CW9 or TP9 for EDC? (Now "A Tale of Three Kahrs")

[Tomac]

I shoot my new CM9 so well I'm thinking of going to a larger version for EDC instead of my M&P9c (as much as I like my doublestack 9c's, they have a slide lock instead of slide release and I have thumb safeties due to the light APEX triggers).
Is the TP9 worth the extra cost for 1 extra rd over the CW9?
Tomac

[ripley16]

You can get the extra round by simply using a 8 round mag in you CW9. On the other hand; if you want the longer barrel and the longer sight radius, larger choice of sights, and a polygonal barrel, then the TP9 is certainly an excellent choice. The TP is a good value IMHO, as it is usually priced as low or lower than the small Kahr models.

FWIW, the TP9 is my personal favorite.

[Tomac]

Where are the TP's selling for near the CW9's price? Best I can find is about $525 for the TP9 w/the CW9 for $370. Thx!...
Tomac

[chrish]

Ripley probably meant the TP sells at or below the price of the smaller P series models (P9 and PM9). I bought my TP for about $50 less than what I paid for my P9. But, you definitely won't find it at a C series price.

I agree w/ Ripley. A CW or P series is gonna conceal quite a bit easier and you can carry a spare 8rd w/ the 7rd in the gun. Only if you like the extra .5" in both directions (grip and sight radius) and the extra round is it really gonna be worth it. I shoot my TP just as well as my P, don't notice much difference. I was horrible w/ my PM but I unloaded it before I spent enough time w/ it.

Anyway. The TP is a fine firearm. It would probably the the LAST gun I'd get rid of out of my collection of semi-autos. It has become my primary carry. I don't mind the extra size and I prefer the grip, feel, balance over my P9.

[ripley16]

Ripley probably meant the TP sells at or below the price of the smaller P series models (P9 and PM9).

Correct. Thanks.

[hardluk1]

The longer grip on the TP series takes a bit more effort to conceal. The longer sight radius and barrel are a plus. It is basically the same size of a 1911 commander, just waaay lighter and it does carry in the same holster as the cw9 kahr I have. It is easier to shoot well. I have a pair of smaller 9mm kahrs but went with a larger 40sw cartridge in the tp. Control of the hotter 40 cals feels the same as my cm9. The price you found is a very good price too. Will it make a great everday carry piece for you?? Only you can answer that. For me the TP is not carried as much as the cm and cw but has its place in the rotation do to grip size and how I dress normally.

my TP40 sitting on a 5" 1911-

[jocko]

My 21 cents, If I was gonna side carry the gun, I would go with the TP, ain't that much bigger, but it is nicer all around IMO. especially if u can get it for even less than a cw. U have a small ass pocket gun now, the cw is a mere step up where as the TP is two steps up. Just sayin

I bet that TP wold be one fine shootin sob to, with more bells and whistles than the cw and if for less money, IMO no brainer.

[Tomac]

Settled on the CW9, picked one up last night at the same time we picked up a P380 for the wife. So, depending upon clothing, weather & circumstances, my CCW list is now S&W M&P9c, Kahr CW9 & Kahr CM9.
Tomac

[hardluk1]

Were all waiting for that range report !! CW series is a best choice for iwb with out haveing to wear something special to conceal it.

[Tomac]

After manually cycling the action 200 times and having the slide locked back for 24hrs she now finds it a little easier to rack the slide on her P380. Range report this weekend if she doesn't have to work (flexible schedule).
Tomac

[Tomac]

Range Report

Just got back from the range after function-testing our 3 new Kahrs (P380 for her, a CM9 & CW9 for me).
I did the suggested prep/cleaning of all 3 including the mags before testing.
The P380 & CW9 have Hogue slip-ons w/the CM9 wearing a Covert Carrier combo grip/clip.

I ran appx 50rds through the wife's P380 and it functioned 100%, recoil maybe a tad more than the wife's Sig P238 but not unpleasant at all, especially w/a tight grip across the front of the pistol. Trigger pull was excellent.
The only minor flaw was the mags being a little sticky to remove (I've read about this problem here, will it auto-correct over time or should I have my local 'smith work on the mag catch a bit?).
She hasn't had a chance to try her P380 yet (hopefully tomorrow) but I think she's going to like this as a replacement for her Sig P238. We have more mags & Pearce mag extensions on the way.

At first I was wondering if I'd made a mistake by purchasing the CW9 instead of just using the CM9 for casual CCW, especially since the CW9's trigger was relatively poor when compared to the excellent triggers on the P380 & CM9.
Turns out I needn't have worried as the CW9 proved itself more accurate than the CM9 when doing fast Mozambique drills.
Recoil was mild through appx 50rds (thanks to the Hogue slip-on), function was 100% w/all mags. I have XS Big Dot sights on the way along w/more mags, the CW9 will be my casual EDC if it maintains reliability.

My initial testing of the CM9 was a week ago. Today I put another 30rds through it to test its new mags and again it functioned 100%.
The Covert Carrier helps soften recoil like the Hogues and the integral clip, while noticeable when in the hand, surprisingly doesn't cause any pain or discomfort when shooting. As an experiment I carried the CM9 at a friend's wedding a couple of nights ago and using the Covert Carrier it concealed perfectly carrying AIWB in dress slacks w/my dress shirt slightly bloused. My wife knows I carry regularly (and what to look for) but had to ask me if I was "packing" that night 'cause she couldn't see any telltale printing.
The Pearce mag extension provides a welcome spot for my pinky finger and doesn't affect concealability.
While certainly accurate enough for "in your face" close shots, accuracy predictably suffers in fast drills when compared to the larger CW9.

While initial impressions are very favorable, it will take time for me to get used to the Kahr's DA-style trigger (my fast shots tend to hit centered but low). However, I consider this a minor training issue as I had no problems getting off multiple fast shots despite the long trigger pull.

Bottom line: Color me happy, I like decent & controllable power w/o having to worry about manipulating a manual safety under stress.
Tomac

[wyntrout]

Nice! It's great when all of your pistols have the same manual of arms and just give you options in carry size and capacity.

I've been carrying my P9 with the ported barrel and the black metal magazine bases for most concealability until I get my Mag-na-ported P40 sorted out with the Big Dots. The PM9 is just another option and I wear the P380 around the house or for short trips. I do carry the largest mags for spares in a OWB Kydex holder on the opposite side of my IWB XB Minitucks.



I didn't NEED the ported barrel, but it was on sale for $30 less and I WAS thinking of my wife at the time. A few more FPS can't hurt with the slightly longer barrel.

One of the brighter flashes... Federal Champion 115-gr FMJ:



Double Tap 124-gr +P Gold Dots... the stoutest 9mm I have:



DT from the right side:



Wynn