R9S or KahrPM9

[searcher]

I'm undecided on which to buy. I subscribe to Gun Test and have read their July comparison. I have also read the rebuttal to that article posted on this forum. I currently have a Seecamp and am dissatisfied with it's acuracy, if thats what you can call it. I do require accuracy from my firearms and am not sure what I can expect from the R9S. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[DDGator]

IMHO -- they are not that similar... making the choice easier.

If you plan to carry IWB, or in a fanny back, or OWB, and can conceal a PM9, you are likely to get better results with one.  It will have better sights and more grip to work with. (Do be careful with the plastic mag catch release -- and be sure you don't get one of the recalled guns).

However, if you want a gun for pocket carry or other deep concealment -- the R9 is the way to go.  I have owned a PM9 and do not consider it to be a very good pocket gun at all.

Of course, the above analysis is mostly practical in nature.  Many R-9 owners like the look and feel and quality of the R-9 over the more blocky "Glock-like" PM9.

In response to your stated concern, I find the R-9 accuracy to be excellent.

Finally, how soon do you need it?  You can buy a Kahr today -- you may or may not be able to buy an R-9 so quickly.

[searcher]

It will be soley a pocket carry for the warmer months. I carry a Sig P228 IWB for the cooler months. I can order it when I swing over to the P228 which will be soon if there is a wait period of some months.

[DDGator]

Some people carry a PM9 in their pocket -- but ya gotta have good size pockets.  Have you tried putting one in your pocket to see how it feels?

[searcher]

Nope. I have never had one in my pocket. I always wear jeans on the weekends so the pockets will not be that large.

[justin2992]

Most people over at glocktalk.com think the Glock 26 is a pocket gun.  As you can see, people have varied opinions on the subject.  The PM9 might work for you as a pocket gun but the Rohrbaugh definetly will.

[doctordun]

Well, I'm one of those Glock guys, who carry a Glock 27 in my pants. I'm told it's some kind of symbol for something I lack??? Yes, it's a big pocket in cargo pants.

When I wear jeans, I have found that the R9 can go places that even my S&W340SC can't. I used to be regulated to my Keltec 32 when nothing else would fit. Now, I have a powerful alternative and glad of it!

[searcher]

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it. I'm leaning towards the R9S. Spoke with Maria, think thats her name, at Rohrbaugh and was told that there is now a 4 or 5 month backlog. I guess I'd better make up my mind in a hurry.

[sbrenner]

I have a new R9S that is now for Sale.

Still in the factory box never loaded, fired, carried or anything.

I need to carry a Glock .40 s&w.

So, now I will carry Glocks 27 3 1/2" barrel

                     and Glock  35 5 1/3" barrel.

If, anyone wants a R9S please make and offer.

Will ship to your FFL with copy of their FFL.

Steve

mesteve2@yahoo.com

210 325 7547

[DDGator]

Steve,

You should also post this in the classifieds.  It shoudln't last too long.

[Fud]

searcher, let me chime in here as well  

I had a Kahr MK9 and presently have a R9S. This is how I see them stacking up ...

» Kahr can fire +P's. R9 can't. Is this important? It could be. +P 9mm's brings the performance of the caliber within the same range as a .40 or .45 -- if they expand the same and penetrate the same and displace the same amount of tissue, they're effectiveness is going to be the same. The same thing can not be said about the non +P 9mm.

» The R9 is a true DAO gun while the Kahr has to have it's striker pre-set in order for it to fire. It this important? It could be. According to reports that I have read, if a round fails to go off because of a light primer hit, in over 50% of the cases, a second strike on the primer will set it off. With the R9, all you have to do is pull the trigger a second time and you have a better than 50% chance of shooting the gun. With the Kahr, you can pull the trigger all that you want but until you re-set the striker, the gun will not fire. This could be VERY important if you find yourself in a struggle. With the Kahr, you might as well have a hammer in your hand. With the R9, you've got a better than 50% chance of being able to fire the gun.

» Overall accuracy goes to the Kahr. This is independent of the guns themselves. What I mean by this is that I can get a better grip on the Kahr and it's extra weight helps absorb the kick better and therefore I can fire it better. From a rest, reports place the accuracy of both guns about the same but because of the factors that I mentioned, I feel the Kahr is more accurate.

» The factors which makes the Kahr a better shooter in the point above also prevents it from being a true pocket gun requiring it to be carried in a holster for true concealment. Not so with the R9, it is a true pocket gun and can be carried when you're "not carrying".

So far both guns are pretty much even -- scoring different points in different areas. What ultimately swung me over to the R9 over the Kahr was the fact that I didn't like this internal striker fire design. Things could be going on in there that I am unaware of and might become defective without my knowkedge. I don't like Glocks for the same reason.

The R9 has a concealed hammer. You pull the trigger and you see the hammer rise and fall similar to revolvers and TDA/SA guns. That's what finally sold me on the R9 over the Kahr. Your requirements, obviously, might be different from mine but I hope this little checklist helps.

[searcher]

I have just read the thread 'A couple of questions concerning failures' . Think I'm going to hold off a while on the R9s. Going to wait till some of the bugs are worked out.  

[DDGator]

Wow.  That is a loaded comment...   Should draw some responses.

With the exception of a handful of guns, there are no problems with the R-9 design.  I bet Rohrbaugh's % of "problem" guns is less than Kahr, although its an unfair comparison based on the number of pieces shipped by both.  Rohrbaugh has been working on this gun for years -- they aren't doing their R&D on the public.  I wouldn't wait for that reason -- but I am not you.  

I have decided there is no need for me to try and talk people into buying an R-9.  It either calls to you, or fills a need that nothing else will, or it doesn't.   If you don't really WANT one of these guns -- its probably not worth the wait or the price.

[searcher]

Called Rohrbaugh today to ask some questions. Eric answered and I had a nice conversation with him that alleviated any concerns I might have had about the R9S. Thinking seriously about buying sbrenner's R9S.

[JimmyD]

According to reports that I have read, if a round fails to go off because of a light primer hit, in over 50% of the cases, a second strike on the primer will set it off. With the R9, all you have to do is pull the trigger a second time and you have a better than 50% chance of shooting the gun.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I wouldn't want to trust my life to a "better than 50% chance" of a round firing. If it doesn't go boom the first time, then you should perform the  tap, rack and bang drill.

JD