Kahr PM9
Kahr’s entry is also a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. Like the Glock’s slide, the PM9’s stainless-steel slide has a square profile and rides on steel frame inserts in the polymer frame. It also has an external extractor that serves as a loaded-chamber indicator.

The PM9’s polymer frame has checkering molded in, but its grip is substantially thinner than the Glock’s because it houses a single-stack magazine that holds six rounds. The tiny pistol’s only controls are a magazine release and a slide release that doubles as a disassembly lever.

Like other striker-fire designs, the PM9 has an excellent trigger. The sample’s broke at a smooth 5 pounds, 10 ounces. The trigger stroke was a bit longer than that of the Glock’s. If I had to compare it to something, I would have to say it feels like a double-action revolver with a very light trigger pull. I shoot double-action revolvers well, so that suits me just fine.

The PM9 has a 3-inch, polygonally-rifled barrel and is only 5.3 inches overall. It makes for a very light, trim package that feels good in the hand.

Para Carry
Its LDA (Light Double Action) trigger allowed me to skirt my own “no-1911s” rule to include Para’s slick little Carry 9.

The Carry 9 looks every bit the subcompact 1911 except for the absence of a protruding hammer as well as its unusual trigger. That trigger is the first clue that this isn’t your pappy’s 1911.

The LDA system was designed to give 1911-loving officers whose departments won’t let them carry a single-action auto a familiar looking and feeling replacement for their favorite blaster. The LDA is basically a short, light double-action trigger. The review Carry 9’s broke at 5 pounds, 6 ounces and was very smooth.

The Carry 9’s steel slide is finished in Para’s Covert Black and topped with Novak-esque sights with three bright, white dots. A heavy, tapered-cone, 3-inch, ramped barrel replaces the standard 1911-pattern barrel and bushing.

The Para’s matte-black alloy frame accepts eight-round magazines. The controls are nearly standard 1911, save the bobbed hammer and beavertail grip safety.

The overall package is lightweight, trim, and compact—everything I was looking for in a pocket nine—plus it’s a 1911. To be honest, I was not feeling particularly objective about the rest of the guns after handling the Para.