I was under the impression home base is MA but assembly operations in NY. Could be wrong though.

My vote on this one goes to the Kahr but the PM9. I have had 2 PM9's (wife has one) and I often carry the PM40. Takes some gettign use to with the 40 for sure as recoil is stout. Very accurate out to 15 yard line and just like instructed I ran 250 rounds through it before I carried it for SD. Had a few stovepipes during break in but haven't had any issues with either of the 3 PM models I've owned.

Shield is a great SD gun but larger. For me anyway, the Kahr PM is 16oz and fits inside a shirt pocket. That means I will have it on me even in summer. Shiled offers more rounds for sure but with a much heavier carry weight and bulk as well.

Try them out to see how they carry before you make a final determination.