trijicon sights

[jshull]

So I bought the new cw9 as you know from my other posts, I did the break in, I am very happy with all aspects of the pistol. I would however like to upgrade to night sight set up. I just got off the phone with Kahr and they tell me that is is a good idea to pay them to install the sites. They claim that there rear site is VERY Hard to remove. Whats the thoughts on this? I will have 155.00 total in the sights and a two week wait. I could however buy the sights for 89.00 shipped and give it a shot, just really dont wanna mess anything up. I used the search function and the only thing I really read about was the fron sight being too long.....any thoughts on install?

[Bawanna]

So I bought the new cw9 as you know from my other posts, I did the break in, I am very happy with all aspects of the pistol. I would however like to upgrade to night sight set up. I just got off the phone with Kahr and they tell me that is is a good idea to pay them to install the sites. They claim that there rear site is VERY Hard to remove. Whats the thoughts on this? I will have 155.00 total in the sights and a two week wait. I could however buy the sights for 89.00 shipped and give it a shot, just really dont wanna mess anything up. I used the search function and the only thing I really read about was the fron sight being too long.....any thoughts on install?

It's really not a bad idea to have them install. That rear sight can be a real bugger to get off. They have the right stuff and your gun will come back unblemished. You can send just the slide and save a ton of postage. Also that 2 week wait is probably a worst case scenario. It's usually much less than that, often times less than a week. I'm a little surprised they charge that much to install also. Part of that might be return shipping assuming your shipping a whole gun. Might verify that before you send it, might save a little there too.
This is not to say you can't do it yourself. I did my PM45 myself and was lucky my rear sight wasn't all that tough but I know they can be. I also have a few punch marks to prove I did it myself too. Not serious but as usual only your hairdresser will know for sure.
Kahr also isn't the only game in town either, but since its a Kahr they are probably a better choice.

[jshull]

I would like to also add, while I am not a master gun smith, I am very crafty with smithing my own things. I can read directions but if I cannot do it with out the adjustment tool I will send it there.

[jshull]

well the way it breaks down is 80.00 for the sites, 40.00 for install, 25.00 for shipping to me, and 10.00 to ship to them.

[gb6491]

I put the Trijicons on my CW45. The OEM rear sight was pretty difficult to get off. Installation goes a little easier as you can take a little material off the new rear sight to improve fit. The OEM front sight was very easy to remove (it's plastic, you just break it off) and installation of the Trijicon front sight was very easy.

You might consider just replacing the plastic OEM front sight with a night sight from Dawson Precision (www.dawsonprecision.com SIGHTS FRONT:Kahr Front Sights:Kahr Tritium Inserted Front Sights Category (http://www.dawsonprecision.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=SIGHTS+FRONT%3AKahr+Fr ont+Sights:Kahr+Tritium+Inserted+Front+Sights)). It will work with the OEM rear sight. If you decide later that you want a rear night sight you can go with DP again.

More info here: http://kahrtalk.com/15666-post1.html

Regards,
Greg

[ripley16]

If you don't have a quality sight pusher, then pay to have it done. I changed my P9 sights recently and in hindsight, I would gladly pay a reasonable fee to have it done. I asked several local gunsmiths to do the change and they all refused saying the Kahr sights are too difficult. I got it done but it involved a lot of effort, time, some file work/ fitting and a bunch of words I don't usually use. :32:

[LuckyGunner]

I don't think you need to send it off to Kahr, if..

You are in contact with a reputable gunsmith that can replace the sights for your for a nominal fee.

You have the tools and/or don't mind purchasing them. You could get a sight block and be able to replace them yourself. I would only suggest this if you have some experience with gunsmithing.

If the gunsmith isn't available and you don't want to do it yourself. Send it to Kahr. You know it will be done right and the only thing you have to do is wait.

[Allblackedout]

Personally, I would rethink night sights and go with the Crimson Trace laser. For the price you would pay to buy the night sights, pay Kahr to put them on, shipping, etc, it would be about the same if you invest in the laser. I put the CTC laser on my CW9 and it was well worth the investment ($179), I even shoot better. In an encounter u will most likely not have time to acquire your iron sights. However, it comes down to your needs, wants, budget, etc. Just my 0.02

[jshull]

Personally, I would rethink night sights and go with the Crimson Trace laser. For the price you would pay to buy the night sights, pay Kahr to put them on, shipping, etc, it would be about the same if you invest in the laser. I put the CTC laser on my CW9 and it was well worth the investment ($179), I even shoot better. In an encounter u will most likely not have time to acquire your iron sights. However, it comes down to your needs, wants, budget, etc. Just my 0.02
intresting thought, i had not put much thought into the laser. I take it you really like it, also it looks very good. i worry about the dependibilty, dead batteries, broken switch, i dunno. the trijicon seam fail safe. from a money stand point it does make since. man o man the decision's....

[Crusty]

Keep in mind, Tritium night sights only have a life-span of 10-12 years. No replacement batteries after they fade. I'm still a fan of them personally, I have them on my P380 and my Para .45 Carry. I've never tried the CTC, so I can't speak to the laser but it seems to be quite popular.

[mr surveyor]

I shipped my CW9 slide to the mother ship in February for the Trij sights, and have absolutely no regrets. After discussing the installation with Ian (the "first" Ian), he advised me that the Kahr sights were under similar tension as Kimber sights.... both removing AND installing. That's all the convincing I needed, knowing that I would most likely break a trit tube in the rear sight and be out another $60 for replacement. Another concern was proper centering. When I asked Ian about the need for "user adjustment" on the sights after they did the install, his question to me was "Well, how did it shoot out of the box?". Actually, the factory sights were perfectly aligned, and he said to expect no less with the Trij sights. He was 100% correct.

The Trij "dots" are rather small and not as eye-grabbing in bright light, but after the sun goes down, they come up. I'm pleased.

The lasers, in my opinion, have good points and bad points. As anal as I am about having known, hot batteries in all the electronic gear I use, I woul spend half my range ammo budget making sure I didn't have a power failure on the laser. Another major pitfall is having to buy more holsters. On the up side, as long as they stay in proper alignment they will light up your intended target.

Anyhow.... that's my nickle's worth


surv

[Bawanna]

Well now that the waters are good and muddy I'll help some more. I'd get XS Big Dots. I can't tell how old you are with the eye makeup and stuff, a truly frightening avatar by the way. The trijicons just aren't big enough and bright enough for my old (perhaps no longer youthful eyes would be a better descriptor). The XS's stand out broad daylight or dark.
Far as the CT's go, I think they are a great training aid especially for a new shooters so you can see exactly what they are doing. The downfall to me is the battery and believe me I know batteries. Hearing Aid, electric wheelchair, van equipment, surefire, on and on and I hate to rely on anything that might let me down.
They do have a place in the scheme of things, shooting from unnatural positions without exposing so much of yourself and that sort of thing so they can be down right useful but I would'nt count on them and I would never get into a habit of relying on them over a conventional sight. I also don't think they look very cool, not bad mind ya, just not real cool and that is pretty much job #1 with me. I may not go fast but I gotta look cool going slow.
Hope I got this all cleared up for ya.

[jshull]

I can't tell how old you are with the eye makeup and stuff, a truly frightening avatar by the way.
Thats the Joker from the dark night. Heath ledger in his last role. It is one of my favorite movies. I turn 30 in febuary, I would love the big dot but they do not make them for the cw series. I have decided that I am going to move forward on the trijicon's. After looking at sight press's it is cheaper to pay for the install. plus I will have them ship some springs, and magazines plates for a flush fit I want to try.

[Allblackedout]

Wow, all i can say is I am impressed with this forum. Lots of good information rolling through with good points. I know I have the CTC laser, so I am happy where I stand at, however, if I was in your shoes I would have a hard choice to make. On a side note, this might help your decision, the laser has a 4 hour continous on life and will start to fade when it starts losing power, so the laser just does not die, you will know when the battery will need replaced as it gets less and less bright. Keep in mind, even with a laser you better be proficient with your iron sights.

[jshull]

Wow, all i can say is I am impressed with this forum. Lots of good information rolling through with good points. I know I have the CTC laser, so I am happy where I stand at, however, if I was in your shoes I would have a hard choice to make. On a side note, this might help your decision, the laser has a 4 hour continous on life and will start to fade when it starts losing power, so the laser just does not die, you will know when the battery will need replaced as it gets less and less bright. Keep in mind, even with a laser you better be proficient with your iron sights.
how does it attach? how do you activate? does the pistol still balance well? can you see it on the daylight? i just hate spending money twice, resale isn't the best on these things....

[Bawanna]

Thats the Joker from the dark night. Heath ledger in his last role. It is one of my favorite movies. I turn 30 in febuary, I would love the big dot but they do not make them for the cw series. I have decided that I am going to move forward on the trijicon's. After looking at sight press's it is cheaper to pay for the install. plus I will have them ship some springs, and magazines plates for a flush fit I want to try.

Dang, I'm sorry, I totally spaced on the CW. XS needs to get fired up and build those Big Dots for the CW.

I knew the avatar was the Joker but still scarey.

[BEARDOG]

how does it attach? how do you activate? does the pistol still balance well? can you see it on the daylight? i just hate spending money twice, resale isn't the best on these things....

Since I am still awake, and can't really watch much more of my Redskins getting hammered :puke:.... I will chime in. Since I have looked into all the options for my new CW9. I am still thinking about it, but here is MY THOUGHTS.

First, to answer your questions,(I have the same type of laser on my LCP and it works very well)... the laser is attached by two screws that go through the laser frame and clamps the frame to the trigger gaurd. It weighs next to nothing so balance is the same. And you can see it in the daylight usually, but in direct sunlight it does fade out, also it depends on what color you are pointing it at.(but since you still have your iron sights this is really not a big deal to me).

Second, I have also heard the rear is tight, BUT being a mechanic and a do it myselfer/home gunsmith. I can not see paying $155 for them to install night sights (thats about 40% of what I paid for the whole gun)!!!
I think the laser would be a better investment for your $155.(I have seen them as low as $136+shipping) They really are not the same thing anyway, night sights require you to get a sight picture just like the iron sights. If you are in a self defense situation You may not have the time to really use night sights anyway??? but with the laser you can shoot from any position with no sight picture, just put the dot on the target and squeeze. (go to crimson trace and request the free DVD to see some good info on laser use)

If you don't want the laser, I would try to install the sights myself, The front only would be easy, and may serve you just as well for self defense IMO.
OR if you want the rear also and you have a brass hammer and brass punch and a smooth/soft jaw vise, I can not imagine you could not get the rear out without too much trouble???, And if it really just could not be moved, no way no how, you could send it to Kahr then...
To install the new night sight, file a little off the bottom so that it goes in with sense.

I think the stock sights are great with the dot the i sight picture so I am not in a real big hurry to change them. Also I can point shoot this gun very well, so I may not really need any sight upgrades. But if I could get just a front night sight for around $30 like they sell for Glocks I think that's all I would do...My 2 cents

[Allblackedout]

how does it attach? how do you activate? does the pistol still balance well? can you see it on the daylight? i just hate spending money twice, resale isn't the best on these things....



First, to answer your questions,(I have the same type of laser on my LCP and it works very well)... the laser is attached by two screws that go through the laser frame and clamps the frame to the trigger gaurd. It weighs next to nothing so balance is the same. And you can see it in the daylight usually, but in direct sunlight it does fade out, also it depends on what color you are pointing it at.(but since you still have your iron sights this is really not a big deal to me).

Beardog answered everything there that would apply to the CW9 very well, but here are some pics of the CW9 with the attached laser, a very sexy gun imho with the laser.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/SaleenGT/My%20Album/IMG_0250.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/SaleenGT/My%20Album/IMG_0251.jpg

[jshull]

Dang, I'm sorry, I totally spaced on the CW. XS needs to get fired up and build those Big Dots for the CW.

I knew the avatar was the Joker but still scarey.
ha ha I figured you did. I am pretty upset about the big dots, that is what I wanted. that is definitly a down fall with the cw. you guys bring up a very very valid point with the ct. i went to bed having decided on the trijicon but now reading your last two post and those dagum pictures my vote may be swayed. i definatly need function and reliability. I also must decide before i order holster.

[BEARDOG]

Allblackedout, It really does look nice on the CW9 ...Are they still offering the "free batteries for life"? I have that with my LCP laser I bought last year.

jshull, To finish answering your questions, They activate by pressing the small round hump on the front strap (you can see it very well on his second pic), It is basically automatic and done when you grip the gun in a firm firing grip.

And as far as resale... Shop around so you don't pay to much when you buy them new...keep all the original stuff that comes with them... And The same model fits all these Kahr's- P9, P40, PM9, PM40, CW9, CW40, TP9, and TP40... So if you did want to resell, they could be sold to a lot of different Kahr owners. I bet you would not be out too much.
You are right about the holster, as you will need to order it for the lasergaurd if that's what you went with, It also limits your choices to some extent. But I think the crossbreed super or mini tucks made for the Kahr w/CTC laser would make a very good IWB holster for this gun. And the Mitch Rosen leather single clip-on IWB looks good too.

[BEARDOG]

Allblackedout, It really does look nice on the CW9 ...Are they still offering the "free batteries for life"? I have that with my LCP laser I bought last year.

jshull, To finish answering your questions, They activate by pressing the small round hump on the front strap (you can see it very well on his second pic), It is basically automatic and done when you grip the gun in a firm firing grip.

And as far as resale... Shop around so you don't pay to much when you buy them new...keep all the original stuff that comes with them... And The same model fits all these Kahr's- P9, P40, PM9, PM40, CW9, CW40, TP9, and TP40... So if you did want to resell, they could be sold to a lot of different Kahr owners. I bet you would not be out too much.
You are right about the holster, as you will need to order it for the lasergaurd if that's what you went with, It also limits your choices to some extent. But I think the crossbreed super or mini tucks made for the Kahr w/CTC laser would make a very good IWB holster for this gun. And the Mitch Rosen leather single clip-on IWB looks good too.

[Allblackedout]

ha ha I figured you did. I am pretty upset about the big dots, that is what I wanted. that is definitly a down fall with the cw. you guys bring up a very very valid point with the ct. i went to bed having decided on the trijicon but now reading your last two post and those dagum pictures my vote may be swayed. i definatly need function and reliability. I also must decide before i order holster.

A good cheap inside the waistband holster that fits the gun with the laser and without is a Blackhawk size 5 holster. There are much expensiver hoslters out there that are leather, but the material of the blackhawk will not mar the finish and is very comfortable to carry. Check em out before you buy one. However, if you want a good shoulder rig, pay the money and get the Miami Galco. I believe the Blackhawk can be had for around $15, however the Galco will be in the $100 range.


Allblackedout, It really does look nice on the CW9 ...Are they still offering the "free batteries for life"? I have that with my LCP laser I bought last year.

jshull, To finish answering your questions, They activate by pressing the small round hump on the front strap (you can see it very well on his second pic), It is basically automatic and done when you grip the gun in a firm firing grip.

And as far as resale... Shop around so you don't pay to much when you buy them new...keep all the original stuff that comes with them... And The same model fits all these Kahr's- P9, P40, PM9, PM40, CW9, CW40, TP9, and TP40... So if you did want to resell, they could be sold to a lot of different Kahr owners. I bet you would not be out too much.
You are right about the holster, as you will need to order it for the lasergaurd if that's what you went with, It also limits your choices to some extent. But I think the crossbreed super or mini tucks made for the Kahr w/CTC laser would make a very good IWB holster for this gun. And the Mitch Rosen leather single clip-on IWB looks good too.

Yep, this is the best place I believe to get the CTC laser. Free shipping, free batteries for life, and a discount. Crimson Trace Laser Grip Lg-437 Kahr Arms P9 PM9 P40 PM40 Compact Laser Grip Front Activation Rubber Overmold Grip LG437 Free Shipping Plus Instant Rebate: Nightvision Sales (http://www.nightvisionsales.com/crimson-trace-laser-grip-kahr-arms-pm40-compact-laser-grip-front-activation-rubber-overmold-grip-lg437-free-shipping-plus-instant-rebate-p-3008.html)

[jshull]

well it must be in the water......I pulled the trigger and ordered a ctc laser today. thanks for all the insite. I will do a update when it arrives!! I also found a nice leather holster on ebay made for it.Custom Made Kahr CW9/40 w/ CT Laser Guard Slide Holster - eBay (item 160507844270 end time Nov-24-10 10:05:12 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160507844270&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT)

[jshull]

must be a close out deal i went to his website and they are 69.00, i guess i got a deal!!!

[Allblackedout]

You will be very pleased with the laser I gurantee it.

:laser:

[garyb]

I would go with both night sights and CTL. They work well together and I have found NO disadvantages of either option....only advantages. Both are great tools if you can afford them.

[jshull]

I plan to do both, I was talking to xs to try and get big dots. but I dont want my gun down that long until I get my 442 to carry.