Looking to move away from my LCP and .380 into a *very* small single stack 9. As close in size as I can get to an LCP, in fact.
I currently own (and carry from time to time) a G26, which is awfully hard to beat (mag interchangeability, shootability, reliability, etc.).
That being said, the G26 is way too big for what I want (a true pocket 9)... which also starts to rule out the guns that are only slightly smaller, such as the G43, Shield, and XDS.
I can currently get the CM9 for 266 shipped. At 5.46" x 4" x .9", could this be the 9 I am looking for? Am I overlooking another obvious choice?
The PM9 is literally twice as much, and after checking out the differences, I honestly don't see anything to merit twice the price.
Same with the 938. It certainly looks to be a superior gun, but 550-600 on a pocket gun seems a bit excessive (assuming the CM9 and 938 would at least be in somewhat similar territory reliability-wise... if not, I will gladly spend the extra to buy a bit more peace of mind).
I get that the CM9 is a budget gun, and that's just fine by me. However, as would be assumed, reliability and shootability are non-negotiable on a defensive weapon.
Any input on the CM9, whether good, bad, whatever?
I have a PM9 that I bought before the CM9's were available. I'm very happy with the PM9 and carry it often. It's accurate and very reliable. That being said, I'd have no problem saving the money to buy a CM9 today. My advice is to purchase the CM9 and never look back
Posts: 85 | Location: Northern Virginia | Registered: March 23, 2008
I also have a CM9 and I'm very happy with it. I still don't have even 100 rounds thru it but it's been 100% so far. Very good trigger action on it and the slide is easier to rack than Kahr's .380's. I did learn from my (now sold) CT380 - it's important to keep the striker channel clean. I haven't tried to remove the striker - I just use Rem Oil on the channel then blast it all out with canned air.
Posts: 449 | Location: Northern Virginia | Registered: September 01, 2000
I have and carry a CM9 often. It is very compact, and also very light weight (14 oz) and I pocket carry it with a pocket holster. Mine has been totally reliable, accurate, and I can carry it when I would not be able to carry anything bigger...
Character is doing the right thing even when no one else will know...
Posts: 50 | Location: Western Washington | Registered: June 23, 2010
I have the MK9 and PM9 and have been very happy with both. The PM9 is so relatively light I sometimes forget I've got it with me. The CM9 would have the same carry characteristics.
If you like religion, laws or sausage, then you shouldn't watch them being made.
I have both the CM9 and the PM9. Both are excellent, reliable little pistols. The PM9 is slightly shorter in overall length. it's not much, but to me it makes a difference so I carry the PM. In a belt holster, I'd have no preference, but in the pocket, PM is better.
Posts: 407 | Location: Bluegrass State | Registered: February 09, 2013
I'd love a Mk9 but settled for a CM9. Its a great choice. Takes about 150-200 rounds to break it in. Disappears totally in a shoulder Rig and comfortable in a ankle holster too.
______________________________________________ Life is short. It’s shorter with the wrong gun…
Posts: 13868 | Location: VIrtual | Registered: November 13, 2009
I also have and prefer to carry my G26 (love it!) for the reasons you stated, WHEN possible. But most times, I have my LCP in my pocket for utmost discretion. As you know, the LCP truly disappears. I had a CM9 which operated fine, but I got rid of it for 2 reasons. 1) It seemed like it was going to be close in size to the LCP, but it carries "much bigger" print-wise, and in weight, swinging the pockets of pants that aren't snug. 2) The slide started shaving the plastic on the frame. It cleaned off OK and seemed to stop, but shook my confidence a little too much. Just my experience.
All that said, if you do get one and are looking to keep things as slim as possible for pocket carry, I highly recommend the Recluse One-Sided pocket holster. The leather face cuts down on printing significantly, and the retention via the trigger-block is solid. Plus, when you decide to take a grip on your gun in your pocket, it is now separated from the holster during the gripping process.
I owned a CM9 and a Ruger LC9, pocket carried both, kept the LC9; sold the CM9. The CM was 100% reliable as is the LC. I just liked the ergonomics etc. better on the LC.
I.ve carried the CM9 and thought it was a great carry gun. I now have the MK9 and K9 to carry as well as a T9 for fun and range. Obviously I like the Kahr pistols. All have been reliable and accurate.
ANYTHING ELSE!! I cannot believe this company is still in business. 10+ Kahr guns owned in the past 20 years and not a single one of them have been reliable. Fool me once shame on me, fool me 10 times...
To be honest, I run my carry guns 1000-3000 rounds before I even think about carrying them, to include about 500 rounds of the hollow point ammo I plan on using.
I have a VERY deep suspicion that the folks that actually like their Kahr pistol have maybe put a box of ammo through them. Maybe. These things shit the bed hard.This message has been edited. Last edited by: bubbatime,
______________________________________________________ Often times a very small man can cast a very large shadow
Posts: 6708 | Location: Floriduh | Registered: October 16, 2004
Go with the CM9. I have one plus an older PM9, I can't tell the difference. That and my LCP fit in a pocket inside DeSantis Nemesis, spare mag is in the other pocket. The CM9 also hides well in SmartCarry.
The PM/CM9 is one of a very few subcompact 9mms that is the right size and shape for a pocket. Others are thinner but longer in height and length, others are so thick it looks as if you have a thick paperback book in your pocket. The thing you have to remember about pocket carry is that it isn't enough that the gun simply fits into the pocket, you need to be able to get your fist around the grip as well. One of pocket carry's virtues is that you can already have your hand on the gun without telegraphing it. Now, on the down side, and my own limited experience seems to bear this out, plastic Kahrs seem to have more problems than the steel ones. You may or may not get a good one the first time. I never had any cycling problems with my E9, but the PM9 had to go back because it seldom cycled more than three successive shots.
Posts: 28917 | Location: Johnson City, TN | Registered: April 28, 2012