Kahr CW9/CW40 ???

[CZ223]

I am looking for a compact 9 or 40 for my daughter. She already has an LCP and loves it. I would like her to also have something with a little more power that she can/will carry with her. My preference is for the 40. Are these guns reliable? How bad does the 40 kick? My daughter doesn't realy like my Glock in 40, so the 40 might be a little much. I have tried the triggers on some of the Kahr pistols and they seemed pretty good but, are they good across the board? Should I consider one of their more expensive models? I really don't know much about Kahrs and the differences between models.

 

[Nushif]

While you can't go wrong with a Kahr (I have become silently enamored with those little buggers), frankly you can't go wrong with any of the big names.

I'd say let her buy one? I can't ever manage picking out a gun for my wife.

 

[rygould]

I own the CW40 and have use to own the CW9 and would think either would be a fine choice. Here are my takes on the CW40 since it's what I am most familiar with.

Pros:
- Size- the pistol is narrow and can be comfortably carried in a wide variety of holsters and positions. It nearly disappears when I wear it, and as a thin figured guy, it is nice to have it hold tight to the body. With it's size, it's also has a big enough frame to get a nice purchase on the grip without the need of mag or finger extensions. For me this just adds to the accuracy I can obtain with a DAO trigger.
- Weight- it isn't a heavy pistol, making it very nice to carry. However it isn't a flimsy and can handle the .40 well.
- Rugged- They are built very tough, I have had no problems with rusting, and the polymer that Kahr uses has stood up very well and does not show any signs of wear after repeated use and a little abuse
- Reliability- All of the CW's I have fired have been 100%. The factory does recommend a 200 round break in period before the pistol is considered to be completely reliable. During the break in period I had no problems, although I have heard stories online of others having issues during and after this time.
- Ease of use- It is a simple system, easy to break down for cleaning and very simple to use.
- Price- they are very affordable pistols.

Cons:
- Fixed front sight- the CW models don't have a dove tail cut into the frame, so the ability to change out the front sight for a night sight is not there. I find that the stock sights work well, but it would be nice to upgrade if desired.
- Magazines- The cost of replacement magazines is a little high, especially for what you get. You also have to contend with a single stack 6 round magazine in .40.
- Recoil- Although I think that the CW40 handles the .40 well, it is a snappy round and it is not as nice as the 9mm. I found that the aggressive grips would eat into my hand while shooting the .40 and ended up putting a houge jr. grip on to help with long outings. I would think if your daughter finds the Glock .40 too much, she would probably find the CW40 to be a little too much.

They are great little guns and I have been very happy, but there are a couple of things I would not if you do decide to make the purchase for your daughter. One, they aren't meant to be a range burner. The polymer rails will wear and even fray towards the back of the frame if not kept lubed well and is shot a ton. While this hasn't caused any problems for me, it was a concern when I started noticing it. Also when when assembling the pistol after cleaning, be sure to seat the slide release properly with the spring. It's really easy to crimp the spring and get it stuck pretty bad. Once you do it once, you will never do it again

Overall, I highly recommend the line, and Kahr in general. The more expensive guns are great, but even the lowly CW's make a fine and reliable companion. Hope this helped.

 

[joe_security]

Maybe the PM9 if she wants to conceal it. I think its the most compact you will find with excellent quality. Maybe consider the P380 if the LCP worked really well for her but she wants a better trigger and real sights.

 

[danweasel]

I have a CW40 that was given to me. I love the look and feel of her. I actually only have 7rd extended mags for it. The one 6er that came with it broke after only 200 rounds or so! The mags were $40 apiece.

My wife hates it. She says the pop of the .40 in such a small frame numbs her hand. It is a bit sharp for an auto. Then again I shoot .45 so I am used to a slow push...

Now on to the reason it was free. The slide likes to lock back every 3rd shot or so. However, I just found a guy that says his had the same problem. He filed the slide release down a bit and has had no problems since. He has mine right now in fact as is gonna hook me up.

Overall I would think, just based on general assumptions, that the CW9 would be a better choice. In fact I wish mine was one. Cheaper to shoot, and maybe an extra round in the mag?

 

[JQP]

CW9 and here's why:

The higher you go up the caliber chain, the more recoil, weight and width there is.

The CW9 is .90" wide and weighs 15.8 ounces, the CW40 is .94" wide and weighs 16.8 ounces and the CW45 is over an inch wide and weighs just under 20 ounces.

I find that falling into the trap of increasing one's weight and width limits erodes and undermines the whole point of finding a suitable concealed carry sidearm, personally.

It's akin to starting with a particular premise, and then working to immediately undermine it.

Just my .02

 

[InkEd]

Get the CW9.

 

[bdb benzino]

the CW models don't have a dove tail cut into the frame, so the ability to change out the front sight for a night sight is not there.

There is Trijicon Night Sights and fiber optic sights availiable for the CW series now. Love mine.
Good luck with your choice, oh and I vote for the CW9, mine is a great shooter!

 

[Jim Watson]

Perceptions differ, but my friend's all steel Kahr K40 kicks like a SOB by both his and my standard. I sure would not want the caliber in the lighter gun.
P9 or CW9 ain't bad and the PM9 is manageable.

 

[ar24095]

I loved my CW9 that was until my Wife went to the range with me now she loves it more than I do. I haven't been able to carry it since:banghead:

 

[CZ223]

Thanks for all the great info so far guys

JQP, It is called creeping incrementalizm and, it happens all the time, with all kinds of things. You, of course, are right, the larger the caliber the larger and heavier the gun.

To the one guy who said, "let her choose", I agree. The problem is that she can do little more than handle most guns unless I buy them first. When I bought my first LCP, I bought it with her in mind. I figured if she didn't like it I could use it as a BUG. Well, she did like it and, as a matter of fact, I liked it so much I had to buy a second one for me. See how it works out. If I were to buy the CW 40 and she didn't like the kick but liked everything else about it, I would have a good alternative to my Glocks and 1911's. I would oif course then buy a CW9 for her.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I looked very closely at the whole Kahr line before picking the CW9 to replace my S&W M642. I would choose either the 9mm or .45ACP before the .40, for the better shot to shot recovery.

I thought it was a good value and I was willing for put up with it's limitations for the reduced price.

The steel Kahrs are easier to train with. I had a friend who just attended a 500 round shooting class who had no complaints at the end of the class, 2 of her classmates, using polymer framed Kahrs, gave up after about 200 rounds.

The smaller, shorter framed, Kahrs are easier to conceal when space is at a premium. The narrowness of Kahrs really help, but the shorter butt models will fit into pockets that the CW might not. The problem with shorter butted models is that there is less to hold onto.

What you give up by going with the CW line is
1. the nicer engraving and slide contours
2. the extra mag (which you'll end up buying anyway)
3. less options in choice of sights due to the lack of the dovetailed front. Kahr offers some options now, but there isn't much available on the aftermarket
4. the polygonal barrel, but you gain a MIM slidestop

I really like my CW9 and it is a nice companion for my Springfield EMP



...and I would highly recommend beveling the rear of the slide stop