Glock 23 versus Kahr CW40, CW45 CM45 opinions?

317wc

I'd like some feedback on the above Kahr pistols. I currently own a 2nd Gen. Glock 23. I have other handguns but nothing suitable for carry. I don;t carry the 23 because it is too thick for me. I have an opportunity to trade, for one of these Kahrs. I have handled only the CW40 but I do like it. I have read mostly good reviews about the Kahrs. I know people like Glocks as well, but it just does'nt fit my hand all that well. Plus the Kahr is single-stack which is easier for me to conceal. I also like the trigger much better on the Kahr, it is more like a trube double-action revolver than a Glock (IMO). I would prefer the CM45, I'm not sure but I think the recoil would be snappy in .40 in a light gun like these. I am pretty set which way I am leaning but I would like some feedback from people who have shot these. Thanks!

Forgot o say, this will be carried mostly IWB, in the case of the CM model, probably half IWB half pocket carry.

tsr1965

I have a Kahr CW-45, and two S&W, M&P Shields(one in 9mm, and the other in 40 S&W). The Shields are identical in size. I have an Alessi CQC-S holster, made for the shields, and the CW-45 fits perfectly.

I have had no reliability issues with any of the 3, with anything I have fed them. The S&W's are DA sear/connector/striker fired. The CW-45 is cam/striker fired. I love all three, and they all have respectable, service grade accuracy. When in doubt, I do carry the CW-45. Yes, there is a little more recoil with the 45.

I have 3 Glocks, and several 1911's also. The Glocks are the models 19, 20, and 29 I like them, can shoot them well, and like anything Glock, there is never a reliability issue. I carry them when I can wear heavier clothing, but not for lighter clothing.

In closing, I carry the 40 Shield, and CW-45 the most.

Best

317wc

I like the CW45, since it is about the size and capacity of a smaller revolver with the thinness of an auto. I am kind of worried since it is small, it will sort of become a dedicated pocket gun. I will be using this one camping and hiking also so maybe a larger frame would be better. Easier to hang onto, easier to sight.

CW40/CM40, same as above, I think the CW40 will be a good comprimise between capacity and concealability. I also have about 100 rounds still of .40, so I have to take that into consideration.

TSR tell me a little more about the differences in triggers. I understand the Kahr has one less component which seems like it would lend to a smoother pull.

The CW40, which is the way I am leaning, also has conventional cut rifling, so I assume it is okay for lead. I'm kind of bummed that it only comes with one magazine, I'd want at least 2 others and they are kind of pricy. I'd prefer a flat bottomed magazine without the bumper.

I like my Glock well enough but besides being too thick, there is nothing special about it to me. It works well, but there is no attachment really to it.

andeaninc

As somebody who has carried and regularly used the Glocks and the Kahr PM40, I offer this opinion. The Kahr pistols seem to suit small handed people best, while the Glocks tend to fit medium to large handed people better. I have a medium sized hand and the PM40 feels too small in girth. Grip LENGTH wasn't the issue. Putting a rubber grip sleeve on helped, but didn't satisfy. Be advised that the sleeve had to be cut to fit.

Recoil with the PM40 is FIERCE. It is a hand cannon. Firing one magazine full of factory ammo leaves my hand shaking and accuracy going down hill rapidly. The severe recoil simply takes a rapid toll on the hand, even with an excellent, rubber grip sleeve. After 400 rounds in the PM40, I still have problems maintaining a "normal" grip on the pistol without it causing the slide to hang up. It basically takes a "death grip" on the pistol to keep this from happening. Perhaps a longer gripped Kahr would cause this to not happen.

The light weight of the polymer framed, pocket sized Kahr PM40, together with the fast impulse and stout recoil of a .40 S&W cartridge, plus my hand size relative to the small girth seem to cause some problems that require special attention. Shooting the PM40 reliably is a challenge, but achievable. If you get a Kahr, I think your best bet it to stay with a cartridge that has less impulse. In other words, avoid the .40 and stick with 9mm or .45ACP, regardless of Kahr size or frame material.

The tight tolerances of Kahrs and inherent accuracy remind me of match grade guns. I still think the Kahr pistols are excellent carry guns, but given my medium sized hand and experience with the PM40, any size of Glock is my preference and recommendation for medium to large sized hands. If a person has a small sized hand, I would steer him to the Kahr pistols in 9mm or .45 without hesitation.

tsr1965

The S&W trigger is like a glock trigger. Almost like a long two stage. The Kahr is more like a double action on a revolver...one constant pull all the way thru...although it is somewhat a little lighter than a DA revolver.

That is the only thing that getting into the semi auto handguns is, the different types of triggers. There are at least 4 out there types, and most likely 5 or 6.

Best

dcs shooters

I have the Kahr P-45 and P-9. Have had the K-9+40, but went with the P,s as they are lighter. Stopped carrying my G-19, like you found it is too thick. My P-9 and 45 hide under a T shirt in a IWB holster [;)]
I handled a PM but found it too small for me [^]

62fuelie

The .40 is a higher pressure round than the .45ACP and its recoil is a very quick pulse which makes the recoil significant in a small light pistol. For concealed carry the Kahrs are far superior to the Glocks as the Glocks tend to be thick and blocky through the grip. I carry a PM9 (same basic size as the PM40) IWB in a Don Hume holster in the small of my back when wearing lighter clothes. In cold weather I carry a Sig P-239 .357 Sig. The 100 rounds of .40 you have is only half of what Kahr recommends as the initial break-in run on a new pistol, so it shouldn't be much of a concern unless it is top-shelf defensive loads. At my last department the Glock was the issue weapon. I changed that to allow officers to select the platform and caliber they were most confident and comfortable with. There was a significant abandonment of the Glock as soon as the change was published.

Beeramid

The only issue I ever had with the CW45 was FTF due to hard primers. The ammo in question was loaded into a 1911A1, fired, and cycled perfectly. Other then that it was a pretty good little gun, a Hogue Handall Jr. grip sleeve made it feel much better in the hand.

317wc

Well,thanks for the advice, tips etc. I went with the CW45, I liked the looks of the P45 but the CW version is more in my price range. Plan on carrying it IWB, I think I am going to try a Galco Stow-and-Go holster and see how I like it. Thought about the CM45 but was concerned it might be too small, the CW will work well for carry I think and still be big enough to feel like a solid all around pistol instead of a dedicated pocket gun.