PM40 or PM9 ?

[Duncanp9]

I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions I have regarding these two guns. I have asked at my local gun stores but cant find anyone that's fired the PM40. Everyone seems to buy the PM9 and I'm not completely sure why when the 40SW is such an effective round. I understand the recoil is going to be more but is it so much more that people just refuse to consider it at all. From the limited research I have done it looks like they sell about a hundred PM9's to one PM40. Can the PM40 be that much of a handful that I shouldn't consider it either. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[MO_Soldier]

I know this doesn't address your specific concerns about recoil, but I bought my PM9 instead of the PM40 simply because rounds are so much cheaper when added up and also so much more readily available. Loading the world's most common handgun round has its advantages. Also, shot placement has been revered as THE important factor in stopping power.

[bonjorno2]

i had a pm40 and sold it, i had a pm9 sold it, i now have a cm9... The pm40 is not my cup of tea, but i'd own a cm40 if they throw one out there in the future. I know this didn't help much, but i'd go with the 9...

[Bawanna]

You'll find plenty of folks in both camps here. Many here swear by the PM40 and think its perfect.
Some say the muzzle flip is too much for a carry gun and prefer the 9. I find myself in the latter camp. I have a K40 the all steel version and because of the flip I much prefer my PM45.
If the PM9 and PM40 were my only options I'd go the 9 myself.
Of course recoil and muzzle flip are subjective so the 40 might be right for you.
Didn't help a bit did I.

[MO_Soldier]

You'll find plenty of folks in both camps here. Many here swear by the PM40 and think its perfect.
Some say the muzzle flip is too much for a carry gun and prefer the 9. I find myself in the latter camp. I have a K40 the all steel version and because of the flip I much prefer my PM45.
If the PM9 and PM40 were my only options I'd go the 9 myself.
Of course recoil and muzzle flip are subjective so the 40 might be right for you.
Didn't help a bit did I.

See bolded quotation: So if I understand you correctly, you prefer a POLYMER subcompact .45ACP over a STEEL full size .40?!?

Sorry, but that doesn't seem to add up. What's the story behind that?

[Bawanna]

See bolded quotation: So if I understand you correctly, you prefer a POLYMER subcompact .45ACP over a STEEL full size .40?!?

Sorry, but that doesn't seem to add up. What's the story behind that?

I prefer a polymer subcompact 45 over an all steel subcompact 40. To add to the confusion the K40 is Magna Ported too.

The recoil and muzzle flip on the 45 is less obnoxious to me than the 40. I like the 40 but its more suited to a mid size or full size gun in my tiny little mind.

Truth be told I'd probably stick with the 45 even if it recoiled more, I just like big slow bullets.

[Brent]

The 9 will have less recoil than the 40 if that is an issue, but it wasn't for me personally. IMO, either will do the job if you do your part.

[pm9fan]

My solution - bought the PM9 first with XS Big Dot night sights. Friend had a PM40, shot it and liked it. Bought a PM40, added a Crimson Trace laser, Agrips.

Deciding which was better for me - PM40. I have several guns in 40 (Glock, H&K, and Kahr). Just standardized on the 40 since I can shot it as well as the 9 round from the PM frame.

IMHO - PM40 is the best power package you can find today. "Best" is the gun that is not a pain to carry so you take it with you ever time you leave the house.

[MO_Soldier]

I prefer a polymer subcompact 45 over an all steel subcompact 40. To add to the confusion the K40 is Magna Ported too.

The recoil and muzzle flip on the 45 is less obnoxious to me than the 40. I like the 40 but its more suited to a mid size or full size gun in my tiny little mind.

Truth be told I'd probably stick with the 45 even if it recoiled more, I just like big slow bullets.

Oh, I had mistaken the K40 for a full-size...but it still makes about as much sense to me! haha.
I just researched Magna Ports and can't believe that your K40 STILL kicks more.
I shot a buddy's Subcompact Glock .45 and it wasn't terrible. I could definitely train to do it. The 9mm is so easy and cheap though!

[Allen]

I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions I have regarding these two guns. I have asked at my local gun stores but cant find anyone that's fired the PM40. Everyone seems to buy the PM9 and I'm not completely sure why when the 40SW is such an effective round. I understand the recoil is going to be more but is it so much more that people just refuse to consider it at all. From the limited research I have done it looks like they sell about a hundred PM9's to one PM40. Can the PM40 be that much of a handful that I shouldn't consider it either. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Glad you asked the question, been wondering about the two guns myself for a replacement for my .380 Beretta as a CCW. From looking at a Ballistics Chart it appears the 9 will have almost twice the muzzle energy as my .380 so that would be a big gain for me, but the 40 has almost the same energy as my .357 mag and it do bounce or flip considerably. It might be harder to hold the 40 on target with rapid successive shots when necessary. Sounds like this is one of those "trial & error" situations where each individual will have his own opinion.

[Avenger]

... because rounds are so much cheaper when added up and also so much more readily available.

+1 here. That is why I went with 9mm platform vs the 40 S&W to begin with.

Interestingly, I am considering another pistol (surprise), but am looking at the 45 platform instead of the 40 S&W.

For some unknown reason, the 40 platform isn't getting much love from me.

[Joe L]

I have a PM40 and a CM9, both are carry guns, but I shoot them twice/month just to remain competent with them. I normally shoot SIG 9mm full size guns and a 1911 in 45.

I am one of those who really likes the PM40. It is surprisingly accurate but it does kick a little more than the CM9. I can shoot the CM9 all day, I can shoot 50 rounds or so through the PM40 then want to put it up for a couple of weeks. But I can put five rounds out of five in a 9" plate at 25 yards with the PM40 and I will miss one or two with the CM9. To me, both are good, if you like the 40 round, the PM40 is your carry gun. If you are happy with a 9, then PM9 or CM9. If I could have only one, it would be the PM40.
Joe

[sas PM9]

Duncan:

It is a very subjective and personal choice to decide 9mm or 40s&w.

I chose a pm9 over a pm40 because I had sold my ruger p85 (hated the trigger) and was currently without a 9mm.
The want of a 9mm, and the cost of the ammo was a big factor, plus I have a Star Firestar compact pistol in 40s&w. I wasn' really relishing the 40s&w recoil in a pistol smaller than my Firestar.

I felt the PM9 was the proper combination of power, size and reliability for me. I am delighted with the little pistol. I am currently carrying 147gr RA9B in it and they haven't hiccupped once.

It shot perfectly right out of the box. BudsGunShop offers a half hour of range time with a gun purchase, so I bought a box of 115gr ammo and fired it right then and there, no prep or clean-up or anything. I took it out of the plastic bag loaded the mags and let her rip. P E R F E C T ! POA is POI with the sights.

I have since added a CTL and am learning to work with that now. It sure makes shooting from the hip easy.

HTH.

-steve

[golfer]

My $.02 worth. The PM9 is a lot of pustol to hold on to when trying to fire with control. Although I can shoot the 40 and 45, the 9 is more controlable with the short grip and small size of the pistol.
With the 9, I can draw and put 7 rounds in a playing card in 3 seconds at 10 yards with confidence I can do it again and again. Can't say that for the others.
Your mileage may vary, with you ability. IMO, the 380 is a little short on power, and the 9 is just enough.
I do like the 45 etter than the 40 over all, but that is what I cut my teeth on. I generally carry ad 4 or 3" 1911 unless I have to go to pocket carry then the little Kahr comes with me. I carry it in complete confidence.
By the way, whatever you get, save enught $$$$$ for night sights and a CT laser. They are most helpful when you need it the most.

[Popeye]

Like the PM9 over the PM40 because the 9mm round comes back on target faster to get a second shot off if needed. The 40 takes one less round then the 9mm in a standard mag. That and I'm not sold on the 40 cal round being that much better for stopping power than todays 9mm's. I'm another one who prefers the 45 cal .over the 40cal. 45 feels like a hard push to me where the 40 seems just to flippy for my liking. PM series of pistols just seem to be a good fit with the 9mm round. JM.02