Kahr Arms is an American gun maker specializing in small and mid-sized handguns. Their models include the Kahr PM9 - a subcompact 9mm semi-automatic. Due to the Kahr PM9’s small size, teamed with its powerful accuracy, this pistol makes for an ideal concealed carry or backup gun.
Typically, subcompact firearms can fit in the palm of an average adult hand. Due to their small size, some individuals tend to carry subcompacts in their pockets. However, this is both dangerous and uncomfortable. Additionally, if there ever comes a time when you have to draw your weapon quickly, digging around in your pocket is not an ideal situation. Given these considerations, it becomes obvious why holsters are typically preferred.
Holsters for a Kahr PM9 come in many options, including outside the waistband (OWB) or inside the waistband (IWB), as well as many various carry positions and material options.
Carry Positions
Since the PM9s are only about 1 in. thick, the holster’s slim profile adds very little to the overall thickness of the gun/holster setup. In concealed carry situations, thinner is generally better because a thinner gun and holster rig is easier to hide than a thicker design. This thin design also allows for multiple carry options.
Appendix Position
Gun owners who opt to appendix-carry their weapon often prefer an IWB holster. The appendix position is popular due to its ease of draw and ease of reupholstering. It is also popular because it is significantly more difficult for someone to steal a gun from a front appendix carry position than a side or back position.
Side Position
Many handgun owners elect to carry their weapons at the side position. The body's side position is where uniformed police officers equipped with gun belts usually carry their handguns. Like the appendix carry, the side position offers an easy draw and reholster. Since the PM9 is a subcompact, it can easily fit virtually anywhere on the waist, especially when it's in a thin-profile holster.
Back Position
Gun carry experts sometimes differ in opinion when carrying a handgun along the small of one's back in concealed carry situations. Some experts like the IWB back-carry position because it offers ease of concealment. Other gun critics state that the back-carry position could be dangerous due to the difficulty of drawing and reholstering. Other critics also note that it’s easier for someone to sneak up and snatch a gun from a back-carry position. A couple of other considerations in carrying your gun along your back include:
- If you plan on keeping your handgun in the small of your back, lack of comfort could become an issue, especially when leaning against surfaces.
- Reducing the time required to draw your Kahr PM9 from the small of your back will call for more practice than drawing your weapon from the appendix or side position.
Deciding on a Holster Material
The Kahr PM9 handgun holster market is full to overflowing with IWB and OWB holsters made from different materials, including Kydex, leather, nylon, and.
Kydex Gun Holsters
Kydex is a thermoplastic or polymer that is seen as ideal for gun holsters because of its lightweight, strength, and durability.
Water, dust, dirt, cleaning solutions, and long-term exposure to the sun typically don't affect the thermoplastic. Kydex gun holsters are also usually made to fit any handgun shape and profile. For example, at We the People Holsters, we mold holsters, especially for the Kahr PM9.
Leather Gun Holsters
Leather is a classic material for gun holsters, and it has been for centuries. Keeping a leather-made holster well-maintained and looking good does take some work, though. For one, moisture can quickly ruin leather, and good leather holsters for almost any gun, including the Kahr PM9, also don't come cheap.
Nylon Gun Holsters
Gun holsters made from nylon are inexpensive compared to leather. However, unlike leather and Kydex, most nylon holsters aren't custom-crafted for any particular gun brand or model and are more generic overall. While you can find a cheap nylon holster that will at least secure your Kahr PM9, you may quickly realize that you get what you pay for.
Gun and Holster Combo
The Kahr PM9 packs a lot of 9mm performance into a subcompact pistol that's both easy to conceal and to shoot. Since it has a 7-round capacity, there are more than enough bullets in the PM9 to handle most situations. In short, you can count on the PM9 to work when it's needed. When combined with a quality gun holster, there’s not much more you can ask for in the combo.
With whichever holster you purchase, practicing drawing and reholstering is critical. The more time you can devote to quality practice in drawing your PM9 from its holster, the more skilled and faster you will become.
Final Thoughts
At We The People Holsters, we believe in the right to own a quality self-defense weapon. Our Kydex holsters, including our Kahr PM9 holsters, are American-made at our Las Vegas facility. Our skilled production staff also closely inspects each holster throughout its production process. Lastly, all of our holsters come reasonably priced, which is something sure to make your bank account smile.