Thread: Would it be fair...

Originally Posted by nukehayes

to compare the Kel-Tec P-3AT and the Kahr PM-9? Or are they too different. I was thinking about a slim pocket pistol in a decent caliber, yet still manageable. I don't want to get something like a Seecamp or NAA, I think I would draw the line with the Kel-Tec in terms of power. The Kahr is rather expensive, but I like it a lot. Maybe I'll try a Walther PPS when they hit the stores. I don't know of any other single stack, slim 9mm. Maybe the HK P7M8.

The problem I have with the Kahr is the price period. I think they are great carry guns but make sure you break them in. The Kel-tec is a 380 and I sure wouldn't use it as a primary. I carry one as back-up only. I have seen the Kel-Tec PF9 at the gun shows. It's suppose to be the slim is 9mm made and the new ones don't have the problems the first production run had. It only carries 7+1.
I just wish Kahr's weren't so much. I refuse to pay their prices but I sure would like one.

I think that a comparison that would be more "fair" would be the KT PF-9 and the Kahr, since they are both 9mm. A P3AT is not in the same league as a PM9, and Kahr does not make something similar to the 3AT.

If you are considering the PPS, then you should also consider the Kahr CW9. The CW9 is slightly larger than the PM9, but also a whole lot cheaper.

The HK isn't all that slim, and it is solid and heavy steel. It is definitely not a pocket pistol. However, they are really neat pistols to shoot. I posted a range report on the P7 somewhere around here, if you are interested....

PhilR.

Two other single-stack 9mms not yet mentioned are the SIG 239, and the S&W 39xx and 908. They're not really pocket pistols, though. The 908 is listed as being 24 ozs, empty.

I don't think it's a fair comparison. I generally wear cargo shorts and can hide a Glock 26 in mine, but the P3AT fits anywhere. Think the PM9 is more comparable to a J-frame revolver, which is fine for pocket carry...but I sold my J-frame when I got the P3AT.

I am not pleased with the idea of a P3AT as a primary, all-the-time gun. I'd be okay with a PM9 in that role, though.

The only other I can think of is the rather expensive Rohrbaugh.
http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/