CW9 vs CW40 vs CW45

[RJinAZ]

I was having so many issues with my CW40 that I decided to go to the range and rent a CW9 and CW45 and shoot all three side by side to check the differences. Here is my brief conclusion:

CW9 - No issues. Cycled perfectly. I even "sling shotted" the slide instead of the recommended locking open and using the slide release with no issues.

CW45 - Failed to feed twice out of 50 rounds and stove piped once. May be a little much for this gun but it's slower than .40 cal so recoil is only slightly more.

CW40 - Failed to feed numerously and failed to eject the last round consistantly. This is even after 250 rounds. This particular one had factory defects but I do think that the .40 is just too hot for these guns.

I ended up buying a P9 and can't be happier!

[OldLincoln]

Wow, you found a range that has Kahrs to rent?!! Welcome to the Forum. I'm glad you had the opportunity to shoot all 3 and then decide. I've now shot the P380, CW9 and have a PM9. They all shoot well once broken in (gun and shooter) and are very reliable.

[O'Dell]

My range rents glocks, Kahrs, machine guns, and not much else.

Odd about the problems with the CW's - I've had all three. The CW9 was my first Kahr five years ago. I only had the CW45 for three months before I traded it on a PM45 because I wanted to go smaller. The CW40 is currently about my favorite belt carry pistol. I had nary a problem with any of them.

[joe d]

I own a CM9 and a CW45...The latter went back to Kahr for pretty much a fluff n' buff...Both pieces are flawless..The CW45 is rapidly becoming my favorite...

[jocko]

Not sure I wold ever base an opinion on the results of a range gun, probalby the most neglected guns u can ever get a hand around.

[QuercusMax]

Not sure I wold ever base an opinion on the results of a range gun, probalby the most neglected guns u can ever get a hand around.

There's been a lot of discussion elsewhere on this board about the value of renting before buying.

I think there are 2 factors to consider:

Reliability. Jocko's comment is spot on. You can't judge reliability from used and abused range guns.
How does the gun work for you? Here is where there is value in trying various guns to find out if you like them or not. Everyone has brands, styles and calibers that they like and ones they don't. You only learn this by trying, which is where renting a range gun can help you.

[JFootin]

Not sure I wold ever base an opinion on the results of a range gun, probalby the most neglected guns u can ever get a hand around.

Well, yeah, if the gun malfunctioned. But if it performs perfectly with all that rode hard and put up wet abuse, doesn't that say something about the gun's durability?

[Charlie98]

The range I use has about 250 rental guns, and I've rented quite a few just for grins and giggles. I found out by renting a HK USP that I DIDN'T like it, even though I was already in puppy love with it beforehand. I rented a CW45 and found it wasn't as bad as I though it was going to be (poly-framed gun, loooong trigger pull,) and decided the Kahr was what I was going to replace my 1911 CCW pistols with. The rental CW45 ran fine, with only one FTF (hung up on feed ramp) in about 70 rounds. ...and the trigger? Well, it's a Kahr.

[jocko]

Well, yeah, if the gun malfunctioned. But if it performs perfectly with all that rode hard and put up wet abuse, doesn't that say something about the gun's durability?

does about that particular gun for sure.

[O'Dell]

Not sure I wold ever base an opinion on the results of a range gun, probalby the most neglected guns u can ever get a hand around.

Last year my friend and partner in the interior repair business decided he wanted a small 9mm. I took him to my range and rented a PM9 and bought a box of ammo. The gun functioned perfectly except it would never lock back after the last round. I did a quick field strip, and I couldn't believe the gunk that was in that gun. It looked like it had NEVER been cleaned, and I couldn't see how the slide could actually move.

BTW, he ended up with an LCP for carry and a 3rd gen S&W 45 for the home.

[TheTman]

I have the CW40 and .45, and both are very reliable. The .45 did have to go back to Kahr for work after the trigger would not reset, and the .40 was my first polymer framed gun and I had trouble with it until I learned I was limp wristing it. At the last range trip, neither one had a problem I have around 500 rounds through each now and alternate them as my EDC, with the .45 getting the most carry time in since it's holster is much easier to put on. (Remora vs DeSantis Sof-Tuck) Strange, but many describe the .45 as a more gentle push and the .40 being more snappy, but after shooting the .45 then switching to the .40, I thought it had less recoil than the .45 did, and that both were a bit snappy. That was shooting WWB in both of them. The Kahr CW45 was quite a bit snappier than my Kimber. That was like switching from 38 special to .357 magnum.

[sinac84]

I just traded into a cw45 from a glock36. The cw45 was used, about 225 rounds down the pipe before I got it. Took it to Bullseye gun range and put 100 rounds through it using reloads and it performed perfectly. Very happy with the Kahr so far. Its wonderful to CC with. Gotta get some extra magazines and night sights. It'd like to have a TP45 as a all day shooter.

[JFootin]

I just traded into a cw45 from a glock36. The cw45 was used, about 225 rounds down the pipe before I got it. Took it to Bullseye gun range and put 100 rounds through it using reloads and it performed perfectly. Very happy with the Kahr so far. Its wonderful to CC with. Gotta get some extra magazines and night sights. It'd like to have a TP45 as a all day shooter.

Welcome to the forum! :) Is that Bullseye in Lawrenceville?

[sinac84]

Welcome to the forum! :) Is that Bullseye in Lawrenceville?

It is.

[O'Dell]

I just traded into a cw45 from a glock36. The cw45 was used, about 225 rounds down the pipe before I got it. Took it to Bullseye gun range and put 100 rounds through it using reloads and it performed perfectly. Very happy with the Kahr so far. Its wonderful to CC with. Gotta get some extra magazines and night sights. It'd like to have a TP45 as a all day shooter.

Welcome to another Georgian, and one who would trade a G36 for a Kahr to boot. I'm impressed. The only difference is the I wouldn't have had the Glock to trade in the first place. :D I was at BullsEye yesterday [I only live 3 miles away] and I'll be back tomorrow to "maybe" pull the trigger on that 1980 Detonics Combat Master they've had for a while.

[sinac84]

They also have a TP45 in there as well. I'll even up getting a TP45 in the future as a all day range gun.

[cw45fan]

CW9 has the best reliability reputation... I have CW9 & CW45... no probs with either.