Kahr K9 vs. CW9

[scidx]

This is my first post and i'm new to the whole forum concept.
I sold my Glock 19 a while ago to help with finances for work done on a springfield 1911. Over time, I have been researching a replacement gun. I want a compact size, hammerless (at least spurless) 9mm. My findings have led me to Kahr Arms. I like the K9, but money is always an issue. I would like to know if the extra couple hundred is justified, compared to the CW9. I am not looking for (as they say) my "one true sword"; but, the Kahr seems to have everything i'm looking for. I appreciate any performance reports, comments, and/or negativities. Thanks.

 

[tallpaul]

I have a k9 electrolis nickel that I am fond of but would like a CW or P9 for the light weight. I don't want to get rid of the k9 though... it works well and is accurate for me. I love the size even though it weighs a bit.

 

[kokapelli]

Just a few things.

The K9 is all metal vs the plastic base on the SW9.

K9 has polygonal rifling vs conventional rifling in the SW9.

SW9 has plastic sights vs metal sights on the K9.

Due to it's plastic base, the SW9 is lighter than the K9.

The SW9 is a good pistol for the price, but in this case, you get what you pay for.

 

[38snapcaps]

I bought my CW9 two years ago for $400. I like it very very much, it's my favorite shooter, and I carry it sometimes.

Because I like the CW so much I thought I would like a K9 even better, but after handling one a couple of times I have decided I like the CW better. I found I prefer the grip on the CW, and curiously, the tip of the trigger on the K "bit" my finger as I pulled back on it.

The K is heavier that's for sure, too heavy for me to lug it around. Also I think K's cost too much money, the best price I've found is $650. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a larger range shooter. And lastly, I think the CW looks better.

 

[bannockburn]

scidx

I had a CW40 a little over a year ago. I liked it's ergonomics, it's lightweight, it's concealability, and it's price. What I didn't like was the durability of the polymer frame. After the break-in period, I took it out to the range for some practice rounds. Fired the first shot, slide locked back. Probably just a minor malfunction; chambered another round, fired, slide locked back. It did this with all six rounds. Took it home, disassembled it, and found that a piece of polymer had come off the frame and lodged itself inside the recess for the slide release. I don't know how it got there, but I do know that after that, I no longer had any confidence in this gun as a CCW. I also have other polymer framed pistols, some for many years, and I've never had any issues with any of them in regard to the structural integrity of the polymer itself.

 

[glk23]

I have a K9 and love it. Shot a P9 and did not like the grip. I never understand people saying it is too heavy to "lug" around. In jeans or shorts, with a good belt it is hardly noticeable. I bought mine used, less than 100 rounds, for $425 three years ago. I sometimes see them in the classified section of a couple of forums for around $450.