Ruger LCP vs Kahr PM9: The Tale of the Tape
A quick comparison of the physical specifications of the Ruger LCP and the Kahr PM9.
Is the size and weight savings of the Ruger LCP over the Kahr PM9 worth trading down from a 9mm to a .380ACP for a pocket pistol?
What about that difference in price? Looks like you could have a LCP in both front pants pockets for the cost of a PM9.
| Ruger LCP |
Kahr PM9 | |
| Height | 3.6″ | 4.0″ |
| Length | 5.16″ | 5.3″ |
| Width | 0.82″ | 0.90″ |
| Weight | 9.4oz | 15.9oz |
| Capacity | 6.1 | 6+1 |
| Caliber | .380ACP | 9mm |
| Price (MSRP) |
$330.00 | $771.00 |
Join the forum discussion on this post - (6) Posts
I’m not sure size and weight are the only things to consider with these guns. Kahr can use 9mm +p+ ammo. The LCP cannot use anything but standard ammo. Keep in mind the value of a Good Buffalo bore 9mm+p+ at 1300+ fps. Also I’m not sure the LCP is meant for heavy use. Its basically a clone of the kel-tec P-3at with Rugers name engraved on the side. When my dealer handed me both they looked like they came out of the same womb. The kel-tec has a service life of only 6000 rounds. Thats why I’m not too sure about the Ruger yet.
Basically, If you want to have a gun that shoots a better cartridge and will last a long time with little repair or replacement get the Kahr. If your not gonna use the LCP for practice much and need the comfort carry of a gun that looks smaller and feels a lot lighter get the LCP. You’ll save more money with the LCP also, but that may be because they built it as a light weight 6000 round throw away gun. Though i could be wrong about that. Holding the keltec and the lcp in each hand and examining them makes me consider that they both may have the same service life.
Truthfully, I am having this same problem, I can’t decide between a heavier gun and the LCP.
I own both guns along with a Glock 23. I started with the LCP. It is a fine little gun and I will throw it in a front pocket if I am dressed up. I am not crazy about shooting this little guy but having it on me is better then nothing at all. My primary carry is the Kahr PM9. It rides very nice in a front pocket with my jean shorts and I feel a little better of the stopping power. It is very dependable after the first 200 rounds and not bad to shoot at the range. Finally, I have a Glock 23. This is my up north gun. I carry it when up north on the weekends goofing off. It is a dream to shoot at the range and not hard to conceal in casual clothing.
Kahr On me 60% of the time
Glock On me 25% of the time
Ruger On me 15% of the time
How do you feel about having your pinky finger dangle off the bottom of the Ruger LCP? I can’t get used to it coming from full size pistols.
I don’t own a Ruger LCP…yet! But to answer you question about the dangling pinky, you get use to it when you practice with it. I own a Glock 26 and I love it. I practice handling the gun and dry firing, and of course I go to the range and practice shooting it as well. You get just as good shooting it with it if you had all fingers on the gun. The 26 is a joy to shoot, and I carry it about 50% of the time with a SmartCarry holster. I want a gun I can take with me while I go for a run or bike. I also feel that I will that I will carry it in my pocket the other 50% of the time I don’t want to take the 26.
I have owned a Kahr K9 and carried it since new for 13 years, It was recently stolen and I purchased a PM9. I dont own an LCP, but I can honestly say that Kahr Arms makes good quality guns. They are up there with Glock, Sig etc. They are both comfortable to shoot. But the K9 has less recoil and is more comfortable to shoot than the PM9. Dam, I miss my K9.