I've been searching for a subcompact pistol that was the perfect combination of caliber, size, trigger, ergonomics, and features. I may have found it in the Kahr CM9. The CM9 came out a couple of months ago and is the less expensive version of the PM9. It has a standard barrel, rather than the polygonal rifling of the PM9. The CM9 also has a bit less machining on the slide and a fixed rear sight.
Today I made it to the range for a second time with it. The fist trip was flawless with FMJ but a couple of failures to feed with Speer Gold Dots. Kahr recommends 200 break-in rounds and I had tried to cheat a bit.
Between trips, I racked the slide w/o spring a couple of hundred times and, at the range, put another 100 rounds through it. Then I tried the Gold Dots again. They shot great except for when I deliberately held the gun loosely which caused a minor failure to feed on two rounds. Tap, rack, and bang. With a firm grip, perfect.
Trigger is smooth and not too heavy. Sights are the dot over dot (like in straight 8s) and very functional. Despite the light weight, there is less felt recoil than I expected. I attribute this to the good ergonomics of the pistol. All this combined meant I shot the gun as well as or better than any double action or striker fired subcompact I've owned. BTW, that includes my airweight .38 snubbies.
The CM9 is a pocket pistol with the right pants and is a good choice for carry in an IWB holster when I don't want to carry a heavier pistol. I am keeping my mouse guns for certain clothing I wear and I'll still carry a 1911 most of the time, clothing permitting. Still, it's nice to have options and I plan on carrying the Kahr for awhile to get feel for it.
The pistol has a three inch barrel and comes with one mag, a six rounder:
Tucked inside a DeSantis Nemesis holster, the gun should be ideal for pocket carry in khakis and pants with larger pockets; probably not tight jeans:
I purchased a Silent Thunder Kydex/leather holster from Garrett Industries. It has a Kydex shell and a thin layer of leather on the inside. You get the moisture shield of Kydex and the softer leather for less wear on the gun finish and it feels like leather when you draw. Garrett used to have an affiliation with Tucker Gun Leather but Tucker is no longer mentioned in connection with these holsters:
Cant is adjustable with provided allen wrench. Tension is also adjustable via two screws. Mine was a little tight so I loosened it up enough that I could draw it without getting a wedgie but tight enough so the gun won't fall out when held upside down.
Here's a side view of the Garrett Silent Thunder. You can see the slim leather lining. I haven't carried with it yet but I think I'm going to like it:
Today I made it to the range for a second time with it. The fist trip was flawless with FMJ but a couple of failures to feed with Speer Gold Dots. Kahr recommends 200 break-in rounds and I had tried to cheat a bit.
Between trips, I racked the slide w/o spring a couple of hundred times and, at the range, put another 100 rounds through it. Then I tried the Gold Dots again. They shot great except for when I deliberately held the gun loosely which caused a minor failure to feed on two rounds. Tap, rack, and bang. With a firm grip, perfect.Trigger is smooth and not too heavy. Sights are the dot over dot (like in straight 8s) and very functional. Despite the light weight, there is less felt recoil than I expected. I attribute this to the good ergonomics of the pistol. All this combined meant I shot the gun as well as or better than any double action or striker fired subcompact I've owned. BTW, that includes my airweight .38 snubbies.
The CM9 is a pocket pistol with the right pants and is a good choice for carry in an IWB holster when I don't want to carry a heavier pistol. I am keeping my mouse guns for certain clothing I wear and I'll still carry a 1911 most of the time, clothing permitting. Still, it's nice to have options and I plan on carrying the Kahr for awhile to get feel for it.
The pistol has a three inch barrel and comes with one mag, a six rounder:
Tucked inside a DeSantis Nemesis holster, the gun should be ideal for pocket carry in khakis and pants with larger pockets; probably not tight jeans:
I purchased a Silent Thunder Kydex/leather holster from Garrett Industries. It has a Kydex shell and a thin layer of leather on the inside. You get the moisture shield of Kydex and the softer leather for less wear on the gun finish and it feels like leather when you draw. Garrett used to have an affiliation with Tucker Gun Leather but Tucker is no longer mentioned in connection with these holsters:
Cant is adjustable with provided allen wrench. Tension is also adjustable via two screws. Mine was a little tight so I loosened it up enough that I could draw it without getting a wedgie but tight enough so the gun won't fall out when held upside down.
Here's a side view of the Garrett Silent Thunder. You can see the slim leather lining. I haven't carried with it yet but I think I'm going to like it: