Kahr CW9 - Opinions?

[ghettodub]

So I'm looking at getting something a little more comfortable to carry than my XDSC 9, so I checked out a Kahr CW9 last night at Green Mountain Guns.

Anyone have one? Opinions?

I don't want to spend tons on it, and the price seems right on those.

[Graves]

Trigger sucks, priced more than they're worth IMO. Any gun that needs a "break in period" before they act right usually throws up a big red flag.

[Daniel_187]

Trigger sucks, priced more than they're worth IMO. Any gun that needs a "break in period" before they act right usually throws up a big red flag.

+1. It has Plastic side rails that am not very keen on. Mags are $$$

[ghettodub]

Quick addition to my original post:

Suggestions for other smaller carry pistols? I carried Kel-tec for a while, than an LCR, and now XDSC, and I want to get back to something small and similar to the other little guys.

Hated the LCR; loved the Kel-tec, but the trigger was garbage. XDSC just a bit bulky for how I dress, and want something with a single stack mag.

[FireMoth]

I carried a Kahr P9 and then K9 for a long time. I liked them, but they weren't perfect.
I had switched over the the K9 because the polymer P9 seemed to cause problems with the slide stop and mag catch that never were really satisfactorily addressed. However, that was a very early P9.

As a gun smith i was able to GREATLY improve trigger pull and reliability, and my K9 would eat and cycle anything, shot amazingly accurately for a sub compact, and was easy to carry.

However, I could probably get the same results on a KelTec PF9 for the time involved, with a much lower price tag initially.
There was not such a thing when i got my Kahrs, but now there is a rash of tiny 9s, so kahr's price tag has to be considered. they are a little tall compared to the competition.

Finally, there was the 'real world' comparison. I asked my self seriously how much i was compromising for comfort and concealment, and what i was getting in exchange.
A hammer with a 6" handle is much easier to carry, but its a good bit more difficult to use for its intended purpose as well.

With that in mind, i made some serious side by side comparisons between the kahr and other pistols, mostly a glock 19. For nto a whole lot more size, the 19 had twice the cpacity with mags that cost half as much, and better parts and accessory availability. for a daily concealment piece, the K9 was too limiting in its scope of features.

Compared to other 'hold outs', the K9 was way to heavy, and even the CW9 was too expensive for a last ditch blaster, especially if it needs tuning to run.

So, though over all i like the simplicity of Kahr, and i find them well made, they can use some buffing, and the price tag is a bit steep.

They have the advantage of being slim, instead of short, which means they are still controllable compared to things like the glock 26, which i do like. They just arent slim enough to make a difference for ME.

But, that comes with the caveat of how i carry, and who i am. I'm 6'4", so a tenth of an inch in thickness or a quarter inch of barrel doesn't change much for my carry comfort or ability to conceal. I also get to wear BDUs and tee shirts every day, so its pretty easy to cover most guns.

A smaller person is going to see more difference from small dimensional changes than i'll notice, and wearing suits every day also changes what you can conceal, so take it into consideration.

So i guess my final thought is the Kahr is a very good choice for a very specific need... but its a lot to spend if your need isn't that specific. Take some time to compare, and make sure your getting the gun that you need.

I also am gun smith, so tuning up compacts is free to me. Consider that in your price. Almost ALL sub compacts, regardless of make, need a little tuning to run just right. You could get lucky, but i would plan on spending at least $150.00 above purchase price (just to play it safe, that's NOT a quote) on any sub com that you will want to have bet your life reliability. that may make the Kahr too rich for your blood.

Oh, the one other thing is the staked post front sight. Harder to change, and kahr staked front sights arent exactly plentiful. You might have to shoot in the dark, so its something to consider aobut where the savings is

[Graves]

Simple solution: don't carry if you're that concerned with what you're wearing.

[FireMoth]

Again, i think that's unfair. When i picked my kahr, wearing a suit every day was a job requirement. Under those circumstances, it was great, because it carried well in fitted clothes.

We will all have to face varying circumstances in life, some less ideal to carry than others.
Yes, i certainly agree that its possible to compromise a tool's function in concern for convenience, and made a point of such, but i think its more helpful to suggest experiences and solutions to the problem than it is to suggest that some one just not have the problem to begin with.

If some one asks what decongestants work, do you say "don't get sick, dummy"?

[ghettodub]

So i guess my final thought is the Kahr is a very good choice for a very specific need... but its a lot to spend if your need isn't that specific. Take some time to compare, and make sure your getting the gun that you need.



That's why I was initially attracted to the CW9, because it's priced a hell of a lot lower than the other Kahr pistols ($400), which is comprable to a lot of the other tiny carry pistols out there. I don't see that as being too much cash for a carry pistol, when LCPs are about the same price, and at least on the Kahr, I can get more than two fingers on the darn thing when I'm holding it.

Good post, thanks for the info and thoughts. [Beer]

[ghettodub]

Simple solution: don't carry if you're that concerned with what you're wearing.

Like FireMoth just posted, I can't wear things that are easy to conceal with most of the time, so it is a real consideration for a lot of people, and not carrying isn't the best solution...

[Graves]

An MTAC w/ v-clips, some Aker leather, and a suit - no problems what so ever concealing a USP40c everyday for 2 years. Dress around your carry or carry around with your dress, choice is yours.

I'd look into an LCP or a Kel-Tec over a Kahr if deep concealment was a major concern. If you have a little wiggle room, there's always HK, Glock, S&W, and many others I'd recommend over the Kahr.

[ghettodub]

An MTAC w/ v-clips, some Aker leather, and a suit - no problems what so ever concealing a USP40c everyday for 2 years. Dress around your carry or carry around with your dress, choice is yours.

How is your hand in shooting Glocks?

I really haven't shot Glocks that much, but there size isn't much different than an XD, is there? The last one I shot was a 27, and the size seems about the same as my XD sub. I could be totally wrong, so I'm honestly asking...

The reason i'm looking at Kahr is they are single stack and thinner, so I don't think a Glock will be any different than what I have now.

[ghettodub]

An MTAC w/ v-clips, some Aker leather, and a suit - no problems what so ever concealing a USP40c everyday for 2 years. Dress around your carry or carry around with your dress, choice is yours.

I'd look into an LCP or a Kel-Tec over a Kahr if deep concealment was a major concern. If you have a little wiggle room, there's always HK, Glock, S&W, and many others I'd recommend over the Kahr.

Dangit, stop editing posts before I'm finished quoting and posting [Coffee] hehe

Yes, I'm looking for a little deeper concealment than the others you posted. After my last experience with Ruger and an LCR, I thought that Kahr would be a better option than an LCP or another KelTec. Haven't shot an LCP though, so up for opinions.

[Graves]

I really haven't shot Glocks that much, but there size isn't much different than an XD, is there? The last one I shot was a 27, and the size seems about the same as my XD sub. I could be totally wrong, so I'm honestly asking...

The reason i'm looking at Kahr is they are single stack and thinner, so I don't think a Glock will be any different than what I have now.

Forgot you carried an XD. Compared to a Glock, you might not find much of a difference other than overall height. What kind of holster/belt combo are you using?

[opie011]

I just switched from a G27 to the 4th Gen G19 and carry in a M-Tac with c-clips and it conceals very nicely. I'm 5'9" and 160lbs so concealing isn't the easiest for me. I believe a lot of it has to do with what holster you choose!

Also, I've heard the break in period for Kahrs is a must as they have problems so, if you want to carry the Kahr I suggest dumping 300rds thru it first before carrying.

[ghettodub]

Forgot you carried an XD. Compared to a Glock, you might not find much of a difference other than overall height. What kind of holster/belt combo are you using?

I have just a standard heavy duty leather belt and an Uncle Mike's IWB right now. It fits pretty well, just looking for something less bulky and that doesn't imprint quite as much (even though I'm usually not too worried about imprinting).

Maybe I'll take a look at the holster you mentioned you use, the MTAC, but I still want to get in to something less bulky, so I don't know how much that'll address my main concern.

[Graves]

Aww man, that UM iwb is a fat little b*%€#!! lol you seriously need to take a look at an MTAC, CBST, or even a RCS phantom.

[Cman]

For years I carried a Para P12 in a LH smart carry IWB holster for a RH draw, with pleated dress pants. Was hard to draw seated but concealed very well.

[ghettodub]

Aww man, that UM iwb is a fat little b*%€#!! lol you seriously need to take a look at an MTAC, CBST, or even a RCS phantom.

yeah, I know it's not a great holster at all. But even a better holster won't solve the root of the problem, which is that I want a slimmer less-bulky gun to carry...

I'll look in to one of those for sure though for when I do decide to carry my XD

[ghettodub]

Thanks for moving the thread BTW. Much better location :-)

[Lex_Luthor]

I've heard good things about the Smart Carry deep concealment holster.... ?

[Daniel_187]

I hear good things about the Walther PPS, but its pricy for what it is and extra mags cost a butt load. But its got a pretty nice trigger on it, and its nice and thin, so even I can get my stubby fingers on it

[High Altitude]

I have a CW9. I just bought it a couple weeks ago and have only had it out to the range once. About 120 rounds of FMJ and a couple mags of 124g gold dot. So far, so good... fed/fired/ejected everything. After cleaning it up I can already tell the action/slide movement is smoother, it was pretty tight brand new. I need to get it out a few more times and if it is still running reliable, I wouldn't hesitate to carry it, which would be easy since it is so light and thin. The trigger is a very smooth double action only but it does have a long typical DOA reset like a revolver.

[DeusExMachina]

If I'm going to carry IWB, I'll carry something the size of an M&P or G19. The CW9 is barely smaller compared to those, and in a good holster the difference is even less noticeable.

However I am looking at the PM9 (actually the CM9 when it comes out, much lower price tag) to pocket carry at work. I am occasionally on my back, or crawling around on the floor, and don't want to get fired.

FireMoth might convince me to get a PF9, though. I have to do another side-by-side.

[FireMoth]

Yeah, I figure whatever you get, I'm going to have to work on anyway ;)

[lebru]

Too late to chime in? Did you check out the ruger LC9?

[SA Friday]

yeah, I know it's not a great holster at all. But even a better holster won't solve the root of the problem, which is that I want a slimmer less-bulky gun to carry...

I'll look in to one of those for sure though for when I do decide to carry my XD

Actually, a different holster and belt might solve the problem. I have IWB holsters I can't use with my glock 23, it rubs the muzzle into my lower hip and ghhey work fine with a glock 27. I have other IWB holsters that the glock 23 works just fine in.

You have no idea just how much a well built belt makes a difference until you have actually worn one. I have a galco and three Akers. I wore them in suits mostly, but still use them in jeans and khakis.

I'm not much bigger than you are, ok maybe wider, and the holster and belt can make a difference.

[Irving]

Have you considered a Sig P6? Should be able to pick one up for under $400. If you can find one.

[ghettodub]

Too late to chime in? Did you check out the ruger LC9?

That's a great point, and just thought about that a little while ago. I went by The Shooting Shop in C Rock, and they brought that one up. I think I may hold off a bit until they're in stores to check that out.

[ghettodub]

Actually, a different holster and belt might solve the problem. I have IWB holsters I can't use with my glock 23, it rubs the muzzle into my lower hip and ghhey work fine with a glock 27. I have other IWB holsters that the glock 23 works just fine in.

You have no idea just how much a well built belt makes a difference until you have actually worn one. I have a galco and three Akers. I wore them in suits mostly, but still use them in jeans and khakis.

I'm not much bigger than you are, ok maybe wider, and the holster and belt can make a difference.

I do want to check out and see what Galco has for my XD. I had one of those with a previous gun and loved it.

[lebru]

That's a great point, and just thought about that a little while ago. I went by The Shooting Shop in C Rock, and they brought that one up. I think I may hold off a bit until they're in stores to check that out.

Always a great idea to wait till you can fondle it. Youtube is a great resource. Check out this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXbGwnVhVY


great side by side. a little long, but a great resource.

[DeusExMachina]

Always a great idea to wait till you can fondle it. Youtube is a great resource. Check out this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXbGwnVhVY


great side by side. a little long, but a great resource.

Now I remember why I hate the LC9. Thanks.

[ghettodub]

Now I remember why I hate the LC9. Thanks.

And that would be? (trying to avoid watching a 30 minute video, since I won't have time for a few days)

[DeusExMachina]

And that would be? (trying to avoid watching a 30 minute video, since I won't have time for a few days)

$100 more for 3 unnecessary safety features.

Thanks Ruger for making firearm owners complacent.

[Irving]

Have you googled the Sig P6 yet? It is a single stack 9mm.

[DeusExMachina]

Sig P290 is coming out, too. Tiny 9mm.

[lebru]

$100 more for 3 unnecessary safety features.

Thanks Ruger for making firearm owners complacent.

it is more refined off the line. the pf9 is a hit or miss, a lot of users have had to "fluff and buff" it for it to work properly. same with the p3at. its hit or miss with those as well.

[Graves]

http://www.kimberamerica.com/solo

If you don't like it, I'll buy it off ya. [Coffee]

[ghettodub]

http://www.kimberamerica.com/solo

If you don't like it, I'll buy it off ya. [Coffee]

She's a beaut, just too rich for my tastes [Coffee]

[ghettodub]

Have you googled the Sig P6 yet? It is a single stack 9mm.


Sig P290 is coming out, too. Tiny 9mm.

Checked out both of the Sig's. I like that 290. Sigs are just a bit more than I want to spend.

[FireMoth]

...the pf9 is a hit or miss, a lot of users have had to "fluff and buff" it for it to work properly. same with the p3at. its hit or miss with those as well.

My contention here was, and is, that almost ALL sub compacts of this type, to include the Kahr guns, need 'fluff and buff' at minimum to run properly. if your going to have to pay to have the work done almost regardless, what justifies the higher sticker price for some?

[lebru]

My contention here was, and is, that almost ALL sub compacts of this type, to include the Kahr guns, need 'fluff and buff' at minimum to run properly. if your going to have to pay to have the work done almost regardless, what justifies the higher sticker price for some?

early reports so far though have shown the lc9 to be a little more reliable than the pf9, regardless of the silly safety features. just frmo some of the range revies ive read

[AirbornePathogen]

I had one of the first-run CW9s, and loved it. Yes, it says "Not to consider it reliable" until you've put 200 rounds through it, but mine didn't miss a beat on those first 200. Trigger was a bit long and heavy, yes, but I had no trouble shooting it accurately. For carry, I had a Galco USA for it, and it vanished. When I have the funds, I do want to get another CW9, or maybe a CW40 this go-round.