CW45/P45: Flush fit magazine - UPDATED

[CJB]

I also can't help but wonder if the AMT Back Up mags will fit in a PM 45.

I seem to recall the Detonics mag was shorter than the Officer's mag... not finding too many of those lately. I thought I had one still.... cant find it.

[FHBrumb]

Ok, thanks.

[gb6491]

Officer's ACP, New Agent, Defender, Compact, are all monikers for 1911 style pistols that have a frame about .5" ( one less round) shorter in height than the Government/Commander size frame. They all use the same size magazine and that is the size used for a flush fit in the CW45/P45.

PigButtons has posted some info in regards to using a Detonics magazine in the PM45: http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?p=16542

Regards,
Greg

[wyntrout]

Officer's magazines are about 1/2" too long in a PM45, but can give you 6 or 7 shots in a more compact magazine than the Kahr 6-round PM45 magazine with the extended grip. You still have to find one that will hold the slide back on empty, if that's a concern other than just feeding 100% for CCW. 7+1 is possible with an O7.
I'm still looking for the one I consider reliable enough, though. I've tried 7 or 8 different brands with all kinds of springs and followers.
I just went to the range a few days ago after fiddling with a CM follower in several mag tubes until I finally broke the follower. They don't last long if you compress and un-compress the CheckMate "new patented follower". I broke the one in the CM Officer's SS-7rd. I still have to evaluate my notes and see what came closest this last trip, AND post results of my 230-gr .45 acp Gold Dots and GD Short Barreled version in my PM45 and my SA Champion 4".
Got to run now.

Wynn

Wynn

[RogerP9fan]

Wow, what a fascinating thread. Seems like most of us would like the flush baseplates for our CW45s. Myself, I just ordered my new CW45 and I'm coming back to Kahr after almost a year away. Gotta give Kahr another shot, there's just too much to like about these pistols. (Ordered a CM9 too).
I'm trying to take in the vast amount of information here regarding the alternative magazines for the CW45 that will provide the flush baseplate. The OP seems to have a great workable solution. Videos and all, it's terrific. However, not TOO great for someone like me.....I'm just strictly a firearms enthusiast / end-user with no Dremel tool, files or experience altering magazines or firearms.

[mbogo]

Roger,

I'm not particularly mechanically inclined, but it literally took me five minutes to do the first KimPro magazine. Remove a bit of metal, check for clearance of the slide, remove a bit of metal, check...

The first one takes the most time; after it gets quicker.

mbogo

[RogerP9fan]

I'm starting to realize this the more I look at the OP's pictures and videos.
Question: What kind of file do I buy? A regular hand held file? Do I need to buy a Dremel machine?

Thanks.

[mbogo]

A mill bastard file (available at Sears, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Ace Hardware, et al.) will work. A Dremel tool will work much faster, but you will have to be careful not to remove more metal than needed.

mbogo

[Ljutic]

Wow, what a fascinating thread. Seems like most of us would like the flush baseplates for our CW45s. Myself, I just ordered my new CW45 and I'm coming back to Kahr after almost a year away. Gotta give Kahr another shot, there's just too much to like about these pistols. (Ordered a CM9 too).
I'm trying to take in the vast amount of information here regarding the alternative magazines for the CW45 that will provide the flush baseplate. The OP seems to have a great workable solution. Videos and all, it's terrific. However, not TOO great for someone like me.....I'm just strictly a firearms enthusiast / end-user with no Dremel tool, files or experience altering magazines or firearms.

All enthusiasts should have a Dremel and a set of needle files. Once you have them, you will be amazed at how handy they can be for shooting gear or 1000's of other projects abound the home. You will end up getting these essentials at some point, so why not get them now?

[wyntrout]

In the manner of Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, with a Dremel, or Dremel-Like Tool (DLT), you can destroy stuff a lot faster. It can literally "smoke" polymer at 20-30K RPM!
Yeeha! More Power!

Wynn

[RogerP9fan]

Good tips guys, thanks.......Question: What if I have to trim that magazine latch notch on the magazine, which tool is best used for that?

Another question: Of all the "Officer 1911" mags to choose from, which do you think most closely matches the Kahr P45 magazine so that I don't have to touch the magazine latch notch?

[mbogo]

I did not have to tweak the KimPro mag latch notches at all.

mbogo

[RogerP9fan]

Oh good. Excuse me if I don't remember your work but did you have to trim metal from the top of the magazine on the KimPro? Having functional success?

Seems like the OP and others have had great success with the Metalform mag bodies and Kahr follower/mag spring combination.

I would like my slide to stay open after the final round to prevent possible damage to the gun long term.

[Ljutic]

I used a flat needle file on the mag latch window. It only took a few passes.

The metalform mag bodies have changed during the life of this thread and old and new style do work. My personal choice was the Wilson spring and follower because it does actuate the slide stop at last round, gives room for 7 rounds in the magazine, and I don't need to worry about the plastic follower gouging my plastic frame. The only thing I don't like about my flush mag is that it's noisy. The cartridges rattle around in the mag when carrying. I'm going to try a Kimber mag body on my next build. Spring and follower will still be Wilson.

The stock Kahr follower only allows for a mag capacity of 6.

[gb6491]

I used a flat needle file on the mag latch window. It only took a few passes...

+1 on the needle file.
Regards,
Greg