Cm9 vs cw9

[Victor Foxtrot 7]

Hello all, new guy with questions. I know this horse has probably been beat to death more than a few times, but here we go again. A bit of background about my carry habits, I usually carry a S&W 642 J Frame IWB or a Ruger LCP in my pocket. I'm very comfortable with this carry. Then I thought maybe I ought to move into this century and start carrying a single stack 9mm like the rest of the world. So i purchased a S&W Shield 9mm. Great gun, no problems, shoots great, I just can't carry it. It feels too big, but even worse, it feels heavy, dragging down my pants. So the Shield has other duties at my house now, I think this may be my opportunity to to talk my self into buying a Kahr 9mm. So I'm looking at CW9, when stacked up against the Shield, the CW9 looks like the measurments are relatively close except weight, the CW9 is three ounces less than the Shield. I'm not sure the three ounces would do it in making a big difference. I like the idea of 7+1 and a three finger grip, this will be an IWB carry. So now I'm looking closer at the CM9. The CM9 is better than a half inch shorterin length and hight and five ounces lighter at 15.9 ounces getting real close to my J Frame weight. But I would loose the three finger grip, but could add a magazine grip extender. I would loose the 7+1, but I could install Mag Guts add a round kit to the magazine and have the 7+1. What do you think, anybody here have experience in something similar. Just looking for some advice form the gurus here.

thanks
VF7

[Ralph III]

Hello Victor,
I'd highly recommend looking into getting the S9 instead. It is essentially the same as the CW9 but you get some nice upgrades and it is much better looking. It's really in-between the value series and the premium series.

After much consideration I purchased one about 4 months ago and love it. The .90 width and weight makes it very comfortable to carry. I had a Bersa Bp9cc which is only slightly larger/heavier then the Shield and let me tell you, the smaller frame of the S9 and being 3oz lighter made a huge difference as a ccw. I also had a Bersa Thunder 380cc which is a fairly small and light pistol but even it didn't carry as well as this S9. I can carry the S9 all day long whereas the Bersa's just felt bulky/heavy.

One other thing, although it is slightly larger than the CM9 the additional weight makes for a less snappy and more accurate gun. You get the extra round at no cost also.

Good luck,
Ralph

[Bawanna]

If you plan to carry IWB I'd go with the CW or the S9 (although I have no first hand experience with it).
IWB you won't notice the extra length of the grip.

It seems every one buys a super compact pistol and then add mag extensions to make it like a larger gun.
The plus side I guess is you can make the compact small again if needed.

Just my personal opinion not worth the cyber space I took to write but I'd go with the larger gun.

[JinRC]

I have essentially both, a CW9 and a PM9. I choose to carry the CW9 as it conceals just fine with my usual shorts and t-shirt.
I have to ask, what type of belt are you using. I've shot the shield before and it doesn't seem like it should be a problem carrying. I've personally gone through a couple of belts and ended on the Kore gun belt. Really like it, so far. Can't beat a solid, stiff, quality gun belt.

[King Rat]

I like my CM9 so much, I am thinking about getting another. Saw your post and it got me to thinking about another size. Hard to beat the CM. I mean this is a 9mm close to size and weight of a some 380's and so mild to shoot. I have a size large hand and it fits just fine. Do I really want to give up that extra concealment, weight and size. To me, extra ounces Count, especially when carrying all day. I think I will stick with the CM, at least until I pull the trigger. Thanks for the question.

https://i.imgur.com/VMmVe7M.jpg?1

https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/kahr-cm9-vs-kahr-cw9

[bassgunner]

I have both the Shield and the CM9. The CM9 does feel significantly smaller and lighter IWB. However, I shoot the Shield so much better and am more confident in my abilities with it that I tend to carry it more often. I will second the comment about having a good belt, it makes a difference.

[Victor Foxtrot 7]

Wow, I'm getting a lot of advice here. Ralph, I have seen reviews of the S9, seems like a souped up CW9, looks pretty sweet. Browsing local gun shops online I found one for $345. I will keep this one on my radar also. Bawannas, looks like another vote for the larger gun. JinRC, you chose the smaller frame, do you pocket carry, do you have the grip extension? As far as belts, I have four gun belts, one of them apparently shrunk and I don't use it anymore, who would have thought a belt would shrink just hanging in the closet, but the others work well. I have a BladeTech belt that's similar to the Kore ratchet type, use it a lot, but also use my Daltech for my every day belt. King Rat, you also chose the CM9, Same questions for you about the pocket carry and grip extension? Bassgunner, You chose the CM9, do you have the grip extension? you say you can shoot your Shield better, I assume because of weight and grip length. Thanks folks for all the input. I guess I'm just spoiled to carrying a J Frame all these years, everyone that has a Shield has no problem toting it. So far I have two votes for CW9/S9, and three votes for CM9/PM9. keep the advice pouring in.
Thanks.
VF7

[CM9]

Here is my thinking...………….have owned and carried several Airweight 38s--637-442-642-638-438, have owned and carried three different Shield9's,all version 1.0, have owned and carried Glock in models 33{.357sig),27(40s7w},26{9mm)………….all of the guns mentioned were pocket carried. I have now carried my CM9 for one year now and without any hesitation, I can say that "safe" pocket carry is better with the CM9, it disappears in my jeans pocket, it has been 100% reliable, and I shoot it much more accurately than ANY of the afore mentioned guns which I attribute to the combination of the sights (82 year old glaucoma eyes) and the Kahr trigger(82 year old arthritis fingers). I actually didn't shoot the Shield very well at all. OK , I'll hush now.

[berettabone]

I see an issue here. With a proper holster and belt, a Shield should definitely not be tugging down your trousers. I've carried firearms that were much heavier than a Shield with no problems, and I'm not a large person. I carried an M&P .40 compact. I carried an MK9 in my front pocket for years, with suspenders. With a belt, it would have dumped the trousers. For me, a CM9 in a front pocket would still be a bit heavy for a belt. It sounds to me like you've already got the front pocket thing covered with the J frame and the Elsie Pea. You can't get much lighter than an LCP. You got spoiled by the front pocket carry, and now, everything else feels heavy.:) It happened to me, but I have the proper belt and holster for me now, and everything is peachy...…………….so I would go with the larger/CW firearm. There's nothing wrong with what you are pocket carrying now, and with the right ammo, you shouldn't feel under gunned. I never used or use mag extensions. They get in the way, and if that extra bullet or two makes that big of a difference, well it just wasn't my day I guess. You would be better off skipping the extensions and just carrying extra mag/mags ​IMHO. I don't think you'll be pocket carrying the CW. 3 ozs. is a big difference in a pocket carry, on the belt, not so much. If I chose the CW, I would put flat mag bases on. I have also gotten away from the front pocket, and have been using a Remora holster. To me, much better than a conventional IWB holster, but I know, not for everybody.

[Armybrat]

Adding to what berretta said about the CW9 (or the S9), you could put the Magguts spring system in the magazine to make it an 8+1.

[JohnR]

Is the Magguts for 9mm out? I thought it was vaporware.

[gb6491]

Adding to what berretta said about the CW9 (or the S9), you could put the Magguts spring system in the magazine to make it an 8+1.
Except that the long promised Magguts for 9x19 Kahr pistols is still in "This product is coming soon!" status.:001_huh:

[bassgunner]

Bassgunner, You chose the CM9, do you have the grip extension? you say you can shoot your Shield better, I assume because of weight and grip length. Thanks folks for all the input. I guess I'm just spoiled to carrying a J Frame all these years, everyone that has a Shield has no problem toting it.

I tried the grip extensions on the CM9 and found my natural point of aim was better without them. I will use the CM9 for pocket carry as the Shield is a little large to get out of a pocket. I think it is the trigger difference for me with the Shield. I can shoot a J frame well and a shield well but for some reason I am struggling a little still with the CM9. If I don’t think about it or try too hard I can keep them center mass at 10 yards but if I start trying to aim I end up about 6 inches low. Not so with any other gun I shoot. I will keep working on the CM9 but I feel more at ease with others. Ironically, I shoot an LCP very well also, not sure what it is about the CM9 for me.

[Mike_usn_ret]

16281Own or have owned many....many different CC firearms and seem to always come back to my CM9. Just has the perfect feel and accuracy that I can not get with any of my other guns.

[Ralph III]

Wow, I'm getting a lot of advice here. Ralph, I have seen reviews of the S9, seems like a souped up CW9, looks pretty sweet. Browsing local gun shops online I found one for $345. I will keep this one on my radar also.
Thanks.
VF7

Hey Victor,
The S9 is really sweet looking. The engravings are a lot nicer than the stamped looked of the value series and it comes with a picatinny rail, although I will never use. The gun is very accurate also. I have no problem punching holes in a target out to 90 ft and I am getting between 2in and 2 1/2in groupings at 30ft. I should be able to improve upon that after I get used to the i-dot sights I just installed on it. I have put about 500 rounds through it without one malfunction, so reliable as well.

Dahlonega Armory has the S9 listed for $324.00 but I think they charge a small fee or shipping, cannot remember. I've purchased numerous from them lately. It is a prominent pawn shop in Georgia but they drop ship everything sold online. So it will come directly from a Kahr factory/supplier.

If this is going to be a iwb pistol then I wouldn't hesitate to get the S9. Some folks are talking about your belt possibly being the issue with the Shield; but I am telling you the thinner width of the Kahr and the 3oz lighter weight was a significant improvement for me over my Bersa's.

Good luck,
Ralph

[JinRC]

"JinRC, you chose the smaller frame, do you pocket carry, do you have the grip extension?"
Actually I carry the larger CW9. Tried to pocket carry the PM9 and it printed with the clothes I wear.
YMMV

[Victor Foxtrot 7]

Thanks so much folks, some good info here. I have found a CM9 in Clemson for $350 OTD and a CW9 in Greer $330 OTD, both NIB. I plan on taking a field trip in the next couple of days or so and go fondle a couple of Kahrs. I keep bouncing back and forth, one minute it's defiantly the CM9, the next minute it's the CW9 for sure. I guess I need to drool over them let the right one pick me. Sometimes you just know it when you hold it. (That didn't sound creepy did it?) Anyhow, I'll let ya'll know something after my field trip.

VF7

[berettabone]

Hello Victor,
I'd highly recommend looking into getting the S9 instead. It is essentially the same as the CW9 but you get some nice upgrades and it is much better looking. It's really in-between the value series and the premium series.

After much consideration I purchased one about 4 months ago and love it. The .90 width and weight makes it very comfortable to carry. I had a Bersa Bp9cc which is only slightly larger/heavier then the Shield and let me tell you, the smaller frame of the S9 and being 3oz lighter made a huge difference as a ccw. I also had a Bersa Thunder 380cc which is a fairly small and light pistol but even it didn't carry as well as this S9. I can carry the S9 all day long whereas the Bersa's just felt bulky/heavy.

One other thing, although it is slightly larger than the CM9 the additional weight makes for a less snappy and more accurate gun. You get the extra round at no cost also.

Good luck,
Ralph
S9 is better looking is sure in the eyes of the beholder.:) Extra slide cuts and the wording on the slide could be an improvement, but between the hideous rail, and the serial number on the grip, give me the old style any day.:p

[Armybrat]

Except that the long promised Magguts for 9x19 Kahr pistols is still in "This product is coming soon!" status.:001_huh:

Didn’t notice that little tidbit. :o

Hope they get it on the market soon before I fall to temptation and order a Sig P365.

[King Rat]

Didn’t notice that little tidbit. :o

Hope they get it on the market soon before I fall to temptation and order a Sig P365.

I would suggest you try out the 365 before purchase if you have not already done so. It might not be a good fit. Too easy to ride the slide. The same with some of the friends I shot it with. I did shoot the 365 SAS this past weekend. I liked it so much better, just a cool gun and loved the sights. Loved the sleek, snag free design. But alas it still was not a good fit. And of course, you would be giving up the Kahr trigger which I think IMO is perfect for carry. I like the looks of the S9 and seems like heck of a good gun. But for myself, do not want to move away from the Small, easy shooting Cm9. A perfect Fit, size, weight and Mild shooting.

[getsome]

Hi Victor Foxtrot 7, welcome to Kahrtalk....I pocket carry my PM9 everywhere I go with no trouble at all....My vote is for a CM9 or even better a PM9 and stay with the standard 6 round flat baseplate magazine....I figure if I haven't hit um with 7 shots I probably wouldn't with 9 or 10.....I wouldn't mess with the magazines other than installing the Lakeline metal followers to improve feeding....I started CCW with a Smith 642 air weight and still carry it sometimes but I find the PM9 to be perfect for me and is all the gun I would ever need...

I did look at a Sig 365 and they are nice guns but IMHO the trigger is too light and the grip is a little too wide to pocket carry so I let that one stay on the shelf....Guns are like many other things in that when you find the correct one you know it right away and for this old coot the PM9 is the perfect fit....Good luck on which Kahr you pick for your CCW choice, you can't go wrong with a Kahr...

[deadeye111]

Like getsome said above the CM9 in pocket with leather or other good holster of choice is mighty Comforting. I would like to add that a spare 6 round magazine in leather sheath doesn’t take up much space in weak side pocket.

[HuskyPurpleDinosaur]

I like my CM9 so much, I am thinking about getting another. Saw your post and it got me to thinking about another size. Hard to beat the CM. I mean this is a 9mm close to size and weight of a some 380's and so mild to shoot.
I have a PM9 but am considering a S9 w/ 4.5" barrel.

PM9 is about as large as you can fit in a pocket, and a pocket holster is a thousand times more practical and comfortable than any IWB carry.

For days I feel like IWB though, I figure why not step up to the S9 w/ the 4.5" threaded barrel from the Kahr website. You replace the budget model barrel with a premium one that is also an inch longer. That extra inch isn't hard to conceal IWB, and if you use some extremely light for caliber rounds like the Underwood Xtreme Defender 65gr, you can get around 470ftlbs on target. For comparison a 147gr F.HST +P out of a PM9 will net around 270ftlbs.

https://youtu.be/2PTggNzULkM?t=195

tl;dr: Get both! C/PM9 and S9.

[HuskyPurpleDinosaur]

I figure if I haven't hit um with 7 shots I probably wouldn't with 9 or 10.....I wouldn't mess with the magazines other than installing the Lakeline metal followers to improve feeding....
Magguts spring kit works fine in my PM9. Gives you 8 shots with your flush mag, and then 8 shots in the spare mag, 16 total. Spare mags being single stack are so tiny that its not obtrusive to carry them on the weak hand belt clip.

[Bawanna]

For many years I did not and could not get comfy with IWB. I tried several. I got a Garrett Silent Thunder and at first thought once again I have failed. But I had an aha moment and started playing with the adjustments and alas I've come to love IWB for everything up to and including Commander size 1911's. When I go full size I go back to OWB in my beloved Mernickle PS6 only because I'm a full time sitter and the 5" is just long enough that it interferes. IWB works even then just not quite as well.

I've never carried in my pocket and never will. If I need to hide it I use an ankle holster, that's what I do around the house and on weekends working around the place as I usually just wear sweat pants and they don't have belt loops, can't imagine pants without belt loops. Now that everyday is a weekend I've gone to wearing big boy pants again and hang a 1911 on the belt. If it gets covered in sawdust it needs to be cleaned anyway so no worries.

I'm deeply against open carry in public but at home riding the lawnmower or working the wood pile, around the shop, it doesn't bother me one bit.

[HuskyPurpleDinosaur]

I've never carried in my pocket and never will.
On Amazon you can get something called a Desantis Superfly pocket holster. Its not that hard kydex, so is very comfortable. You'll notice one huge advantage is if you're in an iffy situation, the ability to casually slip your hand into a pocket and say "hey, I don't want any trouble" and able to draw instantly is much better than an ankle holster where you need both hands and bending over to get at it unless you're a cheerleader used to doing air splits. I mention Amazon as they have free returns, so if it turns out to be poop you only wasted a few mins of your time.

[mini14jac]

Hope this helps:

Ruger LCP 9.42oz (11.95oz. with 6+1)

Kahr CM9 15.9oz (19oz. with 6+1)

M&P Shield 20.2oz (23.8oz. with 7+1)

I like the Shield for OWB or IWB.
When I had the CM9, it worked pretty well for in the pocket carry for me.
Not nearly as easy to carry as my LCP, but not bad in cargo pockets.

There is 1/4 pound difference between the Shield and the CM9, and the Kahr is is smaller.

[Bawanna]

On Amazon you can get something called a Desantis Superfly pocket holster. Its not that hard kydex, so is very comfortable. You'll notice one huge advantage is if you're in an iffy situation, the ability to casually slip your hand into a pocket and say "hey, I don't want any trouble" and able to draw instantly is much better than an ankle holster where you need both hands and bending over to get at it unless you're a cheerleader used to doing air splits. I mention Amazon as they have free returns, so if it turns out to be poop you only wasted a few mins of your time.

It really isn't the comfort factor although I carry nothing in my pockets due to sitting full time, stuff doesn't stay and it's hard to get at anyhow. Pocket carry just isn't natural to me. I only ankle carry as a back up or if I'm going someplace I'm not supposed to have a gun inside a building etc. I leave the belt gun secured in my van and put it back on when I return.
Actually sitting the ankle is pretty convenient. Figured I'd go into my girly man cower please don't kill me bending over and come up with a PM45 in hand. Give them a Pyle surprise, surprise, surprise.