S&W 908 or Kahr P9 for CCW

[ddj8052]

After some recent excitement at work, we have decided to start CCW'ing at work again. I have been carrying 1911 and have decided I want something lighter. I have a Keltec p11, but after the front sight fell off at the range 2 days ago I have lost faith in the pistol. I would also like some thing slightly larger so I have better control of the gun.

Any way's, I would like a single stack 9mm. I would like something as thin as possible, and lighter than my Kimber. I am looking at the S&W 908 and the Kahr P9. The biggest problem with the Smith is that there do not seem to be many holsters on the market for it. I would truly appreciate any thoughts you guys may have on these two guns. And if you carry the Smith, what holsters you use.

Thanks Juan

 

[PCRCCW]

Well...to answer your question any 39 or 69 series S&W holster will work with the little 9mm. Same frame and slide....

In regards to the guns your asking about...both are flawless in size/capacity/reliability etc.....the most prominent difference is the trigger style.
The Kahr is DAO and very smooth to use, while the S&W is trad. D/A.

Rent one of each at a local range and then decide which you want. They each may feel good in the hand but shooting them side by side will answer your questions.

Shoot well and god bless

 

[nlax2011]

Similar to the P9, I just got a CW9 and am currently breaking it in, 100 rounds so far with no failures of any kind.

I was looking for single stack 9mm as well and though I didn't get to play with a 908, the Kahr just felt really nice in my hand. Glock 26 and Springfield XD9 sub-compact were tempting, I just liked the CW9's size, thinness, and the trigger pull was smooth.

But I agree, go hold and/or shoot those to see what fits better. The decision may make itself as whether or not you want an external safety or what sort of trigger pull you want may determine it since the those two are different.

 

[38snapcaps]

This past spring I seriously considered a 908. As I compared it to the CW9 Kahr (the economy version of a P9) I consider the Kahr the nicer gun.

The trigger is definitely smoother, I don't like DA/SA triggers, especially for a personal defense pistol. The Kahr is smaller, lighter, and, for me, has a more comfortable grip.

The dealer let me field strip it. What a pain to try and push those three little levers down on the back of the frame in order to push the slide back into place. I couldn't do it with my fingers, the dealer had to take a pen out of his pocket and then barely got them down far enough. I'm not going thru that struggle every time I clean it! The Kahr is so easy to reassemble.

Two years and 1800 rounds later, my CW9 is still my favorite gun.

 

[Jeff Timm]

I rented the 908 at a range. It threw brass in my face. I bought a KP9094N. No regrets.

Geoff
Who is also working with a S&W M&P 9c...

 

[chauncey]

owned a 908 for a while. liked it, shot well, compatible with a pocket holster.

got rid of it b/c I carry my G36 instead.

on a side note, I believe it is the ideal training pistol for 1st time pistol shooters