Should I Purchase a K9?
Background: I currently own 2 handguns- my first ever, an H&K VP9 (9mm), which I purchased about 8 months go and thoroughly enjoy, and a Walther PPQ-M22, (.22lr) which I bought about 2 months ago to give me a similar form factor and function to my VP9 with lower ammo costs (i.e., more bangs per buck at the range). I wasn't planning on another handgun, but I have an extra purchase permit thanks to an administrative error by my local PD. If that's not a sign that I should buy another...
Note: I live in NJ, with very strict laws and thus concealed carry is NOT an option. Which leaves home defense and range as my primary uses. Also worth noting is that I won't own a lot of guns, this will be the last for a long time.
Over the past few weeks, I've become somewhat obsessed with the K9 Elite 03, but I'm not really sure why. If I could carry concealed, this would be a no-brainer, but I can't, so why is this gun still in my decision set?
Favorable Factors:
- 9mm - I think for ammo cost and consistency w/my other handgun, I'd like to stay in 9mm
- All metal frame combined with smaller form factor to create stability and reduce recoil (I've shot .380s and HATE the snappiness). I would entertain a small/compact factor if it handled well at the range and I could get good purchase on it.
- It's different/uncommon - I'm not trying to make a statement, as practically nobody but me will ever see or use this gun, but quality and uniqueness count for me
- Really nice looking gun - viewed from a 'collectible' perspective.
- Very positive reviews from owners, esp. for feel, accuracy, quality
- Interesting DAO trigger choice (Aside: semi-auto handguns have always 'scared' me a little from a safety perspective. Put simply, I can pick up a revolver and pull the trigger - with some effort - it goes bang. Semi's I have to wonder, is it loaded? Is a round chambered? Is the hammer/striker cocked? Is there a manual safety? I realize these things don't matter at the range and really most other times, but still - the idea of requiring a little more physical effort (via DAO or even DA/SA) but w/greater simplicity is a plus to me and if I COULD carry, would be a must.
Questionable Factors:
- Size. I am 5'10 and have fairly large hands. I have no problems w/my double-stack VP9, it actually feels great. Will the K9 feel too small in my hands? Most reviewers seem to think it fits just right.
- Trigger - Most owners claim that the DAO works fine for them with some practice. But am I potentially messing myself w/respect to practice consistency since my primary home defense weapon (the VP9) more closely resembles SA?
- What 'role' will this serve? For the range - small form factor and only 7+1 seem to count against for the range. Home Defense- no rail and only 7+1 seem to count against; DAO counts in favor. Does it need to have a role?
- Given that I'm not carrying, should I be thinking of something bigger? a T9? I've read good things about them, but much more about the K9; also, that's opening a whole diff can of worms
Some of my questions might be addressed if I could actually hold/handle the K9, but I haven't found a dealer near me that has one. I called Kahr and they said, "we sell to distributors, so we don't know what retailers have them on site at any time"
FYI, the desire to have an all-metal 9 led me to add a couple others to my consideration set:
- CZ 75-PCR -- DA/SA, 14rds, called a 'compact', but it's almost the size of my VP9; also, it's not as pretty/unique as the K9
- Sig P239 -- DA/SA, 8rds. Appears to be high quality, bu ironically this one I DID handle at my LGS and I really wasn't crazy about how it felt (balance-wise).
Ruled out:
- Kimber Ultra 9 - seems to be some controversy around reliability/functionality on this model (and mini 1911's in general)
- Sig P229 -- they make a really nice SS version, but it's 40oz and frame is too large (despite being called a compact).
- HK P7 -- too expensive and hard to find
I realize that by definition, participants in this forum are probably biased...and maybe that's what I subliminally want; in any case, I would appreciate any applicable feedback from the community that's relevant to the factors that I've raised above.
Thanks in advance!
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Originally Posted by capp5050
Welcome Capp. Seriously, if you can find a T9, buy it. But it's really just a bigger K9 so get one of those if it's more available. Or have you considered a K40? It's a sweet shooter too and you would open up your world to another caliber. I remember the last ammo crunch: .40sw was more available and cheaper than 9mm. Variety is good! 
