Kahr K9 vs P9/CW9

[Dees]

I am wanting to purchase one of Kahr's standard size 9mm's for carry. Now I've only handled the CW9 and I did like it but I keep telling myself that the gun I want is the K9. Partly because I like metal guns, partly because people seem to only really have problems with the polymer karhs, and partly becuase I think a K9 will be more durable over time. The only problem is that K9's seem almost impossible to find now days. And it doesn't hurt that the P9 and especially the CW9 are less exspensive.

What is your experience/opinion on the steel kahrs versus the polymer ones? Also, how easy are the mag release and slide stop to operate left handed?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

What is your experience/opinion on the steel kahrs versus the polymer ones?

I have a steel Kahr (older E9) and a polymer (PM9). Depending on your point of view, the only disadvantages of the steel Kahrs over their polymer counterparts is the weight for carry and the initial cost. However, even these are just over a pound and a half, hardly excessive. In a belt holster this will make little difference. (I got my PM primarily as a pocket gun, so weight here does make a difference.) And the real payoff comes when you shoot it.

Also, how easy are the mag release and slide stop to operate left handed?

I am not left handed, but in my experiments with the E9 I had no particular difficulty with either control, using my trigger finger on the slide stop and middle finger on the mag button. A lot would depend on the size of your hands.

If you think you may want night sights, this is not an option with the CW series.

 

[jlh26oo]

I am wanting to purchase one of Kahr's standard size 9mm's for carry. Now I've only handled the CW9 and I did like it but I keep telling myself that the gun I want is the K9. Partly because I like metal guns, partly because people seem to only really have problems with the polymer karhs, and partly becuase I think a K9 will be more durable over time. The only problem is that K9's seem almost impossible to find now days. And it doesn't hurt that the P9 and especially the CW9 are less exspensive.

What is your experience/opinion on the steel kahrs versus the polymer ones? Also, how easy are the mag release and slide stop to operate left handed?

Get the K9 for sure (because you never get over that feeling L.O.L.)!

Not that the polymer Kahrs aren't reliable. No problems with my (now someone else's) PM9, and so many others here are happy with theirs. Regarding durability- Jocko should be along shortly to tell you that he has 13,000+ rounds through his with no problem, if that tells you anything. Long term, I'll agree with you. Just can't argue with steel in that regard. If I ever get another Kahr, it will be S.S., as I'm holding off for a T45 or K45 personally (speaking of don't rule out the T9)! Regarding availability- I see a couple of N.I.B. K9's (and a T9) on G.B. currently, and Bud's has them in stock, but I.D.K. maybe you are talking about not being able to find one locally.

B.T.W. I agree with T.L.H.- the great thing about the K and even T series is despite being all steel, they are still relatively light (I.E. even the 4" T9 weighs the same as the 3.6" alloy framed P239). Also he raises a good point about the C.W. series, in that (A.F.A.I.K.) you are stuck with those sights. They are a great deal though at $350 or less for what is basically a P9 without polygonal rifling, less finishing on the slide, only one mag, and those pinned in sights.

Good luck!

 

[Dees]

If I ever get another Kahr, it will be S.S., as I'm holding off for a T45 or K45 personally

A K45 would be oh-so-nice. Is it officially planned for production or just rumored?

 

[jocko]

Own a k9 and a PM9, never had one issue with either. When you have them both in hand, you will not want to carry the k9 after holding the PM9. I shoot my k9 better than my PM9. I am left handed and have zero issues or troubles with the slide stop. After many years of owning semi, that were basically designed for the righties, I have adapted easily. It is a no-brainer. If your gonna carry, go cw9 or PM9, you won't ever look back. I can't seem to shoot my PM9 out, trying to and at 13,400 rouneds, the damn plastic POS gun just goes bang every time. If it broke tomorrow, I would buy another one. It has been completely done over by Cylinder and Slide and accurate-Iron, Ported by mag-na-port.
I bought my K9 used on AR-15 forum and it has never malfunctioned one time. I really love to shoot that gun. In all honestly as you and many others have stated all steel feels like a "gun". The Kahrs have one of the finest trigger systems around. Have to agree with JLH to, even the karh steel versions are as lite as ANY steel version of any other mfg-er..

 

[DMR]

I have a P-9, PM-9 and a T-9. The P-9 is the best all around carry piece. The PM-9 is harder to shoot and slower to draw due to the short grip. The P-9's advantage is in the longer grip fills the palm better. If Kahr ever comes out with a grip adaptor like the Walther PSS has it might balance out. Bottom line I have a reliable PM-9, but don't like it.

The T-9 in a Mitch Rosen ARG holster is something I'm working with now. Intialy there was a sharp point below the right side of the mag relase and I couldn't get my thumb quite far enough around for positive mag release. It's at Cylinder & Slide now to solve both quirks of my hands. The extra weight and grip size should make it a very smooth pistol.

K9 or P9? Tough call, but I would likely go with the P-9(which I have had since 1999). If you want to be able to change grips out, ect. then get the K-9.

 

[jlh26oo]

A K45 would be oh-so-nice. Is it officially planned for production or just rumored?

I'm not even sure it's officially a rumor yet. It kills me, the K40 has a 3.5" barrel, is all steel, and weighs 26oz with mag. The 3.6" POLYMER framed P2000 I'm about to P.U.- 27oz with mag. L.O.L.

 

[Ala Dan]

I've got the less expensive Kahr CW-9, and with 'bout 300 rounds downrange
ita a keeper~!

 

[jocko]

ala dan. the karh people tell me that is their biggest seller. They cannot keep up with orders..Probably the best buy in the entire kahr line. If they would only dovetail the front site..

 

[jlh26oo]

If they D.T.'d the F.S.

...they might not sell too many P9's L.O.L.!

 

[9mmepiphany]

i also have the CW9 and like it fine.

be aware that if you go this route that you are buying a gun, built to a price-point.

besides the reduced machining, one less mag, non-dovetailed front sight and engraving rather than roll marking, it has a cast slide and a non-polygonally rifled barrel

just make a knowledgeable decision

 

[RickW]

Not the CW9 but I do have the CW40 that has around 700 flawless rounds though it. I did go out and pick up another mag for it though, now it's perfect

 

[greenjeans]

CW9 and CW45. Both have been perfect so far. Would not hesitate to buy another polymer frame. Like them more every time I take them out.

 

[JBP55]

I own a CW9 which is 100% reliable. Zero problems, a good pistol for the money.

 

[romma]

Kahr for everyday, but a G-19 would be okay to carry if the world keeps getting more dangerous and I feel I need higher capacity.