My first Kahr- S9 or CW9?

[ThePrince]

I've decided to get my first Kahr as an EDC pocket/IWB carry. I can get a CW9 for about $310 and S9 for 385. I don't think I would use the picatinny rails on the S9. Is there a reason to prefer one?

I have read on the net about magazines popping out while shooting sometimes. Has this been resolved? Thanks in advance for your help!

[holygeez03]

CW9 and spend the $75 difference on holster and ammo... This style/size of gun is not a good host for a rail-light in my opinion and the front serrations are also not necessary on this type of weapon IMO.

Also, that frame rail will probably make holster selection difficult... there should be lots of CW9/P9 available, as well as other accessories.

If you are buying locally... I would inspect a few copies and check for any machining issues, mag issues, and test for the smoothest trigger if possible.


I have owned a CW9 for many years and it has always been trouble free for me... but now that the Glock 43 is out, I would probably go for that if I were shopping today. Mainly, the Kahr magazines leave a lot to be desired, the slide-stop and its spring can cause troubles, and Kahrs quality control can be inconsistent.

[DavidR]

I believe the S9 comes with 2 mags and the CW9 only 1. That narrows the price difference.

[holygeez03]

That's true... if the buyer is definitely intending to buy a second magazine... which is likely.

Still... holster availability would probably be a deal breaker for me.

[DavidR]

That's true... if the buyer is definitely intending to buy a second magazine... which is likely.

Still... holster availability would probably be a deal breaker for me.

Agree. I’m thinking most leather holsters for the CW9 would probably work but maybe not Kydex.

[ThePrince]

At my local gun shop the Glock is $ 150 more, the magazine only holds six and I like American made. Pretty sure I'm going with the CW9. Now for a holster...there must be a thread for that here somewhere. Thanks for your help.

[holygeez03]

I'm not sure how you plan to carry, but keep in mind that the 7 round grip and the magazine baseplate will stick out and can cause carry issues for certain carry styles and body types. I always wished that Kahr would make a CW9 with a "6-round" grip and magazine... I believe something like that was made a long time ago call the "Covert"? I even considered having my CW9 grip shortened to accept 6-round mags... Then Kahr came out with the CM9, which I might have purchased over the CW9 if it existed at the time.

For my CW9, I purchased a Comp Tac IWB leather/kydex holster years ago... it is absolute quality and worked well... at the time, they also offered lots of different colored clips with various belt loop styles that offered maximum conceal-ability... that being said, IWB carry never really worked well for me and eventually I purchased a CW380 when it came out and carry it 90% of the time... if I bring a bigger gun, it is usually my Glock 19 Gen2.

[squid8286]

If you want a very practical AND inexpensive holster for ANY type of smaller pistol, take a look at the lineup from "Sticky" Holsters. They will stay inside a waistband with no snaps, and they ride great in a pocket. Plus, they have a closed muzzle, which is a big selling point for me, as I hate an open muzzle that lets lint and crap into the barrel of the gun. You can get them cheaper on ebay than from the web site. There are many vendors there that sell them.

[kwh]

CM 9 is the best out there for pocket carry. CW9 is too big.
I have pocket carried a CM9 for years every day. Leather, DeSantis MK, and Kydex holsters. All are good.
The .380 is too small, and my CW9 is belt carried.
When I will spend a lot of time sitting,l I carry my CM9 in an Telor ankle holster. I can wear it all day, walk a mile or more, and am quite comfortable.

[holygeez03]

Those Sticky holsters and similar (Desantis Nemesis) are fine for pocket carry or for stowing in a bag... but seem like a very bad idea for waistband carry. What happens when you need to loosen your belt to go to the bathroom or whatever... or if your car seat or something else pulls it out of your waistband... or if you just bend over or stretch in a weird manner and your gun falls out. Could lead to a very embarrassing or even dangerous situation. If you're going to exercise your right/privilege to be armed, do it responsibly.

Pocket Carry - At a minimum have the trigger covered

IWB - Have secure belt clips and a secure holster

OWB - Have a thumb-break strap OR at least a "closed muzzle"... otherwise, a chair or something else could push the gun out of your holster when you sit

Just my two cents.

[holygeez03]

CM 9 is the best out there for pocket carry. CW9 is too big.
I have pocket carried a CM9 for years every day. Leather, DeSantis MK, and Kydex holsters. All are good.
The .380 is too small, and my CW9 is belt carried.
When I will spend a lot of time sitting,l I carry my CM9 in an Telor ankle holster. I can wear it all day, walk a mile or more, and am quite comfortable.

If you have big enough pockets, the CM9 is a very attractive little pistol... I think it would make a great IWB firearm as well and would trade my CW9 for one if I had the chance.

For me, the CM9 is still too big for pocket carry and the CW380 is perfect for me in that regard... I also have a Blackhawk ankle-holster for the 380 because I find the calf-strap to be required for proper ankle carry.

[ThePrince]

I do have a sticky holster ordered to try for pocket carry. I have big pockets. I am also looking for an IWB rig.

Thanks for all this great advice.

[Wlfman13]

I have successfully used Sticky Holsters for IWB carry, when not wearing a belt (ie. Running/athletic shorts) with the P380, the Kahr Arms/NAA Guardian 380, and the CT9. As a matter of fact, the Sticky Holster is the only holster I have for the CT9. The Guardian seems heavier than the CT9, and a Sticky Holster will hold them all, even while running, since the grip keeps the gun from falling through your waistband, and your tight waist band (a string-tied waistband is a must, in athletic shorts with an elastic waistband, and a belt is recommended [by me] with a regular waistband) keeps the gun from bouncing. The holster works, and works well, but only because of friction caused by a tight waistband. Keep in mind that if you are sensitive to latex, your skin may be irritated and/or swell up and/or itch for a couple days after wearing for a day, if the holster is in constant contact with your skin. But, that hasn’t been a deal-ender.

For back pocket-carry, I highly recommend PocketHolsters.com.

-Wlf

P.S. There is the topic of “bathroom awareness” to manage. The holster must be removed from the waistband before sitting to do “paperwork”. Gotta remember to remove the Sticky magazine holster, as well. After a bit, it becomes part of the routine, or “checklist”.

[Tjironhorse]

Hi, Im new to this forum, but I can make a solid suggestion about buying the CW9
i just ordered model CW9093HM
This model comes with 2 magazines and a holster. Classic firearms has them in stock for $277 plus shipping. A great deal for this gun. Hope this helps.

[CPTKILLER]

I like my MK9 but it costs more.