Kahr CW9 9mm vs. S&W Airweight J-frame .38

Assume only these two guns exist. Which is better for self defense/carry?

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Smith and Wesson 442 is more reliable, better looking, better handling and just as powerful. Did I mention snubbies are just sooo much cooler than autos.

Shooter429
 
Aren't revolvers just more reliable in general compared to mousegun semi autos?

With this in mind, that is the only reason why I picked the SW .38 Special over the Kahr.

The 'hammerless' models obviously add more to the reliability factor, as brought up already: Can be fired from inside the jacket pocket if needed, and not get snagged on anything!

I want reliability, above all else, especially if it's my only gun.

Of course, in the real world, either of these two models would not be my primary carry pistol! It would be my secondary backup. I'd also have a 3rd back up (NAA .22 Magnum). ;)
 
Within the last thirty days I sold my S&W M49 and picked up my 442-2.

I had been thinking about getting a 9 sc for a while, but did not want to spend the money. I was thinking along the lines of a Glock 26, XD9sc, M&P 9sc, etc., but it wasn't a big priority because I got a new S&W 442 in the meantime.

I briefly looked into the Kahr's-recently it had won 'gun of the year' or something (?), but I thought price was at a premium.

I did not give it further thought-until my local 'chain' retailer had the CW9 on sale, for one week only, for $399.99. I briefly read some reviews on the gun and searched some forums, and then promptly ordered one the day before the sale commenced. 60% greater round capacity also made it appealing, in addition to the price and that it was 9mm.

Much decision-making is subjective. Heck, if I 'feel' more comfortable with either, that's the one I'm likely to carry most, if not all of the time.

I would like a pocketable 9mm, with mag of 10 rounds, +1 for a total of 11 rounds, first clip.

I'd like it to never jam or fail, be very accurate, and not have greater recoil than shooting .22LR out of a Ruger MkII. Yeah...right...
 
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I had been thinking about getting a 9 sc for a while, but did not want to spend the money. I was thinking along the lines of a Glock 26, XD9sc, etc., but it wasn't a big priority because I got a new S&W 442 in the meantime.
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I think you'll prefer the CW9 to a G26. The G26 was the other 9 subcompact that was out when I got my P11 Kel Tec. It's a real porker, heavy, large, not really a good pocket gun. Plus, "safe action" for pocket carry scares me. I like my boys. Even with the best of pocket holsters, I prefer a TRUE DA for pocket carry.

I shoot my P11 better than my little .38 snubs, not much better, but just sorta points better for me. Add to that it's easier to tote and has 11 rounds of firepower (could have 13 if I ordered the mags) and shoots +P9 and never bobbles, well, that's why I carry it mostly. I've got a five digit round count through this thing without a problem so far in 12 years. Can't knock it. I think of it as a little square, bottom feeding revolver.

It's just all in how you shoot the Kahr compared to your revolvers. The pocket 9s have a whole lot going for 'em, but if you can't shoot the gun, hell, what good is it? You'll just have to find out on your own. But, give it a chance and practice with it. You may find it growing on y9ou. You may find that with practice, you shoot it better. I did. :D
 
I'll probably remain undecided and not vote until after I receive my new Kahr CW9 and have an opportunity to shoot it with ample handloads and the Speer factory round.

Airweight is still convincingly in the lead at the writing of this post...

I honestly don't know yet how to vote on my own poll...maybe that's in part why I created this poll. Hope someone benefits from it.
 
With approximately 100 votes tallied thus far, the .38 spec. Airweight is leading over the Kahr CW9 by an almost 2-1 margin.

Keep the votes and comments coming. This poll does not close for a while.
 
I have a S&W alloy CCW revolver and a small polymer semiauto. Between the two, I carry the semi far more often.

I prefer to carry and shoot semiautos, and voted for the Kahr accordingly.
 
I prefer the PM9, although I could live with the CW9.
I would take either over a j-frame...and I have owned six j-frames.

Not only is the Kahr smaller, but the Ranger 127 gr +p+ (times 7) outdoes 5 of any 38 +p load, and reloads faster to boot...
 
orionengnr I prefer the PM9, although I could live with the CW9.
I would take either over a j-frame...and I have owned six j-frames.

Not only is the Kahr smaller, but the Ranger 127 gr +p+ (times 7) outdoes 5 of any 38 +p load, and reloads faster to boot...
Click to expand...

Perhaps the comment of orionengr referred to the PM9 and not the CW9. I don't have my CW9 yet in my possession yet but it's hard to believe that it's smaller than my 442.

I believe the CW9 holds 7 + 1 for a total of 8 rounds.

There's plenty of time left in the poll.

Comments are welcomed.
 
I voted the Kahr CW9 because.....well, because I could. :p

Having this dilemma myself, though it's a Taurus M85 vs the CW9. I'd really like both but that's pretty impossible at this point. I think I might prefer the CW9(need to handle it again), but practical reasons may dictate I get the Taurus for now.


Ya know, it's times like this I wish i hadn't spent so much time screwing around and had gotten a real job/education.
 
IWB, or open OWB. Erm...provided I get the Minnesota CCW and/or head out of state on trips...of course.

I don't really like having stuff in my pockets so I'm not too concerned with pocket carry.
 
I started ccw with 642 with ct but never got comfortable with grip choices. I then purchased kahr pm40, i liked it very much but had some reset probs and never TRULY trusted it. then crimson trace came out with new l-405 grip, the first time i picked up j-frame with it i bought it on the spot, fits like i was born with it in my hand. it is the best fitting most reliable gun i have found and i carry it 100% of the time and have never felt under powered (granted, it is a .357 mag)
 
I sold my 642 because I couldnt shoot it good enough for me to be comfortable carrying it and it wasnt fun to shoot for recreation. It was a GREAT carry gun though and I voted for it. If you can shoot it, there nothing better IMO.
 
I voted for the Kahr because I love Kahr's!
Serisoulsy both guns are great but the Kahr has a higher capacity and(IMHO) is going to be more accurate under stress and rapid fire.Faster to reload
Not to mention the 3.5" barrel vs. the what 2" (?) barrel from the J-frame would offer superior ballisitcs.
 
I've been dealing with this same question...even though I'll end up with both eventually...just trying to decide which one's first!

Anyone with good/bad experience carrying a CW9/P9 in a pocket?
 
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