Should I get a CW45 or XDS-45?

[tycoonbob]

Hi everyone, new here.

I'm looking to purchase my second pistol in the near future. Currently, I have a GSG 1911-22, which I love shooting. Fun, but not much for being a conceal/self defense gun.

I can pick up a CW45 for $350 locally, but I have never shot the gun before. I can get the XDS-45 for about $475. Yes, the XDS-45 comes with 2 mags, a case, holster, second backstrap, and mag holster. Those accessories could easily add up to the $125 price difference.

I'm left handed, which is why I like the XDS. Mag release is on both sides, which I find useful, but I have a suspicion that the CW45 can be swapped to the otherside, like you can do with a Glock of M&P Shield. Can anyone confirm this?

I basically want something that I can open carry, and conceal carry (once I get my permit -- in KY) that I feel confident in, if I need to rely on it. I like the looks of the CW45 because it's simple. I've read reviews and videos of people with feed issues, but it seems that those issues go away after the break-in period, yes? The price is VERY appealing on the CW45 and I could pick it up this weekend, whereas the XDS is still affordable but would be another 2 weeks from now.

Thanks!

[Bawanna]

The mag release is not reversible as far as I know, I never considered a lefty dealing with that mag release being I ain't one.

That is a viable argument in favor of the XDS. My son has one and it shoots well and he loves it. I shot it some and I was ok with it but it just wasn't made for me grip wise for some reason. I could live with it.

To me it wouldn't be a deal breaker on the CW but again I can't really say since I'm not a lefty.

Maybe other lefty's here can give us some better feed back.

Occasionally the CW's take the breakin to run but quite often and perhaps even more often than not they run out of the box.

Many factors involved, shooter, ammo, etc. Either would do well to fulfill your needs.

[addictedhealer]

Should I get a CW45 or XDS-45?

Don't forget the cm45 is coming out this year... 5+1. I'm not a 45 guy just because the size a gun it takes to get the capacity I'm looking for. I have a cw9 and love it as a daily carry. Not my goto gun for a gun fight, but neither is any handgun.

Another thing, most those goodies that comes with handguns are mostly junk or you will never use. Xd fobus holsters suck and the case will be collecting dust.

[dkmatthews]

I vote for the Kahr, much like the guys at F150forum.com would encourage you to choose the Ford over the Chevy.

[smokersteve]

They are both good guns. I would take the xds personally.
Another one to consider is the Glock 36. I was out with mine today and it is a joy to shoot. Here's a link to it
http://us.glock.com/products/model/g36

[tycoonbob]

Sure, I get that their would be some bias here oward the Kahr, and that's expected.

The mag release being on the left and not changeable is not a deal breaker. I would hope that I could take care of whatever it is I need to take care of without having to release the mag in the middle of a heated exchange, ya know? Plus, my 1911-22 is not reversible and I've learned to maneuver my index finger to release the mag just fine.

I have not shot the CW45, and unlikely that I will get to before buying one. I've also not shot a .45ACP in several years, but I'm a bigger guy (6'2", 250lbs) and handle a XDm 40 just fine. Should I also consider the CW40?

In regards to the CM45, I am aware it's coming out. I figured it would not be in the same $350 as the CW, and I'm not sure if I would want to sacrifice the extra length gained with the CW. If anything, I would end up with both the CW45 and CM45 and use the CM45 as a pocket carry in the summer, and the CW45 as open carry or conceal in the winter. Or maybe even a CM380 or CM9 as a pocket carry, but I don't want to have to stock 3 different calibers of ammo. I'd like to stock .22LR and .45ACP (or .40S&W), primarily and maybe some .38 Special if I ever get a S&W 686.

They are both good guns. I would take the xds personally.
Another one to consider is the Glock 36. I was out with mine today and it is a joy to shoot. Here's a link to it
http://us.glock.com/products/model/g36

I don't know why, but I don't really want a Glock. I think I have this subconscious thing about me where I don't like having what is "mainstream". I like to have what is different, and makes people wonder why I went with what I did.

[Armybrat]

Ain't nuthin' wrong with either pistol, but you are asking on the Kahr forum and I have a CW45, so.....

[dkmatthews]

They are both good guns. I would take the xds personally.
Another one to consider is the Glock 36. I was out with mine today and it is a joy to shoot. Here's a link to it
http://us.glock.com/products/model/g36

Choosing the Glock 30S means only 4.5mm more in width but you move up from a six round magazine to 10.

[O'Dell]

I'll start by saying a CW45 is my daily carry nearly all the time when I can cover a holster. This is over several much more expensive 45 pistols although none of those is as light as the CW. I have had two CW45's, one each a CW 40 and CW9. I have never had any type of failure with any of them from the first shot.

As to the XD the only one I ever had was a Compact 45 several years ago. I never cared for it and when it was stolen, I never bothered to replace it.

[smokersteve]

Tycoonbob, I can relate to not wanting a Glock. I was anti-glock til one day my LGS had a glock promos day. Spur of the moment I bought the 36. Real nice gun.
Since then I bought a CW380. I really like it and it shoots great. It just doesn't seem to be built as well as the Glock...plastic rails, guide rod springs, and of course the takedown on the Glock can't be beat.

[Bawanna]

I would seriously stick with the CW 45 over the CW40.

I like 40 but only in a full size gun.

[O'Dell]

It just doesn't seem to be built as well as the Glock...plastic rails, guide rod springs, and of course the takedown on the Glock can't be beat.

I don't agree. Quite the contrary, in fact. By the way, the rails in the Kahrs are steel.

[tycoonbob]

Choosing the Glock 30S means only 4.5mm more in width but you move up from a six round magazine to 10.

One of the most appealing things to me when looking at these, is the slimness. Honestly, if I can't do what I need to do with 6 rounds, I don't think 10 is going to help much.

Based on my past few days of research, I am leaning toward the CW45 but haven't had the opportunity to talk to anyone who actually uses Kahr guns.

[smokersteve]

I don't agree. Quite the contrary, in fact. By the way, the rails in the Kahrs are steel.

The rails on the frame of the cw's are plastic, not steel.

[dkmatthews]

Re: Should I get a CW45 or XDS-45?

One of the most appealing things to me when looking at these, is the slimness. Honestly, if I can't do what I need to do with 6 rounds, I don't think 10 is going to help much.

Based on my past few days of research, I am leaning toward the CW45 but haven't had the opportunity to talk to anyone who actually uses Kahr guns.

Bob, I wasn't advocating for the Glock over the Kahr. I was pointing out the advantage of the model 30S over the model 36.

I'm a fan of both Kahr and Glock.

In the Kahr family, I especially like the TP45.


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