Kahr CW40 vs PT 740

[Hunter125]

Hey all,
I went to the LGS today intending to firm up my decision to buy a Taurus PT 740, but then saw a couple reasonably priced Kahr CW40's in the used gun case. Just wanted to get your opinions on which is the better gun and if the prices on the used CW40's was actually reasonable ($370 and $400).

I also do not have any experience at all with either gun, but know less about the Kahrs than the 740. Any advice/experiences you have with either would be welcome. BTW I am looking for a slim single stack to conceal carry and really like .40, which is why I am looking at these two.

On a side note, the clerk is apparently a big 1911 fan and said if I was looking for a single stack CC gun, I had to look at the EMP. I think I have the bug.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The EMP would really be the Rolls Royce of compact 9mms and is about the same size as my CW9.


I'd recommend shooting a CW40 or EMP in .40 before buying one...the increase in muzzle flip is substantial.

 

[KAS1981]

The Kahr, brand new, shouldn't be too much more than $400. Bud's Guns has them right now for $399, shipped free. So I'd say the used prices you saw aren't that good.

I like the Kahr better than the Taurus, just from handling them both in store. Admittedly I have not shot either.

Speaking of pricing......the EMP is cool but the price will make you faint.

 

[jyo]

I currently own two CW9s that have proven themselves 100% reliable---I have had past experience with Taurus guns that is not very positive---so I would definitely prefer the Kahr pistols. The SA EMP is a very fine pistol---at much greater price and much heavier to carry---I have shot two EMPs in 9mm and really liked them---its up to you to justify the price.

 

[hardluk1]

I find other than basic size it is hard to compare the 2. I like a DA trigger of the Kahr for CC better with a bit of extra pull lenght if you do get the adrenalin up. Also hard to compare recoil when weight is so different , even the width is thinner. I CC a kahr cm9 or cw9. Local gun shop has the new cw40 for 410. No ffl fews to add. I can shoot a buddies 1911 when I want but once was enough and can't figure why I need to own one in any size.

 

[Hunter125]

Yeah the EMP is way out of my price range. Good to know that those prices aren't that good, I will look around for new CW40's. As for muzzle flip, I am looking for .40 because I already own an XDm in .40 and would like to use the same ammo and I like .40. I have read reviews that said the 740 did not have much more muzzle flip than the 709. Does the CW40 have that much more recoil than the CW9? I guess I need to find a range to rent guns and go shoot them.

 

[harmon rabb]

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I have a taurus 709 (same gun, but in 9mm) that is excellent.

Try both. You may like the Kahr's trigger better, or not. The Kahr trigger is smooth, long pull, very consistent weight of pull. The taurus also has a long pull, but the first 90% of the travel is just slack with pretty much zero resistance, and it stacks right at the end. The taurus reset is very short, so I think you can rapid fire it more quickly than the kahr.

The taurus has a thumb safety, but is safe to carry without the thumb safety on. However, when you rack the slide, the taurus is in SA, if that sort of thing makes you nervous (to carry in SA without the safety on).

 

[hardluk1]

Can't help with the kahr 40 recoil. Only have the 9mm. I can compair that to a glock 17 and find that the kahr is as quick back to the target when a have the 8 round mag in so I have a place for my little finger to get the extra control. Go over to the kahr forum, plenty of 40 cal owners there and most have other brands for compareison but its still subject to the shooter. Maybe some guys on the forum near where you live to try one out.

 

[Hunter125]

Harmon Rabb, I didn't know that about the Taurus, the single action trigger. If I did get it I was planning on carrying with the safety on anyway, but now I for sure would. Is there a certain online site that you guys trust and has good prices? I've heard a lot about Bud's.

 

[harmon rabb]

Harmon Rabb, I didn't know that about the Taurus, the single action trigger. If I did get it I was planning on carrying with the safety on anyway, but now I for sure would. Is there a certain online site that you guys trust and has good prices? I've heard a lot about Bud's.

The trigger is not DA/SA, it's SA/DA. It can fire in double action, but there is no way to decock the striker. The only way in which it is ever fired in double action is if a round fails to light off and you pull the trigger again.

 

[ATBackPackin]

Hunter

I cannot speak of the Taurus, but I absolutely could not be happier with my Kahr CW9. I would definitely recommend shooting one in .40 prior to buying as I have heard that the recoil difference is quite significant. I can put a couple hundred rounds down range in an hour with my nine, but have heard that the forty is quite uncomfortable to shoot after a while. I very rarely see the CW9 used at the local gun shops, but always see the CW40. Just something to keep in mind.

Best of luck.
Shawn

 

[hardluk1]

ATBackPackin I can tell you difference between a glock 26 and 27 for me . G26 is very controlable and the 40 requires me to have to adjust my grip or put a finger on a longer mag to control as well. It will be interesting to get your take on it.