I’ve owned a number of small, concealable firearms over the years, and shot numerous examples. In the past, I’ve made videos about the Kel-Tec P3AT and the Smith & Wesson J Frame, but in this video, I’m going to compare pocket pistols in .380, .38 Special, and 9mm.
Excellent video as always. Normally carry a Glock 30, but got an LC9 last month to have a lightweight carry option for when the Block is not practical. Looked from the video like the Kahr had a fairly longish trigger pull like the LC9 – is that the case? My store didn’t have any Kahrs in stock to compare to.
Gotta say that the pocket 9’s have come a long way. Used to have a S&W CS9D – same capacity as the Kahr or the Ruger, but totally horrid to fire. Long inconsistent stiff DAO trigger pull, horrid sights, jinky jerky action, and almost as heavy as my G30. That Smith was vintage late 90’s too, so not that old.
Things have sure come a long way. Love the Ruger, and I’ve heard nothing bad about the Kahr. Now the DB9? Well, that’s a QC issue I hear.
The Kahr trigger is similar to the LC9 in that there really is no reset point, as with a revolver. However, IMO the Kahr’s trigger is a bit shorter and much smoother (possibly lighter but I can’t remember) than the LC9. In fact, I’d say it’s smoother (even pull all the way through) than any other pistol I can think of.
I have a Kahr PM9 and though the trigger pull is long, its fairly light, smooth and even through the pull.
I haven’t fired the LC9 yet, but its still a fairly new model, where as the Kahr has had a chance to workout any bugs over the years.
Well done, Andrew! I very much appreciate your videos, both for forming my own opinion, and in helping me better educate folks I encounter at work.
I work at a gun store, and the big sellers these days are the small pocket pistols or J-framed variants. For several months now, the E-ticket items are the Ruger LCR, LC9 and S & W Bodyguard 380. Your personal input is spot on. However, I do prefer the Gold Dot .38 Spl 135 gr. +p, the “Short Barrel” load for my LCR. 😉
Keep up the excellent work. I value and appreciate your opinion.
You comments on the J-frame were on target, pun intended. I often carry a 642 and although I find it fairly easy to carry and trust it’s function, it’s a real pain to shot. Trigger pull is heavy and my accuracy is fairly poor. Like you I find the recoil stiff, so I avoid the +p and higher powered loads for more manageable rounds. I do try to practice some (but not enough) to maintain at least a basic skill level. Currently working with a Glock 26 as my primary carry gun. I find the auto easier to shoot and the size of the 26 is not much different than the J-frame. The 26 does weigh alittle more, but so far not a problem.
I had a j frame 637 and sold it because of its difficulty to shoot. I carry a glock 26 but I would still love to find something thinner. I think that the CW9 might be the ticket for me. I’m 6’2” 210 – and a larger but thinner gun would work perfectly for me I believe.
Great video as always. I’ve got a few smaller carry guns including the Sig P238. However, I’ve recently switched to a HK P7 PSP. It’s slim, but not small or light. It is however, truly innovative, dependable, and a great shooting pistol.
Another great vid! I like the transitions between the photos and videos; it holds audience interest without catering to ADHD viewers.
I also like the subtle injections of humor.
Of the three pistols reviewed, I’d personally recommend the Kahr CM9. Its basically a PM9 with minor cost cutting measures that doesn’t reduce its reliability nor its effectiveness.
What kind of IWB holsters would you recommend for a Kahr CM9? I’ve heard the crossbreed microclip is a good one, but not sure what else is good quality that’s out there.
I bought my dad a leather IWB from the Kahr website for the CW9 I bought him for Christmas. I don’t know that I would recommend it 100%, but there aren’t many options for quality kydex Kahr holsters out there.
Thanks for this one. I am trying to make a decision as to which one to get and I love Kahr’s but they cost too much and are a bit too large. Otherwise, they would be a no brainer for me. I worry about the P3AT reliability and I lean towards the 637. Or 638. Have you had good luck with your P3AT? I need a pocket pistol. I looked at the Diamondback 380 and really liked it a lot but another reviewer reported terrible reliability. Otherwise, I would buy it now. It has a Kahr type trigger and similar to a glock.
Any experience with these?. I don’t know what I am going to get.
The Kahr CM/CW series should be less than the cost of a J-frame – my most expensive Kahr was $400 out the door including tax, my least expensive was $350 after shipping (no tax or transfer fee). I like the P3AT and don’t think the DB380 is all that bad, but would prefer a Kahr CM9 over all of them.
thanks Andrew, I am pointed in the Kahr direction now. Probably the CM9. Between your positive comments on them and the guy at the store, I checked them out and am really impressed.