I have had both at one time or another. If I had to pcik one and I did not reload I would get the CW9 since it is cheaper to practice with. It also conceals very easily IWB and has a nicer trigger. This all goes to say that most likely the most dangerous critter you will run into is 2 legged. If not get the SP101.
SP101 3 1/16" or KAHR CW9
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OrangePwrx9
Member
Look at the sights. I had a terrible time using the sights on my SP-101. If the light was just right, they worked for me and the gun was quite accurate. The rest of the time, they were terrible. With the rear sight a part of the frame, it couldn't be easily swapped out. Finally corrected the problem with a set of Crimson Trace grips. Unless the sights have changed a lot recently, I wouldn't find an SP101 very useful for practicing marksmanship. Might be better off looking at a short barrel GP100.
OTOH, the sights on my Kahr K9 are terrific. Dot over a bar. Easiest set of sights to use that I've ever tried. Probably the reason the Kahr has always been so accurate for me.
My samples are both from the '90s, so YMMV.
Bob
OTOH, the sights on my Kahr K9 are terrific. Dot over a bar. Easiest set of sights to use that I've ever tried. Probably the reason the Kahr has always been so accurate for me.
My samples are both from the '90s, so YMMV.
Bob
glazer1972
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Sp101 3 1/16"
Random Discharge
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Weight not an issue - they're the same
I own a K9 and a 3 1/16" SP101. They weigh within an ounce or two of each other. I wouldn't make the decision based on that. They are very similiar in size and feel. The Kahr holds a couple more rounds. The SP101 shoots 357. The Kahr is a littler thinner. Both have excellent grips.
Combat accuracy, whatever that is, is no problem with either for me. But...
The K9 would be my go to pistol for fast and accurate shot placement hands down. I find the SP101 noticably more difficult to shoot well. Mostly due to the excellent Kahr site picture and nice flat slide they sit on I think. The SP101 site picture is definitely tougher to pick up. I think the low bore axis on the Kahr makes elevation less sensitive to bullet weight too. The SP101 shoots low with lighter bullets in my experience. I like the Kahr better for CCW and HD.
Which do I carry for knocking about in the woods? The SP101. And I don't know why. I know my shot placement would be better with the Kahr, and that should be the first priority I suppose. But you can't get 9mm in 158gr or 180gr for good penetration against animals, and I just like the revolver. I shoot the SP101 well enough. I still can't justify it really. The SP101 is just my personal preference for woods carry. I am looking to do something about making that front sight stand out better though.
I own a K9 and a 3 1/16" SP101. They weigh within an ounce or two of each other. I wouldn't make the decision based on that. They are very similiar in size and feel. The Kahr holds a couple more rounds. The SP101 shoots 357. The Kahr is a littler thinner. Both have excellent grips.
Combat accuracy, whatever that is, is no problem with either for me. But...
The K9 would be my go to pistol for fast and accurate shot placement hands down. I find the SP101 noticably more difficult to shoot well. Mostly due to the excellent Kahr site picture and nice flat slide they sit on I think. The SP101 site picture is definitely tougher to pick up. I think the low bore axis on the Kahr makes elevation less sensitive to bullet weight too. The SP101 shoots low with lighter bullets in my experience. I like the Kahr better for CCW and HD.
Which do I carry for knocking about in the woods? The SP101. And I don't know why. I know my shot placement would be better with the Kahr, and that should be the first priority I suppose. But you can't get 9mm in 158gr or 180gr for good penetration against animals, and I just like the revolver. I shoot the SP101 well enough. I still can't justify it really. The SP101 is just my personal preference for woods carry. I am looking to do something about making that front sight stand out better though.
greenjeans
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The CW9 is considerably lighter than the K9.
as their ads state...Thin is Sexy
i have also started carrying the CW9
Random Discharge
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Oops
Mea Culpa. The CW9 is lighter. I was thinking it was the budget steel frame K9, not the polymer frame version it is.
Mea Culpa. The CW9 is lighter. I was thinking it was the budget steel frame K9, not the polymer frame version it is.
bdb benzino
Member
A snubbie and a CW 9, man thats tough, two of my personal favorites!! My new CW 9 is amazing to CC, you hardly know its there!
TexasBill
Member
I have the S&W Model 60 with a three-inch barrel, roughly the equivalent of the Ruger SP101. Fully loaded with 158-grain bullets, plus a reload and a speedloader, the Ruger is going to come in right at two pounds. That's less than a pound more than the Kahr CW9, empty.
A good belt and a good holster and you won't even notice the weight. Besides, you'll be glad for the extra weight and barrel length when it comes time to fire full-house .357 Magnum rounds the Kahr can't hope to match for muzzle energy.
The SP101 also offers versatility the Kahr can't match: load .38 Special, .38 Special+P, .357 Magnum, snake shot, self-defense loads, cheap range fodder that would probably choke the Kahr. Need more than five shots? Carry an HKS speedloader, it's almost as fast as changing a magazine.
I also own a Smith & Wesson Airweight. As much as I like my little pocket protector, it's a bit of a beast with hot loads.
For the purposes you describe, the Ruger is clearly the better choice. It's more versatile, more dependable and more powerful.
A good belt and a good holster and you won't even notice the weight. Besides, you'll be glad for the extra weight and barrel length when it comes time to fire full-house .357 Magnum rounds the Kahr can't hope to match for muzzle energy.
The SP101 also offers versatility the Kahr can't match: load .38 Special, .38 Special+P, .357 Magnum, snake shot, self-defense loads, cheap range fodder that would probably choke the Kahr. Need more than five shots? Carry an HKS speedloader, it's almost as fast as changing a magazine.
I also own a Smith & Wesson Airweight. As much as I like my little pocket protector, it's a bit of a beast with hot loads.
For the purposes you describe, the Ruger is clearly the better choice. It's more versatile, more dependable and more powerful.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Another vote for the SP101. I have shot a PM9 extensively, and it is a great gun; but for your application, nod goes to the SP.
Southern Shooter
Member
Ruger SP101...all the way
I just do not see a way to justify the Kahr over the Ruger. For what you are talking about using it for the SP101 is it. It has a much wider range of ammunition that you can use and missions that it can fulfill. And, just look at it...it is a very strong looking piece of engineering.
I just do not see a way to justify the Kahr over the Ruger. For what you are talking about using it for the SP101 is it. It has a much wider range of ammunition that you can use and missions that it can fulfill. And, just look at it...it is a very strong looking piece of engineering.
rd2007
Member
The SP101 is beautiful in every sense of the word.
chris in va
Member
But see, that logic doesn't work here. The Kahr holds 7+1, the SP101 5.
Say you do a mag change after 8 rounds, slap in another 7. That's 15. You'd have to do three reloads with the SP to the Kahr's two.
easyg
Member
First, I've got to say that I love a nice revolver.
But the SP101 3" weighs quite a bit at 28 oz. empty, about 30 oz. loaded.
That's going to be a little on the heavy side to carry around town all day long.
But the SP101 3" weighs quite a bit at 28 oz. empty, about 30 oz. loaded.
That's going to be a little on the heavy side to carry around town all day long.
frankiestoys
Member
My choice would be the sp 101 i own one in 357, its an all around good performer. Wiith the right setup its not bad to carry at all. You will love this gun.
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wmeSha
Member
I have the SP101 you are considering. I agree with the poster above who said the sights can be hard to work with in some light. I spent for a Meprolight front sight post (i.e. glowing night sight) and that is a big improvement. The new sight is taller, so I had to learn how to use it, i.e. center the dot rather than make the top edge of the sights align.
I also couldn't shoot it with the stock grips. It absolutely hammered my hand, but a nice set of Hogues fixed that.
Still my SP101 ended up being just a bit more expensive than the initial purchase price.
I also couldn't shoot it with the stock grips. It absolutely hammered my hand, but a nice set of Hogues fixed that.
Still my SP101 ended up being just a bit more expensive than the initial purchase price.
Skipper
Member
I'm a big Kahr fan, but for the op's stated purpose, the SP wins hands down. Just be sure and stick with the 3 1/16" as it is a much better "all around "choice than the shorter tube version.
Light loads, very heavy loads, or snake shot, the SP will handle all equally well.
Skip
Light loads, very heavy loads, or snake shot, the SP will handle all equally well.
Skip
Katana8869
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I would have to vote for the SP101. It gives way more options in ammo choice, very low maintenance and it is bombproof reliable. I have owned SP101's since the early 90's and they are simply fantastic guns.
I have an SP101, 3”, with Crimson Trace. because of the Trace the Ruger sights are not an issue, although I never had a problem with them before I installed the Trace. It’s a great gun.
I have an LCR with Trace for pocket carry. It’s a great gun.
I have a Kahr.
I have an LCR with Trace for pocket carry. It’s a great gun.
I have a Kahr.
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