Can anyone compare a G36 and a K40?

[MyRoad]

For now, my one "manual of arms" is the simplest: just pull the trigger. I'm finding that switching back and forth between a Glock and a Kahr is more effortless than say a Glock, a P7M8, and a 1911.

I have a G36, which carries easily but for the most part I hate shooting. And on the other end of the spectrum, I have a PM9; carries like it's not there, but has a short barrel and grip -- giving up feel, site radius, and muzzle velocity. I'm thinking a K40 would split the difference, and maybe be just what I'm looking for. But before I go out and drop another fistfull of dollars on today's seemingly perfect compromise, I was wondering if anyone who owns or has fired these guns back-to-back, can share any insights.

How is the recoil and pointability of the K40 compared to the G36? I find the G36 feels like an unbalanced gun - the recoil is not proportional to the grip size. I'm not looking at an MK40 because I'd like to find a gun with a natural balance to it.

Thanks for the feedback -

 

[SAWBONES]

The Glock 36 has MUCH less "felt recoil" than the Kahr K40, or the Glock 27, or the Glock 23. (Comparisons made using .45ACP 230gr FMJ and 200gr+P JHP vs. .40S&W 180gr JHP and 180 FMJ in the respective guns.)

I find the Glock 36 in .45ACP to be a "pussycat" to shoot, compared to any .40 S&W you can name.

The .45ACP ALWAYS has less felt recoil than ANY .40 S&W, IME. The .40S&W is always "snappy", while the .45ACP gives a gentler, more "rolling" feeling in recoil.

JMNSHO. I'm no fan of the .40S&W, and much prefer the .45ACP.
Best.

 

[MyRoad]

Thanks for the reply, sawbones. That's really my concern - I wouldn't even look at the MK40 or the P40, because going smaller or lighter with .40SW does not sound like a good idea to me. I handled (but have not had the opportunity to shoot) a K40 Elite 2003 and overall it felt solid and balanced. There's always at least one used Kahr in .40 at local gunstores, seems like a favorite gun to get rid of, so I'm concerned about living with it.

I know a guy who bought an SC S&W J-frame, and shot about 10 rounds of .357magnum through it. He said it hurt like hell, and he wasn't shooting any more -- and now he carries it. I prefer to practice with my carry weekly, so it'd be nice to have a carry that I don't mind shooting a lot. Kahr's mascot is that "little dog with the big bite" - that's fine, as long as it's not biting it's owner.

 

[Gunz]

YOu may be surprised when you put $350-400 on that K40. It is a pretty darned good little gun. I trust myself with the K40 for accuracy, recovery, and shot placement than the G36. I am not a fan of the 40 by any means, but having a reliable compact little gun which launches 165-180gr bullets is pure comfort.

 

[Stinger]

Kahr is top of the line. Period.

Glock aint too shabby either.

But I'll take the Kahr anyday.



Regards,

Stinger

 

[MyRoad]

I ended out buying it last night... couldn't help it when I saw the serial number. I'm not a collector and I plan on carrying it if I like it, but I couldn't resist.

 

[MyRoad]

Now I can answer my own question...

In case anyone is curious, now that I've taken them both to the range, I can share my initial impressions:

The SS frame of the K40 Elite 2003 handles .40s&w rounds effortlessly. The G36 might have slightly softer recoil, but it's not a big difference at all. Overall, I like the shape of the grip on the K40 better, but it is on the small side. I was getting tighter groups with the G36 when shooting quickly, but that might be because I've been firing it longer, or it might be because of the shorter reset on the trigger. The K40 is so solid, and the trigger has such a high quality feel to it, that the G36 feels like a cheap toy in comparison. That said, even though the K40 trigger is smooth and solid, it also has a longer pull without the short reset of the G36, so double taps and follow up shots are easier with the Glock.

I have to put another 125+ rounds through the K40 before Kahr would consider it reliable, although I had no problems shooting a variety of ammo through it. For now, I have to go with what I shoot best, so the G36 will stay with me for a while. Once the Kahr is broken and I get some more practice with it, I wouldn't be surprised if the Kahr takes over. I don't like shiny CCW's, so I'll have to have it finished black though. BTW, I have Comp-Tac's for both guns, and I think they are outstanding holsters.

For reference, recoil comparisons were done with Federal American Eagle; 155gr. for the .40, and 230gr. for the .45. I also put a few mags of 165gr. Speer Gold dot, and 165gr. Winchester STX through the K40. As a side note, the highest recoil of the day came from the PM9 with +P ammo - I'm still not used to polymer guns and it felt like the recoil was going to kick the SS slide straight back off the plastic frame and into my face. It can certainly "handle" +P ammo, but it feels happier shooting standard 115gr.

 

[Snowdog]

Excellent!

I'm glad you're happy with your new K40. I've been tossing around the idea of buying one myself and would have already if I didn't already have a K9. Since I've switched to +P+ JHPs such as Winchester's 127gr Ranger, I'm not in any hurry to "upgrade" just yet. If there was ever a compact pistol that could handle large amounts of +P+, it's the K9.
Kahrs truly are quality firearms with an excellent reputation for precision craftsmanship and quality components. I'm sure you'll never regret your purchase.

As for your shiny finish... have you looked into having it bead blasted?
My K9 has a dull grey electroless nickel finish and looks lovely! I'd imagine having a stainless matte finish would be a viable option, just an idea.

 

[MyRoad]

Thanks for the feedback Snowdog. I've been on a long journey for the "perfect carry gun", a journey many people seem to embark on. It's almost embarrassing to admit how many guns I've bought on this quest (no regrets though, I love them all!), but the more I handle the K40, the more I think it may be one version of perfection: it's compact, well balanced, handles defense rounds effortlessly, has great sights (got mine with night sights), a great trigger, and seems to be absolutely reliable.

I carry IWB, so I don't need to have more than an untucked t-shirt, or a sweater or sweatshirt on. Once in a blue moon, I might reach for something, or stretch, or get out of my car and forget to check my cover, and the top of the gun might be visible for a moment above my belt-line. With the all matt-black G36 in a dull black Comp-tac holster, there was nothing to catch anyone's eye. Maybe I'm over-thinking it, but I feel like an all black gun is better for keeping a low profile, it's more discreet. Anyway, I'm sure I'll find a way to make it work. As a side note, the finish on this gun is beautiful, and has a very high quality appearance... but then again, so did my Kimber Ultra Eclipse, and I totally blacked that gun out.