Kahr CW45 review, first time Kahr owner
Review of Kahr CW45. CW45 vs XDs vs Shield vs G36 vs 1911.
Maybe this will pop up in search engines for others like me who are first-time owners of a Kahr.
So far I'm quite pleased with my CW45 pistol.
I am a first-time Kahr shooter/owner. I am also an avid 1911 and 45ACP fan-boy, as well as a .22 target pistols. I am concerned primarily with functionality and dependability, not with brand name.
I was initially interested in a light-weight CC option under $500, and the Springfield XDs caught my interest.
Researching the XDs I found a number of web-site and Youtube comparisons with M&P Shield. I also found comparisons with Kahr, but I never gave Kahr a second thought.
I was focusing on M&P Shield and looking through the local shops, when I stumbled upon a used Kahr CW45 along side a new Shield in a pawn shop. The lower price grabbed my attention.
I could not find an XDs. I found 2 brand new Shields, and 1 brand new (off brand) Compact 1911 . And I liked all of them. However, the much lower prices of the used Kahr required I take a more serious look. I then paid more attention to the online Kahr comparisons I had previously overlooked.
Considering the price I was able to negotiate for the used Kahr, with no negotiation options for the new pistols. I chose the Kahr and I am suitable impressed with the Kahr and pleased with having a few hundred dollars remaining in my wallet.
It also came with extra magazines, which save me more money in the long run. And discovered after the fact I can use my 1911 magazines in the Kahr. But there might be some small filing required on the magazines (lots of web info on this.)
The Kahr is accurate for me, and the trigger pull doesn't bother me, I prefer the DAO trigger design for my specific need. Others may have different experiences, so first-hand shooting experiences with other brands/models is always useful as the trigger design/pull turns some people away. Each of my pistols shoot/function differently, so I'm comfortable switching one to the other.
Minimal options for customization is an issue for some, as it doesn't have an equipment rail. I don't recall which pistol my Kydex was made for, it took awhile trying out various options at the store, but I found one that works fine for the Kahr.
Carrying IWB is relatively comfortable, considering my attempts to IWB a 1911 which just never worked out.
This doesn't replace my 1911 interests, but it does supplement a niche. If I was to buy only one pistol and money wasn't a factor I would have opted for the M&P Shield (or more likely a compact 1911). In my case I have several pistols in various calibers, including a .22 (Ruger MKI) which is my primary plnking/practice pistol.
I think the M&P Shield is better, but definitely subject to personal taste. I think the XDs and CW45 are comparable depending on taste/feel and experience. CW45 is stainless steel, with a good quality barrel which is comparable if not better than any given compact .45 on the market.
Compact 1911s are in a separate class and too many considerations to compare here, other than they are heavy, and generally more than $500.
The Glock 36 is and Kahr CW45 are very similar in design, size, size, and overall function. However, a Glock 36 was not available to evaluate.
If you like Glocks/Rugers/Sig/Beretta/etc. then you probably wouldn't get a Kahr over a comparable option of your preferred brand. Depending of course on availability and cost.
If you want to spend over $500 there are obviously more/better options.
For me, the CW45 is the best value at the $360 I paid, (including extra magazines).
My Kahr is simple to operate, and simple to take-down for cleaning. I like the DOA trigger for CC safety considerations, and it just works. It feeds a variety ammo, and for a short barrel pistol I hit what I aim at even at longer distances. I'm confident carrying this pistol, confident that it will work when/if I need it.
I haven't had the problems which others have had, as noted in various threads. Maybe because the previous owner worked them all out, or because I got lucky, I dunno.
So far I'm quite pleased with the dependable performance, as well as value.
Regards,
L.
PS: My alternate CC is a Beretta 3032. Multiple carry options with a small pistol like this, and .32 ammo is easier to find right now than .380 ammo. It is also a fine shooting dependable small pistol with multiple safety considerations in the design. I can hold it comfortably and shoot it accurately, unlike most small .380s I've tried. Plus I like the double action so I don't have to carry the hammer cocked. (Using hot ammo may cause frame cracking, so be wise and use the ammo it's designed for). I can easily CC both the 3032 and the CW45 if my mood so chooses... Is .380 better for defense? Yes. But then .45 is also better, etc., etc.
PSS: Firstly, remember, shot placement is by far the most important issue here. Secondly, a .32 in the pocket is still better than a .45 back in the drawer. The best CC pistol is the one you're willing to carry; can shoot effectively; and can find ammo for.
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Originally Posted by Lawrence
