talk me into a pm 45 instead of....

[JFootin]

All you guys are a whole lot of fun! I am (usually) a happier person after reading posts on this forum. And sometimes it makes sense and I learn something, too. Tip of the hat to you all!

[jlottmc]

Ok I'm ending this once and for all...Go with a PM40...Just ever so slightly larger than 9mm but spits a bigger pill but not as large as a PM45...I carry my PM40 in a pocket holster all the time and it works fine for me...I'm 5'11" 170 lbs and the PM40 disappears in Wrangler jeans front pockets and draws qwick and smooth...You get the best of both worlds...

Now lets settle this 9mm vs .40 vs .45 deal...The issue with 9mm being a problem was mostly due to the famous FBI shoot out back in the 80's where the 9mm failed to penetrate auto windshield glass and glanced off and generally failed to perform and 2 agent were killed...The FBI doing what they normally do went totally overboard and decided to go with the 10mm which was way too much gun so the .40 S&W was born and remains the standard FBI issue weapon along with most Police Departments....

Now this was many years ago and the ammunition issued then was mostly Federal 1st generation Hydra-Shoks and they didn't always penetrate, expand and perform optimally if shot through clothing, plaster board or auto glass...Since that time the ammo companies have improved bullet design 10 fold and most any flavor modern high performance HP ammo will get the job done if the shooter does his or her part...There is no such thing as a magic one stop wonder caliber or bullet and shot placement along with the BG will to live and escape perhaps due to being high on meth or crack makes follow up shots sometimes necessary with anything less than a 12 gauge to the chest...

Now as to so called mouse guns...I have a .380 LCP and did some back yard redneck ballistic testing with several brands such as Hornady Critical Defence, Winchester PDX, Gold Dot, and Remington Golden Sabor and boy was I surprised...All penetrated 10-12 inchs of wet newspaper and expanded to the size of a dime or larger...There is no way I would want to get hit with one of those and most people say that .380 is not nearly enough gun...Yes a 9mm .40 or even Sgt. Yorks 1911 .45 might be better but don't discount even the little .380 with good HP ammo...

Bottom line is if you decide to carry, always carry and get the pistol you want regardless of caliber and practice with it enough to feel comfortable and proficient with the weapon...It is better to have a weapon that fits your hand and that you shoot well with than trying to make a gun fit you because some guy at the range says you're a wuss if you don't shoot a 500 magnum just like he does...Just MHO...

My problem with 9mm is that I have used it, in combat (thankfully very rarely, and after I ran out of lead for the other fire breathers I had). Not impressed. I understand hollow points and hot loads make it effective, but when that cavity clogs and the round doesn't expand, then I want a bigger hole to start with. Then if I take that same HP technology and put it in a 45 or a 40 then I have an even bigger hole. Big holes are good, lots of little holes will do the job too, I just don't like having to take the time to put a lot of little holes in. FYI, yes it really is about shot placement, but then again I have to work harder to miss with a bigger round. Just my thoughts.

PS I own not one 380 not a one, bore wise the smallest that I have aside from my 22's is my 7.62x25 CZ52, followed by my .357 magnums, I carry and shoot at every opportunity my howitzers. Thank you drive through.

[rjt123]

Hey fellas, I haven't ever seen or handled a PM45, so I want to know about the grip. I know the PM45 is longer and taller than the PM9, so I want to know if it is still a two finger grip? With my CM9, my little finger curls up perfectly and comfortably underneath the mag. But would it have to reach a bit to clear the front edge on the PM45? (I actually prefer the two finger grip, so don't talk to me about Pearce grip extensions.)

I have small/medium hands, but my PM9 is still a two finger grip. However, I do get all three fingers on the 5-round ("flush") mag with the PM45. My grip feels much more solid and secure with the PM45, but it's still such a small little wonder! I never feel undergunned when I'm carrying 5+1 of .45, although I do carry a 6 round mag for reload.

I agree with others that it's comfortable and easy to shoot the PM45. It cycles so smoothly, and I've never found a round it wouldn't eat. And I have to go along with Bawanna on the fat bullets thing.

Also, I do pocket carry my PM45, but only in cargo shorts with capacious front pockets. Now that fall is finally arriving in South Texas, I'll be carrying in a jacket pocket, for the most part. My PM9 gets carried in a jeans/khakis pocket when I can't wear shorts.

My advice? Get the PM45. You will absolutely LOVE it!

[Bawanna]

Must have similar size hands. I get all fingers on the grip of the PM45 as well.

[popgoestheweasel]

i've gotta 'hand' it to you bawanna....you've been boning up on your salesmanship. good try!

[Bawanna]

I think I'd be a very hungry car salesman, or any kind of salesman far as that goes. I did very well at my little month long on the job training even though I can't hear. I sold alot of guns and made alot of friends, almost always on their second visit.

The seasoned shark salesman couldn't believe it. Sometimes no pressure and information sharing sells itself.

[popgoestheweasel]

i just hate you tube. watched a couple of pm45 videos and i'm starting to think the pm45 is still a possibility. from a reliability standpoint, doesn't seem as though there's much problem with the pm45 feeding ammunition of any sort. seems really smooth. on the other hand....those pm9 mags seem to be taking a verbal beating. size wise, not much difference between pm9 and 45. hmmmm.

guess i'll go to the gun show this weekend (indy500) and see if i can stumble upon a pm45. i'll give it a try and see how it feels in my hand as compared to my mk9 (or a pm9). i really do need both the pm9 and the pm45.

[Bawanna]

You'll get no argument from me.

[JFootin]

I really do need both the pm9 and the pm45.

Just what I told you!

[deanp1964]

Don't look at me!

I have a PM9 that has functioned flawlessly and a PM45 that hasn't functioned at all. One problem after the other. Currently, both magazines are on a fedex truck to the factory so Kahr can see that they're cracked right down the side (both of them) and send me replacements (I expect anyways)

I hope to be able to say kind things about my PM45 some day soon. Real soon.
But we're not there yet.

Nope.