Hmmm, CM9 vs. CW9 vs. PM9.
Personally, I prefer the PM9, but then I also prefer my defensive guns in black with night sights. I guess, I'm also a bit of a snob because I like the finish of the PM series over the CW series.
As for the CW vs. CM?
My parameters for a carry gun are:
- Absolutely reliable with the ammunition used. I really don't care if it's unreliable with other ammo as long as it is absolutely, positively reliable with two top notch rounds.
- The largest caliber I'm comfortable with carrying. Frankly, in my case that's a moving target. Most days, it's the Kahr PM40, the other days might be the Kahr K9, or the Sig P238 - all with lasers.
- The smallest and lightest gun available in that caliber.
- A long & silky smooth DA trigger.
- The simplest possible battery of arms
- The highest quality I can afford - or my wife will let me have.
Rule #1. A no-brainer. Well, some folks want their guns to run any ammo. Why, I don't really know. For example, my PM40 is a fussy eater, just like my granddaughter, but it just loves Cor-Bon 135gr JHP and Hornady FTX Critical Defense. Next week it will get tested on Winchester Ranger-T as a possible third choice. Don't really need anything else. BTW, I also chrono everything I shoot. Some ammo doesn't perform as advertised - I've found some +P that actually runs slower than standard load stuff of the same brand and weight. Go figure. I'm not likely to carry Ammo R that chrono's at 1050 fps when Ammo C chrono's at 1240 fps.
Rule #2. You may have noticed that Rule #2 doesn't include a 45. Well, after months and months of deliberation, I finally took care of that this afternoon and ordered a Dan Wesson CCO Bobtail.
Yeah, the 1911 breaks two rules, but it's just not possible to be a genuine gun nut without a good 1911 carry gun & this one is the real McCoy. Besides, the Sig P238 already broke the same rules and it's a favorite of mine, especially when loaded with +P 90 gr Buffalo Bore running at close to 1200 fps.
Rule #3. This answers the CW vs. CM question and explains why my wife has a CM9 instead of a CW9 & my PM40 instead of a K40 or Sig P229. When we shoot for fun & games, we shoot a larger & heavier gun, like the Sig P226 Elite Stainless. We practice regularly with the carry guns, but not for the fun of it - the exception being the Kahr K9 loaded with competition ammo.
Rule #4. Our primary carry guns are the three Kahr's and a J-frame - all with exceptionally nice DA triggers. There are two exceptions; the 1911 and the Sig P238. They are just too nice to not have, but they will never be our primary carry guns.
Rule #5. No manual safety needed. Maybe someday I'll get a Para LDA?
Rule #6. Self explanatory. But, some people don't subscribe to it. A friend of mine always buys the bargain brands, the clones of the real deal, etc. You'd recognize him as the one that usually has to rack his slide at least once or twice during a match. Then there is the issue that I haven't told the wife yet about the new Dan Wesson.
The bottom line? I have rather clear ideas on what the ideal carry gun is, and in spite of that I've found that it varies according to the situation, the weather, as well as my mood. Seems a bit silly carrying a big 1911 around the house on a warm summer day, so the little Sig P238 in a pocket holster is great. OTOH, the same little Sig seems inadequate when I'm out & about in the winter and everyone is bundled up with several layers to stay warm - a good time to have a 40 or 45. But, some days, I'm just not in the mood to carry two pounds of steel and lead, other days I love the feel of it. Choices are good.