New CW40 need advice

[Scott321]

Hi all, I was just looking for suggestions/opinions on my experience and possible issues with my new CW40. I've been hauling a few newer firearms to the range to test for function, recoil, POI vs POA, etc. with different ammo. The last two range trips I've been testing my CM9, CW40, CW45, FNX9, and S&W 66-8. The only issues I had were with the CW40, and I was wondering if it is normal for that model. I've only shot one other 40 S&W (glock 23) and that was in the 90's... although I have a couple 10mm's.

The first 100 rounds through the CW40 were with AE 180gr FMJ (they have a flat nose). I had multiple failure to feeds with every magazine (I could actually feel the slide bouncing off the bullet as it got stuck on the feed ramp). The kick was significant, and I had trouble keeping a group. Please keep in mind, during the same range session (after firing the CW40) I shot 120 rounds of 357 magnum (Rem 125gr and 158gr) through a 2.75" 66 with no problems with grouping or fatigue. Similarly, no feeding or grouping issues with the CM9,CW45, or FNX9. I later put a box of Hornady Critical Defense through the CW40 with zero malfunctions, but still significant kick and grouping issues.

My questions is, could this be an issue with the gun, the recoil spring, or just me, the shooter? I want to like this gun, and will keep bringing it to the range with different ammo and a new recoil spring (hard to get parts locally). I was just looking for opinions/suggestions from those with more experience with this model. Please bear in mind, that sometimes it can be over a month in between range visits for me.

Update 6/21/2019: Post #7
Update 11/26/2019: Post #14
Update: 1/11/2020: Post #15

[leftysixty]

I've had a CW40 for a number of years now! If your pistol functioned fine with Critical Defense ammo it should be just fine. Since it functions fine with the CD I would guess that your range ammo is slightly under powered and should function better as your recoil spring gets broken in! The accuracy will improve as you learn to deal with your gripping of the little monster!

When I first got my CW40 I experienced similar issues to what you have experienced, I also had similar issues with my PM40. The recoil pulse is quite sharp with the forty and requires a more secure grip than even a .45 auto!

You should find that your CW40 is just as accurate as any of your other pistols! Good luck and enjoy your new toy!

[wyntrout]

I had a Mag-na-ported P40 that I sold after I got a black one and added the 4" ported barrel.

https://shopkahrfirearmsgroup.com/guide-rods-and-barrels/kahr-40-ported-barrel-p40-and-cw40-ptbrl40p.asp

I also have a Glock 23C... the ported model. The .40 has more kick than the 9mm, but I prefer and carry the P40. The .40 has more oompf. :)

I replaced the polymer magazine base plate with a stainless one and added a 3/32" thick 7/8" ID neoprene O-ring to stop pinches. I had already done the same to my P9, including the ported barrel.

I have a threaded conversion barrel for the G23C and shooting 9mm in it is almost like shooting my .22 Ruger MK3 22/45... lower recoil.

Wynn

[Scott321]

Thank you both for your comments. I'm not going to give up on the CW40 since "on paper" it checks off almost everything I want. I'll probably head out to the range next month after I track down some 45 ACP +P I like for the CW45 (can't order online in my neck of the woods). I picked up some WWB 40 JHP and will try fancier ammo depending on what's available at the range to get a better idea of what to expect from the gun... or what I, as the shooter, have to work on.

WT, thank you for your service!

[Ken L]

I have had the best success with WWB, Blazer Brass and Remington for range ammo with my CW40. I had issues with rim thickness causing feeding issues with Fiocchi and ended up doing a little extractor work to make up for the rim variances. I also needed the full 200 round break in period. I also polished the feed ramp, that seemed to make a difference. Mine likes my handloads to be on the upper end of the powder charges also. And as such, you get snappy recoil.

I'm always amazed at how accurate my CW40 is. Stick with it, it'll come around.

[wyntrout]

The Fiocchi ammo really gave me headaches... thought it was the gun and did extensive testing and polishing the chamber trying to stop the jams. I finally checked the ammo and found that the case mouths were the problem with the Fiocchi ammo. I think I had bought a case of 170-grain FMJ. It worked fine in my Glock 23C. Anyhow, the case mouths are thicker and more pronounced, causing them to catch at the top of the chamber, but taking the tiniest bit off pressure off the recoil spring by pulling back ever so slightly on the slide would allow the round to fall down and chamber without assistance.

[Scott321]

Update:

I tried 50 rounds of WWB JHP in the CW40. This only totals around 170 rounds fired through the gun (including the other brands). Rounds seemed all over the place. Last 10 rounds settled in at around 3 inches low and 2 inches to the right with about a 4" grouping at 5 yards. The kick didn't seem as much as before with AE FMJ and Hornady CD... maybe it's breaking in. The slide still felt like it was slightly bouncing while chambering under fire but not nearly as much as with the AE FMJ (flat nose). I'm going to postpone further testing while I concentrate on my 9's and 45. I really like the numbers on this gun with the 40 cartridge but won't rely on it until I get these issues figured out. Much of the variation could still be my fault, but currently I'm fawning over my older K9 and CW45 so the CW40 takes a back seat on the priority list.

[Bawanna]

Something tells me your left handed. Am I telling myself the truth?

[Scott321]

Right handed... But I have a modified Weaver stance because my left elbow has lost 80% of it's range of motion (arthritis). I am not recoil sensitive for the most part, and have not experienced any of these issues with the CW45 firing +P ammo.

[Bawanna]

Well that certainly blows a large whole in my theory. Since you got the CW 45 your accustomed to the trigger.
New right handed shooters generally shoot low and left till they get acquainted, figured low and right you was a lefty who incidentally only account for 6% of the population but I think I know them all.

This is painful I was wrong once before.... I think it was 1956, no make that 57 but I got over it. Now this.

[Wlfman13]

I thought I was wrong once. But I was mistaken.

-Wlf

[IDisposable]

I shot low and left with my S9 until I got used to it. I use 124gr ammo, so that's probably the low...but I am a lefty, so not sure about the possibility that the impact left is handedness...

[O'Dell]

That's odd. I've had eight Kahrs, and for me, the CW40 was the most accurate and it never failed. It also bested several of my other pistols, except maybe some SIG's and HK's.

[Scott321]

Update: 11/26/2019

According to FedEx, Kahr received my CW40 on 10/30/2019. I called their service department today, and they said they have not yet looked at it. They suggested to call mid-next week to see where they were.

However, in late October I bought a T40 which I like (dang heavy for such a small gun). It's a joy to shoot and has none of the accuracy/precision issues I was having with the CW40. Hopefully, this suggests that the issues I was having with the CW40 was probably something that snuck past QC at the factory.

Once the Kahr (hopefully) fixes the issues with the CW40, I will revisit switching to 40 for my EDC and HD systems. In the meantime, I've been happy with my CM9 (for lighter clothing) and CW45 for 90% of my carry time.

Update: 11/27/2019

Kahr service emailed me that the repairs were finished and firearm ready to ship back. They listed the repairs as follows:

"This is what our gunsmiths did for the repair.
POLISHED SLIDE STOP, POLISHED BARREL FEED RAMP, TEST FIRED OK (2 FULL MAGS AMERICAN EAGLE 165 GR FMJ, ACCURACY TESTED OK, INCLUDED TARGET USED FOR ACCURACY TEST FOR CUSTOMER REFERENCE."

I will let you know how it goes once the CW40 is back and I've had a chance to bring it to the range.

[Scott321]

Update: 1/11/2020

So I've taken the CW40 to the range a couple times since I got it back. I haven't put a ton of rounds through it, as I've pretty much settled into my CW45 for daily carry. However, I've shot a few different brands of 40, different weights, and both JHP and FMJ and it seems to be working perfectly. Today's session was using Win 165gr FMJ, and at 5 yards often two pairs from a 5 shot group would be on top of eachother, and 5 shot groupings have gone from 12+" at 5 yards and multiple failures to feed in each magazine (before warranty work) to 1.5" with no failures (after warranty work).

[gb6491]

Update: 1/11/2020

So I've taken the CW40 to the range a couple times since I got it back. I haven't put a ton of rounds through it, as I've pretty much settled into my CW45 for daily carry. However, I've shot a few different brands of 40, different weights, and both JHP and FMJ and it seems to be working perfectly. Today's session was using Win 165gr FMJ, and at 5 yards often two pairs from a 5 shot group would be on top of eachother, and 5 shot groupings have gone from 12+" at 5 yards and multiple failures to feed in each magazine (before warranty work) to 1.5" with no failures (after warranty work).
That's pretty darn good news!
Thanks for the follow up.
Regards,
Greg

[Poppatello]

How was the recoil was it any better? I’ve had my CW40 almost a year and finally took it to the range this past weekend. I absolutely hated how it shot. It was very snappy and the very inaccurate. I’m talking even at 5 yds. I have a Taurus 24/7 .40 that I could cut out a bullseye on a target @ 15 yds. I’m not a competition shooter, but I think that’s pretty good for an average Joe. I absolutely love the look and feel of the CW40. I have the all black finish and it feels comfortable in the Vedder light tuck holster. I want it to be my new EDC but it’s not there for me. Don’t know how folks can handle the CW45 and how they say the CW40 has a light recoil. I’ve got big hands and I’m not small. I just didn’t expect so much snap.

[Bawanna]

My K40 is very accurate but I'm not fond of the muzzle flip and snappiness. I get along much better with my PM45. Guess the slower heavier 45 isn't as snappy or something. K40 is much heavier and I've had it magna ported, still pretty snappy.

[Poppatello]

I found an old thread from like 2009 where someone had the same issue as me. Someone referred him to the new members sub-forum so I have been ready that over. Lots of info to take it so may take me a bit. Hope there are some pictures later on in that thread. I'm hoping that cleaning the pistol and break it in a certain way will fix my issues.