CT380, CW380, Shield question

[JMC]

Hello all

New to the forum here and looking to pick up a new Kahr. I’m torn between the CT380 and the CW380. Currently I have a Shield that I just cannot seem to carry in any capicity. No matter where or how I carry it, I hate it. For the most part carry a seecamp because it’s just too darn easy and now would like something with a little more bite.

I'm curious about how the CT380 stacks up in size against the Shield? (Different calibers I know) The obvious choice would be the CW for size reduction but if I can gain an extra round and a bit more grip and still shrink away from the Shield that would be awesome.

I’d love to know your thoughts and if any of you have the guns and might add some pictures comparing them that would be amazing. Thanks again

[berettabone]

I myself have more than one firearm, to carry in different situations. The Shield is a fine carry firearm. I own an M&P myself. Sounds like your looking for comfort. I'd be happy to purchase your Shield.

[Armybrat]

I like the CT380 because it is so easy to shoot, and is a lot less bulky than the Shield (gave one of those to my daughter-in-law). The CW380 is just a bit too small for my grip, plus I've read how finicky they can be.
My CT380 eats everything except WWB.

http://preview.ibb.co/eRnNmG/IMG_1610.jpg

[JMC]

I’d gladly sell it to you haha. I really am looking for comfort. I’ve become spoiled with the seecamp.

[JMC]

Was the ctw noticeably smaller than the Shield? I’m looking for a nice small iwb carry.

[greg_r]

The CT 380 is noticably smaller than the shield. Maybe an inch shorter in length, 1/3 inch shorter in height ( if using the extended shield magazine) and 1/4 inch thinner. I have large hands and can get enough of my pinkie on the grip of the CT380 and not have to fold it under the grip.

[Armybrat]

Was the ctw noticeably smaller than the Shield? I’m looking for a nice small iwb carry.
Yes, the CT380 is noticeably smaller, particularly in thickness. I pocket carry mine. The Shield is somewhat "bulky" in comparison, but isn't a pocket carry gun at all - very good for OWB though.

The CT is 5.52" long, 4.4" high, and .75" thick.
The Shield is 6.1" long, 4.6" high, and .95" thick.

Of course the Shield is a 9mm vs. the lesser .380.

I recently bought a CW9 which is slightly less bulky & smaller than the Shield. I'll be totin' it IWB whenever it gets "broken in" (haven't shot it yet). The CW9 is 5.9" long, 4.5" high, and .9" thick.
The CM9 is still smaller - about like the CT380, but thicker.

[SlowBurn]

With either Kahr I think you’ll notice a big improvement in the trigger vs the Shield.

[markman]

Like they say, sometimes a pic is worth a thousand words.

https://i.imgur.com/m79gSjt.jpg?2

[JMC]

Yes, the CT380 is noticeably smaller, particularly in thickness. I pocket carry mine. The Shield is somewhat "bulky" in comparison, but isn't a pocket carry gun at all - very good for OWB though.

The CT is 5.52" long, 4.4" high, and .75" thick.
The Shield is 6.1" long, 4.6" high, and .95" thick.

Of course the Shield is a 9mm vs. the lesser .380.

I recently bought a CW9 which is slightly less bulky & smaller than the Shield. I'll be totin' it IWB whenever it gets "broken in" (haven't shot it yet). The CW9 is 5.9" long, 4.5" high, and .9" thick.
The CM9 is still smaller - about like the CT380, but thicker.


and then the CW380 is even smaller than that?

[JMC]

Like they say, sometimes a pic is worth a thousand words.

http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15054&stc=1

is that the CT against the shield? That’s much smaller. Making my choice even harder between the CW and CT!

[Armybrat]

With either Kahr I think you’ll notice a big improvement in the trigger vs the Shield.
Yes, the Shield trigger is pretty gritty, but didn't handle much or shoot the one I gifted.

BTW - here are a bunch of outstanding prices for the CT380:

https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/Kahr%20CT380

I paid $280 for mine early last year and thought that was a good deal at the time!

[Armybrat]

and then the CW380 is even smaller than that?

Yes it is smaller - under 5" long:

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CW380.asp

[Armybrat]

Like they say, sometimes a pic is worth a thousand words.



Yes it is! Thanks.

[markman]

Yes that is a CT. And like many have said, the CW is even smaller.


is that the CT against the shield? That’s much smaller. Making my choice even harder between the CW and CT!

[markman]

FYI: Tombstone Tactical CT380, $209.79 with free shipping.

(https://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/kahr-arms/cw3833-cw380-pistol-380acp-2.58in-6rd-stainless/)https://www.tombstonetactical.com/ca...-7rd-two-tone/ (https://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/kahr-arms/ct3833-ct-380-pistol-380-acp-3in-7rd-two-tone/)

[markman]

Another thousand words.

https://i.imgur.com/AJMGyon.jpg?2

https://i.imgur.com/3zAdjxu.jpg?2

[markman]

I must have gotten lucky with our 2 Shields, the triggers are very good. I actually prefer a trigger with a short reset for holster carry, especially the larger pistols. Where the Kahr trigger shines for me, is for pocket carry or deep concealment because of the longer stroke. I also like the longer stoke trigger for less experianced shooters, as I beleive them to be safer for shooters that don't shoot as much. Of course these are my preferences. YMMV


With either Kahr I think you’ll notice a big improvement in the trigger vs the Shield.

[JMC]

Thank you everyone! This has been super helpful. Now I just need to choose between the CT or CW

[Armybrat]

CT380 vs PM9..

http://image.ibb.co/hC1xyR/120126_A8_27_F8_4491_8_D69_518_D13839_E38.jpg

[Alfonse]

Thank you everyone! This has been super helpful. Now I just need to choose between the CT or CW

With the Magguts inserts, the CW380 becomes 7+1, an amazing thing for its size. They seem to work really well for most folks too.

[JMC]

If anyone in Michigan wants to buy a Shield let me know haha.

[markman]

Absolutely, I have them in my CT & CW 380 along with your fantastic striker. I personally believe every Kahr 380 should use both!


With the Magguts inserts, the CW380 becomes 7+1, an amazing thing for its size. They seem to work really well for most folks too.

[CharlieR]

I would suggest that you take a look at the PM/CM9. Only slightly bigger than the CW380, with 9mm power. I have the Shield, CW380, P380, and PM9. The PM9 and CW/P380s are easy to pocket carry. The shield is great for 4 o'clock IWB, but then I need a coat or shirt over it.

[Ed M]

Totally agree with Charlie's recommendation.

My CM/PM9 is usually in my pocket in warmer weather with most pants I wear. For those rare occasions where I have to wear something they don't fit as easily in, there's always my CW380. It's the no excuse gun.

Something to keep in mind with the CW380 is that you can always make the grip bigger, but you can't make the CT380 smaller. By using a 7 round magazine in the CW380, you get the increased grip length, and if you put a MagGuts kit in the 7 round mag, you have an amazing 8+1 capacity.

Some of the latest generations of modern 380 self defense rounds have the power of +P 38 special rounds. I carry Underwood Xtreme Defender +P rounds in my CW380 - it works great in it.

With that ammo and the 7 round mag with the MagGuts kit, you now have a weapon with 8+1 capacity. Just as powerful as a 38 snubby revolver, with almost twice the round count.

If needed, you can always downsize the mag to the 6 rounder, and with MagGuts you still have 7+1 capacity, and it fits anywhere!

When it comes to the ultimate concealed carry, while still having adequate firepower, Kahr is king of the hill.

[JMC]

Totally agree with Charlie's recommendation.

My CM/PM9 is usually in my pocket in warmer weather with most pants I wear. For those rare occasions where I have to wear something they don't fit as easily in, there's always my CW380. It's the no excuse gun.

Something to keep in mind with the CW380 is that you can always make the grip bigger, but you can't make the CT380 smaller. By using a 7 round magazine in the CW380, you get the increased grip length, and if you put a MagGuts kit in the 7 round mag, you have an amazing 8+1 capacity.

Some of the latest generations of modern 380 self defense rounds have the power of +P 38 special rounds. I carry Underwood Xtreme Defender +P rounds in my CW380 - it works great in it.

With that ammo and the 7 round mag with the MagGuts kit, you now have a weapon with 8+1 capacity. Just as powerful as a 38 snubby revolver, with almost twice the round count.

If needed, you can always downsize the mag to the 6 rounder, and with MagGuts you still have 7+1 capacity, and it fits anywhere!

When it comes to the ultimate concealed carry, while still having adequate firepower, Kahr is king of the hill.

Thank you for the advice! So you would recommend the CW? I do want ultimate concealability.

[Ed M]

In a nutshell - yes.

They're as good as 380 gets.

I prefer 9mm, but if I can't carry a 9mm, I want a REALLY good 380. The CW380 is it for me.

[Armybrat]

I would suggest that you take a look at the PM/CM9. Only slightly bigger than the CW380, with 9mm power. I have the Shield, CW380, P380, and PM9. The PM9 and CW/P380s are easy to pocket carry. The shield is great for 4 o'clock IWB, but then I need a coat or shirt over it.

For my taste, the PM9 is just a bit too thick for comfortable pocket carry. That's why I gave it to one of my sons and bought the new CW9 which will be for IWB or OWB totin'. The CT380 & my LCP are for front strong side pocket carry. The thinness of the CT feels better in that pocket than the PM9 ever did.

[drw]

I would suggest that you take a look at the PM/CM9. Only slightly bigger than the CW380, with 9mm power. I have the Shield, CW380, P380, and PM9. The PM9 and CW/P380s are easy to pocket carry. The shield is great for 4 o'clock IWB, but then I need a coat or shirt over it.

I agree with CharlieR. I pocket carry in Wrangler jeans every day in a Mica holster.

[JMC]

I am going to go with the CW380. Once I sell my Shield I will pick one up.

[DJK11]

Is there a dislike for a P series pistol? Just because a C is cheaper?

[JMC]

Cost is definitely a factor, otherwise I’d go for the P series.

[washerman]

i have both the shield and a ct380...no comparison in pocket carry.....ct380 is very do-able and shield is not...of course shield is 9mm...ct380 is a very nice gun in the hand...i can get all my fingers on the grip

[CharlieR]

I really don't think you'll find much difference in size from the PM/CM9 and the CW380. I use the desantis Nemesis holster from my P380 with CT laser (don't have the model number handy), and it fits the PM9 without a laser perfectly. I'm only 5'5" and my pants are not baggy. Both fit very well in front pocket. Tried to pocket carry a Glock 42, and no go, same with my Glock 43 and Shield. The good thing about Kahrs, once you get proficient shooting one of them, you'll be proficient in all of them. Same smooth pull each time. My first gun was my P380, and we have lots of them now up to the PM45. Still among my favorite pistols.

[Ed M]

Oh, I can definitely tell the difference between my CW380/CM9 and P380/PM9. But it's not the difference you'd think.

The 380s fit pockets that are narrower. For most pockets on pants I have, the micro 9s actually fill the pocket better, and are less prone to tilting.

In anything but really loose fitting, baggy pants - where the gun can "bounce" off your leg, the 9s are actually more comfortable to pocket carry. We're talking 10 oz vs 14 oz.

The 9s are also easier to get a quick combat grip when you reach in your pocket.

For me, it's a rare situation where I have to choose the 380 over a 9.

In cool or cold weather, I usually have a 9 IWB or OWB, and the 380 in my pocket. The old New York reload.

[JMC]

As bad as it sounds, carrying for me is all about convenience. I need something that I’ll have no trouble carrying and want to carry. It seems like the CW fits that criteria well.

[markman]

If that’s going to be your only pistol, you might want to give a second look at the CT380. It’s not that much bigger than the CW380, but the extra round makes the grip a little longer for a better grip. I believe it would still be usable for pocket carry for most people. With the Magguts you will have 8 + 1. Price wise you can get one for $210 shipped.

[JMC]

This would become my primary carry with the seecamp would become my backup. As far as other pistols are concerned I’m more than covered there haha.

[SlowBurn]

As bad as it sounds, carrying for me is all about convenience. I need something that I’ll have no trouble carrying and want to carry. It seems like the CW fits that criteria well.

It does. And its much more pleasant to shoot than any other pistol of its size and weight I've tried.

I'm a huge fan, currently own 2, and carry one all the time. But to be fair, 2 caveats:
1) Some people have trouble with them at least until they get them serviced. A newly modified ejector seems to have cured most problems, but you may have to send it in if you're unlucky.
2) It is a BEAR to rack. As practical matter that means you either carry with the chamber loaded, or practice racking the slide a lot so you can do it under pressure if necessary.

That's my 2c for what its worth. I wouldn't trade em for anything.

[JMC]

Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely be carrying with one in the pipe. I wonder if there’s a way to guarantee that I get an updated version? Is it possible to just buy the new extractor and replace it at home? I’d be comfortable doing it if that’s all it takes.

[SlowBurn]

Is it possible to just buy the new extractor and replace it at home? I’d be comfortable doing it if that’s all it takes.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistol-Parts/Kahr-024CW380-Extractor-024P38MIM.asp

[JMC]

Thank you! That will be something I order straight away once I actually order the cw

[ltxi]

As bad as it sounds, carrying for me is all about convenience. I need something that I’ll have no trouble carrying and want to carry. It seems like the CW fits that criteria well.

Oh, hell...I'm even worse. At least wrt pocket carry. For me that's an NAA Mini in my right hip pocket.

[SlowBurn]

Thank you! That will be something I order straight away once I actually order the cw

I’d shoot the CW380 some first.

[JMC]

I’d shoot the CW380 some first.


Also not a problem!

[Ed M]

JMC - You're setting yourself up for success.

Don't forget to grab a spare recoil spring set when you order the extractor. You'll need it someday.....

Enjoy!

[JMC]

JMC - You're setting yourself up for success.

Don't forget to grab a spare recoil spring set when you order the extractor. You'll need it someday.....

Enjoy!

Thanks! I hope to sell the Shield this week and order the CW asap.

[JMC]

Has anyone purchased the CW with the front night sight? Is it worth the extra?

[Alfonse]

I like having the night sights. I purchased the whole set and changed them from the sights mine came with. I don't think night sights were available when I purchased mine. I would have gotten them if they were.

[JMC]

I like having the night sights. I purchased the whole set and changed them from the sights mine came with. I don't think night sights were available when I purchased mine. I would have gotten them if they were.

Was this on the CW? I wasn’t sure how easy it was to swap the sights out.

[Ed M]

Haven't done the swap to night sights on my CW380, but I did the swap on my CM9.

The front is cake to swap, the rear is easy if you have a sight pusher. Not much tougher to do than a Glock sight swap.

If you can change the sights yourself, it works out roughly the same to add the night sight set to the CW380, vs buying one with just the front night sight.

I think the complete set would be a little easier to see on the little guns, as they're a three dot sight system. May do this swap myself one day....

You can buy a complete set from Kahr, but not the front sight alone.

http://www.kahr.com/Sights/Kahr-CW380-Night-Sight-Kit-KW38TNSKT.asp

[dustnchips]

A gunsmith charged me $20 for changing the back sight and test firing. A bargain as far as I am concerned. My eyes had trouble with the stock sights.

[Alfonse]

Was this on the CW? I wasn’t sure how easy it was to swap the sights out.

Yes, it was on the CW380. The front sight is a piece of cake. The back sight is best if you have a sight pusher, or a gunsmith do it.

[JMC]

Well I finally order a my CW, cannot wait to pick it up. Still didn’t sell the Shield but that will come.