I carried a J frame 357 for several years but as I've gotten older it's become harder to shoot well. I have a Shield45 that I've taken out a few times and I shoot it pretty well. I've been carrying it for about a week but I'm just not as comfortable with it as I am with my J frame. The Kahr's got my attention just because they have a more revolver like trigger which both cocks and fires the gun. I no nothing at all about Kahr. Never even knew anyone who had one. They've been around a while though so I'm hoping some of our members here might have some experience with Kahr in general but in particular the PM45. Thanks.

I have a CW9, P9 and a PM9. They’ve well made, but to me, the trigger pull is longer and has a slower reset than that of a J frame. I believe I can shoot the J frame faster, but the Kahr more accurately. I quit shooting the Kahr all together when I got my hands on an Sig P365. I have no experience with their .45.

I have a Kahr PM 9 and shoot it well. The trigger is very revolver like as you mentioned. I think they are well made. The 45 will he a handful I suspect. I also switched to an Sig p365 or a S&W 442 for carry.

I don't believe that I would enjoy shooting 45 in such a light short pistol.

Having shot a Colt Officers in 45 I found even in a heavy all stainless pistol I need a longer grip to control recoil.

I do have a PM9. Easy to shoot and control for follow up shots.

Light and easy to carry. There are two things which apply to the PM9 that may be the same for the PM45.

The manual shows the proper recoil spring orientation for function. Put in wrong the spring can slip out the front. Yes I did that once.

Second I cannot rack a round into the chamber. Lock the slide open, insert magazine and then drop the slide release. It will feed hollow points every time that way. Otherwise racked the round nose dives into the feed ramp.

That's it. Not so much about the PM45 but something you might need to know.

Bruce

I love Kahrs, and had a PM 45 for a while. Great little gun. Recoil is snappy, but not horrible. The CM45 is cheaper and identical in most ways that matter.

Also have a PM-9.
Trigger is like shooting a Revolver Double Action.
6 round single stack flush mags, also have some 7 and 8 rounders.
I would prefer the model with a longer grip. Not as concealable but more to hold on too!
Just saw on YouTube Kahr has double stackers inbound.
And they can use Sig 365 and Hellcat mags!!
I recall one failure to return to Full Battery while doing new gun break-in,
Otherwise no problems.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I've had several over the years, currently have the PM45 it's pretty snappy.
I also have a K9 and PM9.
All the kahr guns I had were great, but I had a PM 9 that broke followers I had to shorten the feed ramp I did that in my garage. It even ran with the front of the follower broke ?
I have read many posts where people have had bad luck with kahr.

I have the PM40 and the PM45. The PM40 is my EDC when out of CA. The PM40 and PM 9 are the same size. The PM45 is larger in the grip but barely larger in the slide. MyPM40 and PM45 fit in the same model DeSantis speed scabbard.

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I did a bit of fiddling with mine, really didn't change the basic function of that long "double action" trigger pull. Which is the specific reason I bought the guns and use them.

The striker fired stuff is fine, I have my share. They have FP blocks - great. "Trigger safety" - OK, but it's not for me either. I like the long, DA revolver like pull, and that when the trigger is at rest so is the FP spring. The Kahr has a sort of pivoting sear that depresses the FP spring and releases the striker.

Kahr magazines aren't all that expensive and the larger capacity mags fit the shorter PM series.

I've had a LTC or CCW for almost 50 years. The PM and a J frame Model 638 are pretty much what's best for me 99% of the time.

I have a P380, (bought first,) 2, (different,) PM9’s and a PM45 and regularly carry them all depending.

Obviously I think highly of them. I don’t notice any trigger issues but I’m used to them and like them.

The PM45 easy to control but gets uncomfortable after rapidly firing several magazines. The bore axis is lower and it seems that makes a difference in recoil and muzzle rise. The polygonal rifled Carl Lothar match grade barrels make the PM series very accurate. Lead bullets, even extremely hard casts cannot be used though. Trust me.

Jim

I have a CW9. I had to change the mag followers to stop it tossing rounds out the top. I found the gun soaks up recoil very well, probably because it has a very heavy recoil spring. The shape of the trigger and the length of my fingers had me shooting low. I need to fit an aftermarket straight trigger. Pull weight is fine.

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Release the Kraken

Thanks for the quick replies. After carrying my Shield for a few days I've decided that's about as large as I want to go in size and weight. I wish there was someplace I could go to compare some of the Kahr models. Unfortunately doing that would end up being an all day affair as I'd have a 3 hour drive ahead of me each way at least. From their specs even the P45 and the CW45 are smaller than my Shield but paper specs don't always tell the whole story. I do not believe in "dressing for the gun", at least not for an EDC so any carry piece has to work with my every day street clothes.

Great pistols. Love the ergonomics and the smooth trigger pull. Don’t forget about the T9, which is about an inch longer and taller than the K9. Very well made pistols!

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otis

I have a CM40.

The Kahr's DA trigger in surprisingly smooth, if not long.

They seem to have slides that are a little harder to rack than other brands.

Since they're generally smaller pistols this, combined with harder racking, might be a consideration if your hand strength isn't what it used to be.

At one LGS I asked why they don't carry any new Kahrs & they said one reason is because they're harder for older people to rack the slides.

Something to double-check if you get to play with one.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

I have a Kahr MK9 Elite 03. It is NIB so I have no experience on how it shoots. It seemed to be a perfect CCW at the time I bought it for my collection. If you are interested in a deal, send me a PM. Just posted it in the classifieds.

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PM 40 here, with a Viridian R5 Laser and their Reactor holster...

It is the "smallest with the mostest" as far as I'm concerned!. Go to Handgun Hero for a size comparison ( M&P Shield 45 vs. KAHR PM 40).

Their 380s are REALLY small. IMHO their triggers are outstanding for a striker fired pistol: if there was a double action revolver with that kind of "feel" it would corner the market!

Cheers!

P.S. The excellent suggestion by Bruce in Post #4 goes for all the KAHRs.

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Sit Reloader Sentiret

Kahr PM40 here, small, reliable, accurate and powerful! What's not to like...it's my EDC and I'm very happy with it! Many miles traveled with this pistol!!
I know many comments on the snappiest and difficult to shoot etc., I keep the gun and it intended use in focus. It is a defensive pistol, not target gun, so it works quite well with that in mind!

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Regards
Paul

I’ve owned a Kahr P45 (slightly larger than the PM45) for a dozen years and I really like it. It’s been very reliable, accurate, easy to shoot and a pleasure to carry concealed. I tend to carry a hi cap Glock 9mm nowadays but still carry the Kahr P45 on occasion. I have read of some reliability issues with the Kahr’s on occasion but I’ve zero problems with mine, the only Kahr I’ve owned.

I have a PM40 and find it controllable when shooting 145 or 175 gr bullets. It is more accurate than I expected it to be.

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Front sight and squeeze

I have the P9, no issues with it at all. I prefer the 7 rd mag to the 8 rd but that's just me. A great CC choice. Joe

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Behavior Creates Destiny

Depending on your hand size and strength the CM series can test your ability . I bought a cm9 years ago but found my hands where more suited to the CW series pistols and a the cw45 will use most 1911officers mags and with spacers long higher cap full size for back up . MY cm9 is my youngest daughters now . The cwis my older daughters and the TP40 is her husband's today . I still have a ct45 full size 4" barrel and using 1911 mags too . trigger pull is not revolver DA long or heavy .

My Kahr CT45 has a 4lb 12oz ultra smooth stock trigger pull weight and for defensive short shooting maybe out to 15 or 25 yards depending on skills you should be sweeping the trigger while at 5 yards and less your more than likely slapping it . Save the short reset follow the reset trigger skills for target shooting or shooting a tuned up 1911 .

Now If you consider a s&w 340pd as a small handgun check out how a CW45 compares at Handgun Hero - link below . With a flush fit +1 1911 officers metal base mag mag over the kahr mag while the height difference is less than a 1/4" with the flush fit 1911 mag , small over all length difference of .02 and thinner but it is 21oz and thats not a bad thing in 45acp . Kahrs accuracy regardless of more is purdy darn good .

You can more the handguns around in the Table Top Comparison section .

Kahr CW45 vs Smith & Wesson Model 340 PD size comparison | Handgun Hero

I've had one of the commander-sized Kahr 45s for years now. Really like it and find it easy to shoot and don't find the recoil to be any big deal. Use it as one of my top two big-bore carry pieces - along with my 44 Bulldog Pug.

As I read the original poster`s question to the effect "does anyone have experience with Kahr pistols?" I reluctantly raise my hand. My experience began around 1997 I believe when I purchased a K40. Thus began my novel of experiences with Kahr, service problems galore, multiple trips to the plant at my expense and general headaches. I traded the K40 for a P40 and the problems did not abate (although the weight did!). I still have the 3rd ?version of the original P40 after replacement of parts, slides, barrels and ultimately the frame. It at last is what I wish the first version was. I honestly wonder to this day if the service department gunsmiths were underpaid(although I guess we all could say that at sometime) and they resorted to what I believe is called "churning". It`s a phrase usually applied to stockbrokers but I think could be applied to all manner of service people as the pistols(in their various repairs) would arrive with maybe the original problem fixed but something else wrong. The S&W Shield was/is the correct answer to the pistol I wanted in 1997 and I don`t think you should stray too far from their banner although if you want a 9mm I think the P365 is a great little pistol too.

I carried a PM9 for years, loved the trigger. When the P365 came out the PM9 went into the safe, and hasn't come out since, due to the increased capacity in a pistol not much bigger.

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Only a cold warrior

My primary carry gun for years was a K9. It fits my hand like it was designed specifically for me, and with the weight of the all-steel construction, it's simply sweet to shoot. The only reason I moved it out of my #1 spot was when I started carrying all day at work, the weight of that steel started wearing on my back, and I switched to a P365.

A couple years into my K9 ownership I added a P45 to my battery. With the polymer frame and heavier caliber, it's definitely snappier in the hand, but I wouldn't call it abusive. With it's night sights, that one plays a role as one of my household "ready guns."

One thing I always point out to people considering a Kahr purchase: The guns often require a break-in period to be reliable. Kahr even points out that they recommend 200 rounds (as I recall) to smooth things out. I personally had no issues with the steel framed K9. With the P45, I had a couple stoppages with the first magazine-full, a couple more over the next 50 rounds, and maybe one more soon after that. And not a problem since. My personal recommendation to new Kahr owners is to take cleaning gear to the range with you. Clean the gun before you ever load it (just like you should do with any new purchase), then, assuming no stoppages shoot a mag, strip and clean it, shoot another couple mags, strip and clean, then clean every 100 rounds after that, until you have 100% confidence in the reliability. If you do get stoppages, immediately clear, strip and clean at that time.

I have a K9 and like it a lot. I have no use for polymer framed handguns. The weight of the K9 doesn't bother me one bit. My K9 has never malfunctioned and has around 400 rounds through it. I also like the fact that it doesn't have a trigger safety like the Glock and many other compact handguns designed for CCW have. And that means you don't have to very carefully choose a holster that protects the trigger against accidentally blowing off your family jewels when you holster it in an appendix carry IWB rig.

While I have always prescribed to the bigger is better theory regarding calibers in a self defense handgun, ammunition advances, particularly in the popular 9mm cartridge and even more so in the last decade mean that the 9x19 with one of the premium self defense loads is a proven stopper.

The manual does say to chamber the first round from the slide locked back position. Maybe because due to the stiff recoil spring there is a risk of short stroking it and getting a misfeed. I have had no issues but I have excellent hand strength. For now at least.

I too prefer the steel Kahrs I have 5 and counting so far, so I can not speak on the PM45 or the polymer Kahr triggers. If they are anything like the steel frame triggers, the triggers are phenomenal IMHO. The triggers on my examples are a lot better than any of my DAO revolver triggers (I own S&W, Ruger, Colt, Kimber, and Taurus revolvers FYI).

I have had most of the Kahrs at one time or another.
Have no plans to get another. The magazine springs are almost twice as long and stiff as they need to be, and I refuse to buy guns that cost what they do and require a 500 round break-in as suggested by the manufacturer. That’s a lot of money for ammo if you don’t reload.
Somehow Glock can get a gun out the door for less than $85 apiece that requires no break-in.
Maybe Kahr should hire some mechanical and design engineers away from Glock for consultants.

It's a 300 round break in suggestion which usually results in problem free rounds fired. You should be firing $300 (ideally more) rounds through any new pistol before carrying for self-defense anyway, so it's a moot issue. Kahrs have tighter tolerances than Glock, so they simply recommend running 300 rounds through it so parts can mesh together. On the other hand, the iconic HK pistol use strong recoil springs for reliability purposes, so HK recommends running 124gr 9mm through their VP9, P30, and USP, and other pistols.

As far as the recoil springs go, I've never heard anyone else complain about recoil spring length. I own dozens of Kahr mags in 9mm and 40s&w, and I've never had an issue loading their mags to capacity. S&W M&P mags on the other hand, most people complain about how hard it is to load the last round. Matter of fact, many semiautos are hard to load to capacity hence the reason why Uplula loaders or so popular. I actually run Lakeline extra power springs in my EDC magazines which are even stiffer for added reliability. That said, the common complaint I hear about Kahr mags has to do with their followers which shed a round if not kept in a fitted mag holder.

Glocks cost $85 a peice?

Strong Spring? Try a Detonics Pocket 9.
Small 9mm that fires open breech.
Not much to grab-hold on to.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I pocket carried a PM-9 for more than 15 years before I got a hankering for an S&W 940 to pocket carry. The 940 is interesting, but the PM-9 is a more practical pocket carry gun.

Well in that case a PM45 wouldn't be a good choice.

late father had an early K9.. back when they only made one model (1996)... broke it in with European submachine gun ammo.. worked wonderfully for dad until arthritis made him park it.. much later I acquired a PM9 & CW9 in a package deal... both great, but traded the CW9 off... having the bigger one felt silly.. carried the PM9... very stiff recoil springs.. wonderful double action triggers in neat little robust package... but hand strength is required....

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OP - another possible solution to your problem: load that J frame with .38 Special instead of .357 Magnum and it might not be so uncomfortable to shoot. Grip selection is also important, Pachmayr Compacs are pretty nice on a J frame.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

smoothshooter Your so whiny and a glock show that your just a glock fan but so run along back to the glock forums with your blinders on .

The 4 kahrs I had have never failed to function as designed over the decades and many thousands of rounds fired . Even a mutt like you should know you should fire a few hundred rounds form any new to you handgun just to be sure its functional as the rest of the shooting world knows glock's have had that fair share of problem handguns that needs customer service . Now you could search Glock handgun problems that go way back in there history with gen 1 pistols up to current gen 5 model .

My Kahr CW 40 was a jamomatic. I gave it away.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

Guns that cost as much as Kahrs do should not need a break-in period, especially when ammo cost and availability are sometimes an issue.

I have a CM9 and a CW45. I've carried the CM9 for many years now, but recently switched to a Sig P365 for waist carry. The CM9 I still pocket carry in the summer. It's super reliable now. It wasn't at first. Mine kept locking the slide back before the magazine was empty. The next bullet in the magazine on the way into the chamber was brushing the slide lock lever. I had to grind a tiny little bit off of the slide lock lever so the next round could load without locking back the slide. There's not much room inside the CM9. The tolerances are tiny. It's been flawless since. The CW45 has always been reliable. It rides in the truck.

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What could possibly go wrong?

Carried a PM9 for 12 years. Also have an MK9. Both are great guns. Started carrying a 365XL for more capacity.