P380 vs CW380 - what are the actual differences?

[DansGunBlog]

Hey guys,

Trying to decide between the P380 and CW380... Practically speaking, what are the differences?

Curious especially to hear if you've handled / shot both, what stood out.

Is the CW380 less comfortable in the hand, less accurate, worse sights, more recoil, will it snag on your pocket lol, more "failures" in that "breakin period", anything at all.

Thanks!
Dan

[b4uqzme]

From the Kahr website:

"Differences between the Kahr CW380 and Kahr P380 models include: the CW series has a conventional rifled barrel instead of the match grade polygonal barrel found on P models; the CW slide stop lever is MIM (metal-injection-molded) instead of machined; the CW series slide has fewer machining operations, and uses simple roll marking instead of engraved markings; the P380 comes with two magazines, but the CW series comes with one 6 rd steel magazine with flush baseplate... The (CW) pistol features drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight and pinned-in polymer front sight (vs. dove-tailed front and rear on the P380)."

None of the differences impact the quality or fuctionality of either pistol including the MIM CW slide stop. Most owners report the same accuracy from both barrels. Polygonal barrels are prone to leading, however, so you should stick to jacketed bullets with a P model.

The value you place on those differences will be up to you. I tend to think the CW is a bargain = just as good but a little simpler. One of these days I'll break down and buy a CT380 even though I don't need one at all. That's how good they are.

[SlowBurn]

The P comes with some extras too. Plastic case. Extended mag. Maybe another extra mag. It's also available in an all black version.

I have both, and love them, but to me they're the same gun. Many parts including the entire lower are interchangeable. The CW version was not on the market until the P had been around for years and had proven the design. Now that the CW is available, for most people it makes no sense to spend the extra money for the P.

[Bobshouse]

The differences I see are: The P380 is on the California "approved" list, the CW380 isn't...so that's as far as I have to take it.

[SlowBurn]

The differences I see are: The P380 is on the California "approved" list, the CW380 isn't...so that's as far as I have to take it.
And it has to be the P380CA with the LCI and magazine disconnect, not the standard P380. Adds another $66 to the msrp and you get 2 mags instead of the 3 that come with the P380.

So a Kalifornia compliant version is $314 more than a cw380. Probably why everyone is moving to Nevada.

[b4uqzme]

... Probably why everyone is moving to Nevada.

Well, that and the Bunny Ranch. :o

[anarchy187]

Kahr also has a free mag offer right now with the CW380. Got mine on the way :)

[TimtheRef]

I got a good deal on a barely used P380 with blackened slide and Trijcon night sights when I was in the market for a better 380 (didn't love my P3AT), and the CW380 was advertised but no gun shops had them. I have loved this little gun, and put many rounds through it to the point where it runs very smoothly and reliably. It is easily my most often carried pistol and for good reason. Legitimate caliber for civilian defense (I'm not an LEO, and while I would like something bigger in the event of a mass-murdering psychopath, I don't know that a 9 mm subcompact is going to make enough of a difference. I carry a CM9 often as well, but just because I like to be different. The statistical probability of being the one to stop the psychopath doesn't outweigh the daily comfort factor. If ever in that nightmare scenario, I'd rather have my AR or even my .270, but those aren't practical for daily carry.) Easy to carry, easy to conceal, and runs like a charm.

Now, all that said, if I could've found a CW380 for less money at the time, I would've been perfectly fine with that. My dad has the CW, and it handles just fine. At the distances worth using a 380 for, you're not going to notice significant differences. And as far as 380's go, I don't think there's a better 380 pocket pistol on the market than what Kahr has made when comparing these pistols as a total package. So spend the money or save the money, you'll be happy either way with the Kahr.

[DansGunBlog]

So a Kalifornia compliant version is $314 more than a cw380. Probably why everyone is moving to Nevada.

Lol I'm dumbfounded that any liberty lovers at all are still left in Kalifornia.

Texas is a pretty good place to be, tho firearm infringements are still far more persistent than the Texas reputation would have folks believe.

We still don't enjoy Constitutional carry (as our friends in Arizona have had for years) but at least Open Carry passed this year's legislature, taking effect in Jan 2016 (as 40+ other states have, sigh). Will be surprised if we don't see uninfringed Constitutional Carry by 2017 - or perhaps sooner via a Texas Constitutional Amendment.

Same story with knife infringements... Texas has a 5.5" blade limit - longer than most places, but sill downright silly. The bill for statewide knife preemption thankfully did pass, so no restricting locking knives or such b.s. in socialist leaning areas like Austin or San Antonio. The bill to strike knife infringements altogether almost passed, tho it was torpedoed at the last minute, even after unanimously passing out of committee.

So Arizona still kicks Texas ass in gun and knife freedoms, but Texas is slowly and steadily going that way.

Dan

[DansGunBlog]

None of the differences impact the quality or fuctionality of either pistol including the MIM CW slide stop. Most owners report the same accuracy from both barrels. Polygonal barrels are prone to leading, however, so you should stick to jacketed bullets with a P model.

The value you place on those differences will be up to you. I tend to think the CW is a bargain = just as good but a little simpler. One of these days I'll break down and buy a CT380 even though I don't need one at all. That's how good they are.

...

The P comes with some extras too. Plastic case. Extended mag. Maybe another extra mag. It's also available in an all black version.

I have both, and love them, but to me they're the same gun. Many parts including the entire lower are interchangeable. The CW version was not on the market until the P had been around for years and had proven the design. Now that the CW is available, for most people it makes no sense to spend the extra money for the P.

Cool, that's literally the type of feedback I was hoping for...

Thanks!
Dan

[DansGunBlog]

One of these days I'll break down and buy a CT380 even though I don't need one at all. That's how good they are.

Had not looked at the CT380 at all yet, thanks for bringing that up. hmmm... did a little research, and it seems to be a little bigger, at first glance looks same size as the PM9. so I'm confused about the purpose of it's design... is the goal to have a soft shooting pm9 being .380?

[DansGunBlog]

Update on CT380 vs CW380 - ok, I get it... this is a great article on it - http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2015/03/kahr-ct380-review.html

So looks like the CT380 is longer and taller, but same exact width as the CW380, so easier to shoot.

Dan.

[MurrayNevada]

I held them side by side and had to have the P model.

[b4uqzme]

Update on CT380 vs CW380 - ok, I get it... this is a great article on it - http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2015/03/kahr-ct380-review.html

So looks like the CT380 is longer and taller, but same exact width as the CW380, so easier to shoot.

Dan.

Exactly. For me the "thin" factor is what's attractive.

[erichard]

One difference I thought about last night is that because the front sight is dovetailed, you have a broader choice of night sights if you want to go that route. Otherwise your choice on night sights are from Kahr, or I think Dawson Precision. It's a minor point, and probably not worthy of consideration given how good a deal the CW is, but if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, and you like Big Dot XS sights for instance, the P series might be for you.

And yes, thin is in. The Kahr 380 just disappears from sight and weight and bulge. I now carry it IWB. Very easy. Used to carry it in pocket, but it weighed the pants down a little. On the belt, no issue. And easy shooter.

Stick to round nose ammo for practice and XTP or Hornady Critical Defense or Lehigh Controlled Fracture for personal defense rounds, and you're going to be pleased with the gun. The slide lock sometimes needs a little fitting (read filing) to optimize slide lock and prevent premature slide lock. Avoid the extended mags IMHO. If you were counting on using the extended mags, maybe consider the CT version instead. And I highly recommend the Magguts for the mags to increase capacity by one. Only had one problem with them where the plastic piece on the locking plate broke. They replaced that for free. So you can have a 7+1 gun with Magguts, no extended mag (which can foul up the feed if finger pressure on the mag tilts the mag ever so slightly, which happens I think).

[dsk]

I bought my P380 when the CW380 had just been announced but was still unavailable. The latter didn't finally come out until nearly a year later. Had it come out right after my purchase I'd have had serious buyer's remorse, for I paid a pretty penny for the P380 and honestly there's nothing it can do that the much cheaper CW380 can't. On a pocket pistol you do not need polygonal rifling, a dovetailed front sight or a forged slide stop. Few people hang onto the plastic case, and spare magazines can be purchased anytime. The rounded edges on the P380 are nice compared to the chiseled look of the CW380, but for the cost difference it's a small thing.

What I've also noticed is that used P380s often sell for nearly the same amount as a used CW380, since most buyers aren't going to pay more for the frivolous "extra" features causing gun dealers to discount them heavily. Bad news if you're a P380 owner looking to sell yours, but good news if you're shopping for one and don't mind rolling the dice on a pre-owned Kahr just to have the upgraded version.

[Bobshouse]

What I've also noticed is that used P380s often sell for nearly the same amount as a used CW380, since most buyers aren't going to pay more for the frivolous "extra" features causing gun dealers to discount them heavily. Bad news if you're a P380 owner looking to sell yours, but good news if you're shopping for one and don't mind rolling the dice on a pre-owned Kahr just to have the upgraded version.

Not here in California.

[TimtheRef]

I also bought my P380 shortly after the CW was announced, but long before I ever saw one in person. It was technically used, but didn't look as though it had ever been fired, has the black slide, and already had Trijicon night sights installed (front and rear). I got it for about $600, which was more than I probably should've spent at the time, but damned if it hasn't become my most often carried and well loved little pistol. Keep it in a pocket most of the time, with a CT 7 round mag in a small case on my belt. Hasn't let me down yet.

[Shoop]

Not here in California.

Since they're basically the same gun is the reason Commiefornia gives simply that it's not expensive enough to prevent enough people from purchasing it?

[wyntrout]

CW comparison at Kahr.com. I don't know if they have a direct comparison with the .380's, but the differences are pointed out here:

http://www.kahr.com/cw-series.asp#comparison

I would buy a real P380 in DLC with NS, the actual P380 is really a PM-type and the CT is the P-model. I really liked the feel of the CT380, but wanted a "Premium-model" with DLC and NS.

Wynn

[jpshaw]

While I don't own a Kahr .380 I do own a P9 that I bought before the CW series came out. With the difference in price I would probably suggest the CW series now. However, I do love my P9. I keep hearing that the polygonal barrel is prone to leading. In actuality it leads no more and probably less then the standard barrel but the smooth interior surface leaves very little space for the lead to go before it starts to constrict the barrel thus increasing pressure.

[Bobshouse]

Since they're basically the same gun is the reason Commiefornia gives simply that it's not expensive enough to prevent enough people from purchasing it?

Actually, because the CW380 isn't on the California approved list....LOL

[jocko]

While I don't own a Kahr .380 I do own a P9 that I bought before the CW series came out. With the difference in price I would probably suggest the CW series now. However, I do love my P9. I keep hearing that the polygonal barrel is prone to leading. In actuality it leads no more and probably less then the standard barrel but the smooth interior surface leaves very little space for the lead to go before it starts to constrict the barrel thus increasing pressure.

don't believe half of what u hear and the utter half, just confirm yourself. Polygonal is no more of a fouling barrel than standard rifling. I always at every range session run my bore snake through my semi's. I start at the mag wellopening and then run the snake thru the barrel and this way it cleans the feed ramp at the same time. Sure isn[t rocket science to keep a gun clean today with all this modern time saving stuff out there. Just sayin

[jocko]

Actually, because the CW380 isn't on the California approved list....LOL

I kinda gotta question why one wopuld buy the cw380 as it is damn near the same size at the cm9. Now the P380 is as smallas kahr makes and it is a small sucker to. Just sayin course thats exactly what glock did with their intro of the G42 380 and then a year or so later the G43 9mm. almost the same size,IMO why buy the 380 in the Glock. Just my 21 cents.

[happypuppy]

Thinner and much lighter. Depending how you carry it makes a big difference.

The 380 I carry when I wear business attire in my pocket. My CM9 makes my pants sag


Someday. That’s a dangerous word. It’s really just a code for ‘never’.

[GA_Sheepdog]

I kinda gotta question why one wopuld buy the cw380 as it is damn near the same size at the cm9. Now the P380 is as smallas kahr makes and it is a small sucker to. Just sayin course thats exactly what glock did with their intro of the G42 380 and then a year or so later the G43 9mm. almost the same size,IMO why buy the 380 in the Glock. Just my 21 cents.


Th cw380 and the cm9 are not really the same size. The cw380 is much thinner and lighter. Its just an overall smaller gun.. For me, the cw380 is the ultimate pocket pistol and the cm9 is an iwb gun that can be pocket carried.

[TXborn]

My issue is with finding a carry holster for the CW380. Is the P380 the same?

[skiflydive]

Yes. I use a Galco tuckable IWB, a Sticky pocket holster or an Uncle Georges rear pocket holster with both my P380 and my CW380. Lots of people make holsters for them.

[boscobarbell]

My issue is with finding a carry holster for the CW380. Is the P380 the same?

Nothing fancy, but I bought a Barsony all-leather IWB for mine, and I often forget I'm even carrying it on my waist. The Barsony is a softer leather that breaks in and forms very nicely over time.

We got a new puppy that, of course, needs to go out to do its business during the night. We've got coyotes the size of wolves around here, and so I always make sure I've got my Kahr tucked into my sweats when I take her out. I crawled back into bed at least a half dozen times with the pistol forgotten on my waist, and slept like a baby. This pistol is such a great little package.

[Mike_usn_ret]

This is what I have for the CW380 .... Spartan Tactical Kahr p380/cw 380 Kydex Holster Right Out Waist/Left in Waist $29.99 @ Amazon


15862

[RustyIron]

My issue is with finding a carry holster for the CW380. Is the P380 the same?

Not at all. TT Gunleather made one for me and I had it in just over a week. I also have a generic DeSantis that works ok.

[markman]

Are you looking for leather or kydex?


My issue is with finding a carry holster for the CW380. Is the P380 the same?

[SlowBurn]

My issue is with finding a carry holster for the CW380. Is the P380 the same?

Short answer “yes”. There is an almost imperceptible difference in the length of the barrel/slide (0.03”) Other than that the dimensions are identical. Any holster that fits one will fit the other one perfectly.

[RustyIron]

Short answer “yes”. There is an almost imperceptible difference in the length of the barrel/slide (0.03”) Other than that the dimensions are identical. Any holster that fits one will fit the other one perfectly.

Whaaat? THAT was the question? It wasn't 100% clear, that's why my reply might have appeared irrelevant.

This might be of help, if you're going kydex and the P380 doesn't fit perfectly. I have a Stealthgear holster for an HK USP 45c. It's fine. But I prefer the HK45c, and I'm a cheapskate who doesn't want to pop for a whole new holster. The joker at Stealthgear seemed uninterested in helping me buy a new index shell for the HK45c that I could attach to my existing holster. I had read about using heat to change the shape of kydex, but was previously reluctant.

As I recall, I bypassed the hair dryer and went straight to a heat gun set on low. I heated the general area that I wanted to slightly reshape, set it on the gun, and pushed on the kydex with my gloved fingers. It was shockingly easy. There were two areas I wanted to re-form, and got them done with only one or two heatings.

My concern was overheating and bubbling the kydex, or that it would get sticky when hot. Neither was the case. You can't even tell that I reshaped the shell. It looks perfect. Interestingly, the HK45c now fits the holster nicely, snapping right into place. But the fit of the USP .45c is not diminished, either. It's just like a factory fit. Now the holster fits TWO guns perfectly. Win-win.

Good luck finding the holster for your CW380.

[MistaJ]

Cool, that's literally the type of feedback I was hoping for...

Thanks!
Dan

I recently purchased a KAHR P380 upon calling the company and numerous hours of research I have found out that the KAHR P series has a life time warranty. The CT/CW has a limited 2 year warranty... To me that lifetime warranty justifies spending a lillte more money. Also there is a company palmetto leather in SC that will hand craft a custom fit leather (of your choosing) holster for the P380 and CT/CW380. They make chest holsters IWB OWB under arm holsters. Palmettoleather.com I ordered a chest holster. Hope this helps

[berettabone]

The CW380 has a regular rifled barrel, the P380 has a polygonal barrel. The CW has a mim slide stop lever, the P has a machined one. The P has more machining on the slide and roll marking. CW comes with one magazine; the P comes with 2.

[Whiskeyhorse]

The CW380 has a regular rifled barrel, the P380 has a polygonal barrel. The CW has a mim slide stop lever, the P has a machined one. The P has more machining on the slide and roll marking. CW comes with one magazine; the P comes with 2.

Plus Life time warranty for P series.

[SlowBurn]

Plus Life time warranty for P series.

I've never had Kahr decline warranty service for a CW380, long past 5 years. They don't even ask.
IMO the only difference you'll notice is the P380 is just a little prettier, at least to me. (Mine is all black.)
They carry the same, feel the same, shoot the same (great.) MIM slide stop has never been a problem. Traditional rifling vs polygonal - seriously? Both guns are as accurate as can be.
i read somewhere the P380 is no longer in production, might just be a rumor. But its gotta be hard to sell with the cw version hundreds less. OTOH if you run across a deal on a new P380 for nearly the same price...

[kenemoore]

The sights are easier to replace on the P vs the CW, and I believe the P comes with two magazines vs one.
In the past, IMHO the CW's had more break in issues than the P's. My CW would not run until I replaced the slide stop. (Which Kahr replaced for free).

[Whiskeyhorse]

I've never had Kahr decline warranty service for a CW380, long past 5 years. They don't even ask.
IMO the only difference you'll notice is the P380 is just a little prettier, at least to me. (Mine is all black.)
They carry the same, feel the same, shoot the same (great.) MIM slide stop has never been a problem. Traditional rifling vs polygonal - seriously? Both guns are as accurate as can be.
i read somewhere the P380 is no longer in production, might just be a rumor. But its gotta be hard to sell with the cw version hundreds less. OTOH if you run across a deal on a new P380 for nearly the same price...

And I have never needed a warranty service on any of my Kahrs. 9mm's or 380's. But since they are made to last a lifetime. I will take the warranty if I can get it on a good price. And while the may not have asked, does not say they won't in the future. I would be interested if others were asked about the warranty after the expiration. This is the first time I have heard that the warranty does not matter. If the life time warranty is of importance, I would call Kahr and verify before purchasing one.

[DavidR]

I wouldn’t be worried about the lifetime warranty. If you’re going to have a problem with a CW380 it’ll very likely show up immediately and you’ll be well within the warranty period.

Personally I prefer the P series to the CW series but it’s hard to justify a big price difference.

[SlowBurn]

I would be interested if others were asked about the warranty after the expiration. This is the first time I have heard that the warranty does not matter. If the life time warranty is of importance, I would call Kahr and verify before purchasing one.

The written materials state a lifetime warranty for the P series to the original owner vs 1 year for the CW series. Its true the factory could ask for proof of date of purchase or proof of original ownership, but I've never heard of them doing so and I've been following this forum since 2013. Like most reputable gun makers, I think they just stand behind their guns 100% regardless. Buy you're right that they could change.

[Whiskeyhorse]

I love the Pocket guns. I was thinking about the new Smith 380 but had to ask myself if it is worth the $'s as I already love both my CW380 and P380. And I was not thrilled about the type of Trigger on the Smith. In conclusion, I saw no reason to make the purchase.
Yesterday, I took 200 rds and fired the CW380 next to the P380. What is interesting is that the triggers between these two pistols is drastically different in Pull weight. The CW was 3.14 and the P380 was 4.1.
Why the difference? Both have quite a bit of rounds through them. The CW may have more, but I do not see how the trigger is so much lighter. Some would say they like a lighter trigger better, however I actually like the Heavier Trigger much more.
And for some reason, I cannot put my finger on (no pun intended) I just like the P380 more. Any reason anyone can think of why one trigger is so much lighter? Maybe I should order a new spring. Hate to mess with it as it is totally reliable.

[SlowBurn]

I love the Pocket guns. I was thinking about the new Smith 380 but had to ask myself if it is worth the $'s as I already love both my CW380 and P380. And I was not thrilled about the type of Trigger on the Smith. In conclusion, I saw no reason to make the purchase.
Yesterday, I took 200 rds and fired the CW380 next to the P380. What is interesting is that the triggers between these two pistols is drastically different in Pull weight. The CW was 3.14 and the P380 was 4.1.
Why the difference? Both have quite a bit of rounds through them. The CW may have more, but I do not see how the trigger is so much lighter. Some would say they like a lighter trigger better, however I actually like the Heavier Trigger much more.
And for some reason, I cannot put my finger on (no pun intended) I just like the P380 more. Any reason anyone can think of why one trigger is so much lighter? Maybe I should order a new spring. Hate to mess with it as it is totally reliable.

I have both and never noticed a difference, though I've never measured. As far as I know, all springs affecting the trigger pull are the same for both models, so it must be just a difference in wear.