Posted: 7/7/2006 5:21:02 PM EDT
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I aksed this question rolled up in a bunch of others a while ago, and now I'm close to making my decision, I'm curious about it more specifically-- I hear a lot of criticism of the PM9's reliability, including the dreaded peening problem. By contrast, I've never heard of anyone have reliability issues with MK9s. Do they happen and we just don't hear about them because there are fewer of them out there? Or is there the MK9 just a better design somehow? If you were getting one, which would you get? |
| I went with the MK9 over the PM9 because of the problems PM9 owners were having (at least according to what I've read on other forums.) My MK9 has had no issues other than a few FTEs during the break-in period, and now I have about 500 rounds through it. It's a little heavier than the PM9, but I'll gladly take the weight if it means a more reliable pistol. |
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I've carried a MK9 daily for about three years; you do need to routinely replace the recoil spring; mine first pooped out at about 2500 rounds but I replace now around 1500. PM9 has a similar dual-spring setup and I'd plan to replace it about the same time from an abundance of caution. I just bought a PM9 this weekend to gain the slight reduction in grip size and the weight advantage, so I'll update this once I get to the range in a few days. I've carried a P9 covert almost as often as the Mk9 and a standard p9 occasionally as a backpacking gun. None of my Kahrs have given any problems beyond "teething" issues during break-in. I do have some peening evident on the Mk9, but it is essentially cosmetic in my view and I've not bothered to send it in. I've heard folks gripe about the tacky, glued-on-looking piece on the upper side of the right grip, but have had no issues with that on the two polymer Kahrs I have. For what its worth, the polymer frame guns seem a bit more accurate than my MK9. All are very controllable and easy to shoot--my daughter is on the small side and has shot them easily since she was 13 or so. Also, I like the night sights as the 3dot setup is more easy to pick up for my middle aged eyes. |
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If you look around, you'll find some MK9 complaints, too; I think the "long and SHORT" of it is the smaller the gun, the tougher it is to make it run right out of the box. I shot my new PM9 today; 200 round break in using Blaser, Hornaday, and Federal ammo; had one failure to chamber at about 40 rounds when using the extended 8 round magazine from my regular P9. Then fired 20 rounds of Federal Hyrdoshock 124 grain which worked quite nicely; easily hold it in the 9 ring at 10 yards, which is more than adequate for my purposes. I did note that I pulled shots to the left more easily than the P9Covert I was also shooting (same grip, 1/2 inch longer slide); might be the trigger was a bit stiffer. All in all, I'd say my PM9 is a keeper and will become my standard carry gun. 
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| I have carried my PM9 for over a year, 1500 rounds or so and no problems. My dad carries the MK9 cause he likes the heavier guns and he's probably got about 800 rounds through his no problems. Make your decision based on the feel of the gun, not the "problems" that people seem to have. I'm pretty sure that's all done and over with anyway. Just make sure you break in right, at least 200 rounds down the pipe before you make any real judgements on it. |
| For what its worth I have a PM9 that I've put about 500 rounds through. The only problem I've had is one lot of S&B ammo (the range makes you buy their stuff) had a slight primer inset and the pin wouldn't dent it -- when ejected the cartridges came out looking new. |