Oh noes!!!! CCW choice woes!!!!

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19-3Ben

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Ok, so right now I have a Kahr K40 with one mag (never got around to getting more. Shame on me) that I really like. Great trigger, smooth, slick gun. Beautifully made.

I just came across a S&W M&P40c in the gun shop. Used- excellent condition (probably 98%), 4 mags (two of which are full size 15 rounders, and the other two are compacts), original box, and all backstraps. Asking $420.

I can sell my Kahr and get the M&P if I want it. Pretty much straight across.

Reasons to make the trade:
I already have the M&P9 full sized that I LOVE.
I once had an M&P9c that I loved and stupidly sold it off.
The obvious advantages of higher capacity, lighter frame, corrosion resistance, etc...
Recoil on the K40 is unpleasant, though not intolerable.
I could kick around/abuse the M&P a little more and not feel bad about it.


Reasons not to:
While the M&P40c points naturally and feels good in hand, the K40 definitely has the edge.
Thicker---might be tougher to conceal.
The Kahr is just so damn nicely made.


I'd appreciate thoughts/comments.
I've found that sometimes just talking it over helps me figure out what I already know.
 
I haven't shot either one of the guns in question but... It sounds like you like the K40. Never trade away a gun, especially a carry gun, that works for you. You can already conceal it, and you trust in it's level of reliability and dependability. You've already ran ammo through and it has proved it's worthiness as a carry gun. Why give that up? Instead, exercise patience by saving up enough pennies and buying the M&P40c. Also, the Kahr will be easier to conceal, as it is thinner.
 
I can understand about saving up to get both. Normally I'd agree with that, but in this case, I've actually been considering this swap for a good long while.

It's not like I'm jonesing for an M&P40c and need the quick cash so I'm putting the Kahr on the chopping block just to get what I want. It's just not a situation like that.

I'm just thinking the 40c would be a good replacement.

I really appreciate the feedback guys. Thank you. Keep it coming. Helps me clear my head.
 
Which do you shoot better? The M&P and Kahr as carry weapons are just tools, not collector pieces. I would carry the one that I shot the best and had quicker follow up shots. I would not think twice about trading for a better firearm. If the M&P out performs the K40 then trade/sell the Kahr, it's just a tool.
 
Tough call. I like the M&P's, but the all-steel Kahrs are Damn nice guns. And they look a little better than the M&Pc, which are a little chunky. I guess it depends on if you want the extra capacity (3 more rounds, yes?) and spare mags.

As much of a S&W guy as I am, I'd probably keep the Kahr. Might feel differently if we were talking about a P40, but the K is such a nicely crafted piece.
 
I'm also in the market for that same pistol and currently carry a Kahr K9 half the time. I would echo those above and suggest you continue to carry your more-than-adequate 6+1 K40 and save up for the M&P Compact. I strongly suspect a trusted Kahr will be missed in short order.
 
I am sure we all have been bit by the same bug at one time or another - "I need to upgrade" or "this might be better" - imho if it is not broke why fix it?

If the Kahr is working for you and you are able to shoot it well and conceal easily I think you have what works for you. just spend the cash to pick up a spare magazine and call it a day.

Best of luck.
Doc
 
Keep the Kahr. You already have an M&P in 9mm. Chances are there is a reason you don't ccw it.... and it's not because it's 9mm. If you like .40 sell the M&P 9mm and get the M&P 40. However, I would stick with what you already own. You WILL regret trading it, if it is your only/primary ccw gun.
 
If you are comfortable carrying a double stack go with the M&P. It sounds like a great deal.
 
I don't get how the "unpleasant" recoil of the Kahr k40(24oz) is a reason to trade it off and the lighter weight of the m&p40c(22oz) is a plus.
 
These are just tools and it depends on how you are going to use the tools. If I didn't think they fit the bill then I'd get rid of them and move on to something else.

I've got three 9mm's (I've got a couple of other pistols too) and I use them all for different purposes.:

- M&P 9
- M&P 9c
- Kahr CW9

What are you using the gun(s) for? If it's just to plink at the range then do whatever makes you happy but if it's to use them as tools then go with the best tool for the job (whatever job that might be for you).
 
I recently got an M&P 40c, and I love it, but it's not in the same class (as far as easy concealment) as a single stack Kahr. I would keep the Kahr and get the M&P later. I carry the M&P when possible, but I know my Kahrs can always be carried, even under the lightest t-shirt.
 
Personally since I carry for self defense I am a big believer in the K.I.S.S. method. Stick with the same platform so you can run either guns without even thinking about it. Running your gun(s) should come as natural to you as knowing to apply your breaks when approaching a stop sign. You don't think about putting slight pressure on the break when you see a stop sign approaching, you just naturally react to the stimuli. Andy Stanford and James Yeager refer to that as being unconsciously competent.

So if you are carrying for self defense, I'd definitely lean more toward the M&P.
 
Ben...
In my opinion, the M&Pc is too big for EDC. You'll probably regret going to the M&Pc after awhile for that reason.....especially with the hot, humid weather approaching here in New England. Keep the Kahr.
I'm pulling the trigger on Kahr CM9 today and I have the Ruger LCR I'm currently using as an EDC. My wife claimed the LCR, which is why I'm getting the CM. Just say the word, you are welcome to handle, try out and shoot either of them. If you are interested in some even smaller CCW options. I will say this....The LCR shoots like dream compared to that nasty little S&W 642 you had ;)
 
"And they look a little better than the M&Pc" For the life of me I cannot understand why "appearance" would be a consideration in purchasing a firearm (except antiques, etc). Do you really think that the bad guy is going to say "that is a neat looking gun you've got, I guess I had better surrender"?? Form should follow function, not the other way around.
 
aminyard said:
"And they look a little better than the M&Pc" For the life of me I cannot understand why "appearance" would be a consideration in purchasing a firearm (except antiques, etc). Do you really think that the bad guy is going to say "that is a neat looking gun you've got, I guess I had better surrender"?? Form should follow function, not the other way around.
Click to expand...

Should appearance be considered when buying a car, truck or motorcycle? All they do is get you from point A to point B, so appearance shouldnt matter right?
 
I've moved towards lighter, thinner carry guns over time. I would rather carry a full size 1911 than any double stack. I love m&p's, xd's, and Glocks; but I don't carry them much. I often carry a pm40, I would say the recoil is significant...but I always carry when it is legal and not at work.
 
guns are not cars, trucks or motorcycles. Its not a status symbol displayed for all to see, in fact the subject is concealed carry. Do we need to explain what concealed means?
Should appearance be considered when buying a car, truck or motorcycle? All they do is get you from point A to point B, so appearance shouldnt matter right?
Click to expand...
 
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