CM40 On The Way

[ilmbaba]

Don't think I can post pictures until I have 30 posts, but I will when I can. The PM40 sounds nice, but since I reload, the CM40 fits my needs (lead is cheaper to shoot). I'm sure I'll use factory SD rounds to carry, but when I burn through target and practice rounds, I'll save a bunch with lead.
Does anyone know if the break-in period should be only FMJ, or is lead OK?
Just wondering. I picked up several boxes of Federal Champion, but I read that it is at the low end of the power scale and wasn't very reliable when first starting out with a new Kahr.

[TheTman]

Let us know how you like that CM40, I been thinking about getting one, or hopefully a CM45 when/if those come out. I would sure hate to have to drop my $1000.00 Boberg in an evidence bag and never see it again. But, of course chances are I'll never have to use it anyway. Also looking at the Shield and the Nano. Probably will just stick with the Boberg since I'll most likely never draw it in a SD situation since I don't get out much.

[ilmbaba]

thetmanski - How do you like your CW45 and your CW40?

[ilmbaba]

Well, it didn't come today, so the earliest I will see it is Tuesday evening, but most likely Wednesday. I'm bummed. I was hoping to spend the weekend racking the slide.

[ilmbaba]

I am getting impatient. I already picked up the brake cleaner (non-chlorinated) and the #6 Torx wrench. Figures work would pull me out of town for these next few days.

[ilmbaba]

Let us know how you like that CM40, I been thinking about getting one, or hopefully a CM45 when/if those come out.

I am hoping that next year's release will be a CM45, to match the PM45 (as the CM40 matched the PM40 this year). I would have loved to put a mini 45 in my pocket. Bought a G36, but just didn't like how it felt, and it was just too big for the pocket. Springfield has that XDs 45, but it was delayed for awhile, although I called and they are supposed to start shipping by the end of this month, and should start showing up in stores next month.

[JFootin]

I am hoping that next year's release will be a CM45, to match the PM45 (as the CM40 matched the PM40 this year). I would have loved to put a mini 45 in my pocket. Bought a G36, but just didn't like how it felt, and it was just too big for the pocket. Springfield has that XDs 45, but it was delayed for awhile, although I called and they are supposed to start shipping by the end of this month, and should start showing up in stores next month.

The XDs is as big as a P45/CW45, even though it carries 1 less round like the smaller PM45.

[ilmbaba]

Well, I finally picked it up. It was oily, packed in a plastic bag, and beautiful. I will work on some break-in procedures (although I have seen several posts lately that says they've been fine right out of the box).
I'll post a range report when I get out (probably over the weekend).

[ilmbaba]

Took it apart a few times, cleaned it up, and gave it a good once-over. Everything looks good, and I took the magazine apart. That spring looks right too. I oiled the slide and barrel, and racked it about 100 times. Think I'll put a glove on for the next 100. The slide is a little stiff, and the cocking serrations take a toll after awhile.
Can't wait to get out and shoot it.

[emopunker2004]

The XDs is as big as a P45/CW45, even though it carries 1 less round like the smaller PM45.

According to both manufacturers sites the XD-S is .4" shorter in height, .2" thinner at the slide, and .04" shorter than the CW45 and .23" longer than the P45. I'd say the XD-S is slightly smmaller. The .4" difference in height is what would matter most to me. I would like to pick up an XD-S once the price comes down.

[mightymouse]

Yep! And, neither as "pocketable" as Mr. ilmbaba's CM40 (4.0" in height compared to the 4.49" tall PM45 and and 4.4" tall XD-S). Trust me, as a .45 ACP enthusiast who prefers pocket carry, I looked hard at the Kahr PM45 and tried it in my pockets more than once before settling on the PM40.

At about the same size as a PM9, the CM40 is an awesome choice for concealed carry (especially in a pocket).

+ the .40, being designed for short barrel, lose less velocity out of the compacts than .45s.
Not starting any caliber battles.... and no I don't want to sand in front of anyone's .45

[david8613]

how is the recoil on the cm40 compared to a pm/cm 9?

[bonjorno2]

so that's what they look like... nice range report for sure!

[ilmbaba]

Wow!

I had a chance to go out and shoot my new CM40 today. Before I left, I broke it down one more time and followed the Lubrication Guide on the Tech forum.
I ran 75 rounds of Federal Champion 180 gr JFP.

NOT ONE ISSUE!

Well, actually, I had one small issue, but I'm sure it was my own fault. I think I messed something up when I put the magazine back together. The follower, after the first round is inserted, has to be nudged back so it will feed into the magazine. After shot #39, the last round in the mag didn't feed, and the magazine actually released from the gun (too stiff yet to fall free, and I may have hit the release). It took 3 tries before I could get the mag to stay seated. After that, no more problems.
The gun does have a noticeable recoil, but I don't think it was "bad". I would have run through the whole hundred, but I was running out of light and had some 45 Supers to chronograph. I'm sure the CM9 would be easier on the hand, but the .40 S&W will make a much bigger hole, and probably scare the BG since it's much louder than a 9mm.
My biggest disappointment was that I forgot to pick up some sort of grip cover. After the first 5 rounds, the waffle was already imprinted on the palm of my hand. I put on a thin glove, and had no more issues with it.
I 'm not sure, but I think I need to readjust the rear sight. All my shots grouped to the left of center, but when I really hunkered down and concentrated, I hit dead center, so it could very well just be me getting used to the 5 mile trigger pull. Either way, if my target was a BG, all 75 would have got him thinking.
It's definitely not a "range" gun, but with some reloads that are on the lower end of the scale, I think it could be. I had fun shooting it, and I was very happy that I had no issues that weren't self-induced.
If you pick up a new CM40 or CM9, I strongly recommend you pay attention to some of the break-in prep suggested. No way to prove it, but I did some of that stuff, and I had no issues in the first 75.
One thing that was a pain. That gun throws brass a country mile. I only recovered about half of what I shot. It didn't help that I was on USFS land, and the grass and poison ivy are growing.
I could not be happier with my selection for an EDC pocket weapon.

[TucsonMTB]

Glad it's working for you!

The follower bit is odd. Sounds almost like mine when the front skirt broke off the follower. The skirt should keep everything in the magazine and make the spring invisible from outside. If you can see the magazine spring just by looking at the front of the magazine, the follower is probably broken. I hope not, but it's pretty common with Kahr "fotays".

Admittedly, it could be the way the spring is seated on the follower. Try reversing it (top to bottom) the next time you have it apart and remember that the top leading edge of the spring should be at the front of the magazine.

Thanks for the good news! I'm sure it will only get better.

Healthy magazine followers.