Considering a CM9

[gunnutz]

Hey guys I've been lurking and doing tons of google searches. I have been wanting a nice small edc piece. Right now my main carry is an all steel taurus snubbie. I love the thing shoots great and never a problem with it. I really want something smaller and lighter. This gun seems to be the one for me. I've handled a couple in the stores. Nice quality trigger etc... My only concern is the apparent hit and miss quality. I really like the gun but I want something reliable. Can I really trust this one? My autos are glocks, I love them cause they just plain work, dirty or clean. Sadly glock just isn't in the compact concealed carry market, or atleast for highly concealable single stacks. I know they have the 42 but it's not pocketable and it's not a 9mm. I'd prefer the 9mm over a .380 any day. I just trust it more for personal defense. Any advise or comments before I sink some money into one?

[Scarywoody]

I was searching for a small 9mm and for me it came down to the Kahr CM9, Shield or the Sig 290RS. My main carry is a Glock 19 and I liked that the CM9 was a striker fired. It has basically the same manual of arms as the Glock. The Kahr does conceal well in a cargo pocket, with jeans it's a bit tight, at least on me. So far, I have had no issues with function. It is taking a bit of getting used to the sights.

I would say with my limited Kahr experience, that the economy models require a bit of fluff and buff. I don't think these models get the same hand fitting that the PM series gets. I went through mine and polished up all moving and contact parts. I polished the magazines inside and out and made sure there were no burrs to hang up. I keep it lubed as outlined in the Tech section sticky. Over all, I'm comfortable and confident in carrying the CM9.

[Bill K]

Your concern is understandable but I hope it doesn't dissuade you from taking the plunge and getting a CM9. My PM9 which did have 2 issues that needed to be worked through wound up replacing my Glock 26. Good luck whatever you decide.

[Ikeo74]

It's not a hit and miss quality issue from the factory with the CM9. 99.9% of the problems you read about here is operator error or ammo problems. My CM9 is totally reliable when I use high quality ammo or my own reloads. If you follow the owners guide and lube the gun properly, you will never have a fail to load, fire or eject. Buy one, you will not regret it. Mine is 100% and I have no qualms about it being my self defense carry gun for deep concealment.

What is even more important to me is I have never read about any accidental discharges with any of my Kahrs, none at all. When carried with 1 in the chamber, you will not ever have to worry about "Glock Leg".

[gunnutz]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses. I still got a few bucks left to save and gotta get Santa out of the way but I think the cm9 will soon be a member of the family. I'll just do a good break in on it and make sure I give it a good bath afterwords. I know rounds down range will do the most for my confidence in it.

[DavidR]

The most frequent problem with the CM9 seems to be broken magazine followers. If yours has this issue, a quick all expense paid return trip to Kahr usually fixes the problem. Otherwise it seems that most CM9s are good to go from day 1.

My CM9 was good from day 1 although it did break a follower after about 700 rounds.

[gunnutz]

any idea why the follower broke?

[muggsy]

The feed ramp on the barrel was a bit too long and it hit the follower after the last round was fired. Kahr shortens the feed ramp to cure the problem.

[skiflydive]

any idea why the follower broke?

On some, but not all, the ramp tang on the barrel is too long. It can slam back into the front of the follower causing the follower to break. Most have reported that when the gun returned from Kahr the ramp was shortened. Some are comfortable doing their own "rampectomy" (I did) which does the same thing. That part of the ramp is way below where the nose of the bullet hits the ramp anyway so taking a little off solves the problem. Search on "rampectomy" and you'll find lots of info.

Other than that one issue which happened when I shot "hotter" loads, my CM9 has been flawless.

[Antarius]

Anytime you go to a super compact semi auto, you are risking having some reliability issues.

For me, the key is what are the known issues and fixes for them.

What makes the Cm9 nice is the known problems are few and far between, but when they do happen they are easily fixed either by yourself or by Kahr factory. That's why I went with one and ended up with a super reliable compact 9mm.

[Rob K]

I also did a ton of internet searches and talking to other shooters before buying my CM9 last April. I cleaned it up, lubed it according to Kahr recommendations and also polished up the feed ramp and magazine lips a bit. (probably didn't really need it;but that's just me). Gone through around 900 rounds of various brands of ammo, both jacketed and hollow point without a single glitch, none,zero,nada,zip,zilch. It's my everyday carry gun and I have full confidence that it won't let me down.I'm a die hard 1911 fan but ya can't carry the darn things concealed. A Cooks Kydex holster works fine for me;very thin with great retention. I keep it straight up in the appendix position and really forget I have it on.
Go for it and you'll never look back. Merry Christmas and safe shooting !!!

[gunnutz]

I can't wait to pick one up. I'm sure I'll ask a ton of questions. I'm not new to firearms just new to this brand. I've always heard kahr made a very good quality gun.

[deadeye]

I've carried my CM9 for over 2 years now. A little over 2500 rounds and going strong. You won't be sorry.

[gunnutz]

hey guys, i found a pm9 used with one 7 round mag only, no box or anything. The guy at the shop said he'd make me a good deal on it. I bit and he said $430. I know what they cost new but I still think that sounds kind of high. I can buy a new cw9 for 350.00+tax. What do you guys think? Also, the gun is dirty. I'm sure a good cleaning is all it needs but idk. Kinda thinking I should hold off and just buy a new cm9.

[Bill K]

hey guys, i found a pm9 used with one 7 round mag only, no box or anything. The guy at the shop said he'd make me a good deal on it. I bit and he said $430. I know what they cost new but I still think that sounds kind of high. I can buy a new cw9 for 350.00+tax. What do you guys think? Also, the gun is dirty. I'm sure a good cleaning is all it needs but idk. Kinda thinking I should hold off and just buy a new cm9.

It would be a tough decision for me if he offered it for less and said he'd take it back if the gun had issues. Otherwise, I'd have myself a new CM9. [BTW own, carry and love my PM9.]