A tale of two Defenders - Shield V Kahr

[MIST]

Once upon a time, twelve years ago to be exact, a King procured a new Kahr PM9. It performed and functioned well, and the King was pleased. The Kahr was declared to be the EDC for the King's protection. Over the years, several others attempted to depose the Kahr, with no success. One day, the King was made aware of two others that were becoming popular in surrounding lands. They were known as the Kahr P9, the older and larger sibling of the PM9, and the S&W Shield 9, commonly referred to by minions as the Black Knight. The King summoned the P9 and Black Knight to appear before Him. As both claimed to be the superior choice for appointment as protector of the realm, the King devised a contest during which both candidates would demonstrate their skills. The battle was grueling, with both participants performing admirably. The King was smitten with the felicitous outward appearance of the shining P9 over the Black Knight. However, in the end, the attributes of performance and function displayed by the Black Knight outshined those of the P9. The Black Knight was anointed to the Kings Court and christened as the traveling protector of the King and his entourage, while the P9 was sold into slavery.

And that my fellow Shield enthusiasts is the story of how this particular pistol was chosen for concealed carry. The duties of protection for the fortress and main castle still fall to the mighty Remington 870 and his associate, the H&K VP9. But that's a whole different story.

 

[hardluk1]

Just werd !!

 

[bronco45]

I'll keep my CW9, a loyal and hearty servant, who has served yeoman's service for this monarch.

 

[dpast32]

I carry my KAHR PM9 ( all black version ) everyday. I absolutely love it, & as the ad says, "don't leave home without it". Usually, it's a 6+1 of CCI 124 GDHP+P's in it, with 1 or spare magazines of the same close at hand. It's just sooooo small & light, I almost forget I'm wearing it. That's my take on it.

dpast32

 

[Jdugan4859]

My TP9 stays in the center console, my 9c stays on my hip, and if it's a really sketchy area, my 9 shield stays in my pocket.

 

[JAREDSHS]

Being a Knight of CAMELOT(a fraternity from college days at Phillips University back in the dark ages of 1955, I can swear and attest to the tale put forth by sir MIST. And being a loyal and true Knight of the S&W round table, whole heartedly agree with the decree put forth by Sir MIST.

 

[dtom29]

I'll give up my PM9 only after I see the effects of an APEX trigger job on my Shield. As of now the PM9 has a better trigger.

 

[H Richard]

Originally I thought my Shield 9mm had a horrible trigger it weighed over 7 lbs! Then as I shot it more it was so smooth I began to like it even more. Last week I was at the range with both the shield, a RIA compact tactical 9mm 1911, and my 940. The RIA always shoots great, small groups, nice 4 lb trigger. My 940 is basically stock, but I have stoned it lightly and it is smooth. I shot the Shield last and it was a very comforting feeling, the grip fits so well, the trigger was so similar to, but lighter than my 940 I finally realized this is the best of both worlds. My Shield has the safety, but I don't use it with the revolver like trigger.

 

[MIST]

I'll give up my PM9 only after I see the effects of an APEX trigger job on my Shield. As of now the PM9 has a better trigger.

I completely agree. I guess in my "tale" I should've qualified that the PM9 is still the preferred all around protector due to its overall quality, proven reliability and diversity of carry methods; IWB, OWB, pocket or ankle. That's why I've kept it around for 12 years. However, the Shield is very definitely a close second.

I've had the opportunity to fire a Shield with an Apex Tactical hard sear and ultimate striker block installed. The difference between stock and modified is absolutely amazing.

 

[L Pete]

I bought a CM9 just after they were introduced. It became my EDC. It will stay my EDC. It's truly a quality, rugged, and dependable EDC. That ain't no fairy tale.......

 

[federali]

Personal Preference

People are built differently and how a gun feels in your hand is really important. At the risk of being stoned, I always wondered why the Browning HP felt like part of my hand while certain early generation Smiths felt like bricks.

I happen to like and use the Kahr P9. My personal preference is for three fingers around the grip. That does not imply that my gun is better than yours or anyone else's. I received mine as a gift from a shooting organization so I saw no need to change.

 

[FiremedicMike]

The magazine is such a buzz kill when it comes to kahr pistols. I love the way they feel, I love the way they shoot, I _LOVE_ that smooth trigger pull, but the craptastic magazines who's sole mission in life is to dump loose rounds of ammo into my pocket/mag pouch are just such a freaking bummer.

 

[hardknocks]

choices

Hello all
Had a 9mm shield.
Have a k9 and pm9.
No problems with any of them.
For me I know what I like to own for my own reasons and I'm sure others feel the same.
At least we have choices and this is my favorite firearms forum.
Regards
Mike

 

[tim c]

and thus they all were de-throned by the most dependable of all servants the mighty J frame

 

[JAREDSHS]

and thus they all were de-throned by the most dependable of all servants the mighty J frame

Tim , there could be more than a smidgen of truth to this.....lol

 

[MIST]

The magazine is such a buzz kill when it comes to kahr pistols. I love the way they feel, I love the way they shoot, I _LOVE_ that smooth trigger pull, but the craptastic magazines who's sole mission in life is to dump loose rounds of ammo into my pocket/mag pouch are just such a freaking bummer.

I used to think the same thing. This form fitted pouch sits nicely in my weak side back pocket. I've also got a single pouch for my spare Shield magazine.

 

[MIST]

For me I know what I like to own for my own reasons and I'm sure others feel the same.
At least we have choices and this is my favorite firearms forum.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[fullmetal1911]

The magazine is such a buzz kill when it comes to kahr pistols. I love the way they feel, I love the way they shoot, I _LOVE_ that smooth trigger pull, but the craptastic magazines who's sole mission in life is to dump loose rounds of ammo into my pocket/mag pouch are just such a freaking bummer.

I hear people say this all the time, yet I have never lost a single round out of either back up mags for my CM9, and they ride loose in a pocket all day long.

Right now my two main carry pistols are a CM9 and Shield 40. I prefer the Shield 40 for daily carry because for being only slightly larger it shoots much better. I have the APEX SCT kit in mine and I can shoot out the X ring on a B27 target at 10 yards with it.

My CM9 used to be my main carry, now I use it for when I want the smallest and lightest gun possible. It can be pocket carried, whereas my Shield is just a bit too big for that.

I'm thinking about picking up a pocket 380 again, which means the Kahr will see much less use, but I doubt I could ever get rid of it. Will probably sit in the safe, a back up in case my Shield ever gets sent back to S&W for some reason.

 

[FiremedicMike]

Maybe they improved the design somehow, but I was speaking from personal experience..

 

[regalsc]

I own 2 Kahr mk's & IMO they are high quality guns. The mags do function fine & don't drop rounds but are not as high quality as the guns. I have read about the rounds coming out while pocket carrying but seems to be hit or miss. I don't own any polymer guns & never will so my observations are based on Kahr ss guns only. Reading about Kahr polymer guns with slide overhangs & polymer pieces coming off the frame during so called break in period turned me off to plastic guns from any manufacturer.

 

[Ohsheepdog]

I love my PM9 & carry it everywhere like the OP. I've tried at least 6 other sub compact 9mms & nothing can top it for size, reliability, accuracy, weight, & trigger. The Diamond Like Coating wears like it's name & it's been 100% reliable thru over a thousand rounds.
Like others have said here, the mags are my only real complaint, as the 7 round mag will dump rounds while it's in my mag pouch...