I have another cw 380 on the way

[twowheels]

I previously had a cw 380 and spent a lot of time, money on new parts and ammo improving its reliability but I never completely trusted it and traded it off. However, the call for another was strong and I have a brand new one on its way to me. I hope I get a good one; I hope its not fool me once, etc.....

[BEARDOG]

Have not had any trouble with the two CW380's I ordered in about a month or so ago.
I really like the CW380, it is far easier to shoot then my LCP and accuracy is down right amazing for such a small gun. Hope you get a good one too!

[BubbasDually]

I agree with beardog- I have had zero issues and mine is very accurate

[DavidR]

I hope you get a good one! I loved shooting mine it's just very picky about ammo.


Dave

[lwcalvary]

Had mine about 3 months and is very reliable. Love the size and yes, the accuracy for such a small gun is quite good.

[TheLastDaze]

here's to hoping:popcorn:

[twowheels]

Still waiting on it.....

[twowheels]

It arrived. I cleaned it, oiled it and brought it to the range with a couple different kinds of ammo. I am not happy. It did the same effing thing my last one did, which is stovepipe about every other round with several different kinds of RN ammo. I brought the POS home and disassembled the slide. I'm going to clean it, inspect the parts and reassemble it and check the extractor tension, which I expect to be too tight, like the last one. I'm going to spend a little time improving it; I think I know what to do given how much time I spent with the last one but if the POS doesn't settle quickly and run 100% within a couple hundred rounds I will sell it off with full disclosure and never buy another kahr product as long as I live. I may sell it off even if it does settle in. How can they sell these things to people? Fool me twice....

[SlowBurn]

It did the same effing thing my last one did, which is stovepipe about every other round with several different kinds of RN ammo
what is RN ammo?

[Slaam]

RN=round nose.

[TheLastDaze]

I may sell it off even if it does settle in. How can they sell these things to people? Fool me twice....

I hear ya...... I'm not sure why they haven't improved their design there are far to many problems with their 380 line, far to many..... I seem to have mine at about 99% after 800 rounds and some work I've done to it, though I still wont carry it.... fun to shoot and love the little sucker but now I'm having a reset issue or just a fluke mishap last range trip... I'm giving it one more chance as well then I'm just going to dump it, hate to see that coming but if in fact I do I think I'll buy another LCP, the new improved version to pair up with my old one...

[twowheels]

I was also looking at a new lcp. Or possibly a smith bodyguard. Anyone have experience with the little S and W?

I also have a micro desert eagle. It looks funny but its reliable and accurate. The only problems with it if you can call them problems is the slide does not lock open and the sights are hard to see in bright light. But did I say its reliable and accurate? I trust it enough to carry it.

But I want to fins another reliable small 380 on which to train my daughter. I also have a sig 232 and it flat out works but it is bigger than pocket size. And, being blowback, its too hard for her to rack.

Oh well, out to the shop to work on the problem child.

[twowheels]

Polished the breach face and the extractor and took .020" off the rear extractor pin. The extractor still feels tight. If it still stovepipes I might take a bit more off. I have an extra pin from my last 380. Does anybody radius the lower edge of the extractor to allow the cartridge rim to slide into position more easily?

[hardknocks1]

I want a kahr 380 but I won't take the chance.
I have had three kahr 9mms and all have been perfect.
My LCP has over 800 rounds thru it without one malfunction of any type and 9 different types of ammo including 3 different hollow points.
Still have a K9 and PM9 and plan on keeping them.
I considered a kahr 380 from Davidson as they claim lifetime replacement or something like that.
I always Add the price of ammo around 100 bucks to a new pistol price as I need to know it's reliable to carry and if you get a bad gun it can get expensive. 2 bad guns is just not right.

[TheLastDaze]

funny thing, I seen a video from hickok45 with his new G17 and he made a joke about it not requiring a 200 round 'break in' period, I wonder who he could be referring to??

my pm9 has been flawless for 1k rounds thus far... all mixed range brass handloads, not a single factory round......

[EvanLee]

Wow. I've owned my CW380 for less than a month and took it to the range today for annual requals (I'm a cop) and it performed flawlessly. I fired three courses of fire (25 rounds on each course) and scored 92, 92 and 96.

What makes this story truly remarkable is that I am still within Kahr's suggested break-in period.

When I first got the little feller, I had my doubts. I ran a 50 round box of cheap TulAmmo thru it and it would FTE every other round.

But today I ran 25 rounds of Federal American Eagle and 50 rounds of PMC Bronze thru it without a hitch, and put up some amazing scores to boot.

Yup, I think I got one of the gooduns.

[TheLastDaze]

Yeah tula ammo is horrible.... I had a few ftf with it in my LCP when it was new, I couldn't wait to finish off the two boxes I had....I've only fired handloads in my kahr with the exception of SD rounds... Still looking for a box or two of PMC, I also attempted to shoot Perfecta through it, no go.... dont even bother trying perfecta I dont think any cw380 will cycle it as the ammo specs are out... good to hear you got a good one they're out there but it seems a lottery

[ReManG]

It arrived. I cleaned it, oiled it and brought it to the range with a couple different kinds of ammo. I am not happy. It did the same effing thing my last one did, which is stovepipe about every other round with several different kinds of RN ammo. I brought the POS home and disassembled the slide. I'm going to clean it, inspect the parts and reassemble it and check the extractor tension, which I expect to be too tight, like the last one. I'm going to spend a little time improving it; I think I know what to do given how much time I spent with the last one but if the POS doesn't settle quickly and run 100% within a couple hundred rounds I will sell it off with full disclosure and never buy another kahr product as long as I live. I may sell it off even if it does settle in. How can they sell these things to people? Fool me twice....

What happens if it turns out you are limp wristing the pistol? I have had ammunition related failures in my CW380, but the only stovepipes were from intentionally trying to limp wrist the pistol to find its limit. You have had TWO of these and BOTH did the same thing, with the SAME operator. Have you had anyone else shoot it? It is almost like your expectations are for your pistol to fail, and to blame this on the pistol?

You are half of the issue with expectations like this in my opinion. I helped a friend get his P380 up an running he got off of a fellow that couldn't make it run. We took .025 off the back pin, stroked a small radius on the extractor base, polished the breechface with a dremel/nail polisher and did the slingshot mod to the mag followers (the best mod, the early P380s made some horrendous nose dives). 1000+ rounds later, still running great, total time was about three and a half hours, after a box of ammo to find out the malfunctions.

My CW380 hates Fiocchi ammo, other than that, been totally stock with none of the mods above needed, much improved since the early P380s. Not all pistols are for everyone, I will never buy a KelTec P11 again, too much Trigger SLAP on my finger. If I go get another and write about my expectations to not get trigger slapped, what do you think will happen if I change nothing about the way I hold or shoot the pistol. Stove Pipes can be an extractor, or a limp wrist issue too... I wish you luck, let us know what happens and start from a blank slate next time you go to the range.....

[mser]

I had a P380 several years ago and experienced nothing but problems. I was extremely disappointed with constant malfunctions, and traded it away for something else. More recently, I decided to take a chance on a CW and couldn't have been more pleased that I did. Absolutely flawless in function and performance. I was so happy with it, when another new P380 became available at a good price, I decided to take a chance. Glad I did. Couldn't be happier. Since the P380 was getting more attention, my son took notice and has laid claim to the CW. They both seem to prefer Sellier & Bellot FMJ, WWB FMJ, PMC FMJ, Hornady CD and HPR JHP.

[twowheels]

What happens if it turns out you are limp wristing the pistol? I have had ammunition related failures in my CW380, but the only stovepipes were from intentionally trying to limp wrist the pistol to find its limit. You have had TWO of these and BOTH did the same thing, with the SAME operator. Have you had anyone else shoot it? It is almost like your expectations are for your pistol to fail, and to blame this on the pistol?

You are half of the issue with expectations like this in my opinion. I helped a friend get his P380 up an running he got off of a fellow that couldn't make it run. We took .025 off the back pin, stroked a small radius on the extractor base, polished the breechface with a dremel/nail polisher and did the slingshot mod to the mag followers (the best mod, the early P380s made some horrendous nose dives). 1000+ rounds later, still running great, total time was about three and a half hours, after a box of ammo to find out the malfunctions.

My CW380 hates Fiocchi ammo, other than that, been totally stock with none of the mods above needed, much improved since the early P380s. Not all pistols are for everyone, I will never buy a KelTec P11 again, too much Trigger SLAP on my finger. If I go get another and write about my expectations to not get trigger slapped, what do you think will happen if I change nothing about the way I hold or shoot the pistol. Stove Pipes can be an extractor, or a limp wrist issue too... I wish you luck, let us know what happens and start from a blank slate next time you go to the range.....

I'm definitely not limp wristing it. I used my normal 2 hand hold. I shoot a lot of rounds and also shoot competitively and have a good solid grip.

I frankly expected it to run. And, I don't see what my mental state has to did with whether a gun runs.

Thanks for the note on radiusing the extractor base. When I had the extractor out, it looked like it could use a little work. I may pull it apart again and do a little work on it before taking it to the range.

I've checked the followers on my 2 mags and they don't seem to be interfering with feeding.

I'll keep you all informed.

[SlowBurn]

I'm definitely not limp wristing it. I used my normal 2 hand hold. I shoot a lot of rounds and also shoot competitively and have a good solid grip.

Limp wristing has zero to do with how solid your grip is. Also has nothing to do with strength, etc. Its just forgetting to lock your wrist.

I shot my Glock 17 for over 20 years. Never experienced the problem till I got my first little micro 380 semi auto (Ruger LCP.) They're much more susceptible to that tendency because they need ALL the recoil the little slide can generate to cycle properly, so any shock absorbing your wrist does robs them.

On the other hand if you're shooting an LCP without stove piping, the cw380 should be ok. I'd still have somebody else shoot it just to be sure.

[twowheels]

My grip is solid and I do lock my wrist, it is necessary for quick double taps, which are a foundation of competitive action shooting.

In any event, I radiused the extractor before going to the range today. I also clipped 1/3 coil off the outer recoil spring.

I'm back and I've got it extracting perfectly well. It also is feeding very well with full power ammo and critical defense. With ammo that is less than full power, it sometimes stovepipes.

We are getting there.



My next batch of 380 reloads is going to be hot.

[smokersteve]

My advice is to send it back to Kahr on their dime if the problems continue.
Kahrs are a hit or miss, especially in 380 acp.
I was fortunate enough to get a cw380 that has been reliable. I can even fire it with Tula steel, one handed, with my weak hand, without fault.
Here's Kahrs # (508) 795-3919

[twowheels]

Nah I don't want to send it back. It is real close, I can feel it.

[ReManG]

I frankly expected it to run. And, I don't see what my mental state has to did with whether a gun runs.



Not implying anything on your mental state causing the malfunction, but if you shoot competitively, they you know that mental state does affect your success if you believe it will.... You prefaced your initial post and the follow up when you got the new CW380 with negative expectations, so that will influence your perception of the pistol in a negative light. If you had included the group size or other positive things the pistol had (i.e. both had fantastic accuracy for such small pistols) or some such other positives you saw between the CW's then I would have thought more of your review. I try not to disqualify the positives in my outlook, it happens all too easily in life that you end up unhappy, surrounded by more potential happiness than most have...

My CW380 is currently back at the mothership, not one issue, but several small that led up to me contacting them. I have no other small pistols that fill the role of the CW380, or do things as well as it, so I want it up and running. I have no doubt that Kahr will do this. I am interested in the Micro Desert Eagle if the Kahr doesnt work out, but fear I will have sliced hands from the low grip to the sharp back of the slide... I also do not know how bad the recoil is on it, as it is a blowback, so it may be more. The shooting I have done with my CW and the friends P380 shows me I have a big pistol in a small package with the Kahr, and that is what I want. With the recoil so tame, I can shoot all day without fear of pain for me, the accuracy is amazing for any size pistol, and I got it for a specific role in my rotation.

I hope yours gets like you want and if you are looking for one for the daughter, the new CT380 is out, it is a bit bigger and may be better for her than the P232. Plus it is skinny as the CW380, I want to get my mitts on one....

[twowheels]

I also took and shot my micro desert eagle. The MDE is tiny. The trigger is as smooth as the kahr but marginally heavier. The kahr has significantly better sights and
i am more accurate with the kahr when pushing the pace. Taking my time, I can shoot them about the same. Re recoil, the MDE is a little heavier than the kahr but a little smaller. I don't feel much difference in recoil impulse. The MDE is blowback but remember that it has ports on the top of the barrel.

The MDE has a nicely made aluminum frame. The kahr polymer frame is a little rough. If the kahr were as reliable as the MDE, I would prefer it. At this point, its not. Re reports of a sharp slide, I haven't had a single issue with it either in shooting or in cleaning. My slide isn't sharp and if it were, its stainless so it would be easy to break a sharp edge. If you want one, keep your eyes open. I got mine used LNIB for as I recall $255. Most people don't know what they are and can't get past the wierd looks.

I also took to the range my Dan Wesson ECO 9mm. That's a beautiful gun. I plan on carrying it and shooting IDPA Bug.

I also took a new to me Sig 239 in 40 that I got for a steal. I sold a 239 9mm a few months ago and grabbed the one in 40 when a LNIB one came up for $400.
I really like the 239. It is extremely reliable and accurate.

I had and still have high hopes for the CW 380. I'm going to keep running it until I decide if its a keeper.

[ReManG]

Cool on the MDE, I have some fat hands and the one I handled in the LGS seemed awful close to the double chin my hand made when gripping the MDE.... I will have to see if I can shoot one before purchasing, unless I can find a deal like yours, for $255 I would have gotten one myself... Glad your going to keep trying with the CW, let us know if it works out....

[twowheels]

Will do on the cw. All 4 of my MDE mags have an extension and allow a little more grip. My hands are big but long and lanky and its a tight fit but definitely a shootable gun emerging from a front pocket. Surprise!!

I got the MDE off gunbroker.

[b4uqzme]

+1 MDE. I got mine used/unfired with a bunch of mags for pretty reasonable. It is an extremely well made gun. Shoots everything I've put through it. That slide is sharp but it hasn't bitten me yet. It got the Mrs. Her hands aren't strong enough to hold onto a gun that small.

I think P380s and CW380s are great guns and I'd be happy to work out any kinks necessary. But not everyone is as patient with guns as I. I'd still recommend an MDE to anyone with confidence.

Good luck with yours OP.

[twowheels]

I've got an update. I had an IDPA match today so I went a little early and took the Kahr with some blazer brass and hornady critical defense. I ran about 50 rounds of the blazer brass through the cw without a single hiccup and a couple mags of critical defense without incident. She is settling nicely and I'm almost ready to trust if for carry.

I'm starting to feel good about this piece even with the problematic beginning.

[twowheels]

Bought about 1000 rounds of high quality factory 380 a couple weeks ago. I ran about 100 rounds through the little cw today. I only had one hiccup while shooting off hand, I probably limp wristed it. Otherwise, it was 100%. I'm going to keep it!

[Pointblank]

I believe the little Kahr 380s like hotter ammunition. Mine ran 100% with some +P stuff from Precision One.

[TheLastDaze]

Bought about 1000 rounds of high quality factory 380 a couple weeks ago. I ran about 100 rounds through the little cw today. I only had one hiccup while shooting off hand, I probably limp wristed it. Otherwise, it was 100%. I'm going to keep it!

wow man I'm really glad you got a good one.....

[twowheels]

This is my second. My first one was not so good. However, what I learned about the first one--the need to reduce extractor tension, polish the breach face and chamber, and clip a little off the large diameter recoil spring--got it running well pretty quickly.