The slide stop was beveled to remove the sharp edges and the surface of the stop and pin were polished. I have to say that the stippling is some of the most precise and perfect I have seen from any shop. The “grenade checkering” on the grip was removed and a 360-degree stippled finish was applied by hand. The external modifications were extensive and included a complete carry bevel on all edges, beveling the magazine well and polishing and rounding the face of the trigger. Finally, sear and trigger bearing surfaces were polished and fitted for an exceptionally smooth trigger pull. Laughridge radiused and tuned the extractor to ensure 100 percent reliability.
Micro-size pistols generate high slide velocities and require special tuning. Internally, the muzzle was re-crowned with an 11-degree bevel and all internal parts were polished to include the feed ramp and barrel throat. The craftsmen at C&S have involved every part and surface of the pistol with the customization. Recently, I received a PM9 with the Package 3 option that included almost every option available and may well represent the ultimate concealable 9mm auto. The C&S crew has taken the PM9 to an entirely different level that only a custom shop can do. Three different levels are offered from a basic reliability job (Package 1) to a full-blown custom job (Package 3). Shortly after the PM9 was introduced, Laughridge decided to offer several custom packages for the little pistol. Since that time, C&S has become known as the place to go for custom Kahrs. Several years ago, Laughridge took an MK9 and performed an astounding custom package that garnered a lot of attention at the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) Show. However, they do take on other projects from time to time. This year C&S celebrated their 30th year of business and have built a stellar reputation for their work on 1911s and Browning Hi Powers. This is where Bill Laughridge and Cylinder & Slide decided to expand their market presence. However, the stock PM9, just as any stock production pistol, can be improved with the right touches. It is very close to the perfect 9mm pocket pistol. More importantly, the PM9 weighs in at a mere 14 ounces. The PM9 has an overall length of 5.3 inches, a height of 4 inches, and the slide is just 0.90 inches in width. The P9 is the full-size version of the K9, while the PM9 is the polymer frame version of the MK9.
The only problem with both of these pistols was they were all stainless and not at all lightweight!Īfter several years of research, Kahr developed the “P” series of pistols that feature a polymer frame. In the minds of many, the K9 and MK9 rendered most, if not all. Being slightly longer than 5 inches with a height of only 4 inches, the MK9 is the right size for ankle or pocket carry. Kahr then went one step further when they introduced the MK9 Micro. While the K9 is considered Kahr’s full-size auto, it is about the size of a Walther PP and redefined the definition for a compact 9mm. Their reputation was further enhanced when the NYPD authorized Kahrs for carry by their officers.
Their first pistol, the K9, set a new standard with their quality, size and great shooting characteristics. They have been producing compact pistols for more than a few years. Kahr Arms needs no introduction to Combat Handguns readers. One company that has taken the lead in the concealed carry market is Kahr Arms. As with everything else, times have changed and there are more options than ever. In my early days in law enforcement, the favorite choices for a back-up and off-duty carry were small frame revolvers such as a Chiefs Special or Colt Cobra, or small autos like the Walther PPK or PPK/S in. Finally, it should be in a caliber that is as large as the chosen platform can accommodate. It should be lightweight but still controllable to allow solid hits at a reasonable distance. It has to be small enough to hide but not so small that it is difficult to grasp. The search for the perfect concealed carry pistol has gone on for years.