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Kahr 9 or 40???

leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
edited July 2002 in Ask the Experts
I was curious if anyone has experienced the differences in recoil between the Kahr 9 and 40? I was thinking of purchasing one as a backup gun to replace my old S&W model 60 .38spl... And I want something that I can shoot pleasurably and controlably. I have fired the Kel-Tec P11 with the .40sw top, and found the recoil makes it very unpleasureable to fire, due to its light weight. And I don't want that in my kahr. I haven't decided which model to get or even if I want one yet, just curious if anyone has had any experience.

If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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Comments

  • E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Reoil for the Kahr P40 will be about the same as Kel-Tecs p40 as there is only 3 ouces difference in weight bt the Kahr K40 should be more comfortable as it is 26 ounces compared to Kel-Tecs 15 ounces.But for a backup I would say go .40 because if its the last ditch between you and death I doubt you will notice the recoil.

    Eric S. Williams
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  • punchiepunchie Member Posts: 2,792 ✭
    edited November -1
    I have a K40 and IMHO think it is top of the line in that class of pistol, although a bit heavy. What caliber is your primary gun? I would suggest that your secondary be of the same caliber as you are already carrying extra ammo. Never have heard of anyone complaining that they had too much ammo if needed.

    AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY
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  • mballaimballai Member Posts: 1,280 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The recoil of a 40 Kahr would be just about the same as the 40 Glock 23 which I find manageable. Small barrel backup guns have less than desirable ballistics and more than desirable recoil. I don't find the Glock more difficult to shoot than my Model 60, but it's not as small nor as concealable.

    FWIW, I would rather suffer some discomfort at the shooting range to get good. If you need to, wear shooting gloves so you can practice more. It's not macho, and some guys may laugh, but it's your bacon on the line when you need to know if your skills measure up.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
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  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I carry the Beretta 9000s in 9mm works real well for backup gun.Its a small 13rdLE. only,10 rd civilian.It shoots double taps like a 22.If that poor Officer in WA.back in june had a back up gun he probably would be here today.I dont know if you heard or not but he was going on a civil complaint of a man being naked in the street cussing and fussing about racism (he was black) WHEN THE YOUNG OFFicer approached there was a strugglefor the offpcers gun the suspect got it ouy of the holster,and it bounced on the asphault.Apparently the clip came out of the gun when it hit the road. The suspect picked it up,inserted the clip,and shot the officer several times,BUT HIS VEST WERE STOPPING THE .40 CALIBER BULLETS. Then the suspect shot him execuution style 3 times in the head killing him

    Rugster
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dang Rugster, that poor guy. Did he have a family? I hope they give that * the chair.

    We had an armed prison guard here at the county facility have her gun taken away from her, the only thing that stopped the TRUSTY from killing her was the fact that he was to stupid to get the gun off safety. If she would have had a backup gun, that would have been one dead trusty. Instead, he's sitting back in county, waiting for rotation to the state unit.


    Punchie, to answer your question, my primary gun is a Glock 22 .40s&w. And yea, I could see why it would be good to keep to the same ammo. I was actually thinking of maybe the mini glock in a .40s&w instead of the Kahr so I could even use the same magazines if need be.


    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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  • ghotie_thumperghotie_thumper Member Posts: 1,561 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought one of the MK40's recently. I paid a little extra and got the tritium night sights. It shoots very well. The recoil is noticeable but not unpleasant. It definitely rises more than my old 640 centennial in 38 with +p+ but it is easily managed. The night sights probably weren't necessary in the back up role my little 40 plays but they really must be seen to be appreciated. The only negative side to them would be that a bad guy might be able to see them too!

    Common Sense is an Uncommon Virtue.
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  • E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Go with the Mini-Glock you only have to carry one type mag.In the heat you wont be grabbing the wrong mag for the wrong gun>It wont matter what mag you pick they will fit both.I would say that is the most logical way to go.

    Eric S. Williams
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  • E.WilliamsE.Williams Member Posts: 1,101 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Go with the Mini-Glock you only have to carry one type mag.In the heat you wont be grabbing the wrong mag for the wrong gun>It wont matter what mag you pick they will fit both.I would say that is the most logical way to go.Like when I traded my dad my kel-tec p40 he just traded his 5906 for a 4006 and the 4006 and the kel tec p40 accept the same mags so hes got it in his breast pocket of his blazer.And doesnt have to stop and look at the mag he just grabs one slams it home in either gun and gets back to busines.I think this is good planning.

    Eric S. Williams
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  • mballaimballai Member Posts: 1,280 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd agree with Williams. Almost a no brainer if you are a Glock user. The only real difference in practice will be the gun's weight and sight picture. You won't have to work so hard to get up to speed either. More time to work on other things like weak hand or point shooting.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
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  • erictheredericthered Member Posts: 244 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have an MK-9 w/tritium sights a K-40 Covert w/tritium sights, had a K-40, and a K-9. They all shoot great.
    My absolute favorite carry weapon. Reloads do not kick badly at all in the 40. It is just a little more kick than the 9. Hot factory loads do kick a bit, but they are no problem unless you are going to shoot a hundred rounds or so at that heat. Normally I like to practice with 155 grain of my own loads. 180's are easy to find and They kick a bit more than the 155s'. I now use lots of those since I could find them reasonably priced. 1000 180 gr. lead rnds for about 30-32 dollars across town here in Houston.

    Hope that helps.
    Eric


    thats'me
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