage.

I wouldn't recommend this (or anything else) be carried loose in the pocket as a primary method. I require the trigger guard to be covered/inaccessible during carry, but that's just me. A pocket holster such the DeSantis Nemesis costs less than $20. It also breaks the profile of the pistol to reduce printing and keeps the pistol in a position ready to draw. There's no reason I can think of not to use one. I'm guilty of tossing an NAA Pug or P32 in the pocket to fetch the mail, but this isn't the safest nor efficient way to carry if you're heading out for any length of time.

The ergonomics are far better, for me, with the P365. This is one of those things where if you never felt one, you don't know what you're missing. I was perfectly content with how the CM9 felt in the hand. However, after handling the P365, I discovered the CM9 just didn't fit like the P365 does.

The sights are superior on the P365 as I find, again for me, sight acquisition is better with the P365. The difference is only amplified in lower light conditions were the P365's standard front and rear tritium night sights come into play.

They both point the same. This being when I point at the intended target, the front sight is aligned right were I want it. So point-shooting is about equal in this regard. I don't see one having an advantage over the other when it come to the amount of time it takes to draw and put a round on a nearby target.

Likewise, I don't really shoot one significantly better than the other. This said, I have owned the CM9 far longer and put many more rounds through it than the P365. Over time, this may change.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned when comparing the two is that the P365, though rated +P by Sig Sauer, has a slide that is significantly easier to rack than the CM9. I don't know the mechanics behind this but it is noticeable to me. I've never encountered an automatic where the slide poses a challenge to pull, but many new or female shooters may find the P365's slide easier/more comfortable to manipulate.

I haven't had a bobble in either, so both to date have been perfectly reliable.

Better ergonomics, better sights and far superior round count... it's hard to contest that the P365 is a better CCW option for me. However, just as 460 Shooter, Franco45 and Jeff H stated above, I'm keeping my also excellent CM9 as a "back up" in case something should happen to my P365.

 

[bannockburn]

Snowdog

Great write-up between the two pistols. I currently have a CM9 as my EDC for pretty much the same reasons you have one. My chief concern with the P365 is it going to be reliable over the long haul. Will probably give it some more time before I pick one up.

 

[Eagle103]

I have both as well. I carried the CM9 for several years and as it's been such a reliable pistol, I plan on keeping it. It won't see any carry time unless the P365 has to go in for repairs.

The overall size is quite comparable (see photos below for a brief comparison).

The 4-round advantage out of a pistol the same size as my CM9 was what drew me to the P365 and compelled me to order one. After receiving it, I found the capacity advantage wasn't the only thing the P365 has going for it.

For one, it has a better trigger... in my opinion, of course. It's about the same weight, but the travel is not anywhere near as long. Whereas the CM9 trigger feels like a decent double action revolver, the P365 has a much shorter pull (and a far shorter reset) approaching the feel you would expect from a single action.
Considering my method I carry (Kydex IWB holster), this is an advantage.

I wouldn't recommend this (or anything else) be carried loose in the pocket as a primary method. I require the trigger guard to be covered/inaccessible during carry, but that's just me. A pocket holster such the DeSantis Nemesis costs less than $20. It also breaks the profile of the pistol to reduce printing and keeps the pistol in a position ready to draw. There's no reason I can think of not to use one. I'm guilty of tossing an NAA Pug or P32 in the pocket to fetch the mail, but this isn't the safest nor efficient way to carry if you're heading out for any length of time.

The ergonomics are far better, for me, with the P365. This is one of those things where if you never felt one, you don't know what you're missing. I was perfectly content with how the CM9 felt in the hand. However, after handling the P365, I discovered the CM9 just didn't fit like the P365 does.

The sights are superior on the P365 as I find, again for me, sight acquisition is better with the P365. The difference is only amplified in lower light conditions were the P365's standard front and rear tritium night sights come into play.

They both point the same. This being when I point at the intended target, the front sight is aligned right were I want it. So point-shooting is about equal in this regard. I don't see one having an advantage over the other when it come to the amount of time it takes to draw and put a round on a nearby target.

Likewise, I don't really shoot one significantly better than the other. This said, I have owned the CM9 far longer and put many more rounds through it than the P365. Over time, this may change.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned when comparing the two is that the P365, though rated +P by Sig Sauer, has a slide that is significantly easier to rack then the CM9. I don't know the mechanics behind this but it is noticeable to me. I've never encountered an automatic where the slide poses a challenge to pull, but many new or female shooters may find the P365's slide easier/more comfortable to manipulate.

I haven't had a bobble in either, so both to date have been perfectly reliable.

Better ergonomics, better sights and far superior round count... it's hard to contest that the P365 is a better CCW option for me. However, just as 460 Shooter, Franco45 and Jeff H stated above, I'm keeping my also excellent CM9 as a "back up" in case something should happen to my P365.

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That was an excellent comparative analysis Snowdog. Thank you.

 

[Walkalong]

I don't care for the Kahr trigger as it goes too far back and rotates too far up. I love the P-365 trigger. So it's a no brainer for me. Others feel differently.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I don't care for the Kahr trigger as it goes too far back and rotates too far up. I love the P-365 trigger. So it's a no brainer for me. Others feel differently.

Having fired the P365 and dry fired the Kahr trigger, I agree. The Kahr is more like a DA revolver trigger from what I remember. Smooth, but travel distance seems excessive compared to the P365.

 

[PCFlorida]

I have the Kahr CM9 also, but could never shoot it as well as I needed due to the trigger. I have been carrying a Remington R51 V2 which is perfectly reliable but is not as small as I would like. I will be purchasing a P365 as well.

 

[George P]

That's exactly what I did. My CM9 has been flawless but those extra 4 rounds are nice too have on hand.

Get the 12 round mag and now you are double the CM9. ( I have both, the trigger on the SIG is much nicer, nowhere near as long a trigger pull). And the guns are the same size, both smaller than my G26

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Based on what you said "The CM9 has been flawless and I shoot it well so no complaints whatsoever. Size and weight are almost identical" I would keep the Kahr. You have not even shot the Sig, so why spend the money? I have a Kahr 380 and love the double action trigger. I have shot the 365 and would prefer the Kahr if is the triggers are the same, and many have said they love the Kahr trigger. As far as he extra few rounds? Personally not really interested. If you feel differently, it will cost you a bundle to make the change. Going from a nice double action to a light striker fired gun, after you have trained on the double action? Spend the money on ammo and extra magazines for the Kahr is my opinion. $500 is a lot to spend for another gun. At least shoot the gun before you open your wallet.

 

[George P]

Having fired the P365 and dry fired the Kahr trigger, I agree. The Kahr is more like a DA revolver trigger from what I remember. Smooth, but travel distance seems excessive compared to the P365.

Exactly, I have both and much prefer that SIG trigger; shorter reset as well.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Based on what you said "The CM9 has been flawless and I shoot it well so no complaints whatsoever. Size and weight are almost identical" I would keep the Kahr. You have not even shot the Sig, so why spend the money? I have a Kahr 380 and love the double action trigger. I have shot the 365 and would prefer the Kahr if is the triggers are the same, and many have said they love the Kahr trigger. As far as he extra few rounds? Personally not really interested. If you feel differently, it will cost you a bundle to make the change. Going from a nice double action to a light striker fired gun, after you have trained on the double action? Spend the money on ammo and extra magazines for the Kahr is my opinion. $500 is a lot to spend for another gun. At least shoot the gun before you open your wallet.

Most double actions are longer than light striker fired triggers.That is going to be a personal choice. Personally never ride the reset anyway. Do not really need a short reset for a Micro 9mm carry gun. And since the OP likes the Kahr, Double action/Striker fired will be something only He can choose.
Ironically, I went from a striker fired light trigger to a DA and never looked back.
That is what is so nice about the Gun World we live in. Many choices and a person can find the perfect fit tailored to his wants and desires.
Both of those guns are very nice well built firearms.

PS also, I do not see where the OP mentioned what sights he has on his Kahr. Are there better sights available that might even be better than Sig Night Sights? I have a number of different guns with great night sights and Not very expensive.

 

[George P]

Don't get me wrong; there was a time when the CM9 and my 642 were like interchangeable drill bits in my pocket holsters.........and the 642 IS a full 8oz lighter than the Sig, Sig with 12 124s and 642 with 5 158s............

When you look at it, however, round shapes like revolvers do blend more easily into a pocket as the human body is rounded; and at 10 yards, I will hit your upper torso with every shot. But with the SIG, I will put 12 rounds into an area more COM than with either gun - and - IMO - that is more likely due to the trigger (and the fact that I am not Doug Koenig or similar)

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I find the recoil of the P365 far less punishing to the hand also than a 642 regardless of the 38 ammo used.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Really do not understand how we went from a Kahr CM9 to a 642 revolver. Seems this is turning into a type of trigger debate rather than helping the OP with a decision to move from a gun which he clearly states he enjoys and shoots well.He has been shooting a DA, and really, I would suggest before he makes a personal decision to go to a light striker fired gun by shooting the 365.. To put out $500 for a similar gun and then find out, he does not want a striker fired gun with a light trigger would be a costly mistake. Plus he really needs to find out if the 365 fits his hand. The 365 did NOT fit my hand at all and I had to be careful not to ride the slide.
My personal choice for my individual desires and need and perfect fit is the Beretta Nano. I love the DA, the mild recoil etc. If I had blindly just shucked out $500 for the Sig 365, I would be selling it a few weeks later. Not that the Sig is a bad gun, it is a great gun, just not my choice for fit,trigger and shooting. On the other hand I would not advise someone to blindly buy a Nano and go from Light Striker fired to DA without trying first. Shoot the gun, make sure it fits your hand etc. No gun is perfect for everyone..
When I made the choice to switch to another Micro 9, I tried out many of them. All great pistols, all had their own uniqueness. Just because I love a certain gun does not make it a great choice for all. $500.00 plus extra mags etc. is not throw away money to me. It is a lot of money. And I wanted something I knew would be perfect for me. Yes, it takes time and patience. But I was not going to jump on any gun, simply because shooters from the Internet loved their particular EDC micro 9.

And one last thought. I had a very light Striker fired gun that I shot for years. And while I felt I was very confident with shooting ability, I can actually do better with the Nano in double action. Again, that will be up to the shooter, the gun, etc. How well the OP does with the Kahr has not been told to us. Maybe he does excellent with that gun.

I also own a 642, and a couple of LCR's. I can shoot them very well, but no where as proficient with them as the Nano double action. But then, I do not consider them in the same class. The Snubies and the Pistol IMO are just different guns. Yet all serve their purpose well.

 

[Snowdog]

Jeb, I completely understand your concerns about Eagle103 potentially making a mistake by purchasing an unfamiliar pistol to replace something that already works just fine (and something he's already familiar with).

I would absolutely agree, if the possibility exists, try to find a shop that has one and will let you handle and hopefully dry fire it to get a feel for the ergonomics and the trigger.

On the flip side, I was in the exact same position he is now; already having a trusty CM9 that serves the duty just fine. I made the leap and chose to invest in the Sig P365, never even having handled one before and hoping it would live up to the hype.

Not only did it, it well exceeded what I was hoping it would be. To an astonishing degree I might add. This is not to diminish the CM9, it's a very capable pistol. I think he'll likely be as pleased as most of P365 owners tend to be should be choose that route.

On the off-chance he doesn't like the pistol, he'll likely re-coop most or all of his investment as these things are selling, even used, like hotcakes as the demand is most certainly still there.

 

[Walkalong]

Has no one here bought a new pistol because they wanted to try something different/promising? I know I have.

And of course since he likes his CM9 so much he should keep it.