Taurus PT745 vs Kahr CW9 (P9)

[PCRit]

I recently picked up a CW9, the econo version of a P9 and I was thinking of getting a new Kahr P45, when it is released. I've had good luck with several Taurus PT's, namely the PT111 and PT145, and when I saw the single stack PT-745, I thought, hmmmmm.

So the PT-745 just arrived today, and although I haven't had it to the range yet, it compares very well to the CW9 in terms of size. Just dry firing the PT-745, the trigger seems smoother than the Kahr too(the CW9 only has 140rnds through). Here is a direct comparison (I added the Kahr P45 too, just for grins).

CW9 PT745 P45
Capacity 7+1 6+1 6+1
Barrel 3.5" 3.25" 3.5"
Length 6.0 6.0 6.3
Height 4.5 4.5 4.8
Width 0.9 1.0 1.0
Weight (loaded) 17.7oz 22.8oz 20.5oz

So, for me, the PT745 wins, it's essentially the same size as the CW9, but weighs 5oz more. I'd rather carry 7 rnds of .45, than 8rnds of 9mm

The Taurus looks to be a physically smaller than the P45, but weighs 2.0oz more (the PT-745 weighs 3.0 oz less than the new PT-111 Mil Pro too). Nothing against Kahr, but at 1/2 the price, the PT-745 looks like a better deal, at least for me. I'll follow with a range report, but I think the PT-745 will do just as well as the PT-145 does at the range.

 

[kirkcdl]

I just got a PT745,I thought the PT145 M Pro was too wide.For reference,I also have and carry,depending on my mood,a Para Ordnance Para Carry,a Kahr K40,a Bukgarian Makarov,a Steyr S40,and a Kel Tec P3AT .380.I really like the Taurus,it shoots fine,and has good sights and a nice trigger.Then I read the new issue of Gun Tests and now I feel even better.You did good,see what the guys a GT used as a comparison,and preferred the Taurus over: http://www.gun-tests.com/pub/17_6/features/5250-1.html

Quote from article:Gun Tests Recommends
• Taurus Millennium Pro PT 745C .45 ACP, $484. Our Pick. We were favorably impressed with this pistol. The 8-pound trigger was controllable and consistent. At its largest, the grip was a quarter-inch smaller than a 1911 grip. Those with small hands will find the Taurus’s handle mighty friendly. Its shape distributed the kick over a large portion of our hand. With a 3.25-inch barrel, muzzle flash can be a problem, so choose your ammo — and test it — carefully, and we think you’ll find the PT 745C to be a trusty friend, especially in light of its street price of $375 to 400.

• Glock Model 36 .45 ACP, $500. Buy It. We thought the Glock was an excellent combat handgun, but had a grip that would put some people off because of its excess girth and, for some of us, the misplaced bump on its rear strap. We worried about the trigger but, as noted, it was a simple fix. We particularly liked the fast follow-up shots and the longer sight radius, an inch more than that of the other two guns. We liked the look of the green frame, too. This pistol will not be for everyone, but might be just right for you.

• Para-Ordnance Warthog WHX1045R .45 ACP, $749. Conditional Buy. We could not in any way come to like the Warthog, despite its higher capacity and better trigger than the other two test guns. We didn’t like how the abrasive grip gouged the center of our hand. This would not be a problem for one or two shots, but surely would get your attention, which isn’t quite right for a self-defense pistol, we thought.

While we liked the single-action trigger, we think the overall configuration of this pistol left a lot to be desired. In the course of our testing, we examined another small .45 pistol, an older Star PD, which was much like a small 1911 without grip safety, but with six or seven shot capacity, adjustable sights, slim wood grips, and great comfort to the shooter’s hand. We all felt it was a much better solution to the small .45 problem than any of the three test guns. We hope to report on it soon, if it’s still available.

But for now we suggest you avoid the Warthog unless you absolutely must have one, and then be sure to test it thoroughly with your chosen ammo. We couldn’t condemn it, but it’d be our distant last choice of these three.

 

[PCRit]

Re: Pt745

Just got back from the range. I shot 60rnd WWB 230gr FMJ, 7rnds Win 230gr JHP, and 7rnds of Winchester Ranger 230gr SXT. Function was 100%, not a single issue. The first shot at 6yds was dead-on middle of bullseye, what can I say, it's my new summer CCW Great trigger and the accuracy was just as good, if not better, than my old PT145.