If there's a more concealable 9mm with a more user friendly grip than the Kahr CW9...

[JQP]

...I'd like to see it.

I couldn't grip the Kahr PM9 grip as comfortably, and the same is true of the Keltec PF9.

The Ruger LCP (although it's in .380) felt like a toy and was way too small to even think about being comfortable with - for me, not knocking the firearm at all.

The CW9 just utterly screams 'carry me, and in short order, you won't even know I'm there. And I'll be there for you if you should ever need me.'

It's talking to me.

 

[bigfatdave]

Ergonomics are personal, for me the PPS from Walther was the winner and Kahrs feld odd in my hand.

If you like it, get it and shoot the crap out of it.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I never got to really enjoy my CW-9 wife tried it and said was hers She like they way it felt and shot.

 

[bdb benzino]

I agree 100%, my favorite auto to carry!

 

[usp9]

If there's a more concealable 9mm with a more user friendly grip than the Kahr CW9...

...I'd like to see it.

If user friendly and comfy are the goal the I actually like the TP9 or K9 grip more then the P9 sized grip. The K9 has a bit larger grip circumferance though.

IMHO, The covert TP9 is perhaps the most useful and user friendly Kahr, with the concealability of the "P" sized grip and the barrel length of the "T".

 

[gschoelles]

I truly enjoy the CW9 as well, although do not have experienced many other handguns of similar dimensions.

I find it easy to conceal, has great second shot recovery and extremely is accurate for its barrel length.

 

[JQP]

The TP grip takes it close to Walther PPS, IMO, which may or may not be good depending on each person's preference and the size of their hand.

As with anything, I've read some issues with the extractor and some FTE/FTF issues regarding the Kahr polymer frame line, but then again, I'm reading a lot of things about how reliable out of the box (even with 200 round break in procedure recommended) the CW9 is.

Most of the issues I'm reading about date back to 2007/2008.

Did Kahr make design changes or do anything to improve the reliability of the CW9? (I'm not saying it's unreliable, as I've read about just as many reported problems with the Walther PPS, for that matter)

Does Kahr typically refine their offerings in response to issues?

The one I may get was born this year.

This is the ideal concealed carry handgun, summer weather, IMO, for those not willing to go less than 9mm semiauto.

 

[Tilos]

In my experience, a piece of bicycle inner tube will solve any and all grip issues with a poly gun.(for me).
It adds no unwanted finger grooves, can be custom fit, and costs nothing.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Since you ask, I'll offer the Springfield EMP

 

[WRGADog]

I have a PM9 and a Walther PPS. The PPS with the 7 or 8 shot mag has great ergonomics, but is harder to conceal unless you carry IWB. Since I prefer to pocket carry, I usually go with the PM9.

 

[Pyzon]

It stands to reason that if a pistol is more easily concealed,, one of the qualities that will suffer will be the size and comfort of the grip and how many fingers will fit on it. Pistols with smaller grips are harder to shoot accurately

 

[Kingcreek]

grip preferences are very individual. I didn't think I would like the PM9 grip when I first handled it but find it easy to manage when shooting. Its the Kahr trigger that I had the hardest time adapting to. Smooth enough but so dang looooooong...
I plan on getting a CW9 just for the heck of it.

 

[Ledgehammer]

I've heard some complaints about the checkering n the backstrap eating up your hand a little bit. Have you had issue with this? I see my self putting 30-50 rounds per range trip through this gun. I'm looking at this becoming my primary carry piece so I like to stay proficient it with it at close range.

 

[bigfatdave]

checkering n the backstrap eating up your hand a little bit

Either sand the checkering or wear a glove for extended target stuff.

Holster work should be gloveless or in your actual winter gloves, but a basic set of mechanic's gloves is great for shooting rough pistols and for the general range maintenance I always seem to end up doing.

 

[Float Pilot]

I bought my wife (5'7 and 130 pounds) a CW9 and one of those nice leather purse-holsters. Her job takes her to some interesting places. It is perfect for her hands and the operation is as simple as it gets. We have put about 500 rounds through it without a single malfunction.

 

[Ledgehammer]

Either sand the checkering

That's exactly what I was thinking about doing. I just didn't want to mess up the finish. What do you think? Just use a real fine grit sandpaper and give a little buff to smooth out the edges, right?

 

[Mudinyeri]

I own a CW40 and a PM9. The odd thing is that I'm more accurate with the little PM9 than I am with the CW.

 

[bigfatdave]

That's exactly what I was thinking about doing. I just didn't want to mess up the finish. What do you think? Just use a real fine grit sandpaper and give a little buff to smooth out the edges, right?

The finish on the polymer grip?
Maybe I should just state that I buy guns that work for me in the first place and modify them without regard to their "resale value" if needed.
I'm sure you could soften harsh checkering in a cosmetically acceptable way, if it really matters to you.

 

[BillH]

And then there's the Sig P290 which I haven't tried yet.

 

[Dokkalfar]

I have a friend who owns the Ruger SR9c, and I like it. Haven't gotten to shoot it to much, but it feels pretty decent for me

 

[Ledgehammer]

The finish on the polymer grip?

Yes - I don't like scratch marks all over my guns.

Maybe I should just state that I buy guns that work for me in the first place and modify them without regard to their "resale value" if needed.

Yea that's great but, I didn't really ask for your personal philosophy on gun purchases, you threw this out there

Either sand the checkering or wear a glove for extended target stuff.

and I asked a question about it, additional comments are counter productive. Thanks for the advice, now I'll make a note of your sparkling personality and be sure to try and steer clear in the future.

 

[bigfatdave]

OK, I said to sand it, and you needed further information.
I'll note your inability to comprehend rounding off some checkering with abrasive fixed to a flat surface, and your snarky response to a simple solution.

 

[Ledgehammer]

and here I thought fat guys were supposed to be jolly?

No offense dave - I just thought you may have had some experience with the sanding advice you gave. You know like what worked good for you and so forth? Nevermind...

 

[JQP]

I do like the Smith EMP, 9epiphany. I am not crazy about the unnecessary beavertail on it, though, to be honest. Small matter, I know...

I also like the idea floated by many to use a piece of inner tube to mitigate the aggressive checkering of the back of the grip on the CW9, which is my only real issue with the design. I'd imagine aftermarket grips would more than likely ruin the thinness of this sidearm, which is pretty incredible, to some degree.

I've also though of putting a small section of skateboard tape on the rear of the grip.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Back in the late 70's we at the AFPPD (Australian Federal Police Plainclothes Divison) were offered a selection of handguns for concealed carry use. One of which was the ASP.I chose the ASP, much to the confusion of my colleagues, I stil have it to this day and I have never used a handgun which fit my hand better. I understand they are a collectors item and are valuable, but I use mine as an everyday concealed carry. It's bloody comfortable!

(P.S. I will try to post a pic soon)