Kahr CW9 range report

[racky]

i went to yolo to do the 200rd break-in process for my new kahr CW9. i wanted to "1-up" it and do a 300rd break-in instead. here's my observations:

size: exact size as an LC9/PF9. just picture any subcompact gun and make it 1/2 skinnier. i have medium sized hands so i was able to get all fingers on the gun minus the pinky.

sights: point of aim, point of impact @ 7yds

grip: for a small pistol, it's really comfortable. but because it's small it comes with grip issues. when you initially "think" you have a good purchase on the grip, that first shot will flip the gun and reposition the gun in your hand. after that, it's managable. after the first shot, i just left the gun in the position the first shot left it and the grip was good to go. again, watch that first trigger pull.

trigger: the trigger is loooooong and light. think of a revolver trigger pull with a reduced hammer spring. the trigger reset is ALL the way to the end when you release the trigger. because the gun is so thin, you just can't keep the pad of your finger on the trigger. as you pull the trigger, your finger slides all the way to the first knuckle. it took me roughly 75rds to overcome the trigger finger slip.

magazines: comes with a 7rd flush fitting magazine. initially HARD to load (just like any other magazine.) i wasn't gonna do a 200 (300) round break in process with only 1 magazine that the gun came with. i bit the bullet and spend $40/magazine for the extended 8rd magazines. the flush fitting 7rd mags cost the same so i went with the 8rd mags.

reliability: the only malfunctions i had were bullet nose-dives when i tried to power stroke during magazine changes. if i strictly stuck to using the mag release, there were no issues in reliability.

BUY or don't BUY?: BUY

now this is where the plot thickens. when i went to clean the gun, i noticed a lot of grime throughout the gun. when looking at the left side of the frame (military left), the polymer has been shaved by the slide. pictures speak louder than words:


observe the polymer shavings


you can see shavings of the frame only to the (military) left

and what was on the slide. the grime on the slide is all polymer shavings


is this normal?

 

[mhphoto]

Great review.

I love my CW9. It rides in a Crossbreed MiniTuck everyday. So thin and comfy I forget I'm wearing it.

 

[Skylerbone]

I bought one for my dad a few months back and practiced stripping it a few times plus the typical initial clean and lube. After hand racking the slide a few hundred times his also developed the same left side shaving. From what I've read it's normal and nothing to be concerned about.

 

[racky]

that's good to know. i didn't do any research on if other people had the same results. that could be the very reason why kahr requires a 200rd break-in period.

 

[Snowdog]

I really don't know anything about the polymer-frame Kahr pistols. The only experience I have is with the K9 (which I hold in only the highest regards) as I've been carrying one for around 13 years.

I can't tell from the pictures, but are the frame guide rails molded polymer?
I certainly won't say something like that isn't workable, but I've never seen any polymer-framed pistol that didn't at least have a section where part of the rails are aluminum or steel.

 

[MikePaiN]

Great report and +1 for another great Kahr.
You didn't say you had done any pre-range cleaning or buffing, which is probably why you have so much grime built up. But look at it as a good thing Even without a "prep-job" and with all that dirt the pistol stayed operational even while new....
As has been said, The rail "shavings" are perfectly normal for poly Kahrs.

 

[gschoelles]

There are metal guides molded into the polymer frame. My CW9 has been a fantastic addition to my collection and with no HicUps I am comfortable with it as an EDC.

 

[franco45]

The shavings are normal and will stop when the slide "seats" into the frame. As another poster noted their are metal guides inside the plastic rails. My CW9 is my favorite carry piece.

 

[RM]

Nice gun and nice report. Can you change out the sights on the CW9, or would I have to move up to a P9?

 

[ninemm]

Trijicon makes a set of night sites for the CW9 now.

Thanks for the review and pictures! I've been looking at the CW9 for a primary carry gun.

 

[Ankeny]

The shavings are normal and will stop when the slide "seats" into the frame.

I have a CW9 as do two of the guys in a neighboring gun club. None of the three shaved polymer.

 

[Skylerbone]

Check Kahr's website. Night sights for $80.

 

[jyo]

I've got two CW9s (one for me, one for wifey)---after an initial problem with mags falling out while firing (fixed free by Kahr), both pistols are 100% reliable and shoot right to point of aim. There was a small amount of poly shaving at first, but seems to have stopped. Magazines ARE expensive but well-made and after you've paid for an extra 2-3, you're done---shop around online for best price---accept factory mags only!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

It may not inspire confidence, but the slide rubbing on the polymer rails and shaving off material is normal. The next time you clean the gun and shoot it, this will disappear. The part of the frame rail that is poly is not a slide bearing surface. The slide is actually supported and runs on the steel at the rear corners, and two thin rails on the inside portion of the frame "dust cover." One of the latter rails is partially visible in your second photo.

 

[JDGray]

i have medium sized hands so i was able to get all fingers on the gun minus the pinky.

I find the size to be perfect with a standard 7rd mag installed. I wear a large glove, and can get 1/2 my pinky on the grip, the other 1/2 on the mag base.

Thanks for the report! I bought mine used and noticed the poly rail on the right looked worn, but didnt think much about it after noticing the steel rails molded in to the front of the frame. My CW9 is hands down the best mini 9mm I have ever shot

 

[sheepdog96]

Nooooooooooo I keep seeing reviews for this bad boy and makes me want one more and more. They are such pretty pieces and seems like they shoot even better.

 

[jfrey]

For better sights on your CW9, check out Dawson Precision. They actually make some sights for kahr. Easy to install and come with excellent instructions. Some of the best sights on the market.

 

[Skylerbone]

I don't think D.P. makes them for the CW series however, this pistol has what amounts to a pinned in front sight (plastic) rather than a dovetail cut.

Dawson does make some fine sights however and 2 of my 3 M&Ps wear them.

 

[Mr. S]

Dawson does have sights for the CW series.

http://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=80000A5D-1249936281

 

[mtnkid85]

Just curious if thats the 8rd mag youve got inserted in your first picture?

I really like the feel of these pistols.

 

[usp9]

Just curious if thats the 8rd mag youve got inserted in your first picture?

The inserted mag is a standard 7 round mag. The mag with the extended base plate seen under the pistol is a 8 round mag.

Clear, straightforward review and great photos. Thanks for the post.

 

[Kingcreek]

Nice review. I like my CW9 and have about 300 rounds thru it but only a mere trace of the poly shaving you show. I did the intitial clean/lube prep before firing and haven't cleaned it since but mine is cleaner right now than your pics show. the grime must be poly residue from shaving or dirty cheap ammo?

 

[Ala Dan]

Another Kahr CW-9 owner checking in~! Great pistol for the money, highly
accurate even with hard cast lead alloy bullets. No issues at all, with my
Kahr CW-9~!

 

[phoglund]

I have one of these as well. I put some of the grip tape on the grips to help hold on under recoil...then took the piece off that rubbed against my skin when in it's IWB holster. I like the smooth trigger pull and how thin and comfortable it is for concealed carry. It also shoots well. I purchased one of the factory magazines as well as a spare. Very well made.

I'd recommend these guns to anybody who want's a reasonably priced quality small 9mm for concealed carry.

Paul

P.S. Nice range report and pics, thanks for taking the time.