CW9 vs. CW40

[schmitty]

I'm looking at adding another Kahr to my stable. I currently have a CW45, and now I'm picking one up for my wife to carry. She shoots my .45 regularly, and has no issue with the recoil. Is the recoil sharper on a .40 than a .45? I would rather she carried the .40 because of the extra power, but I don't want her to be afraid to shoot it either. Anybody have both that can compare the two? Thanks!

[kwh]

Not exactly answering your question but if she does well with the .45 and you do not want the 9mm for her why not another CW45? I have a CW45, a .40 S&W Shield, and a CM9 (EDC in pocket). Double tap speed is about the same on both the Shield and the CW 45. Double taps are faster for me on the smaller CW9. I did not find the recoil objectionable on any of them but do not usually practice with more than 30 rounds at one time. Another consideration, out of 3 1/2 inch barrels there seems to be more testing with better performing 9mm bullets out of the shorter barrels (IMHO) , which would negate some of the advantage of the larger calibers. All Kahrs can handle +P but I do not know how significant that is in actual performance in shorter barrels.

[bob98366]

The CW40 is snappy due to the high pressure generated. My wife (small boned and 60+ with beginning arthritis) originally wanted that caliber but found it too much and now has a S&W Shield 9mm for carry based on shooting a friend's.

If your wife handles your CW45 OK, then IMHO that would be a major indicator to get her a CW45. Plus you're both already familiar with it.