Two choices - can't decide

2

2DaMtns

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I am about to buy a new pistol for CCW and am having a problem deciding between two models. The first is a Ruger SP101 in 357, and the second is a Kahr PM, either a 9mm or a 40S&W. These are my thoughts on them:

SP101 - I already have other 357's, so I have ammo, components, etc. I like the reliability of the revolver. It's also a lot cheaper.

PM9/40 - I have other 357's, so I kinda like the thought of a new cartridge. The SP is thicker and heavier, harder to carry in the pocket. The 5-shot capacity is slightly trumped by the PM's. Plus, I don't have to worry about finding a DAO or grinding off the hammer.

What are your thoughts on these? Anyone own both? Which do you like better? I also have a Smith model 65, and have considered getting a good high riding OWB holster for it and then using the PM as a backup and in situations where I want deeper concealment. Thanks.
 
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carry weapon

I don't have either of your selections, but I have shot a friends Kahr .40 cal. That would be my choice; slim, great trigger, easily concealed, powerful round. But then I'm partial to semi-autos.
 
The "best" gun is the one YOU like, not anyone else. It will be a compromise of:

1. Fit - It should fit in your hand like you were born with it there.
2. Reliability - It should go BANG about 99.8% of the time you pull the trigger.
3. Accuracy - In YOUR hand. It's how well YOU shoot it.
4. Concealability - It should be comfortable enough to wear and easy enough to conceal so you won't leave it laying on the dresser at home.
5. Cost - You don't want to scrimp on your "life protector" weapon, but you probably don't need a $1,000 Kimber, either.
 
Two choices - can't go wrong

There, I fixed the title for you :D

I have both: the PM9 is better compared to a J frame sized revolver, I think the SP 101 is larger enough to make the comparison a stretch.

SP 101: a pocket rocket. 5 rounds of fight ending .357 in any bullet config you want. Like you said, it's heavy and bulky. It's a great revolver. The hammer has some sharp edges to needs to be filed smooth or bobbed. Sounds like you already know these well.

PM9: very reliable once they are broken in, and they must be kept very well lubed. I use Tetra Lube, a goopy whitish slippery stuff that keeps the PM9 perking. This gun needs to be kept clean and wet. But I do trust it a lot, especially considering it's a tiny auto. 6+1 does give a slight edge.

For carry: no contest. The PM9 in a pocket holster (like Uncle Mike's No. 3) is as easy to carry as a fat wallet. And it's light. This is the blaster I carry most of the time. No one knows it's there. Except you.
 
I think you need to shoot both if possible, then your delima is over. However, thats not always possible. I would choose the PM9 if I already had a .357 suitable for carry. The PM9 is really, really nice. I just dont like DAO on autos.
 
I'd much rather have the Kahr, have a CW .40 and a Kel-Tec P-.40. The P .40 T carry back and forth to work, all the rst of my carry is my Kahr. Think you'll fine it's a great piece. ;)
 
Being that I have neither, I can only give my knee-jerk reaction. And it comes through something like this:

I like the fit, finish and feel of the Kahr pistols, but they seem a little pricey to me. On the other hand, Ruger makes a damn good revolver for a very fair price. So when it comes to "value" (or my perceived value, as it were!) then I give the strong nod to the Ruger here.

When it comes to caliber, I don't think there is much argument about the power difference between .357 and either 9/.40. But of course, there's the shootability of them. In power, .357 outclasses the others by a good margin. In recoil, it's violent. For fast follow-up shots, it's just plain difficult. So the choice gets really murky here. Of course, if you intend to carry some .38 Special +P in the Ruger rather than .357, things are much closer in all respects. But the .38 +P gets left behind in power and capacity.

I would think a short barreled revolver would be tougher to shoot accurately, even if we forget about recoil for a minute. At least, this has always been my experience.

I also believe most any semi-auto is easier to carry concealed because it's generally thinner.

In the end, it's a tough choice. I think the Ruger would hold it's value better -IF- you should decide to reverse your decision shortly down the road.

As a primary carry weapon, I like either. As a backup, I have no opinion, because I don't carry a backup and I don't want to.
 
For a CCW it has to be the Kahr in 9mm.
I love my sp101 may be my favorite gun.
But to carry daily go for the Kahr, slimer, lighter, better sights, & faster reload that are easier to conseal.
 
I have never shot a Kahr, but I do have the Sp101. I find it too heavy and bulky for CCW and prefer my S&W airlite.
That being said, I CCW a Glock 26
 
I'd go Kahr. Since you've already got other .357s, I prefer to expand my collection by exploring calibers I don't already own.

I also own an SP, and while it is a well built revolver, I prefer to carry my S&W Airweight for CCW and think it's a better CCW fit.
 
I have a snubbie .357 (a taurus) and a PM9 and there's simply no question that the PM9 is with me all the time and the .357 goes to the range for fun ... I carry the Kahr in my strongside pocket in a Mika holster; I retired my Nemesis after I got the Mika, it's an amazing holster, always stays in your pocket and allows a quick, easy draw ... 6+1 in the gun and a 7-rd backup mag, accurate, easy to shoot ... make sure to try it first, there's no universal gun that fits everybody ...
 
always tough to choose between a semi and a revolver. Semis shoot faster, are more comfortable in my hand (to me), and have alot higher capapacity. A revolver is a revolver. So for SD, I would go revolver. More reliable, more versatile. I realized the major flaw in semi auto design when I had the though of someone tackling me. If your gun is sandwiched between you and someone else, you may only get the first shot off with a semi, with a revolver you would get all 5. If you are worried about multiple assailants and capacity. Keep a medium or large frame semi in your ca.
 
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