Thoughts on the “CW9” pistol?

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September 10, 2010, 12:55:16 AM

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Latest Member: chryslerv5

This model, the CW9093, peaks my interest. Yeah I know it is the “el cheapo” version but I cannot see paying that much more for some “match grade rifling” and a few unnecessary accoutrements, especially on a CC combat weapon. Really, these are not target pistols so who cares.

The size, caliber, and simplicity of operation, not to forget cartridge capacity, indicate to me that this has potential as a great, all-around, weapon. If they are a nice in practice as they seem in theory one could make me put my beloved CA/UC .38 snub into semi-retirement.

Anyone own or have some hands on experience with the CW’s?

For the record, this is not a CW9 vs. P9 issue. The photo is simply for reference.

On the surface they are very similiar but with the CW9 you loose the ability to change the sights and it only comes with 1 magazine, Kahr mags are usually 45.00 from almost every distributor. I have also heard that the CW9's tend to leave the factory a bit rougher around the edges than the P series and if you have ever owned a Kahr (I currently retain my PM9), they require a 200 round break in due to tight tolerances so any rough machining could lead to potential problems. (problems are hit and miss with ALL the polymer Kahr series). I don't remember the price point being that much off of the mark when you add night sights and an extra mag, it may be money better spent just getting the P9.

Norfdet,

Thanks for the advice pal.

I could live with standard sights and the like with the exception of $45 for a magazine. Man, that is a bite, are they made with gold followers.

In all truthfulness, I liked the original Kahr pistol, the P9 I believe (?). The part I always had a problem with was they are a tad on the pricey side. On the other hand, those I know who own them swear by the pistols so, at least, it seems that one is getting what they pay for.

As far as the break-in is concerned, most, if not all, “automatics” seem to require this and it seem to run closer to 300 to 400 rounds so Kahr’s break-in is acceptable.

Hello all,
I wanted to re-new this thread as several guys at my police department carry Kahr Arms pistols as BUG's. (We just shot our annual qualification last week and I saw several out there.) The CW 9 really perks my interest as a CCW, on and off duty. I held one in my hand a few days ago and boy is it light and very slim. I have never owned a Kahr so will you guys out there who own this particular model please fill me in on how you like it? Pro, cons, etc.

Thanks,
Hickoryswitch

Howdy folks,

I can not provide ownership experience on the CW9, but I can offer a comment or two for what it is worth.

I have owned a total of 3 of their K (steel framed) pistols, two K40s and one K9. I still use a K40 as my boot gun (BUG).

I was in my buddy's gun store this past weekend, and when they got busy, I stepped behind the counter to help out. I had a customer want to see a CW9, so I prepped it and handed it to him. He decided he did not want it, and handed it back after a few minutes. When things calmed down I pulled several of them out to personally inspect.

The biggest surprise to me was the heavier trigger pull they now all seemed to have in them. It felt far too hard and long to me, especially when compared to any of the pulls on the K series I have owned. Even my shooting buddy, who owns a K9 as his BUG, tried the trigger pull on several I handed him, and he had the same impression on their triggers.

I am not really a fan of DAO pistols, but the K series I have owned had such great triggers on them, I never really felt like I was shooting a DAO trigger. About half way through what I was expecting the trigger pull to be, the round discharged. By comparison, the pull on all of the CW pistols we checked this weekend were much heavier.

I have no idea if this is a function of the polymer frame, or if this is now the standard trigger pull that Kahr is building into all of their pistols. But it was such a difference in triggers pulls that I wanted to mention it to you folks. You really might want to try the pull on anyone you are considering before laying down your money. You may also want to ask if the pull can be reduced by changing out springs, etc. I know that NYPD has authorized these weapons now, so I am wondering if these now come with the NY (heavier) trigger installed in them.

Something worth checking out anyway. Hope this help a bit, although it is not the specifics you asked for sir.

twoguns

(P.S. If any of my K series had come with triggers this hard, I would not have purchased them, quite honestly.)

The other thing you loose with the CW series is the polygonal rifling you get with the K, P and PM series. I doubt one would notice the loss in accuracy in a CCW gun but it is something else to consider. I have been extremely happy with my PM9 and my used K9 which can be had for what a CW cost's new.

It's a bit of a stretch, but I was so pleased with my first Kahr (CW45) that it convinced me to purchase two of the higher dollar P series guns. There was nothing at all to complain about with the CW45. Ok, I'll complain about the cost of extra magazines, but it did ship with two so technically you can avoid that extra expense for some time.