S&W 642 or Kahr PM9

T

tdgator

New member
Alright, I know everyone gets sick of these types of posts but I've got a problem. I need a good, reliable gun for pocket carry here in the hot weather of Florida. I don't want to settle for anything less than a .38. I narrowed it down to the 642 and PM9. I was set on the PM9 until reading of the problems many people have (feeding, broken springs). All I here are good things about the 642 (comfort, reliable etc.) but when I naturally line up the sights on it, they point high for me. Maybe I'm just not used to J frames.

Any advice or comments. Are the PM9s really that bad or is it just Kahr bashers? Is the 642 worth the 2 less rounds and maybe a little extra power?

Thanks in advance.
 
PM9

I live in Florida and pocket carry either a Kahr PM9 or a S&W 642. I can recommend either one for pocket carry in Florida.

This is my second PM9, however. My first one was one of the earlier series and it was a total dog. After 450 rounds it was still having problems with FTF and the slide not fully returning to battery. I tried everything suggested by Kahr but finally gave up and sold it.

However, I decided to try another PM9 and have nothing but good things to report about this newer one. I have fired about 360 rounds so far and observed no problems of any kind. I would suggest if you decide to purchase a Kahr PM9, you buy a brand new one having the latest serial number of the most current series. I believe that begins with "IA". The older ones seemed to have the majority of the issues.
 
I own and carry a SW MP 340 with lazer and the Kahr PM .40 SW. They are both fine weapons achieving their respective design purposes. You are right there are many such threads "this vs that." I have sifted through the opinions, pros and cons and look at me, I wound up with both of them. Now the real truth is I have several other concealed carry pieces that I carry as well in rotation because first I can, second I own them and third carrying some of the others brings me certain levels of pleasure... like a fine watch or set of golf clubs may give someone else a lift.
In the end you must decide what your "design purpose" is and then choose the gun(s) that fit your goals to your satisfaction.. it matters not what another opines if "it doesn't work for you".
I can tell you that both guns are very well made, both are very light weight, small and easily concealed in a variety of ways. IWB, OWB, Thunderwear, pockets etc. I tend to return to the lighter weight guns and then choose the one that works with my required attire for the day. And yes sometimes I change to the other carry piece just for a change.
Is the possibility of a lazer important to you?, Is the ease of a quick reload important to you? Is the simplicity and dependability of a revolver more important to you than quick reloads? How about the ability to shoot multiple calibers? Have you been able to shoot either of the guns you mentioned? The snubbies with fullhouse loads can be a handle, some would even say painful. The Kahr nines will be more gently on your hands but with the narrow grip may be difficult for people with longer fingers.
So you see it is not that there is only one correct answer for everyone. Let me encourage you not to buy as though it will be your last gun purchase. Your needs may change and you taste may change with experience and luckily guns tend to hold their value. To make it easier in the future to change guns just remember to "buy right". If you don't buy impulsively and pay more than you need to for a given gun, you will be able to sell it for less than your competition later.
I hope this helps you in your search for your holy grail.
 
My 2 cents. Don't get a PM9. I had one and had nothing but trouble with it. Even after a trip back to Kahr.
 
My 2 cents. Stay away from the PM9. I had one and had nothing but trouble with it. Even after a trip back to Kahr.
 
I own both. And carry both.

The Kahr has about 800 rounds thru it with no problems whatsoever. None. Not even in the "break in" period. It is a later manufactured piece. I did add a Hogue hand-all finger grip.

The PM9 is thinner and heavier. I prefer it for IWB carry (Comptac holster) or for pants pocket carry (Desantis Nemisis).

The 642 is lighter and a bit bulkier. I prefer it or other revolvers for coat pocket carry (Mika holster) when the weather allows jackets or coats. I don't often pants pocket carry revolvers. I put wooden grips on it. The checked rubber grips were a bit grabby in the pocket for my taste.

I happen to be able to shoot the PM9 much better than I do the J frame.

I could manage just fine with either gun.
 
642

I haven't shot the Kahr, but carry the 642 every day. It is a fantastic gun and perfect for warm weather carry. My only complaint is that the trigger is quite heavy. However, it smooths out and lightens up after several hundred rounds. I spent lots of time dry firing mine. Time well spent. You won't be disappointed with the 642. Best wishes.
 
I have owned the PM9 and six j-frames of steel, alloy and Scandium construction.

My PM9 had the barrel peening issue, sent it back and Kahr fixed it and returned it in less than one week. That was two years ago. I've been shooting and carrying it ever since. Kahr's Customer Service was exemplary.

The Kahr is smaller, lighter, and holds 2 more rounds of a more potent cartridge (obviously, reloads are far quicker too). Sights and sight radius are better, leading to more accurate shooting.

No contest in my experience.
 
Been carrying a PM9 in a Nemesis since I bought it a few years ago ... Never fails to fire and quite accurate at SD distances ... Don't know much about your other choice ... but I trust my life to my PM9 every day ...
 
Thanks everybody. I'm hoping to shoot both of them in the next few days. It looks like it's pretty much split between each from the posts. Sounds like the 642 has the reliable edge and the PM9 has the more enjoyable edge. Keep the posts coming.
 
Are you kidding, we can't get enough of these threads. There are always tons of replies, right?

As long as you Search and read the similar threads, we don't mind. ;)

I vote 642. They're just more reliable. Tried & true, if you will.
 
another FL resident here that carries his 642. IMO it is a great FL carry and I keep a speed loader in the car and also one on the night stand. My 642 is equipped with crimson laser grips and is very very accurate. Don't know about the Kahr PM 9, I used to own the Kahr 40. I didn't like it and traded for my Para carry 9 LDA.
 
sflsun is correct regarding the accuracy of the 642. It is surprisingly accurate when used properly. Most people never shoot them enough to get used to the gun. However, I've watched my dad keep them all on the page at 25 yards (it was only his second time firing the weapon). I've also read about people knocking the X ring out of targets at that distance with the help of a laser. I haven't used a laser, as my gun is for self defense, which typically means much closer distances. I am more than confident of my ability to put several shots into the chest of an attacker at 15 feet to 25 feet using my 642. That is good enough for me.
 
I own three PM9s S/Ns begining in VB, VC and IA. All are extremely reliable and very accurate for such small light 9mms.

The only problem I've had is with the VB PM9 shooting slightly to the left at 15 yards. I'll get that problem solved when the gunsmith installs night sights. My IA PM9 is black with night sites and I carry it the most in my pocket. It's replaced my Glock 27/33 as my everywhere gun.

I shoot 115 gr. ball at the range and carry Corbon Pow 'R Balls for SD. Plus-P-Plus, Plus-P, and Corbon 115 gr. +P rounds sting the hand a little and neither is as accurate as the Pow 'R Balls. 115 gr. ball and Federal 9BP are also very accurate from this gun.

There were a lot of problems with early PM9s but Kahr has straightened that out. I would venture to say that some of the problems were people improperly installing the recoil spring during re-assembly (captive part of spring always goes first onto the assembly).
 
I wouldn't get either, but if I have to vote between the two, I guess it would be the 642.

But the PM9 is cool though, so for cool factor it would be the PM9.

I shoot 115 gr. ball at the range and carry Corbon Pow 'R Balls for SD. Plus-P-Plus, Plus-P, and Corbon 115 gr. +P rounds sting the hand a little and neither is as accurate as the Pow 'R Balls. 115 gr. ball and Federal 9BP are also very accurate from this gun.
Click to expand...

I agree, Pow 'R Ball feed very well, even in guns that don't like to feed like the PM9. And, Jack the range god said so.:eek:
 
I have yet to meet anyone who thinks of my PM9s as being 'cool' or even 'exciting' in any way. They're tiny bland looking squared off guns that are considered to be just another unreliable pocket pistol that in this case is also overpriced. That 'coolness' factor is generally reserved for such guns as 1911s, Sigs, HKs, Walthers, and even S&W J-Frames. All three of my PM9s just work and are reliable with whatever 9mm ammo I put through them, not just Pow 'R Balls.

With the PM9, I can carry covertly and can shoot and regularly practice with an accurate and somewhat potent self defense round without the gun tearing up my hand in the process.
 
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