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I posted last week that I was thinking about a Kel Tec PF9. Well I shot it on Friday and my delicate keyboarding hands we're still feeling those fifty rounds on Monday. So I'm considering what else could fill the need with a little less punishment.

I've been eyeing the Kahr CM9. I know it costs a bit more than the KT, but it looks like you get something more refined and comfortable to shoot for the extra bucks, and it's even smaller than the PF9.

What worries me is the number of issues that people have listed on the kahrtalk forums, and after talking to others about them I've found a couple people who just couldn't ever get them to run right.

On the other hand, I've also talked to a few others who haven't ever had problems with them and think they're a great gun with a great trigger.

So I'm trying to get more feedback on this CM9 compared to the PF9. Any other recommendations you'd have for a cheap 9mm single stack without a safety would be helpful too.

Transplant wrote:I posted last week that I was thinking about a Kel Tec PF9. Well I shot it on Friday and my delicate keyboarding hands we're still feeling those fifty rounds on Monday. So I'm considering what else could fill the need with a little less punishment.

I've been eyeing the Kahr CM9. I know it costs a bit more than the KT, but it looks like you get something more refined and comfortable to shoot for the extra bucks, and it's even smaller than the PF9.

What worries me is the number of issues that people have listed on the kahrtalk forums, and after talking to others about them I've found a couple people who just couldn't ever get them to run right.

On the other hand, I've also talked to a few others who haven't ever had problems with them and think they're a great gun with a great trigger.

So I'm trying to get more feedback on this CM9 compared to the PF9. Any other recommendations you'd have for a cheap 9mm single stack without a safety would be helpful too.

I have a Kahr PM9 and have had zero problems. Love the gun. There are many others on here that are the same. If you follow the guidelines and shoot 200 rounds through it for break-in, then it should function well.

As for hurting your hand, the PM9 (same frame and slide basically as the CM9) is very comfortable to shoot for me. It is well balanced and extremely forgiving on recoil. However, any lightweight gun will have more noticeable recoil than a larger heavier gun; that's just normal.

Kahr states that you must shoot at least 200 rounds before the gun is considered "reliable" (true story -- it's in the owner's manual). I think the CW9 and CM9 are great little pistols once they've been fed enough food (so add that in to the price unless you buy a used one ). You might want to consider the Diamondback DB9. A good pistol, but finicky on ammo - once you find ammo it likes though, it's completely reliable.

If you can tolerate unobtrusive safeties: The Ruger LC9 has a manual safety that is a little tough to switch on but easy to switch off. The new S&W "Shield" also has an external safety.

I love my CW9. Perfectly reliable, easy to shoot, and I'm more accurate with it than my Glock. Great CCW, it disappears in an MTAC. It won't be the last Kahr I own. I did put a Hogue Handall Jr. on it, as I found the front strap checkering to bee a little too aggressive.

The Kahr products are very well made and reliable, they do require a short break in period, then again any gun that is carried for self defense should have a few hundred rounds shot through it. IMO you cannot go wrong with the CM9, CW9 or the Ruger LC9 and the price points make them affordable. Personally I would stay away from Diamondback, far away. We had so many issues with them and lack of customer support we will not even sell their products anymore, they are cheap for a reason.

Ford vs Chevy, you'll hear stories of love and hate for both brands.

I too own a CW9, and really like the pistol. I agree with the above comments, the break in period on a Kahr is critical.

Ryan

Salty1 wrote:The Kahr products are very well made and reliable, they do require a short break in period, then again any gun that is carried for self defense should have a few hundred rounds shot through it. IMO you cannot go wrong with the CM9, CW9 or the Ruger LC9 and the price points make them affordable. Personally I would stay away from Diamondback, far away. We had so many issues with them and lack of customer support we will not even sell their products anymore, they are cheap for a reason.

I know early DB9s had some issues that the DB team has addressed. I think their early manufacturing issues are well behind them now, but the rumors refuse to die. I don't find them any less reliable than Kahrs.

I"ve had my CW9 for some time now and carry it almost exclusively. The DAO trigger is about the best out there but it's still a DAO. My trigger pull is about 7.5lbs but butter smooth from front to back with no "take up". The slide was very stiff at first but broke in real well after about 300 rounds. I have also heard that Kahr recommends no "sling shotting" the slide to rack a round but to use the slide lock lever. I have to admit I had a few issues at first with sling shotting but realized that you have to grab it like a man and make sure not to help it forward at all. Zero issues after I figured this out.

My wife recently wanted a smaller pistol for OTB carry and was convinced she wanted the PF9. She shot both at a range and told me that there was no comparision which was teh better gun. We're now looking at the smaller CM9 for her. Get a Kahr, learn how to use it, and carry away. You won't regret it.

Have a kahr cw40 not one hiccup if I use factory ammo or copper plated reloads. You do have to learn how to put the slide pin in correctly or you will mess it up but other than that its a great gun. If you do have issues just do what kahr would do and polish and throat it.

Sputz

Sputz wrote: If you do have issues just do what kahr would do and polish and throat it.

Sputz

Went I got the hankering for a .45 acp, I went to Targetmaster and rented everything they had. Colts, M&Ps, Springfields, Glocks, etc. I selected the Kahr CW45 as it was the one I found most comfortable and accurate in my hands. Haven't regretted it for a moment. A CM9 is probably next.

I've had my PM40 for 4 years and never had a hiccup. I have an Apex wrap around and mag extention. We are in the process of selecting a CCW for my wife and we're leaning toward a Kahr 9mm for her. I wouldn't hesitate to recommending them.

I have a Kahr PM9 and I have had feeding issues with it even after the 200 round "Break in".
Mrs. Chemist can tell you about the time I took my CHL test and had to push it into battery after every shot.
(Found a burr and removed it - problem solved.)

I also have a Ruger LC9. I don't even notice the safety and with the looooooooooooong trigger pull of the LC9 I don't even use it.
The Ruger worked perfectly straight out of the box and I can shoot it all day without any discomfort.

Transplant wrote:I posted last week that I was thinking about a Kel Tec PF9. Well I shot it on Friday and my delicate keyboarding hands we're still feeling those fifty rounds on Monday. So I'm considering what else could fill the need with a little less punishment.

I've been eyeing the Kahr CM9. I know it costs a bit more than the KT, but it looks like you get something more refined and comfortable to shoot for the extra bucks, and it's even smaller than the PF9.

What worries me is the number of issues that people have listed on the kahrtalk forums, and after talking to others about them I've found a couple people who just couldn't ever get them to run right.

On the other hand, I've also talked to a few others who haven't ever had problems with them and think they're a great gun with a great trigger.

So I'm trying to get more feedback on this CM9 compared to the PF9. Any other recommendations you'd have for a cheap 9mm single stack without a safety would be helpful too.

If you take a needle, you can push it into a bar of soap. 5,000 needles all at once don't go in as easily.
I learned that after having a house on pier and beam leveled twice (the first time, I should have added more piers)
Point is, if you like the Keltec PF9 other than the stinging hand because of the thin backstrap pressing into your hand ... try a Keltec P11, which has a thicker backstrap, holds 10+1 or 12+1 and is only marginally heavier/thicker but otherwise the same size, and close in price.
I carry my P11 (with the 12 round mag) daily, enjoy shooting it every range trip, and never fired my PF9 yet, I heard it hurts pushing that backstrap thin grip into your hand or something, but I bought it a couple years back, and deciding whether to keep it or what.. guess I'll keep it, just in case.

I want a PM9 too though, and a .... and a ...

OldCannon wrote:I know early DB9s had some issues that the DB team has addressed. I think their early manufacturing issues are well behind them now, but the rumors refuse to die. I don't find them any less reliable than Kahrs.

With respect I am not speaking of rumors, I am talking about personal experience on guns that we sold, Diamondback refused to supply shipping lables and I do not feel a 2 week turnaround time is acceptable for a new gun that malfunctioned right away during the first trip to the range, I am talking about numerous guns here, as a matter of fact I am only aware of 1 that did not require a trip for repairs. I personally am not going to damage our company name by selling what I consider an inferior product to our valued customers.

If our customer has a problem with a gun purchased from us we get it repaired for them by the manufacturer, we do not tell them to do it. Since Diamondback would not supply shipping labels we paid for it, not much profit in a cheap $300 gun. If people want a Diamondback then that is their choice I consider it irresponsible to not put all the true facts out their to help with their decision on a carry gun....... over and out!!!!