Reconsidering a Carry Gun

A co-worker has been literally salivating (his desk is a wet mess) over the idea of buying a new Glock 43.  Although he was gravitating toward the .380 ACP Glock 42, the later introduction of a similar frame size chambered in 9mm made up his mind for him.

Detectives at our agency are issued the .40 cal. Glock 27.  My buddy likes the idea of the Glock-format pistol in a smaller package for off-duty carry.  Good so far.  He excitedly texted me one weekend that he had put a hundred bullets through a G43 at another department’s range and he was “totally sold” on the gun.  The dude is fixated.

When I considered the prospect of buying a Glock 43 for myself, I came to the frank realization that I already own a gun that mirrors the new Glock’s concealability, caliber, and capacity:  my Kahr PM9.  The Glock 43’s dimensions make it slightly longer, taller, and more weighty than the Kahr PM9.  Both guns carry 6+1 rounds of 9mm, with the option to add one more in either’s magazine.

Justin Moon, Kahr’s founder and lead designer, gave his pistols a revolver-like DAO trigger pull that is longer and heavier than the thrifty 5.5 pound “Safe Action” snap that sets off any Glock.  I am an old wheelgun guy, so I do not have a quarrel with the Kahr’s smooth rolling trigger mechanism.  It works just fine for me.

Were it not for my existing PM9, I would pit Kahr’s less expensive, but high quality CM9 against the Glock 43 in this class of handgun.  Each gun has its strengths.  I have nothing against Glock. I own two.

But I don’t need a Glock 43.  My consideration of one did have an effect on my behavior, however.  In examining the pros of a sub-compact 9×19 Luger carry gun, they made me take a hard look at what I currently EDC.

My standard operating procedure had me carrying my Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 most of the time, with bigger artillery brought along in sketchier environments.  Should I up the caliber for all situations?

One answer is that my Kahr PM9 is in an Uncle Mike’s size three holster in my right front pocket as I am writing this in a doctor’s office waiting room.  The PM9 has been with me for additional outings in the last few weeks.  While I know my Bodyguard 380 and its Kel-Tec P3AT sibling will still sneak out with me for some appropriate activities, the Kahr will assume primary responsibilities.

My friend was pestering me about buying a polymer pistol he thought was perfection. Turns out I already had one in my safe.  I’ll have to buy him lunch.

Randall

photos:  ThinBlueFlorida