Kahr PM45 vs Kahr PM40

[jwalker497]

I am interested in picking up a small 40 or 45 and I have narrowed it down to these 2 models becuase they smallest thing out there, plus I like Kahr. So I wanted to see what a poll would say. I am not considering any other pistols, just trying to decide between these 2. Which do you like and why?

PM45
Pros - Larger Bullet and Less Recoil
Cons - Larger than PM40 (5.67in) and Slower Bullet

PM40
Pros - Faster Bullet and Smaller than PM45 (5.35in)
Cons - Sharper Recoil and Smaller Bullet

Each gun's advantages are the others disadvantages - I am torn between the 2 becuase they both are effective calibers, i guess caliber talk in inevtibale here, but I can't seem to make my mind up. What do you think? Both are about the same price so that's not an issue. Thanks.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[PatrioticRick]

I like the .45

[Timberline]

No "wrong" choice here, but I voted 45.

[jwhite75]

Its the question of a snappy flippy kick up of the barrel of the .40, versus the thud solid no snappy of the .45

[Moto4Fun]

This is a good question. I didn't realize the recoil would be more harsh with the .40. What is the size difference? How would you intend to carry this gun? Do you have pics of them side by side? What are your other SD guns? Lots of little factors can help with the win/win decision.

[64zebra]

the true wrong choice could only be determined by you test driving both of them and see which one you like best

as for my opinion......I voted 45, since I stock 45 and 9 ammo, 45 ammo is more available in more places
to each their own

[crzy4guns]

I voted for the .45 - no bullet expansion out of the short barrel - no problem, its STILL a .45!

[matiki]

I've shot both, but owned neither. I voted for the PM45 since I don't like the snap of the .40.

[jdivence]

No "wrong" choice here, but I voted 45.

I voted .40 but really there is not wrong choice... what other calibers do you have? This might help you make the decision.

[jwalker497]

I don't want what I have to influence the decision. I posted this poll in other places and it seems that the .45 is winning by a wide margin over the 40. The 45 is also .35inches larger in length.

[sgtdraino]

I have a PM40 I've been very happy with, that I am nevertheless probably going to sell in order to get a PM45, based on the feedback here and elsewhere.

The one concern I have, is the effects of such a short barrel on the already rather slow .45 ACP round. In a barrel that short, which bullet (.40 or .45) is really going to have better knockdown power? What about effective range?

[lazarus long]

I've fired both and now own a PM45. I have put 300 rounds of varied factory loads from 160 DPX, 200 +P Gold Dot, and 230 Gold Dot Short Barrel through it. Also, about 150 rounds of ball range ammo. Not even one failure to feed or extract.

The recoil was surprisingly mild for the 200 and 230 gr., but sharper for the 160 DPX. As far as accuracy and controllability, the 230 Gold Dot Short Barrel came out on top.

[banana]

PM40 has a lot of felt recoil. A lot more than the PM9, more than my Glock 27. For a self defense gun the .40 should be fine, but multiple round accuracy might suffer compared to a larger frame subcompact, or the same PM series chambered in a 9mm. I'm glad the range I belong to allowed me to shoot both the PM9 and PM40 before I made my purchase. I was certain I wanted the PM40 until I actually shot both weapons. Needless to say, my BUG is now a PM9.

I have no experience with the PM45, so I can't comment on that.

[retsupt99]

I'd go with ANY caliber that starts with a "4" and ends with a "5".

[Danimal]

Here are some comparison pics of the PM45. My vote was for the PM45, and that is because I assume you will only buy one....or at least the PM45 first.

So the first pic is a PM9 on the left, which is the exact same size as the PM40, and the PM45 on the right. The second and third pic are a J-Frame compared to the PM45. Heck of a gun.