P380 or PM9

[SpyderTattoo]

Guys, I only own Glocks right now but am looking at a Kahr as a backup/pocket gun. I keep changing my mind between the P380 and the PM9.

My debate... .380 is smaller and will fit in pocket better.
PM9 has more powerful ammo, just a little bigger.
This will be a backup gun, and also used when I just can't carry either of my Glocks.

Anyone have any advice, since I'm new to Kahr, and experience with maybe having this problem? I'm still saving up the funds, but will have the money within a month or two. Coming down to crunch-time.

Thank you

[Bawanna]

Warning, personal opinion headed your way.

I'd make a pro and con list on this one.

380's are more difficult to find but if you really want one you'll find one.

380 ammo is still grossly expensive and while somewhat better at least in my area still hard to find sometimes.

The 9 as you state is more viable power wise. Ammo is borderline cheap relatively speaking and more plentiful and the gun really isn't that much larger. Course when talking small a tiny bit can make a big difference. Many here pocket carry PM9's with ease, can't do that with any Glock. Some pocket carry PM45's, guess it's pocket size that matters.

I actually should have sat on the sidelines on this one as I have no use for anything 380 and very little faith in 9.

So get a PM45?

I think you'll be happy either way you go. If its strictly a backup gun the smaller 380 might fit the bill your describing. The go everywhere no matter what I'm wearing gun. And it's still way better than throwing rock, well small rocks anyhow.

Both of these come up for sale here from time to time and when crunch time gets here we're all here to help with the search. Pretty much got the whole country covered for sure. Here to help all we can.

[jocko]

I own both the P380 and PM9. My two cents BUY THE pm9

[O'Dell]

Warning, personal opinion headed your way.

I'd make a pro and con list on this one.

380's are more difficult to find but if you really want one you'll find one.

380 ammo is still grossly expensive and while somewhat better at least in my area still hard to find sometimes.

The 9 as you state is more viable power wise. Ammo is borderline cheap relatively speaking and more plentiful and the gun really isn't that much larger. Course when talking small a tiny bit can make a big difference. Many here pocket carry PM9's with ease, can't do that with any Glock. Some pocket carry PM45's, guess it's pocket size that matters.

I actually should have sat on the sidelines on this one as I have no use for anything 380 and very little faith in 9.

So get a PM45?

I think you'll be happy either way you go. If its strictly a backup gun the smaller 380 might fit the bill your describing. The go everywhere no matter what I'm wearing gun. And it's still way better than throwing rock, well small rocks anyhow.

Both of these come up for sale here from time to time and when crunch time gets here we're all here to help with the search. Pretty much got the whole country covered for sure. Here to help all we can.

I agree more or less, but since I have already have a flawless PM45, I'm still going to get a PM9. One reason is that I have about 1600 rounds of 9mm, and since the theft, not much that shoots it. I have little faith in the 380.

[Indigo]

The fact that a pink version of the p380 exists should be enough of a deterrent. Go with the 9. Just sayin'.
Anyway it makes more sense to have another 9mm in your stable that can feed the same ammo as what you already have. Keeps it simple.

[Bawanna]

I agree more or less, but since I have already have a flawless PM45, I'm still going to get a PM9. One reason is that I have about 1600 rounds of 9mm, and since the theft, not much that shoots it. I have little faith in the 380.

Thanks daddy, I've actually used that excuse many times to get a new gun. Honey I have all these free bullets but nothing I can shoot them with. Oh ok, just this 39th time, but no more.

[O'Dell]

The fact that a pink version of the p380 exists should be enough of a deterrent. Go with the 9. Just sayin'.
Anyway it makes more sense to have another 9mm in your stable that can feed the same ammo as what you already have. Keeps it simple.

I didn't know that. I may have to get one of those now>

[Indigo]

It's right on Kahr's website but they only sell them through one distributor. It's got a nice pepto-bismol color to it. My wife said "ooooohhhh pretty!" and I immediately retained an attorney.

[SpyderTattoo]

Both my Glocks are in .45, the G21 and G30. I work security for the local gunshow and know a dealer that has two of each the P380 and PM9, so getting either one won't be a problem. Now I think I'm kinda' leaning toward the PM9 instead of the smaller .380.

[jocko]

good idea. firepower always prevails..

[SpyderTattoo]

By the way, you guys here on the Kahr forums are way more nice than the people over at GlockTalk.

[Bawanna]

That G21 duty gun with a 30 or 36 is a great setup for officers. I got at least 12 sets of those walking around here and the rest are seeking the 30's too. Being a civillian office puke I had planned to get a 36 but went with the PM45 instead. Pretty much had all the glocks at one time or another, I like the glocks just fine too, just a tad too bulky when your not wearing the uniform. I got my own 21 just cause. Never carry it, shoot it some, hung a light on it and makes a great nightstand gun.
I think there are now 3 officers here with that pair that now also have PM9's for off duty or backups in some cases. I know 2 originally were after 380's but switched tracks and went with the 9.

[Indigo]

I love my p9. I don't think you will be disappointed with that choice. At the end of the day would you trust your life to .380 over 9mm is the question you should ask.

[joje]

the pm9 is almost 50% heavier and imo on the big side for pocket carry. if you can only have one i guess it comes down to if you want a marginal caliber that you can carry all the time, or a good caliber that you can carry almost all the time.

i dont own a p380 but i have an old p3at that i still carry when pm9 iwb doesnt work. i even have a necklace holster for it.

[Bawanna]

By the way, you guys here on the Kahr forums are way more nice than the people over at GlockTalk.

I find myself always thankful that JohnH and JustinN let things kind of go freestyle here on this forum. While I don't look at any other forums unless directed there by a link, I have seen a few entries on Glocktalk and they are indeed way way serious over there.
We get people here from time to time who really don't like the freestyle here, panties get all wadded up if a post gets off track.
Sometimes I can understand a new guy, struggling with a gun thats acting up and he's deperate for answers and cures and off track post dont help him. That doesn't happen often and normally theres a pile of good solid suggestions to help old and new people out here.
I'm to the point where if something isn't fun and enjoyable I don't bother with it anymore. Can't hardly handle serious at all anymore.
So again, thanks JohnH for letting us play the way we want.