CW9 vs CM9 need help deciding - Please assist

[GRPTELLI]

Hi all. My wife and I are interested in purchasing a CW9 or CM9 for a home defense gun and fun gun at the range. These models are priced right and seems to get good reviews. We don't shoot a ton of ammo every year, but get out to the range at least once a month. I know the CM9 is much smaller than the CW9, are there any other areas I should be looking at between the two? Are they basically the same pistol just different sizes? This will not be a CCW gun, we live in IL and can't do that anyways. Please advise. The price difference between the two models is minimal.

[Thunder71]

If you're not carrying it, why not go with something like a Springfield Armory XDm? Compact mag holds 13 rounds, standard mag holds 19 rounds. You'll have a better trigger and smoother operating gun with more rounds, not to mention the backstrap is swappable to meet your needs, lifetime warranty, less felt recoil and eats anything you feed it.

Not trying to talk you out of a Kahr, but for a home defense/range gun there are better options out there in my opinion. I chose Kahr for a small concealed carry weapon, and although it's a fun gun to shoot and very tame for its size, if I could only have one gun it would be my XDm.

That said, between those two and your intended purpose - get the CW9, holds more rounds and has a full grip, plus if Illinois ever gets their head out of their butt it's a great carry gun I hear (I have the PM9 and MK9).

[Bald Baron]

I have a CW9 and have a lot of fun shooting it at the range. I can get all my fingers on the grip and the recoil is next to nothing compared to my .45, .357, or .40 sw. I find it very easy to be accurate with it as well which also adds to the fun factor.

[JFootin]

Welcome to the forum!

The only reason to go for the CM9 over the CW9 is pocket carry. So, go for the CW9. You will have one more round, a grip you can get all your fingers on, a little less recoil and a little better accuracy with the longer barrel.

[jdavis]

I'm certain that you are going to get 101+ different opinions on this. Of the two Kahrs the CW9 is the best choice for your chosen use. The longer sight radius and larger size is going to make it easier to shoot accurately and will dampen recoil better than the CM9. If I was to choose a gun other than a Kahr, it would be the Glock 19. It is an accurate range weapon that will be easy for you and your wife to handle well. It's safe action offers quick and simple operation for a house gun. There is a good reason law enforcement agencies and military worldwide choose Glock---
simplicity and reliability.

[Thunder71]

There is a good reason law enforcement agencies and military worldwide choose Glock

Because of the discount and they are already so vested in them (armorers, parts, etc). It is not because they are the most reliable or best choice.

[PYROhafe]

Welcome to the forum! I'm with these guys. If ur not gonna carry then cw is a great choice (still very easy to carry if ur laws change) I love my kahr cm9 but if I was going to get one gun for home protection and occasional range fun it would be something along the lines of glock or springfield xd. (More capacity cause u never know how many BGs are gonna kick ur door in and a larger gun for less percieved recoil) Just my .02 YMMV

[jdavis]

Because of the discount and they are already so vested in them (armorers, parts, etc). It is not because they are the most reliable or best choice.

Thunder, all LE agencies and military are discounted due to the bidding process used during the submission and testing process. Huge contracts equals lower cost for the guns and the associated parts inventory. Glock has been sucessful during this process more than any other manufacturer.
I don't think anyone can legitimately argue that Glock pistols are not among the easiest to maintain and most reliable available. Certainly there are other good choices but, the Glock 19 would be my choice for the OP's purpose.

[wlc]

I also think there are pistols that are a better match for your needs. I personally really like the S&W M&Ps. Very reliable, not picky about ammo, good warranty, higher capacity mags, easy to shoot. The same is true of Glock and XD. Of the two you mentioned, the CW seems to be the better choice. I really like the small Kahrs for carry though.

[Disapointed]

For your purpose

I think it's a moot point, get the cw. But like most have said, if you'r enot carrying spend $200.00 more and get the Xd, or Xdm. We own both and have put over a thousand rounds of ammo through each with a glitch. They'll shoot any ammo, they wshoot clean or dirty, they shoot upside down or theattrical gangster style. Big heavy gun with almost no recoil for a 9mm, plus for a woman teh slide is fairly easy to pull back. For safety they have a loaded indicator and a cocked indicator. Pretty hard to beat. I would never bad mouth a glock either.

[jocko]

humm. I was under the impression he was asking about only the cm and cw9 kahrs and not other brands??

[muggsy]

For your intended use I'd go with the CW9. The only difference between the two is the CW9 is 1/2" longer and 1/2' taller and holds one more round. Recoil is mild and because it has a single stack magazine the grip size allows the use for people with smaller hands. It's a quality firearm that will last you a lifetime. It can be concealed carried, but not in pocket.

[GRPTELLI]

All - Thanks for the feedback. We have looked at many other brands. We have a few friends who have Kahr's and really like them and I think they are a good deal. Outside of Kahr, I really like the M&P line. SA, Glock, etc are all good no doubt and are proven.

Great forum and thanks again.

[SmokingGun]

Responding to the question you asked, I'd recommend the CW. Awesome pistol!

[O'Dell]

The CW9 was my first Kahr and led to six more, so I must have really liked it. Unfortunately, it was stolen, but I current have a CW40 and 45. The CW series is among Kahr's best. The 40 and 45 are still my favorite carry guns, even though they are about my cheapest pistols.