About 2 years ago I bought a Kahr CM9 for cc to replace my prior single stack 9mm, a Kel-Tec PF9. Although Kel-Tecs don’t get much love on this board, mine was reliable and served me well. After also carrying a Kahr CW45 for a number of years, I decided to give the CM9 a go.

The CM9 is the smallest 9mm that I’m aware of. One reason I like the small single stack 9mm’s is their versatility as they can be carried on the hip (in either an inside the waistband holster or an outside the waistband holster) as well in a front pocket holster. For the first time ever, I decided to try OWB carry w/ the CM9. Although the CM9 is small and fits in most front pockets, it doesn’t fit in all front pockets. Consequently, a really small 380 ACP pocket gun still comes in handy.

The CM9 is a less expensive version of the PM9. The two are identical in dimensions, buy the CM9 costs less because it comes w/ only one magazine and has different slide markings, front sight and barrel rifling. The CM9 comes w/ a flush fitting magazine w/ a six round capacity. Extended magazines are available carrying 7 and 8 rounds. Like all Kahr’s the trigger is DAO and there are no external safeties. Although I can get only I can fit only two fingers on the grip w/the 6 round magazine, the gun is still very controllable. Similar to a DAO revolver, the trigger is long, but smooth. This is NOT a trigger like the Ruger LCP, but it’s not as short as a Glock. Trigger reset is also a little longer than w/ a Glock. My trigger pull is 5.5#. To me, it’s a very manageable trigger. Unlike other semi-auto’s, Kahr recommends using the slide lock to load the first round from the magazine instead of a “sling shot” type action. Regardless, the slingshot method’s worked fine for me when I’ve used it.

The CM9’s accuracy is not up to that of my other current 9mm cc gun, a Kimber Micro 9. Nevertheless, it’s satisfactory and seems to be getting better w/ more use. The gun’s been 100% reliable. As recommended by other users, I did rack the slide at lest 200 times before ever shooting it. Kahr recommends a 200 round break in.

I can recommend the CM9 for the shooter who wants a small, singles stack 9mm and's not married to a short, striker trigger like the Glock. The CM9 has become my main cc gun. I use two holsters, both from TT Gunleather: the "Snap Removable Pancake"
and the "Pocket Holster". Both are quality holsters that I recommend, but I plan a review of them in the new future. I will say the OWB holster is VERY comfortable, especially when driving.

CM9 in TT Gunleather pocket holster and OWB holster