mlk18
07-11-2016, 10:41 AM
I used to own a CM9. I liked the gun, but my big meat paws and the diminutive grip did not get along very well. I tried using a +1, a Pearce adapter, an A&G sleeve, etc. but could not get over it. I was also was not thrilled with the spare magazine not securely holding the top round when in my pocket. So Kahr and I parted ways and my Shield 9mm continued being my EDC. Yet I never really loved the Shield's grip either. I didn't hate it with the S&W 8 round mag, but still prefer my 3 fingers touching a grip and not an extension. Then a week or so back I walked into the gun shop to check out a Bersa BP9CC, other than the hair trigger it seemed like perhaps the perfect gun for me. While perusing the counter I saw a used Kahr CW9 with a $290 price tag. It was used with only 1-2 very light marks on it and by how tight it was I would guess well under 100 rounds through it. The shop owner said "one box of ammo". I handled it but the grip still seemed just a touch short for me, even with the factory mag in it. And no one in the area has ever even seen a CT9 let alone had one in stock. I went home without a gun. But that CW9 called to me. I read some posts here, checked out Lakeline's website, and decided to go back and get it. The gun shop owner pulls out the box and opens it to put the CW9 inside. That's when I noticed the box contained a 7 round factory mag and an 8 round factory mag (plus there was one 7 round mag in the gun). I asked what his best price was and said I would take it. Walked out the door with it for $275.
The same day I jumped on Lakeline's website and ordered a +1 baseplate, some metal followers, and a stainless guide rod (for no reason other than impulse). They arrived in short order. First off this +1 baseplate is freakin' awesome. Shorter than the factory 8 round mags and feels oh so good in the hand. It is very well made and installation was simple. The followers were also very well made, went in easy, and in my opinion were a definite improvement over factory. I can now slingshot the slide and the top round seems much more secure. The guide rod was just what I expected and looks a lot better than the oem guide rod. Since it is much smoother it may also improve functionality. Anyway this morning I went to the range and put 150 rounds through it. I presumed the original "one box of ammo" was 50 rounds, and I wanted to get past the 200 round break in before really running the gun through it's paces. Shooting Speer Lawman 124gr TMJ the gun proved reasonably reliable and accurate. I did have one failure to feed, which came (ironically?) from the one factory magazine that still had a factory follower in it. But I chalk that up to break in and am not concerned about it. The CW9 was much more enjoyable to shoot with the Lakeline +1 equipped mag than with the factory 8 round or factory 7 round magazines. I am much happier with this CW9 than my old CM9, especially after adding the Lakeline upgrades. I will probably keep the +1 mag as my in-the-gun mag and carry two 8 rounders as spares (yes, I already bought more mags). I would love to carry three 7 round mags with the Lakeline +1 baseplate, but $30 for an extension is a touch expensive to equip multiple magazines. Even if the quality is worth it. I would love to see a poly version for $10 or so less.
I am going to take it out again later in the week and put a mixture of FMJ, TMJ, and JHP through it. I have a bag of approx. 125-155 rounds of leftovers covering perhaps 7-8 different brands, bullet weights, and styles. If it can get through all of that I will order some Talon grips, a good holster, and then I will be ready to take it out to the off-duty qualifier later this summer. Not going to put my Shield up for sale just yet, but so far it's looking like it might end up on the auction block.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/81klm/2016-07-112010.04.37_zpsgyxb0srr.jpg
The same day I jumped on Lakeline's website and ordered a +1 baseplate, some metal followers, and a stainless guide rod (for no reason other than impulse). They arrived in short order. First off this +1 baseplate is freakin' awesome. Shorter than the factory 8 round mags and feels oh so good in the hand. It is very well made and installation was simple. The followers were also very well made, went in easy, and in my opinion were a definite improvement over factory. I can now slingshot the slide and the top round seems much more secure. The guide rod was just what I expected and looks a lot better than the oem guide rod. Since it is much smoother it may also improve functionality. Anyway this morning I went to the range and put 150 rounds through it. I presumed the original "one box of ammo" was 50 rounds, and I wanted to get past the 200 round break in before really running the gun through it's paces. Shooting Speer Lawman 124gr TMJ the gun proved reasonably reliable and accurate. I did have one failure to feed, which came (ironically?) from the one factory magazine that still had a factory follower in it. But I chalk that up to break in and am not concerned about it. The CW9 was much more enjoyable to shoot with the Lakeline +1 equipped mag than with the factory 8 round or factory 7 round magazines. I am much happier with this CW9 than my old CM9, especially after adding the Lakeline upgrades. I will probably keep the +1 mag as my in-the-gun mag and carry two 8 rounders as spares (yes, I already bought more mags). I would love to carry three 7 round mags with the Lakeline +1 baseplate, but $30 for an extension is a touch expensive to equip multiple magazines. Even if the quality is worth it. I would love to see a poly version for $10 or so less.
I am going to take it out again later in the week and put a mixture of FMJ, TMJ, and JHP through it. I have a bag of approx. 125-155 rounds of leftovers covering perhaps 7-8 different brands, bullet weights, and styles. If it can get through all of that I will order some Talon grips, a good holster, and then I will be ready to take it out to the off-duty qualifier later this summer. Not going to put my Shield up for sale just yet, but so far it's looking like it might end up on the auction block.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/81klm/2016-07-112010.04.37_zpsgyxb0srr.jpg