P239 40 vs K40

[Dean1818]

OK......... I truly cannot make up my mind.

I am considering a K40 and a P239 40 for IWB, CCW.
(no other pistols please for those that care to give input)

I would rather have an all-metal pistol to absorb more of
the recoil of the 40).

And yes.... I want only a 40 cal.


I have shot both the P239 and a CW40, and both felt good, and both were accurate. (after I got used to the DOA trigger) I have held the metal K version and it felt balanced.

I will end up buying used, and I am seeing deals for $500 ish for either

So here goes:


K40

Pros-

.94 inch wide, not as bulky
25.5 oz with mag
Constant trigger

Cons

Not as much review info
opportunities for a good used pistols seem less than P239

Kahr pistols seem hit and miss with many that love them
and many that hate them (I worry about getting one of "those"
used ones)



P239

Pros

DA/SA trigger I am used to (I love my 226 in 40)
If both types were rated A, I would have to give a slight edge
, or an A+ to the SUG line for quality, the Kahr A.
Other than being described as heavy, almost no one
gripes about thier SIG quality.



Cons

Fatter (1.2in)
Heavier (29.8 oz)



Thoughts from those who have shot both?

Which would you choose and why?

Somebody HEP me!

 

[AZGlock13]

That is a tough decision. I have both, but in 9mm (I have an all stainless K9 and an all black P239 9mm with DAK trigger system). The K9/K40 has a little shorter grip than the P239, which helps when IWB carrying, but the P239 in either caliber holds one more round than the K9/K40 in the same caliber. If I had to keep only one of the two, I would end up keeping my Sig P239 (but that is only my option of course, I'm sure you will find people that would keep their K9/K40 over there P239). Ultimately, it is your decision (It sounds like, in your post, that you are sort of leaning towards the P239). Good luck with either pistol, both are winners for IWB carry IMHO.

 

[Zundfolge]

Kahr pistols seem hit and miss with many that love them
and many that hate them (I worry about getting one of "those"
used ones)

Stay away from the plastic Kahrs and you avoid the problems.

Both are good pistols, but the Kahr is going to carry better and I like the consistency of the DAO trigger (I'm just not a fan of "Crunch-n-tickers"). Its much like a tuned DA revolver trigger.

The SIG is a good pistol but for such a small gun it seems so bulky to me ... I'd rather pack the larger P229 instead of the P239 since the size difference doesn't feel so much. The Kahr is just so svelte and while the metal Kahrs are heavier than the plastic ones they really don't feel all that heavy on the belt. Aside from being slimmer than the SIG they also don't have lots of levers and sharp pokey bits.

Also with the Kahr, if you can get your hands on an Elite version the trigger is slightly improved (you'll have to search for instructions, but you can buy all the Elite trigger components from Kahr for under $50 and upgrade a non Elite pistol on your own if you like).

I've owned two Kahr MKs (a 9 and a 40) and honestly I'd probably still have one if I got the K instead (the little MKs are great, but I don't really need a pistol that small).

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A Kahr E9 ("economy" version of the K9) replaced a SIG P239 (also in 9mm) that I had. The P239, while 100% reliable, had an odd trigger quirk that I just could not get used to. The Kahr was just as reliable (but more attention had to be paid to keeping it clean), easier to shoot and handled and pointed more naturally.

 

[MikePaiN]

I'm a big fan of the Kahr K models. They have got too be one of the best balanced and shooting "carry" handguns available. My K9 has never missed a beat either....I have no question when the trigger is squeezed it is going to fire.
The Sig 239 is also a great firearm...but as a CCW, it doesn't compare to the K.

 

[usp9]

P239
Cons

Fatter (1.2in)
Heavier (29.8 oz)

That sums it up for me, plus the Kahr fits my hand better. Both excellent choices but the Kahr is, in this case, more suited for easier concealment.