Well I stewed over some title for this thread like “Practical vs Desired” but it sounded like shit. Anyway. There are firearms that I’ve had an itch for, some for a long time but steer away because they aren’t “practical”. Example: why on earth would I want a 7rd, MK9 instead of a 12rd P365xl? (I think I got those capacities right). I guess guns don’t need to fit a specific role to be desired? I’ve just never looked at firearm purchases that way. They’ve always had a certain purpose, however made up that may be in my mind to get justified into buying. Am I alone in looking at guns this way? I don’t have any safe queens, every one gets shot…but there are a few
“Wants” that just are not practical. Does that make them a bad purchase? I’m rambling, but I’m curious on y’all’s thoughts since I found myself looking for this Kahr.

What exactly is practical? If you had the fiscal means, I’d advocate you get what you desire. So many of us here have been through so many guns during our lifetime and for different reasons. Often we buy the trend or what’s popular. Sometimes though, a gun we missed along the way becomes available & we snag it.
We truly live in the golden age of firearms of countless calibers, capacities and capabilities. The rule should be to get what you can make work for you, right?

I have a Kahr K9 Elite that I love. Has ~600 rounds through it and the trigger although long DA pull is the smoothest trigger on a pistol I own.
All metal pistol that fits my hand great and conceals easily.
I haven't carried it since the Summer of 2021 as I bought a Springfield Hellcat. It did have to do with capacity.
I would buy it again in a heartbeat though because it's an excellent pistol.
If you can find one, grab it.

I was in the same position as you. Had a couple K9’s since the uncoated carbon steel days in the 90’s, EDC for a good while.
Incredible trigger, grip, a classy flat revolver.
FWIW, the best 5 round 7 yard group I ever shot with any pistol was with a K9. Just by dumb luck, just one hole of a ragged 50-55 caliber.
PM9 was reliable, light, also great for its time, but just seemed kinda cheap and like it lazily chewed its own plastic innards.
The MK9 never seemed practical. Even before the G43 and Sig 365 days, it didn’t seem to have a spot given the plastic PM9.
But I finally broke down and looked and found one a couple years ago. Does it get shot much? No. Is it every bit the confidence inspiring work of art that a K9 is? Yes.
And, if you really like the Kahr trigger, and like me can’t warm to the plastic PM9, it really does have a place as a little K9.
I do suspect they may go away one day. I would search around till you find one. I’m glad I did.

I've had and carried all three of those Kahrs mentioned. The PM9 carried the best because of the weight difference. My favorite of the three though is the K9. If I run across another SS K9 I will probably buy it.

I've always been intrigued by the Kahr offerings. Can't say I'd pass one up for the right price, even if it wouldn't likely get carried much. Could take over light duty from my P11, but wouldn't replace my P320.

Thanks for the replies guys. The MK9, specifically an Elite has been on my radar for a good while…along with 3-4 other various pieces.

The first reply from cqb60 was very good. Although the Kahr is a current “chase”, it’s a delemma I have with certain guns.

I've always had an itch to get a K9 elite. While quite nice, the mk9 never appealed to me quite as much as the pm9 makes more sense for that form factor.

Sometimes you just want what you want. Last year I picked up a nice blue Sig P230. Is it practical, nope, my P365 .380 is practical in comparison.

That being said I bought the P230, and I'm very happy with it.

Oh and I had a Kahr MK9 many years ago, great pistol with a great factory trigger.

Get what makes you happy.

But from a purely logical/practical standpoint, you're correct in that there's little reason to go with a MK9/PM9 in a world where the P365 exists.

You get nearly double the capacity, better reliability with no break-in period required, and an arguably better trigger (although that's up to personal preference) in a package that's functionally the exact same size.

Compared to the MK9 in particular, the P365 will actually be a bit thinner due to the MK9's bulkier grip panels, as well as several ounces lighter even with the P365's extra rounds. (The P365's fully loaded weight is a little less than the MK9's unloaded weight.)

Oh I don’t doubt the practicality of it vs. more modern offerings, it’s just a dilemma I have to get over. Add a piece to the collection that I’ve admired or forget about it due to “practical” reasons. Therein lies the best reply from cqb60…”what is practical?”

Lol, how many times can you use practical in one post??

When you put that extra Kahr mag in your pocket to get 13rds, as long as you don't mind fishing rounds out of your pocket at the end of the day... I say do it!

I am one of those practically minded people that generally only buys guns to fill specific perceived needs. Fortunately I am very needy.

But there are exceptions. I recently bought a Walther PP because I had one years ago and I really like it and decided to go for it. Similarly, I went shooting last summer with a friend who brought a friend who brought a Sub 2000 and I really liked it too, so I bought one. I also retained certain guns that used to fill a need but got replaced with more modern better suited ones, but enjoyed shooting them too much to sell or trade. I am thinking specifically about a 232 and 239.

It’s a shame about those droves of people who simply were unable to defend themselves with less than 12 rounds. We should have a memorial or something.

KAHRs do nothing for me but if they blow your proverbial kilt up have at it. I’ve seen you post you are WELL past the I need one gun for self defense off-ramp so cruise on down the I want it cuz I want it dammit lane and enjoy. The vast number of us will ever only use our firearms for pleasure (may it ever be so) so have fun with it.

Take care, shoot safe
Chris

I had an MK9 years ago. 100% reliable for me, great trigger and amazingly accurate for a stupid little gun. Shot better than a lot of full size autos I've owned.

I have always loved and wanted an Kahr MK9 !!! Something about the steel and wood grips !!! Even though this is a 40S&W version, it sure is sexy !!! I say GO FOR IT !!! God Bless

quote:

When you put that extra Kahr mag in your pocket to get 13rds, as long as you don't mind fishing rounds out of your pocket at the end of the day...

#Truth.

My Kahrs were notorious for this. Put a spare mag in your pocket without using any type of mag sleeve, and at the end of the day a few of the rounds worked their way out of the mag and are just rolling around in your pocket.

I carried a MK9 25 years ago as a backup weak hand front pocket gun. It went bang every time but for the weight I can carry a 640 that shoots through pocket without jamming. I also have had the K9 and a pair of CM9 which were all good guns the 365 is just a better option.

dry-fly, let me know if you end up going with the Kahr, I can maybe help you out with some accessories to get you going. karma, life is good.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:I’ve seen you post you are WELL past the I need one gun for self defense off-ramp so cruise on down the I want it cuz I want it dammit lane and enjoy. The vast number of us will ever only use our firearms for pleasure (may it ever be so) so have fun with it.

Take care, shoot safe
Chris

That’s some sage and funny as hell advice, sir..thank you!