Kahr PM9 VS M&P Shield VS Glock 26

[@joegreen8300]

My pm9 which I HATED when I first got it has become my baby.... I shoot it very well for it’s size, great groupings, no issues at all👍🏻👍🏻 As far as carrying it is absolutely a daily carry inside the waistband without hesitation!

[@flickbug8717]

For those on a budget in the market for a pocket pistol, DO NOT go with the M&P. Kahr makes a gun nearly identical to the PM9 called the CM9. I just ordered one today for $308 shipped to my FFL. I own three Kahr CW9s and I absolutely love them for concealed carry. My first pistol was a Glock 27, which I later sold because its thickness made it impossible to conceal in certain clothing and weather situations. I was carrying some of the time, not all the time. With the Kahrs, I can carry all the time.

[@hansgruber1974]

You are spot on! I have read down to this point and it was all Glock versus Smith "fangirls" being bitchy 'cause someone "dissed" their precious! The fact is, the Kahr PM9 has them both beat in the "tiny 9" category and if you can find one without night sights they aren't THAT expensive. Bud's currently lists the CA approved PM9 for $398 which isn't a bad starting point. Throw in the usual taxes and transfer fee and you're looking at $500 out the door in the Great State of California! That's not bad considering a Glock 26 is over $500 on Bud's before "TT&T" so to speak. The CM9 currently lists on Bud's for $352 which is also a great price, and for those not living in California where a DROS fee must be paid, and perhaps no taxes added elsewhere, the CM9 would be less expensive by a wider margin. However either is a great gun and something else worth noting is that Kahr offers all the parts for their models on their website at quite reasonable prices! While the Kahr design isn't as user friendly to completely disassemble as is the Glock, first, nobody ever "needs" to completely disassemble one in the span of the average lifetime, but it's nice to know one can buy a replacement barrel or extractor or springs and such - or even a slide. In fact, like Glock, you could buy the CM9, then buy the CM40 slide and barrel - and slide parts, and have two calibers with a top-end swap! The Kahr is smaller, lighter, and has the better trigger. As stated in the video one can easily choose to carry the PM9 in a front pants pocket, but even if carried on the hip the gun is so small as to be nearly invisible and the only way I can imagine it "printing" is if the wearer is strutting around with a skin-tight, knit shirt. In S&W Shield is currently at Bud's for $415 which makes it the same price as the Kahr basically and S&W makes fine pistols, but it's not even close to the Kahr in terms of concealment. The G26 is rather "porky" at just under 20 ounces, and it's the widest of the three by far, but as stated it DOES offer the ability to pop in a 33 round magazine! Bud's has the CA approved G26 listed for $502 which isn't because it costs more to make, but because Glock is dominant in the market and is enjoying making the money they didn't make back when they were first trying to wedge themselves into the handgun lineup. Something all Glock-haters should know is that it's the only pistol that can be user serviced all the way down to the smallest component, and without complicated, or special tools of any kind. Also, for anyone interested, MidwayUSA is currently selling the Poly80 sub-compact (G26/27) 80% frame for $75 and the lower parts to complete it for $50. That's the entire grip frame for just $125! A slide fancy skeletonized slide can be had for $180, and 9mm barrel for around $90. Slide completion parts round around $75. So for all who live in places other than California - and even those who live IN California, building your own Glock is now cheaper than buying one! And the Poly80 grip frame feels better in the hand! A better comparison might have been the G43 to Kahr PM9, and to that end, the Glock Store is currently selling their own developed G43 80% grip frame for $120, but you have to buy the completion jig for another $20. They also offer a completed top-end for $400. Lenny McGill has a series of videos where he builds one all the way to shooting it...for all you who live in California and can't get the G43 because it's not on the Roster, this is a legal way to obtain one.

[@mikep197]

I've owned the PM9 for many years and it is a terrific gun. It's extremely accurate for its size and I can't ever remember having a jam of any kind. It's small enough for pocket carry but feels more "substantial" than some of the mouse guns they make these days. I can't come up with a negative except maybe the cost. But well worth it IMO. Thanks for the vid

[@garygarcia9045]

I think this a great comparison if you live in California. Sorting out what's best for EDC with a limited CA approved roster is tough. Overall comparisons regardless of single vs dbl stack is still helpful and insightful. Tks. Going with the PM9 for now. Glock 26 in the near future I'm sure.

[@calt2386]

The shield is not compatible to the 26. The M&P 9C is right there with the 26. 12 rnd mags and it can take the full size mags as well.

[@readyme]

The G26 seems out of place. The G43 would be more appropriate in my opinion... of course if you don't have one, that would make it tough.

[@TheGearTester]

My feelings on the 43 are basically the same as my feelings on the Shield. I prefer the 43 over the shield however, I don't currently own one.

[@readyme]

TheGearTester I have shot the 43, 26, 19 and 17. The 43 was too small, and I see the 19 as the Goldylocks. Not much bigger than the 26, and conceals almost as well.

[@TheGearTester]

readyme You make a good point.

[@bradnail99]

I just found this video today, 5 years from its release. Who among us doesn’t enjoy confirmation bias? When I needed a concealed carry pistol I did a ton of research and arrived at this same conclusion. I own a G26 and a PM9. The “reverse Goldilocks” syndrome is exactly what I concluded after shooting all three of these, plus a few others. Despite being much lighter, the Kahr offers less felt recoil than the Shield. The G26 is a dream to shoot.

[@dougest6578]

Glock 26 is much thicker than the Shield. If you have large hands or don’t do well with a long trigger pull, the Shield may be a better choice than the Kahr. But don’t expect to carry the Shield in jeans front pocket like the Kahr. Maybe best to get all three🤣

[@MaxHeadspace9mm]

I’ve carried the Glock 26 for about 6 years now. It’s thick. But other than that it’s a fantastic gun for ccw. I’ve recently gotten the Kahr. I like it a lot as it is thinner and smaller and easier to carry. I have no experience with the Smith other than I wouldn’t chose it because it really has no practical advantage over the Kahr and is bigger. So I agree with you.

[@bond007xxx]

I'm making / arriving at the same conclusions ...Love my G26 and just completing CCW certification, but want a Kahr PM9 - unfortunately, the last production appears completely sold out everywhere. Plus I'm in Commifornia, so the Roster doesn't help. PM9 looks great to me for when G26 is too bulky and printing.

[@ap1986]

The Glock 26 is kinda out of place in this review. You have two single stack 9mm and one double stack. IMO A Glock 43 would of been better comparison. And then a M&9c could go up against the Glock 26.

[@juncelijaimes2150]

I agree, single stack

[@billvilla7799]

Good thoughtful review. I am looking for a pocket 9mm and the PM9 keeps coming up as the way to go. I have plenty of sidearms...Glock 26/27, CZ 2075RAMI, S&W 640Pro (.357 mag), and a 1911 commander with forged aluminum frame. Just have to fill that void and it is looking like it will be the PM9.

[@ncbible1575]

The 26 is noticeably bigger IWB carry. The trigger reach feels more than the 19 for some reason. I carried the 26 for a little over a year and it shot well. However I picked up a Shield during this summer with the rebates the have. After shooting side by side with the 26 and carrying the two at different times I have decided to start carrying the Shield. It is much more comfortable and for me - it shoots better from the draw. And...it was almost 250 less than the Glock. Done deal for me.

[@jasonlessard2373]

I agree about the shied. It is heavy for its size. I went with the Kahr CM9 about half the price of the PM9.

[@BoopSnoot]

PM9 has nicer sights, more mags, all bar stock, better aesthetics, and polygonal rifling which are nice though. CM9 is a better value, but if you have the money, PM9 is the way to go IMO.

[@zoltanember6155]

I'm so torn I think what I'm going to have to do is get a rental of the g26 and m&p shield to find out

[@donaldardell5742]

Smith & Wesson, in the M&P Shield, provided a practically unique product to the concealed carry market: a white paper design, high quality, reasonably-priced, full-power (9mm and .40 S&W) stack-and-a-half pistol designed to specifically bridge the very wide gap between the cut-down full-size pistols like the Glock 26 and the extremely task-specific micros like the Kahr. To play down the weight and significant width difference and between the Shield and the Glock 26 for in-the-pants carry, and then go on to say the recoil of the 9mm (snicker) is better handled by the much thicker and bulkier Glock is probably not honest. To assume the Glock, or anything else, is of better build quality because of price is downright silly. Admittedly the Glock 26 does a decent job of being the smallest version of a full-size and full-width double-stack pistol, and is a reasonably decent option if that's what you want, but the M&P Shield is a tool designed for a specific task, designed to neither be a minimized full-size design nor a pocket pistol.

[@tonyg4438]

Thanks for giving your straight honest opinion!

[@armyretired28]

Yep, 30 rounds are for those who can't shoot straight....lol

[@abc456f]

The glock 43 would have been the proper gun for comparision. And the kahr cm9 is less expensive than the other two and doesn't give up much compared to the pm9.

[@justlooking2183]

Awesome review, all great guns but I have the same feelings with the m&p shield

[@outersun]

Perfect. Can't understand the popularity of any caliber Shield or the 9mm XDS. Can comprehend why one would want the smallest modern 9mm - CM/PM9: almost easy to pocket carry; especially those who refuse a smaller cal. to pocket. Can also understand the XDS 45 for a similar philosophy - save for pocket carry. Yet the shield has sold more....goofy I say! Nice to have all these choices however.

[@TheGDizzo]

Very recently asked to handle an M&P Shield, nice and slim, but the trigger was thee worst I've felt in a semi. No thanks. Literally was very gritty in actuation 11:04

[@donaldwortham1661]

I will say the shield is not bad for the biker built type.slim design so you dont need 42x Jean's. Shorter length doesnt interfere with that beer gutt when sitting down . And the xtra height on grip that gut will hide easily due to that man spare. Throw in some maggutts you have 19 rounds and some hornady bullets your good to go.

[@dougest6578]

The Kahr can also use the larger Khar guns magazines for more rounds.

[@Crazypitbull16]

Which do you prefer, the glock 26 or kahr p9?

[@MrHav1k]

Great video. I'm going to see if I can handle the weight and girth of the G26 as it offers lots of advantages. If not, then I'll go for the PM9/CM9 (same gun but cheaper basically, really strong option) and pocket it, holster it, whatever and carry a backup mag or two.

[@Softballcrazy]

also comparable imo is an officer model 1911: slim, 3.5" barrel and .45 acp. very comfortable for "all day carry"

[@renerodriguez2364]

I would go with the PM9...its smaller than the Glock 42-380,it’s only 15.9 oz with an empty magazine, it’s got polygonal rifling, angled serrations on the slide, a terrific trigger-5.5lbs, a rounded trigger guard(yay,!! Finally a ccw with this feature) and seems to be a more refined Glock-like pistol (maybe the closest to a Glock). The Glock is awesome, but has not significantly improved their guns and some might say took a step back with the Gen4s with only moderate changes to the Gen 5. The Shield I feel would actually be my second choice behind the Kahr because of the features about it that I like more...Fish scale serrations, rounded trigger guard, better ergonomics and very nice trigger especially on the 2.0 version. Without question though, these three pistols are the best on the planet in 9mm and I would also lump the Glock 43 along side the G26 as well. Very very good video and comprehensive comparison my friend!! I give your video 5 out of 5 stars-*****!!

[@ahardrocker]

Nice video, Thanks, I also own the same 3 firearms as well as a Kahr PM40 w/crimson trace laser. Also with my Glock 27 40 S&W, I have a 9mm barrel so therefore it is like a Glock 26 9mm, not to mention a Glock 32 round 9mm magazine. Great firepower. Thanks again for the info.

[@talkingaboutstuff3950]

too be fair, the weights aren't as you make them out to be. The Kahr is listed at 14 ounces, but that isn't apples to apples, that's with no magazine. If you look on the Kahr website the PM9 (and the CM9, which I have, and presume are the same weight) are listed as 14.0 ounces plus 1.9 ounces for the magazine. Since the other guns listed weights already include the magazine, it's not apples to apples. The Kahr actually weighs 15.9 ounces with an empty mag in it, or nearly 16 ounces. In addition even to this, the actual weight of the Kahr's seems to be about an ounce heavier than they claim. I first noticed this in a youtube video, where the maker of the video noted his kahr was 1 ounce heavier than Kahr claimed and figured Kahr changed the weight at some point but never updated their website. I verified it with my own brand new Kahr CM9 purchased a week ago, unloaded with an empty mag in it, on my kitchen food scale it weighs exactly 16.8 ounces. Vs the listed weight be Kahr of "14.0+1.9 Magazine". So you're actually near 17 ounces now. I dont own a Shield, but I noticed there are different models with different weights. The one with a safety is listed at 20.8, but there is a no safety version (which is the same price and which is the one I would buy anyway). That one is listed at 19.0. You can verify all this info on the various websites. So ~17 vs 19 ounces, not a severe difference, and you're getting 1-2 more rounds capacity. In addition and weirdly, there is a .40 Shield, and it weighs even less at 17.6 ounces! Only .8 ounces more than the true weight of the Kahr. Personally I wouldn't like a .40 though because the ammo is more expensive and capacity is a round less. Also unfortunately for me I find the CM9 I have, too big to pocket carry. It's just a little too heavy, prints too much, and even can be visible from the top of my pocket, and I wear loose jeans with large pockets. I think only my Ruger LCP is legitimately pocket carry size and weight for me. So with that said, I'm left with a measly 6+1 capacity 9 that's too big to pocket carry. Since I also wanted this to do double duty as a truck gun, and the Shield is about 100 cheaper right now due to rebates and holds up to 2 more rounds, I think I would rather have the shield right now :( Although as you note, the Glock 26 would probably be better yet, it's also significantly more expensive, since the Shield is like $225 right now with the 75 rebate going around. The Glock is probably twice that. In addition I think 8+1 rounds is "enough", so I dont think the extra rounds of the Glock are that big a deal, whereas 6+1 just bothers me as "not" enough. I realize you can get extended mags for the Kahr, but they dont integrate well like the 8 round mag does on the Shield, rather they simply stick out like a sore, unsupported thumb. BTw I got the CM9 and besides minor cosmetic factors I think it's basically the same as the PM9, and it ran me $332 including FFL fee of $15 (the gun itself was 317 no tax, free shipping at Bud's gun shop). As mentioned the Shield with rebate is like $225 right now. So you are paying way too much on these guns :) Guns are always cheaper online than locally. Go to slickguns.com for great deals. Otherwise, great vid! I agree with your points except I just find the CM9 a bit too large for pocket carry.

[@rayw6442]

Thanks for posting. Informative.

[@justlooking2183]

Great review 👍 you can also use extended mags on the kahr

[@tamj0506]

You say the Glock costs more because its better made. I dont't agree. I believe Glocks cost more because they are made in Austria and they have to ship them to the US and there is probably an import tax. So they pass the cost to the consumer. I own a glock 17 and see nothing special about its build quality compared to my other pistols.

[@JimLBon]

A lot of Gen 4 Glocks are made in Georgia. That's USA, not the country.

[@samlott99]

Agreed. I own a Glock 19, a Shield 9, and a Sig P250. There's nothing extra special about the way the Glock is made compared to others. The Sig in my opinion is the higher quality of the 3 in terms of construction and accuracy.

[@Jwii91Fox]

Thanks. was considering the Shield, I can attest that the other two does fit what you said... so I'm glad you just save me about $300. ;)

[@progressivegunowner8066]

Why do gun reviewers for the most part give the unloaded weight of a handgun then tell you how nice it is to carry because it's so light? The Kahr weights around 14 to 15 ounces empty and with mag fully loaded about 20. If your not a big person that weight combined with the size is really about as heavy as you would want to go for pocket carry. The Shield is way to heavy and to long and tall in the grip especially with a Big Dot front sight to pocket carry. The Glock 26 forget it unless your 6'5" and weight over 200 pounds is to thick and weights fully loaded what 28 to 30 ounces? Certain sized handguns give you the option to carry multiple ways the Kahr PM9 I believe is the only one that could be carried comfortably carried in the pocket.

[@umami0247]

well if you lived in the middle east maybe you'd need extra capacity but in a gun fight here in the US what's in the magazine is enough. And the 26 is not on the same level as the other two guns the single stack 43 would have been a better example.. so this is more of what you lime everybody has one..

[@TheGearTester]

Scott you are absolute wrong. One magazine is not enough. An extra mag should be carried to provide additional ammunition. Secondarily, in some cases an auto pistol may have a failure that requires a new magazine. If you are going to all the work of carrying a pistol why not simply carry an additional magazine. The 26 is a very similar gun. It is an appropriate comparison. Adding the Glock 43 into this video would have been helpful but I do not own one.

[@Irving1203]

TheGearTester I don't know about you but I check my gun before I carry it so in the unfortunate case I need it ... it will be working!!! No additional magazines needed

[@talkingaboutstuff3950]

I dislike these arbitrary "categories" people line everything into. Like, you can only compare single stack 9's or something. It's clear from this video the 26 is in the same size and weight category as the Shield, so why not compare them? When I was looking to purchase, I wanted to see size comparisons like say, Ruger LCP vs Glock 43, but nobody would do that video simply because one is a 9 and the other isn't, so you only get comparisons of the 43 vs other 9's and the LCP vs other mouse 380's.. It's stupid and arbitrary, the real world doesn't work that way.

[@sycamorebacker1]

One mag is enough.

[@Teeyo456]

Great review! Hit the nail right on the head! It's definitely a fair comparison in my eyes because they are all CCW firearms. And the 26 wins in my eyes. These things you mention are the exact reasons I just bought a G26 over the shield or any of the other single stack 9's. Yeah it's a little bit thicker but grip length prints more on me than thickness when IWB, therefore the G26 conceals better for me than the longer grip that some of the single stacks have since they are trying to gain capacity. Plus you get more rounds in the 26 with the stock mags and it accepts the higher capacity mags from the 19 and 17 as well! Oh and it's just as light as some of the single stacks out there. Not to mention the shootability far exceeds the single stacks I have shot. G26 was the clear winner in my eyes. With that said, I'm thinking of eventually picking up a Kahr CM9 since it is a little bit smaller/lighter for ankle and possibly pocket carry

[@TheGearTester]

Thanks! I appreciate the fact that you took time to leave a positive comment.

[@rickyramirez3483]

Teeyo456 He should have bring in the Glock 43 for the comparison not the Glock 26.

[@MrHav1k]

The Glock looks like a thiccc gurl next to the PM9 lol.

[@ryantheshortty]

The M&P shield was my first one and I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone !🛡 Amazing little piece. The PM9 is next up on my list, really like the look of it I’m excited to get one. Not a huge fan of anything glock, but I will say they do make an amazing piece. 🔥

[@1DayEnt]

In love with kahr cm9

[@ronaldlucero4258]

Kahr all day

[@pakfrd7887]

Why can't he compare single stack gun to a double stack? Who are you to say he can't? This is clearly a philosophical discussion about size, comfort, capacity, weight, etc. I'm picking up what he's throwing down AND I'm learning through my own experiences that my Shield isn't the best choice for the very small chances of getting involved in a serious situation that warrants a gun fight. It's just not 'comforting' to carry the Shield living in a humungous city that I live in and where I frequent.

[@sycamorebacker1]

I know why you like the 26. I have a Walther P99 compact, which is an upgrade to the Glock, but about the same size. I also like the PM9 or the Smith J-frame as a pocket gun. Capacity is not that important.

[@geraldbodnar2718]

Concealed also means don't realize your carrying it !! Lcp , db9 , kahr is deep concealment and comfort !!

[@grady7443]

A good video and I agree w/your conclusion.

[@rockiemountin7535]

I like the size of my pm9 but I would like or feel better with a lot more rounds, I like the fact that you can stick a G17 mag in the G26 or a bit shorter G19 mag but feel the dbl stack is just to wide for me I still carry the pm9 and even it starts to feel big after a while so I’ll switch to my seacamp but I don’t trust that gun it’s to finicky with ammo, I know the die hard seacamp guys won’t like that, but that has been my experience with the pistol, I’m looking into the kahr p380 but not sure you can buy one here in the communist state of Taxachusetts

[@danielk0106]

So over 1 MILLION Shields have been sold for Conceal Carry. That's saying a lot. You also need to find a HOLSTER for your pocket carry that works for you. You don't see that many people carrying a Glock 26 for conceal carry. It's used more by LE for a BUG.

[@macross7k]

I think pm9 is little too small to compare with the other two. Cw9 would be a good comparison.

[@WinaliteKMT]

Why not? Glock 43, Glock 26 is a double stack?

[@Just__nandoo]

I IWB carry the Glock 26 and my back gun is the Glock 29sf 😎

[@dgunnut6550]

I agree with your assessment. I have also found the shield to be to heavy for its size. It needs to be at least 4 or 5 ounces lighter to offer an advantage over the Glock.

[@DCopp]

Great video. I enjoy reading the butthurt comments from the M&P Shield fanboys below.

[@foryouuugamingcoalition7110]

I'm gonna have to disagree, the shield is a fantastic carry gun just not for me, I came across this gun and recomended to my buddy because he has small hands and small stature, he loves it and is his favorite EDC, it is his "GOLDYLOCKS" gun. the shield just disapears in your wasteband with ease, so yeah it can be perfect for some people. .. Glocks are NOT for me. I am really just here to find out more about that pm9 . I remember looking into the p380 i think it was and it had some bad bad reviews on it, and it was crazy expensive for such a small gun with crap reviews AND i am just wondering if the pm9 is better. Has anyone had any issues with it?

[@Softballcrazy]

dont forget you can use the 30 round mag for the G26

[@notinthislife451]

Glock 43 should be better for the comparison..26 is not single stack

[@Wooster77]

For the price of the Kahr, I'd go for a P938.

[@sycamorebacker1]

The Kahr CM9 is about $300.

[@Treblaine]

There's a term for "anti goldilocks" which is "neither fish nor fowl" when something is in an awkard middle ground where it would be better for it to be wholley one way or another.

[@whoobibi]

CM9/PM9 is a good option because they made the wise choice to focus on grip height and weight. Length matters for pocket carry, more than 6 inches is probably too much. The DB9 and CM9 can be back-pocket carried as well, although not as nicely as a pocket .380. As for the Shield, the LC9s has a better trigger and is more accurate, and also costs less. There's also the CW9, the CM9's slightly larger cousin. Weight, grip height, thickness. For truly concealable firearms, they matter. The G26 is good for more traditional forms of concealed carry, and even can work with some of the deep concealment approaches. The Kahr works with pretty much everything . The Shield? No so much. I don't understand the Walther PPS at all for that reason. You might as well have the G26.

[@rickyramirez3483]

Dude! Oranges and apples!!!!! Double stack vs single sack?????

[@Irving1203]

You can't compare single stack to a double stack!!! Glock 26 fits better with the Springfield XDM for a comparison

[@zoltanember6155]

M&p shield vs the glock is a 3 round difference not 2

[@samlott99]

Yea - the Shield has been saving lives right and left. For real.

[@The-Homecook-0000]

Shield 9 best bang for your buck.....Good carry and home defense and range practice....

[@caillouhead]

Glock 26 for the win. Capacity is Key!

[@bobbylove3647]

You have to go with capacity, thugs work in teams. If there is 3 of them that are armed you have a slim chance anyway, but almost zero chance with 7 or 8 rounds per mag. You're going to miss a lot of shots under pressure. So the answer is glock

[@RedneckBeach]

You become "that guy" at 5:20

[@Martinfather5]

isn't th glock double stack and the others single stack. if so no t a fair comparison. So do apples to apples

[@notinthislife451]

Yes and pine apples to pine apples

[@michaelsweaney3890]

Block = Overrated, overpriced, outdated

[@armyretired28]

If you compare handguns stick to single stack with others and not double stack as a comparison. They are not in the same field!

[@dustinnorthington3157]

Crazy m&p definitely better than glock

[@1DayEnt]

Glock 43

[@nativepapi6818]

This has to be the worst review I ever seen.