take on the CW45 ?

[PaiN]

What is the general opinion on the CW45?
Are these pistols reliable, accruate shooters?

[NonStop]

I haven't shot the CW45 but I have a P45. I believe they are basically the same gun with a little more machineing put into the P version.

I LOVE my P45, My other 45 is a Beretta PX4SD. I thought the recoils and lift on it was very good but the Kahr is even better. I haven't had mine long enought to talk about reliablity but it is more accurate than I am and a blast to shoot. I have just sent mine off to get it magna-ported (make a good thing even better), then I will send in a range report.

Get it you will love it.

Steve...

[Price]

I have a cw45 that I have put about 2000 rds through it. During the first 100 rds I had 3 or 4 fte's ever since it has been flawless I have shot lots of remington 230 grain fmj and a few boxes of the aluminum blazer for the range. I have shot about 50 rds of hornady 230 grain jhp, all flawless. As for accuracy it is very impressive, especially for the size. I carry it almost everyday in a crossbreed supertuck very comfortably and with night sights now available for the cw's it is an amazing gun for the price.

[Longitude Zero]

I love my CW45. I have just under 1000 rounds thru it and it is my daily carry weapon.

[PaiN]

The CW45 with its 6+1 capacity(and +1 extension) compares favorably to the Glock 36, but its ergos. and price blow the 36 out of the water

[Vinikahr]

Mine is good.

[jocko]

The CW45 with its 6+1 capacity(and +1 extension) compares favorably to the Glock 36, but its ergos. and price blow the 36 out of the water

don't see how one can get a better small single stack 45 for the bucks than the CW series kahrs. :israel:

[Bawanna]

The CW45 with its 6+1 capacity(and +1 extension) compares favorably to the Glock 36, but its ergos. and price blow the 36 out of the water

Interesting point here. I've been set on a PM45 but in just now looking at side by side comparisons the CW45 is very close to the G36. Sooo, I've not been comparing apples and apples so to speak. Others also report the ergos are better as well. The price is certainly more within reach in the time I have left over the PM45????? The weight factor is easily half a ton less than my K40. Might even fit the same holster, maybe? Hmmm
I shall ponder this at more length, while I'm thinking about polishing Jockos Harley.

[jocko]

ur dreamin bawanna!!!

[getupatree]

Mine has been good. There have been some mag dropping issues and Kahr will send you a metal mag release and spring replacement if you have the problem.

I wanted LDC black but went with this for the savings. I don't care about match barrel or engraving which is the only difference. The CW is about 1/4 inch longer in the slide. My thought was I could duracoat the slide fro $59 and get night sights and still be a few bucks under the P45. Well actually once I bought the extra mag (CW comes with only 1) it is about a wash.

[Bawanna]

ur dreamin bawanna!!!

About the CW45 or polishing your Harley? I know, I know! BOTH! Yup your right. I ought to just go home and beat myself to a pulp, save the wife the effort, no new gun and still get an arse whoopin. We should have never let them smoke, drive cars and vote, especially vote.
CW45? P45? PM45? that is the question. Dang I'm worse than a woman at a shopping mall.

[PaiN]

CW45? P45? PM45? that is the question. Dang I'm worse than a woman at a shopping mall.
Since I started you on this.....
There is one thing about the G36 vs. the CW45, and I know it shouldn't matter but the 36 just has that bad ass appeal.....the matte color and lines for the CW make look ..well, imo non-threatening almost sedate.....while the 36 is all business.
http://guns4u.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/g36.jpg http://www.policemag.com/_Images/articles/M_Arsenal_15.jpg

[Bawanna]

Since I started you on this.....
There is one thing about the G36 vs. the CW45, and I know it shouldn't matter but the 36 just has that bad ass appeal.....the matte color and lines for the CW make look ..well, imo non-threatening almost sedate.....while the 36 is all business.
http://guns4u.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/g36.jpg http://www.policemag.com/_Images/articles/M_Arsenal_15.jpg

Your not helping! I agree on the look, the Kahr does look flat though. Almost like a 1911 versus a 36. I know it's not that much difference but it sure looks like it.
HHMmmm, pondering continues.

[Pokefun]

Mine has had no failures in 500 rounds. Now that the night sights are installed it is my primary carry weapon.

[jfrey]

I have a G36 and a CW9 and I had an opportunity to actually shoot a CW45. To be honest, since I already have the 36 I decided to keep it because I have tweeked it quite a bit. The CW45 was good but I just wasn't impressed with it enough to make a trade. The one I shot belongs to a friend and he has had a few problems with it, mainly light strikes. He asked me to try my ammo in it to see if it made any difference and I had 2 light strikes in 20 rounds I fired through it. In comparison, the G36 has run since the beginning and I have had few problems with the CW9. Right now I'm just carrying the CW9 and suppose I'll stick with it for a while.

[gb6491]

I've had some issues (http://kahrtalk.com/kahr-tech/1612-cw45-other-poly-45-issues-fixes.html) with my CW45. I probably should have sent the pistol back to Kahr for repair (as I bought it new), but decided to tackle the issues myself (note: the issues would have required three separate trips back as they developed at different times). The pistol is operating very well at this point and I am nearing 500, post repair, rounds fired without any problems that were not ammo related (some misshaped reloads did give a few feed problems). Now, that I've worked out the bugs with my particular pistol, I'm pretty pleased with it. I like the ergonomics and looks of the gun. I find it a pleasure to carry and very accurate. That said and knowing what I do about the gun I have, I wouldn't carry a CW45 for self defense without first modifying the magazines. I know many others have not had issue with their pistols, but I also know that the potential for problem is there and that two changes to the magazine would, IMO, significantly reduce the chance of weapon failure.

In regards to the G36/CW45 discussion: I like .45ACP and have tried several pistols as a replacement for my G27 as a carry piece. I shot a G36 and G30 quite extensively as a possible candidates. I had several instances of double feeds with the G36. In all honesty, these could have been instances of "limp wristing", but, as these were range guns, I could not investigate further than clearing the jams. IMO, there is also a lot of wasted area on the G36 grip (it could be a lot smaller front to back) and I don't care for the large base plate (a similar plate is also used on the G30, but there is a 9 round magazine with a smaller plate available for it). Based on that experience, I bought a new G30SF. This gun developed a problem right away. However, the problem was well known on Glock Talk and a simply polishing of an internal part resolved it. The 30SF is a fine pistol and, after the fix, never gave me a problem performance wise. It was accurate as well. The big downside for me is the aircraft carrier sized slide on the 30; it's just too uncomfortable for me to carry IWB. If I'm going to carry OWB and dress accordingly, I prefer a 1911...much prefer it over the fat slide G30. (note: I really think Glock missed the boat here: a G30SF lower mated to the much thinner G36 upper would be the way to go). I traded the G30SF in on my current CW45 vice going with a G36. I'm still carrying the G27, but have high hopes for the CW...just need to get some more rounds down range with it.;)

Here's a good video for size comparison of the CW45 and a G36:
YouTube - Glock 36 vs. Kahr CW45 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHF4s1B4yPg)

Regards,
Greg

[Vinikahr]

I've had some issues (http://kahrtalk.com/kahr-tech/1612-cw45-other-poly-45-issues-fixes.html) with my CW45. I probably should have sent the pistol back to Kahr for repair (as I bought it new), but decided to tackle the issues myself (note: the issues would have required three separate trips back as they developed at different times). The pistol is operating very well at this point and I am nearing 500, post repair, rounds fired without any problems that were not ammo related (some misshaped reloads did give a few feed problems). Now, that I've worked out the bugs with my particular pistol, I'm pretty pleased with it. I like the ergonomics and looks of the gun. I find it a pleasure to carry and very accurate. That said and knowing what I do about the gun I have, I wouldn't carry a CW45 for self defense without first modifying the magazines. I know many others have not had issue with their pistols, but I also know that the potential for problem is there and that two changes to the magazine would, IMO, significantly reduce the chance of weapon failure.

In regards to the G36/CW45 discussion: I like .45ACP and have tried several pistols as a replacement for my G27 as a carry piece. I shot a G36 and G30 quite extensively as a possible candidates. I had several instances of double feeds with the G36. In all honesty, these could have been instances of "limp wristing", but, as these were range guns, I could not investigate further than clearing the jams. IMO, there is also a lot of wasted area on the G36 grip (it could be a lot smaller front to back) and I don't care for the large base plate (a similar plate is also used on the G30, but there is a 9 round magazine with a smaller plate available for it). Based on that experience, I bought a new G30SF. This gun developed a problem right away. However, the problem was well known on Glock Talk and a simply polishing of an internal part resolved it. The 30SF is a fine pistol and, after the fix, never gave me a problem performance wise. It was accurate as well. The big downside for me is the aircraft carrier sized slide on the 30; it's just too uncomfortable for me to carry IWB. If I'm going to carry OWB and dress accordingly, I prefer a 1911...much prefer it over the fat slide G30. (note: I really think Glock missed the boat here: a G30SF lower mated to the much thinner G36 upper would be the way to go). I traded the G30SF in on my current CW45 vice going with a G36. I'm still carrying the G27, but have high hopes for the CW...just need to get some more rounds down range with it.;)

Here's a good video for size comparison of the CW45 and a G36:
YouTube - Glock 36 vs. Kahr CW45 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHF4s1B4yPg)

Regards,
Greg

Thanks for sharing, very eloquently put!

[PaiN]

Thanks for sharing, very eloquently put!
Really...thanks gb6491 that is nice info on your CW45. What "issues" did you have and what did you do to fix them?
I feel the same way on the G30, it is a fright train :), both in standard and SF, far to fat for my tastes. I did read somewhere that the Glock 21, 30 were simple refits of the 20 and 29 designed for 10mm....The 36 was a a ground up design by Glock for .45ACP.

[jeep45238]

while the 36 is all business.
http://guns4u.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/g36.jpg


Nah, looks like it hasn't seen the outside of a safe yet :D.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s127/jeep45238/Minor%20Gunsmithing/My%20Para%20Ord/3%2025%202010%20wear/DSCN0829.jpg

[jocko]

no doubt the DLC finish on the cw series kahrs would me one awesome gun, tha tmight challenge the looks of the glocks to. Maybe someday kahr will get around to offering that as an option, along with maybe xs big dot sights from the factory also. Price would certainly be more but people like that cw and to me the extra price would certainly be worth it.

for about $4 bills the cw kahrs are very har dto beat with any other brand gun. It is a gun u can shoot till the cows come home...

[gb6491]

Really...thanks gb6491 that is nice info on your CW45. What "issues" did you have and what did you do to fix them?
I feel the same way on the G30, it is a fright train :), both in standard and SF, far to fat for my tastes. I did read somewhere that the Glock 21, 30 were simple refits of the 20 and 29 designed for 10mm....The 36 was a a ground up design by Glock for .45ACP.
Hi PaiN,
I linked to a thread that covers the issues/fixes/upgrades of my CW45 in my post above, but in case that link isn't working for you here it is in a different format:
http://kahrtalk.com/kahr-tech/1612-cw45-other-poly-45-issues-fixes.html

Thanks for the info about the Glock 45s:)

Vinikahr,
Your comments are much appreciated.

Regards,
Greg

[PaiN]

Thank you for the link....and for scaring me off the CW45 :o
There is one other viable option in .45 the SA XD .45 I can get one NIB out the door for under $550($545.66 :rolleyes:), which is less than a NIB Glock36 and it includes all the XD gear, these will be extra with the G36 and I would need some gear eventually.
I don't know much about the XD's other than they have a solid reputation and the .45 has sweet 13+1 capacity

[Bawanna]

Thank you for the link....and for scaring me off the CW45 :o
There is one other viable option in .45 the SA XD .45 I can get one NIB out the door for under $550($545.66 :rolleyes:), which is less than a NIB Glock36 and it includes all the XD gear, these will be extra with the G36 and I would need some gear eventually.
I don't know much about the XD's other than they have a solid reputation and the .45 has sweet 13+1 capacity

I have 2 XD 45's and they are very nice but you are not comparing similar size guns. The 36 and the CW45 are much much smaller. If that isn't the factor for you, I say go for the XD. You'll like it. I'm looking hard at the S&W Compact M&P 45. Have not shot the compact yet but held it. The full size shoots very nice. Sorry if I stirred up the mud here.

[PaiN]

I don't want the .45 as a CCW, that is what my P9 is for. Its going to be a range gun and big fire power if ever SHTF....
My first real(not a .22lr plinker) pistol was a full size M&P9, shot the hell out of it at the range and IDPA style local matches and it never missed a beat, ever. I traded it for a 1911 when I had the itch to try one of those...
Thanks for stirring up the pot and making me miss my M&P :(

[PaiN]

Oh Crap!!! I just happened to pop over to my favorite shop's sight and was hit with a big banner ad...

"Springfield Armory XD45 Sale"


jeez um...only $429 for the standard... this is like a sign from above :frown:

http://www.hoffgun.com/specials.htm

[Bawanna]

Oh Crap!!! I just happened to pop over to my favorite shop's sight and was hit with a big banner ad...

"Springfield ArmoryXD45 Sale"


jeez um...only $429 for the standard... this is like a sign from above :frown:

Hoffman's Gun Center- Sales & Specials (http://www.hoffgun.com/specials.htm)



I'd say it's a bona fide omen for sure. Best run not walk, in fact take the car and get over there before their all gone. Pics when it happens, I'm so happy for you, sorry I stirred the mud.

[gb6491]

Thank you for the link....and for scaring me off the CW45 :o
Oops, that surely was not my intention. That thread was meant to chronicle the issues and (more importantly) their solutions that I experienced with my particular CW45. I was not passing judgment on any of the other Kahr 45s out there as this is the only one I have first hand knowledge of. I'm sure Kahr would have made things right with my gun, but I made the choice to do it myself. I hope that was not construed as an indictment of Kahr service.
I feel I need to reiterate that I'm pretty happy with the pistol as it is now. However, I do stand by the comment I made about not carrying my CW45 as a CCW piece without modified magazines YMMV.

All that said, I shot a SA XDM in 9mm last week and now I'm thinking about replacing my CZ75 with one (or at least getting the XDM and making the CZ a dedicated .22:)). If the XD 45 is as good as the XDM and you go that route, I think you will be a happy camper.

Regards,
Greg

[PaiN]

Oops, that surely was not my intention. That thread was meant to chronicle the issues and (more importantly) their solutions that I experienced with my particular CW45. I was not passing judgment on any of the other Kahr 45s out there as this is the only one I have first hand knowledge of. I'm sure Kahr would have made things right with my gun, but I made the choice to do it myself. I hope that was not construed as an indictment of Kahr service.
I feel I need to reiterate that I'm pretty happy with the pistol as it is now. However, I do stand by the comment I made about not carrying my CW45 as a CCW piece without modified magazines YMMV.

All that said, I shot a SA XDM in 9mm last week and now I'm thinking about replacing my CZ75 with one (or at least getting the XDM and making the CZ a dedicated .22:)). If the XD 45 is as good as the XDM and you go that route, I think you will be a happy camper.

Regards,
Greg
If its any consolation, I was looking for an excuse to not want a CW45.... The pistols price(lowest of the .45 choices) kept me on it. To be honest, the other guns were more of what I was looking for.
I'm in the store I linked too frequently enough, the last time I glanced over the SA section, those XDs were ~$550....they are looking almost to good to pass up at $120 off :cool: