First of all I want to thank this forum and all of the posters who've chimed in regarding my various threads on cc pieces. $500 is a lot of money to my family and over the past month I've tried learn as much as I can about what's out there for pocket guns. I really like the j frame but have decided on going with an auto. I like the Taurus millenium but after handling the Kahr cw9 I think I might be in love. The fit and finish is incredible. I had written off Kahr because I was not aware they made this budget beauty. Now that I know I can buy one for around $430.00 I am really excited about the prospect of buying one. What do guys and gals think of this piece?
Kahr cw9 opinions
- Thread starter Dambugg
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Mine is my primary carry weapon, but to me it seems big for pocket carry. It works great for inside the waistband (IWB) due to its slim format. They do recommend a 200 round break in period. Mine has about 300 through it so far with zero problems. I am more than happy with it and like you had previously passed over Kahr offerings until I found out about the CW line.
xXxplosive
Member
My son purchased a CW9.............Nice IWB gun...easy to shoot but I'm not a fan of the caliber.
I mention the 200 rounds mostly because you said money was tight. That might run you around $60-$100 dollars depending on the mix of FMJ and JHP you choose to test. Personally, I'd want to run that many anyway if you're going to depend upon it for defense.
I carry one daily, I think it is a great firearm. I have just under 500 round through mine with no problems. For me it is the perfect size for IWB, it is a little big for my pockets though. $430 is probably the best price you will find, I paid a little more than that myself. I highly recommend this gun.
Before you buy...really consider a small snub nose revolver...like a SW 642.
I believe that the CW9 is very similar to the PM9. While the PM9 (and therefore the CW9) seems to be the ideal combination of firepower and size for concealment...it is not as reliable as a good old fashion snub nose revolver. So...it's like having 7 rounds that is 98% reliable (I'm basing this on my experience with the PM9) vs. 5 rounds that is 100% reliable (revolver)(yes... i realize that no mechanical device is 100% reliable....but i have yet to have one malfunction. And I am basing that on my personal numbers...your experience may vary.)
By the way, please don't take that as a "revolver vs. auto" comment. It's a Kahr PM9 vs. SW 642 comparison. I love my Beretta M9 and has been 100% reliable semi-auto pistol.
I believe that the CW9 is very similar to the PM9. While the PM9 (and therefore the CW9) seems to be the ideal combination of firepower and size for concealment...it is not as reliable as a good old fashion snub nose revolver. So...it's like having 7 rounds that is 98% reliable (I'm basing this on my experience with the PM9) vs. 5 rounds that is 100% reliable (revolver)(yes... i realize that no mechanical device is 100% reliable....but i have yet to have one malfunction. And I am basing that on my personal numbers...your experience may vary.)
By the way, please don't take that as a "revolver vs. auto" comment. It's a Kahr PM9 vs. SW 642 comparison. I love my Beretta M9 and has been 100% reliable semi-auto pistol.
i've gone from carrying my 642 to the CW9. i put quite a few round through it before i made the change over and it did take me a while to adapt to the thinner frame...i'm more used to the Sig 220 or 226 and i have long fingers
picking the budget Kahr was tough because i had to weigh what i was giving up....the non-dovetailed front sight and the lack of polygonal rifling and the extra mag do have a value to be weighed.
i will say that it is very accurate and the trigger pull, while long, is very smooth and light...i did have the sharp edges on it knocked down.
they have them at very attractive prices at www.SCPFirearms.com, and Steve is very good about making sure everything going out of his shop is solid...but he doesn't take credit cards, if it makes a difference to you
picking the budget Kahr was tough because i had to weigh what i was giving up....the non-dovetailed front sight and the lack of polygonal rifling and the extra mag do have a value to be weighed.
i will say that it is very accurate and the trigger pull, while long, is very smooth and light...i did have the sharp edges on it knocked down.
they have them at very attractive prices at www.SCPFirearms.com, and Steve is very good about making sure everything going out of his shop is solid...but he doesn't take credit cards, if it makes a difference to you
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Prof, before I saw the Kahr I was giving a hard look at the 637. I also liked the Taurus Millenium. After spending an afternoon with a snub j frame I realized that I just like autos more. I really wanted to go with a j frame snubbie. I just don't like shooting them. I would like to know what problems you had with your Kahr. You can pm me if you like.
9mmepiphany the link doesn't work.
9mmepiphany the link doesn't work.
jfrey
Member
I got a CW9 for Christmas from my wife and so far, I love it. Put 150 or so rounds through it this last weekend and it was flawless. The workmanship is great and the size fit my hand instantly as soon as I picked it up the first time in the store. I've carried a G36 for years and I will probably replace it with the CW. It is slim, accurate and doesn't have the big recoil of the G36. I may eventually trade the G36 on a CW45 too. You can now get night sites for the CW, if you are so inclined.
The only negative so far is the chrome coming off the inside of the chamber. I emailed Kahr today and they quickly replied that it was basically cosmetic and wouldn't hurt the shooting or function of the gun. They also said that if at any time I wanted to replace the barrel, they would be glad to, at no cost to me. For right now I am going to keep shooting it like it is and worry about the chrome later.
The only negative so far is the chrome coming off the inside of the chamber. I emailed Kahr today and they quickly replied that it was basically cosmetic and wouldn't hurt the shooting or function of the gun. They also said that if at any time I wanted to replace the barrel, they would be glad to, at no cost to me. For right now I am going to keep shooting it like it is and worry about the chrome later.
sorry i just fixed it...for some reason i spelled it "Eirearms"
IdahoLT1
Member
I love them. They are one of the best options for IWB carry out there. My first CW9 had around 800 rounds through it w/out a hiccup. Unfortunately, it was stolen from my truck(live and learn). So since i needed another carry piece, i shopped around again. After a few weeks, i came to the same conclusion that the CW9 is one of the better options. I bought another one and its seen atleast 500 more flawless rounds.
sprocket rocket
Member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2007
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- 11
I bought a CW40 about a month ago. $349 before taxes.
exactly 200 rounds through it, no problems.
exactly 200 rounds through it, no problems.
Jim PHL
Member
No experience with the CW but had a K40 some years ago that I would not hesitate to recommend.
I trust only a handful guns with my life. One of them is a Kahr PM9 in a Galco pocket holster. Not one FTF or FTE in over 900 rounds. I'm a tested believer in the Kahr's. You won't go wrong with that choice. A set of Trijicon's and an Agrip are the only modifications I've made, and are highly recommended. On another note however, I tried the IWB carry (and other carry methods) for a while with other weapons before the PM9, and even the little Kahr, but began to notice I'd find a reason to leave them behind when I walked out the door. Make sure whatever carry method you choose is COMFORTABLE and EASILY accessible. Whatever you ultimately choose, there are two things to remember: 1.) If the situation ever warrants the need, the weapon will do you no good at home in the safe. 2.) Practice, practice, practice drawing and firing the weapon from the concealed carry position.
Snowdog
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
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- 4,606
Wow, a Kahr for under under $400? That's incredible.
I don't know much about the CW series, but if it's anything like my K9 (and I suspect it is), it sounds good to me.
I've been carrying my K9 for a decade now with several thousands rounds through it, many +P with only a replacement spring at around 2,500 - 3000 rounds (I had lost count).
My K9 failed to eject a couple times within the first 100 rounds, but all with American Ammunition. This was back in the late 90's when I was unaware that American Ammunition was garbage. Not one single malfunction since, so I'd imagine my K9 is about as close to 100% reliable as a pistol can get.
I love my K9.
I don't know much about the CW series, but if it's anything like my K9 (and I suspect it is), it sounds good to me.
I've been carrying my K9 for a decade now with several thousands rounds through it, many +P with only a replacement spring at around 2,500 - 3000 rounds (I had lost count).
My K9 failed to eject a couple times within the first 100 rounds, but all with American Ammunition. This was back in the late 90's when I was unaware that American Ammunition was garbage. Not one single malfunction since, so I'd imagine my K9 is about as close to 100% reliable as a pistol can get.
I love my K9.
bdb benzino
Member
I absolutely love my CW9, and it is by far my most comfortable piece to CC. Mine has been flawless for over 600 rounds, and is very accurate for a smaller pistol.
T. Bracker
Member
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2004
- Messages
- 155
I love my PM9, very reliable and easy to carry as well as surprisingly accurate for a little gun.
Coltman 77
member
When it comes down to the defense of me and my family -- I want something that is totally reliable -a Walther PPS.
Cheap Kahrs, and Keltecs just don't cut the mustard.
Sorry, but the Germans just have it all over the Moonies.
Cheap Kahrs, and Keltecs just don't cut the mustard.
Sorry, but the Germans just have it all over the Moonies.
I agree with your sentiments coltman. That is why I started this thread. I really like the fit and feel of the Kahr. So, now I want to know what if any problems it has. My familes life is currently being protected by a Beretta 92. never had a hiccup in 2000+ rounds. I am hoping to get the same results from the cc piece I choose. Thanks for all the info team. Keep it comin.
I've had my CW9 for a year or so, have maybe 600-800 rounds through it. I'd like to shoot it more often, but the point is, no malfunctions whatsoever, with FMJ and JHP in 115, 124, and 147 grain. Absolutely DISAPPEARS into a waistband. My only complaint is the fact that your spare magazine can very easily discharge all of your rounds into your pocket if you're not careful...gotta get a spare mag holder.
Its a keeper
I own eight Glock 9mms. If they had one that was as easy to carry as the CW9, I would have bought it...but they don't. The CW9 broke the Glock monopoly in my gun safe.
The first time I shot my CW9 on the clock, I came in second (out of about 60 shooters) in a BUG match. It now has a Crimson Trace LaserGuard on it. What a FANTASTIC combo!
Get it, you won't regret it.
I own eight Glock 9mms. If they had one that was as easy to carry as the CW9, I would have bought it...but they don't. The CW9 broke the Glock monopoly in my gun safe.
The first time I shot my CW9 on the clock, I came in second (out of about 60 shooters) in a BUG match. It now has a Crimson Trace LaserGuard on it. What a FANTASTIC combo!
Get it, you won't regret it.
NinjaFeint
Member
I am with you. Love my Glock, can't conceal it or any double stack Glock. Bought a PM9 and think it's great.
IdahoLT1
Member
Dambugg said:
i also have a 92 and the CW9 is just as accurate. Its alot smaller too, so it night be easier for the Mrs. to get used to it. Personally, when asking questions on the internet, i tend to listen to people more if they hav owned the gun/object in question. So far, out of all the people who say theyve owned one, all have been happy. The ones who said they are crap, never mentioned if theyve even shot one. So think about that for a while.
And just because i know you'll enjoy it, heres some side by side compaisons to my 92F and a Taurus 617 357.
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