Kahr CW9 vs PM9?

[Guillermo]

Nice chatting with you.

I hope that our conversation clears up any misconceptions. Or better yet...I was wrong that some misunderstood.

Be well Ben

 

[9mmepiphany]

The PM9 has a machined slide stop vs a MIM slide stop on the CW9.

I'd just like to point out that my understanding is, as pictured in Ben86's picture, that the slide stop isn't MIM on the CW series... the lever is MIM

 

[Kingcreek]

Thanks folks, I appreciate the imput. I haven't handled a PM9 and don't know where I could without a 100 mile drive. I see the wisdom of the responses and am currently between a P9 and a CW9 whose dimensions and feel in the hand are now familiar to me. I don't plan on pocket carry but will IWB. I'm looking for something smaller and more comfortable to carry than my G23, which I will keep for colder weather carry or times when I might feel better with 13 rounds of .40cal.
I really appreciate the help here.

 

[Tilos]

Just to add, I bought the CW9 over the P9 because of the traditional rifling and the ability to shoot factory loaded lead bullets.

As the for the CW slide stop being mims...the stop/lever is one piece and mims.
If it breaks the only down side will be it will not stay open after the last shot, much like most small autos sold today.
If one was loosing sleep over that mims pin/lever on the CW, the machined part is a simple replacement.

Whatever you buy/carry, remember the bicycle innertube sleeve to increase grip and control.

 

[Jim Watson]

On my E9, which is the economy model with steel frame but otherwise similar to CW9, the big drawback to me is the plastic front sight. Mine needs refinishing (house fire) and I doubt the plastic front sight will stand up to a bluing tank or spray n bake oven. I guess I will have the slide dovetailed for a metal front sight.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

Some folks just like small and fancy...therefore they make what they like...

 

[kokapelli]

On my E9, which is the economy model with steel frame but otherwise similar to CW9, the big drawback to me is the plastic front sight. Mine needs refinishing (house fire) and I doubt the plastic front sight will stand up to a bluing tank or spray n bake oven. I guess I will have the slide dovetailed for a metal front sight.

That is exactly why spending the extra $200 is not a wast of money and the difference between the PM9 and CW9 is not really $200 because the PM9 comes with an extra $44 magazine as well as the $25 machined slide stop. It was stated that if the slide stop breaks it doesn't effect the operation of the pistol and that isn't necessarily true either because the slide stop is what controls the tilt barrel action.

Now add the extra velocity you get with a polygonal barrel in the PM9 and the difference in cost IMO is well worth it.

 

[Tilos]

Jim Watson:
After market metal replacement front sights are available...from Kahr!

kokapelli:
$29 mags at Buds
thanks for correcting me on that slide stop PIN info

 

[gb6491]

I'd just like to point out that my understanding is, as pictured in Ben86's picture, that the slide stop isn't MIM on the CW series... the lever is MIM

The CW series slide stop is completely MIM; on the P and PM series the pin is forged, but the lever is MIM.
CW series on the left, P series on the right:

...as well as the $25 machined slide stop.

It's always struck me odd that the replacement cost for either slide stop is the same ($24.20 http://www.kahrshop.com/partsindex.html).

Jim Watson:
After market metal replacement front sights are available...from Kahr!

...and Dawson Precision: http://www.dawsonprecision.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=SIGHTS+FRONT:Kahr+Front+Sights

Regards,
Greg

 

[9mmepiphany]

The CW series slide stop is completely MIM; on the P and PM series the pin is forged, but the lever is MIM.
CW series on the left, P series on the right:

Thank you for the correction. My understanding was in error

 

[Texas_XD]

gb6491:
It's always struck me odd that the replacement cost for either slide stop is the same ($24.20 http://www.kahrshop.com/partsindex.html).

That is odd, isn't it? If they are saying both cost the same, then why bother having the all MIM one at all as there was no manufacturing cost savings?
One quick question though just to clarify a few comments:
The front sight on CW's are poly and pinned, like a Glock's or different altogether?

 

[bdb benzino]

I put Trijicons for my CW9. The rear sight was pushed in and out. The front sight is just twisted out to pop the polymer posts, and the new insert has two steel posts. One of the posts gets locktighted and a screw put in it . Imho it feels much more durable with the steel., like it supposed to be.
Love my CW9 and have it, night sights, and 2 extra mags for $530. I might have gotten pretty close to the price of a pm, or p series, but love the size of it and it is set up perfect for my tastes.
Also for guys with big hands, a Peirce pinky extention for thr PM9 works for the CW9 as well and gives just the right amount of room for my big fingers. All the while still being a dream to IWB CC.

 

[gb6491]

One quick question though just to clarify a few comments:
The front sight on CW's are poly and pinned, like a Glock's or different altogether?

The CW series front sight seems to be made of a more brittle material than the Glock sight. The sight is attached to the slide by two posts that have their ends melted to form heads (Kel-Tec does this on the P-11). It is very easy to remove;as bdb benzino says: "The front sight is just twisted out to pop the polymer posts, and the new insert has two steel posts. One of the posts gets locktighted and a screw put in it . Imho it feels much more durable with the steel."


My CW45.

Regards,
Greg