Kahr CW 380 one year later/Reliability issues

[John1959]

Unfortunately, I have had some of the same issues with the CW380 that I purchased well over a year ago. Fail to feed, fail to eject and stove piping. Fired over 500 rounds of just about every kind of ammo and sent it back to KAHR twice but the issues continued. I have no confidence in the firearm to perform in an emergency situation. It's sad because I love the size and everything about it. It's a joy to shoot when it works properly. I have CC a Taurus 9MM
Slim Series for years and wanted something that was smaller/lighter to CC. I'm thinking maybe the Kimber Micro 380. We'll see I'm doing much more research this time around.

[Slow Burn]

I've been lucky I guess. Carrying these for couple of decades now with minimal problems. I shoot them quite a bit so eventually things come up, but so far only after years of hard use, and then Kahr has always been able to make it right. The worst problem turned out to be a frame that failed on a p380 I bought used and shot for years before the trouble started. The problem was very subtle so they tried everything els first before finally realizing the real issue. They then replaced the frame and it was fine thereafter.
So I carry mine with confidence. I have several, so I have one to carry if one has to go in to Kahr for any reason. Its been probably 5 years since that was last necessary.

[187911]

Unfortunately, I have had some of the same issues with the CW380 that I purchased well over a year ago. Fail to feed, fail to eject and stove piping. Fired over 500 rounds of just about every kind of ammo and sent it back to KAHR twice but the issues continued. I have no confidence in the firearm to perform in an emergency situation. It's sad because I love the size and everything about it. It's a joy to shoot when it works properly. I have CC a Taurus 9MM
Slim Series for years and wanted something that was smaller/lighter to CC. I'm thinking maybe the Kimber Micro 380. We'll see I'm doing much more research this time around.

The Kahr 380s are generally notorious for being unreliable. Kimber's semiautos don't have a great reputation either. Do your homework BEFORE and not after you make your purchase, which I'm glad you are doing this time around. I'd suggest a Ruger LCP or the newer higher capacity Ruger LCP Max. The latter, LCP Max, isn't too far off from being the same size as the CW380, but it's lighter and has twice the capacity. Ruger also has better customer service than Taurus, Kimber, and Kahr. The Kel Tec P-3AT aka Ruger LCP has been a popular, reliable, well vetted design that predates the Kahr 380s.

I EDC and pocket carry a Springfield Hellcat or J-frame sized revolvers. The Hellcat, SIG P365, J-frames, and Kahr PM9 sized guns are popular pocket sized 9mm's. That said and if you're looking for something smaller in 380ACP, my recommendation is the Ruger LCP Max or S&W Bodyguard 2.0. Both are small, thin, and lightweight (~11oz). Other than that, a used SIG P239 if you want 1911 style 380.

[berettabone]

I would keep sending it back until it was fixed or they wouldn't take it anymore. How in good conscience could you ever sell it to someone else. Trade value zero. The wife likes her LCP II. Very accurate for its size. Decent prices, but not a firearm for a lot of shooting. I consider them "throw away" guns. Good for a few thousand rounds maybe. Probably isn't much else lighter at 11 oz.

[187911]

I'm not sure I've heard of anyone shooting their LCP until frame, slide, or barrel failure or cracking. I'm sure it may have happened, but not at a rate compared to how many have sold over the last two+ decades. Either way, Ruger would probably replace it free of charge if someone was that unlucky. The 10 & 12 (+1) Ruger Max is 10.6oz and the new S&W Bodyguard 2.0 10 & 12 (+1) is 9.8oz. Both options are also very affordable with a MSRP that's less than the Kahr CW380. They should retail online in the mid to lower $300s....

[berettabone]

I have heard of some frame cracking issues on the LCP's. It wouldn't stop me from purchasing one. Got the wife's for under $200.

[Armybrat]

I carried my original LCP almost every day from 2008 until a couple of years ago when it was replaced with the LCP Max.

[Whiskeyhorse]

I'm not sure I've heard of anyone shooting their LCP until frame, slide, or barrel failure or cracking. I'm sure it may have happened, but not at a rate compared to how many have sold over the last two+ decades. Either way, Ruger would probably replace it free of charge if someone was that unlucky. The 10 & 12 (+1) Ruger Max is 10.6oz and the new S&W Bodyguard 2.0 10 & 12 (+1) is 9.8oz. Both options are also very affordable with a MSRP that's less than the Kahr CW380. They should retail online in the mid to lower $300s....

I have had many cracks, rail spits, etc. But I spent years shooting them heavily. In fact Ruger said they were cutting me off. That said, not many will report issues simply because most people shoot them very little. The Kahr and the Pico will run and run with thousands of rounds. The LCP will however run very well with reliability if you do not plan to shoot much. Recently bought another one for another "Truck gun". I paid about $200. I have two now. Have owned many.