Some unsolicited thoughts on carrying a Kahr (long!)

[jwr]

Now that I've had my CW9 for a couple of weeks and have had the chance to carry it both IWB and OWB I thought I'd share some observations about carrying this slick little pistol. Let me say up front that I realize that everyone will have unique issues while carrying concealed whether they be physical build, type of work, dress codes requirements, weather, etc.

Prior to the CW9 my main carry handgun was a Sig P238 which I carried about 95% of the time. I also have a Springfield XD9sc which I think is a fantastic firearm but I rarely carried it because, for me, it's just too fat--IWB or OWB. I've been thinking for quite a while about getting a 9mm that I could actually carry. I love the little P238 and don't mind carrying a .380 but wanted a concealable 9mm as well.

I went into the shop thinking I'd buy a PM9 or PF-9 and walked out about 45 minutes later with a CW9. Deciding was an interesting process but too much to go into here. I quickly ordered a Don Hume JIT (OWB) and Don Hume 715 (IWB) so I could start carrying it as soon as possible.

BTW, I'm 6'4" (closer to 6'5") and about 240 lbs.

Here are a few things I've found:

• At first I wondered if I should have bought a PM9 so I could pocket carry in addition to the other types of carry. Since the CW9 is the same width as the PM9 I pulled out my calipers and discovered that the Kahr's slide is .21" *wider* (a little over 3/16") than my P238 and the PM9 would have been about 3/8" longer as well. For me and my wardrobe the PM9 is just too big for the pockets of a lot of the clothes I wear. Even the P238 is marginal in some of my pockets (I know some of you will strongly disagree and that's okay).

• For me a PM9 could not replace my P238. It's just a little too big. But... a P380 has a capability of making an even better pocket gun than the P238. Something to think about in the future

• Shooting the CW9 also helped convince me that going with it over the PM9 was the right thing for *me*. The recoil on the CW9 is mild but even so I am *much* faster getting back on target for accurate followups with the P238. If anything the PM9 would have slowed me down a hair more than the CW9.

• The difference between carrying the P238 and the CW9 in an OWB holster is very small. The longer barrel on the CW9 is still easily covered by an untucked shirt and the CW9 is slim enough to just have a slight bulge when pulled in tight to my side. The biggest difference is the length of the grip but even there it barely shows while carrying the CW9 at 3 o'clock (I carry my P238 as 3 also, and because I sit at a desk all day 3 seems to work well).

• The longer grip of the CW9, while harder to conceal, makes drawing from IWB or OWB easier than the P238 by giving me a more positive initial grip. I tried the Hogue Handall Jr and to me it actually made a quick grip *more* difficult, but I have weird hands--large palms and short fingers.

• When carrying IWB I thought the longer barrel of the CW9 would be a problem but I don't even notice it.

• However the extra width of the CW9 *is* quite noticeable while carrying IWB. The P238 kind of disappears but if I'm going to carry the CW9 IWB very often I'll probably have to add an inch to the waist size of my pants.

Sorry for the long ramble. I just wanted to share some of my thoughts in the hope that they might be useful to someone else.

Bottom line is that I am delighted with the CW9. It's easy to carry and conceal, the build quality seems excellent, it's very accurate, and the price was right. So much so that I'm now pondering a CW45

(Here are a couple photos to show the difference in size between the P238 and CW9)








P238, CW9, and XD9sc

[deadhead1971]

Pm9 and Ruger LCP 380.

I can carry both in a front pocket (jeans and dress slacks or shorts) in a blackhawk nylon holster no problem. I always tuck my shirts in so pocket carry is my option.

[hsart]

It would be interesting to hear comments regarding the reliability comparison of the Sig P238 and Kahr P380. Similar price points and size. I'm trying to decide between them for a secondary (pocket) carry.

[jwr]

It would be interesting to hear comments regarding the reliability comparison of the Sig P238 and Kahr P380. Similar price points and size. I'm trying to decide between them for a secondary (pocket) carry.

It's almost impossible to get a representative sample looking at online forums but I will say that I've seen a *lot* more reports of problem P238's than I have of problem P380's.

I was drawn to the P238 because of the 1911-ish styling, metal frame, and SA trigger. The thing is a heck of a lot of fun to shoot (which I understand is *not* the most important factor is choosing a SD handgun )

[jwr]

Pm9 and Ruger LCP 380.

I can carry both in a front pocket (jeans and dress slacks or shorts) in a blackhawk nylon holster no problem.

Yeah, I know it works for a lot of folks. I just didn't like the feel of the PM9 in my pocket because it's so much thicker than the P238. Made me feel like I had a John Grisham paperback in my front pocket.

[hsart]

It's almost impossible to get a representative sample looking at online forums but I will say that I've seen a *lot* more reports of problem P238's than I have of problem P380's.

I was drawn to the P238 because of the 1911-ish styling, metal frame, and SA trigger. The thing is a heck of a lot of fun to shoot (which I understand is *not* the most important factor is choosing a SD handgun )

I agree re styling and feel. I have not shot either yet as the local range here in SW Florida does not have any rentals of the pocket carry 380s. Once I figure out how to pay for a S&W Model 39 I have my eyes on I'll probably buy both of the 380s and sell the one I feel is the least dependable.

[recoilguy]

That was a very interesting review and it covered many good points. thank you for the time you took to do this.

RCG

[Copper&Black]

That was a very interesting review and it covered many good points. thank you for the time you took to do this.

RCG

+ 1

[jwr]

That was a very interesting review and it covered many good points. thank you for the time you took to do this.
RCG

Thanks! And you're welcome!

Hsart, I was just over at the LGS and they had a P380. Display only--not for sale, but I got to play with it a little bit. Wow! What a slick little package! Forget the CW45--I might start saving my pennies for the P380.

[Copper&Black]

I just put a deposit down today for a P380 Stainless slide, today....Can't wait for it to come in!!

[zena]

Thanks for the great post and pics. Always useful to see the research others have done.

[getsome]

The P238 is a nice gun but does anyone else have a problem with pocket carry of a coc$ed (didnt whnt to get bleeped for using the c word) and locked single action pistol????...Kinda makes Mobey and the boys nervous!!!

[jeep45238]

Nope, no more so than having one on the hip.

Step one: flick off thumb safety
Step two: depress grip safety
Step three:depress bang switch

Seems safer than a DOA pistol without a safety

[jwr]

The P238 is a nice gun but does anyone else have a problem with pocket carry of a coc$ed (didnt whnt to get bleeped for using the c word) and locked single action pistol????.

This comes up a lot. As long as you have a pocket holster that covers the safety and trigger I believe it's just as safe as carrying a DA in your pocket in a holster.

P238: Disengage safety, pull trigger
PM9: pull trigger

Yes, the PM9 has a longer trigger pull but they're both about 5#. Even if you were to bump the safety off in your pocket you still have to to pull the trigger which is completely covered.

A lot of guys who shoot 1911's are used to drawing and sweeping the safety off as you swing up to the target. It's second nature after some training.

I've heard some guys say they worry about lint or junk getting built up between the cocked hammer and firing pin but if, like me, you never put anything else in that pocket and you check your gun in the evening I don't think it's an issue.

This came up on the Sig forum not long ago and some guys admitted that it's more a psychological issue than a logical one. 1911 guys wonder what the fuss is about but for other folks it just looks scary.

What's interesting is that there are guys carrying little P380's and LCP's around in their pocket *without* holsters. To me *that's* scary. I want that trigger covered!

Sorry for the long answer!

[jeep45238]

1911 guys wonder what the fuss is about but for other folks it just looks scary.

What's the fuss about?

Texas Ranger Charlie Miller was minding his own business when a concerned citizen came up to him, noted the hammer cocked back on the big 1911 dangling from the Ranger's belt, and asked, "Isn't that dangerous?" Charlie replied, "I wouldn't carry the son-of-a-***** if it wasn't dangerous."