CW45 or P45? decisions decisions!

[titus1971]

My “normal” carry piece is a Springfield XD45 compact, it's a fine weapon and I have no complaints, save one - in the summer time it's a bit much (40 ounces with loaded 10 rd mag) to strap to you and effectively conceal in just a t-shirt and shorts. Back in the spring I bought a P9 for the express of carrying in shorts/t-shirt and it does that great. I can pocket carry for short trips to the store or use CBST and go all day in "summer attire" comfortably. So, the other day I'm going out with the misses in jeans and a dress shirt and I decide to carry the XD, I know it's not an unusually large weapon but it felt huge! And heavy! I guess I had gotten spoiled to the P9 weight and thickness. I prefer to carry 45 acp so I thought I'd get a a Kahr 45 to be my ED carry -you know, always looking for an excuse to get a new gun! :) . I've narrowed it down to the P45 or the CW45. My personal preference for a carry gun is all black, and I must say the polygonal barrel is easy to clean. So to cut to the chase I'm trying to decide if it's worth the extra $$$ for the P series so I can get it in black (the machining/slide stop/barrel isn’t that big of a deal to me). So does anyone have both that they can weigh in and give me some guidance or Anyone spring for the P45 and wish they saved the $$ or anyone buy the CW45 and wish they had went the P45? Just looking for some opinions…….

[jocko]

according to kahrs spec sheet. the P45 is smaller and lighter than the cw45, not alot either way but it is smaller. If u like polygonal barrel the P45 is the way to go. u can getit in the dlc black finish were as the cw is what it is. Both great guns, I just always felt the P series kahrs was again more of a waist band carry than ever pocket carry and in the 45 anyhow. I guess if it was me I would buy the P45 for I do like black guns. What saving u might get with the cw is nice but again not a end of the world expense either. Ur only going to do this one time, not like the extra bucks is gonna end ur family life style. Ur leaning towards the P45 IMO sl I am just helping push u over the ledge.

Maybe not a good example but when I ordered my new 06 Porsche back then I listed some options that my dealer right then said u won't get a dime for that stuff if u ever trade. ( I had alot of carbon on the insdie of the car). I told him I was not looking to make money on it someday but I wanted what I wanted, so "order" it and lets getter done.

[TheTman]

My budget made me choose the CW45, it had some issues, went back to Kahr, was back in my hands exactly 1 week later, and has worked flawlessly. If I had the extra money, I'd probably went with the P45, and if you want all black, then that's the way to go. Might as well order the one with night sights installed if you're going to spend the extra money on the P series.

[titus1971]

I agree with what your both saying but here's the rub...
My local dealer has the cw45 in stock so I could get it soon, probably within a couple weeks. I'd have to order the P9 plus wait a bit longer due to the extra cost and you know what it's like when you have "the itch" !

[freefire2]

I have had my cw45 for about two weeks now. Trying to switch from a pf9 to this for my EDC. I LOVE this cw 45 but, it is a little difficult to conceal. I've been carrying the cw45 in a belt slide holster which works pretty good but, the grip tends to stick out a little far. Other that that this thing is a nail driver with virtually no problems. Did I say that I LOVE it ??

[jocko]

no doubt tyhe pf9 is smaller all the way around, no doubt also you have stepped up to a really quality gun now to,

[freefire2]

You got that right, jocho. Way better quality.

[LaP]

I'd have to order the P9 plus wait a bit longer due to the extra cost and you know what it's like when you have "the itch" !

Oh, that damned itch!!! It's cost me plenty of bucks to satisfy my gun/knife/flashlight itch. Overnight delivery!!!!... I want it NOW.:rolleyes:

[wyntrout]

You get the finish you want and can get night sights with the P45. I wouldn't mind having one, too.

As for size, I have one word... PM45. I love my all black with night sights PM45. I've even been carrying mine in our heat wave down here in Florida! I wear shorts and a loose polo the year around. It fits in my horsehide MiniTuck that I got for my PM9, as does the K9. I added a bike tire tube grip enhancer and feel it's perfect.

With 5+1 Speer 230-gr Short Barrel Gold Dots and a 7-round reload, I feel well-armed... that and one of my F.A.S.T. action Gerbers.

Wynn :)

[Mr. Zero]

I also carried an XD45c, but now I carry a P45 for exactly the reasons you stated; too thick and heavy for everyday carry. Just because I can do it, doesn't mean I want too. I found myself going out with my PM9 all the time so I gave in and purchased a P45 - best move ever!

I went P45 because I I want any extra velocity I can get out of a short barreled 45 and I like the looks better.

In the end, I got what I wanted and have never thought twice about the extra cost. My P45 is an excellent CCW piece.

-Z-

[titus1971]

Thank you Mr. Zero, that was EXACTLY the feedback I was looking for-not that I didnt greatly appreciate all the others as well but you had my same scenario down to the gun models, and we all know it's one thing to look at the specs and guess and another thing all together to strap it on and wear it 8,10, or 12 hours.
No disrespect to the XD 45c (Her name is Gretchen), she's a fine weapon but will probably be relegated to "truck duty"
Now if I cant just decide on the P45 or CW45 , I keep teetering.......

[Mr. Zero]

Now if I cant just decide on the P45 or CW45 , I keep teetering.......


If the P45 is what you want, but the cost difference is the ONLY thing keeping the CW45 in the race, than you will regret buying the CW45. If you find no real value in the item differences between the two, then save the money and go shooting. But if you are like me, the money you save will not satisfy your curiosity or desire to have what you want. If you want it and can't afford it, save a bit longer and get what you want.

I will say that my impression from reading this board and others has been that people seem to have less issues with the P series than the CW series guns. Now this may just be me remembering it in a prejudicial way. But my experience with the P and PM series guns would lead me back to that line in the future without stopping to consider the CW line - maybe to my financial detriment, but consistent with my experience piece of mind.

Time for a decision my friend.........

[jocko]

I have to agree with r. Zero. if the P45 is in ur thoughts, then you might never forget about it, the cw45 will do all that the P45 does as far as going bang, that is no problem but you can with the P45, order it in black dlc finish, u can order it with night sights. The P series comes with polygonal rifled barrel,three very nice perks that you cannot do easily with the cw series.

No doubt u can put night sights on ur cw (not as many options of sights as the P series offers, u can also refinish the slide if desired in a black durable finish, all at additional cost to you . If none of that bends ur crank, then maybe the cw is not a bad wayt to go. It will go bang every time like the P series, Internals are all the same

I think u want the P45 in ur heart, no decision on my part, GO FOR IT. It is a one time expense, so once done, it is done and YOU HAVE WHAT YOU TRULY WANTED.

[TheTman]

I believe Mr. Zero is right about the number of problems showing up in the CW45. I attribute that to Kahr probably selling more of the CW45 than the P45. BUT it seems like the CW45 problems kind of started suddenly and there were more than I'd seen since I got here all of a sudden, like perhaps something on the production line changed. Maybe a new machine operator or something. I think they swapped the P380 people to the CW45 line or something. Kinda joking there, but who knows?
If you buy the CW45 when you really want the P45, I think you'll end up regretting it.
Get the black P45, go ahead and get the night sights and save money having them installed later.

[titus1971]

I know in my heart that you all are right. I had the same internal debate with the P9/CW9 and I ended up going with the P9 instead and I haven't regretted it. I guess it's time to save my shekels and forego the instant gratification for the weapon I know I really want. Thank you all for your wisdom and experience!

[titus1971]

Another reason I like a black slide with a stainless/silver colored barrel is that it really accentuates the size of the 45 caliber. I had a kimber that was that way and it looked like a cannon from the business end. I realize that this serves no practical purpose other than being cool, but hey who doesn’t want something "cool" ;)
See for yourself

[jocko]

I know in my heart that you all are right. I had the same internal debate with the P9/CW9 and I ended up going with the P9 instead and I haven't regretted it. I guess it's time to save my shekels and forego the instant gratification for the weapon I know I really want. Thank you all for your wisdom and experience!

decision and order what you want on the gun that can come from the factory, probably will take longer but it is worth the wait.

[JBowl1]

Is there any way to change the sights on the "pinned" sights of the CW45?

[gb6491]

Is there any way to change the sights on the "pinned" sights of the CW45?
Yes, Kahr and Dawson Precision both offer replacement sights for the CW series. I have the Trijicon night sights that Kahr offers on my CW45:
http://kahrtalk.com/showpost.php?p=15666&postcount=1
BTW: Welcome to the forums:)
Regards,
Greg

[wyntrout]

CW/CM Trijicon Night Sights $80 at Kahr.com:

http://www.kahr.com/Sights/Kahr-CWCM-Trijicon-Night-Sights.asp


Wynn:)

[earle8888]

Love my P45; have added CTL and it is working great.

[vinson]

Really love my P45 too. Has been an excellent reliable weapon since day one. Only prob I had was with one mag that had to be shaved a bit so the follower had less rubbing on the side of the mag. It strikes me too that after following the forums, the CW series does seem to have more posts relating to problems. The P45 caries very well in my SuperTuck holster. Good luck!

[patbelly]

I have the CW45, good price, and it's still the same quality of all Kahrs.
Except for having to replace the slide stop spring, it has been flawless and
I am more accurate with it than my CW9. That said, I believe that what most of the other have said is true. You really want that P45 in black, with NS, and you will not not regret spending the extra cash. Plus you get an extra magazine.

[wyntrout]

If you have the money and/or want other than the absolute plain model, go with the P model, but if the plain version will do you, go with the CW and buy a few extra magazines. One can break and it's nice to have a spare... two is an even better number.... If you do have to use your pistol for defense, it's kind of a bother to have to reload your single magazine when it runs empty... while fighting for your life!:D

Wynn:)

I wish that I could afford a P45 as well, but the PM45 fills my needs. I would still buy a K45, though!

[OldLincoln]

Damn but I want a P45!! Maybe some day.... I bought a lottery ticket today!

[jocko]

i THINK i WILL GO WITH WYN'S REVIEW of why to buy either. Makes sense. Dream on big boy about a K45!!!!

[Ljutic]

My first Kahr was a CW45. It's been great, but the P45 is just dead sexy in comparison. I thought hard about doing mods to the CW45 or just biting the bullet for a full custom P45. I finally decided to do the P45 project and have zero regrets. By far the most I've ever spent on a pistol, but worth every cent.

[wyntrout]

I would love to have a P45, too, but I decided I was going to get a full-sized 1911. Then I kept thinking about a K40... maybe Magna-Ported... then I thought about the lightweight P40... then 10kahrs' already Magna-Ported P40... too much!

Now it's mine and I like it, but I need to tinker with it a bit, and upgrade the sights. I may just get the set of Trijicons, but I'm thinking about the rear Novak night sight, too... just so much more! It's $10 more for just the rear Novak NS than the whole Trijicon set. Then, do I want to chance trying to install them myself? I have vises and things to maybe do the job, and after the botched Kahr installation on my new P380 that I waited 11 months to get... I'm not totally convinced that I couldn't do as well or better than that!:D

Wynn:)

[Brad737]

I'll readily agree that a .45 packs more punch (muzzle energy) than a 9mm, but a 9mm has a much higher velocity. Through a full-size barrel, a 9 will average around 1200 feet/ second, while a 45 is 850 or less.



I went P45 because I I want any extra velocity I can get out of a short barreled 45 and I like the looks better.

-Z-