Sunday, March 22, 2009

Kahr CW9 and the Kel-Tec PF-9

I had the fortune to shoot a Kahr CW9, which is quite comparable (size-wise at least) to the Kel-Tec PF-9. The Kahr weighs in 17.7 ounces with the clip, which is five ounces heavier. Dimensionally, the guns are about the same size, just a little different shape. The Kahr is on top, the Kel-Tec is on bottom.



Shooting the Kahr was much more pleasant than the Kel-Tec (or the Ruger LCP for that matter). I think this is due to the somewhat longer grip, and the extra weight. I found the sights to be easy to read, and the gun accurate. I can't really comment on the grouping, since I only shot one or two clips worth.

I will say that the Kahr has a much better feel to it than the Kel-Tec. The recoil is is more manageable, but more importantly is the quality of machining. The obvious differences are that there is no seam in the plastic, and when you release the slide, it just feels better. The gun only had about a hundred rounds through it when I shot it, but everything was very smooth.

All in all, I liked the Kahr in terms of quality. It also was more comfortable to shoot. The extra weight is definately an issue for carrying, but could be partially mitigated by stepping up to the Kahr PM9.

3 comments:

Solar Dave said...

For many "average" CCWs this is a huge factor in choosing the Kel Tec PF9. And I have found the accuracy of the Kel Tec to be on "match" with that of the other CCWs I carry/shoot; Sig 230 and Glock 27.

I did have problems with non-firing cartriges, about 3/50, so I have returned it to Kel Tec for repair. I can't wait for it's return because I found it light weight, accurate and it packs the punch of the 9mm.

I love my Sig; accurate and alumunim light, 380 punch. I love my Glock 27; accurate fairly light for all that you bring to the fight, AND the punch of the .40.

So..., I wish you the best with your future experiences, and I'll keep reading and learning, something new.

Take Care.

Solar Dave said...

This is Solar Dave again because somewhere in the mess I tried to follow while I got my comment posted, I lost the first paragraph:

"I just wanted to comment on one other factor that needs to be discussed when considering the Kel Tec PF9 vs. the Kahr CW9; price. The Kahr is said to cost aprox. $1,000, while I paid $269.00, plus tax. I considered the value/dollar; much based on opinion and not numbers. But I figured I could buy almost 3 Kel Tecs for 1 Kahr (not that I really plan to buy that many PF9s).

Continued on my earlier posting.

Sorry, I don't know how I lost it, but here it is. :)

GB6491 said...

"I just wanted to comment on one other factor that needs to be discussed when considering the Kel Tec PF9 vs. the Kahr CW9; price. The Kahr is said to cost aprox. $1,000, while I paid $269.00, plus tax."
The CW9 retails in the $400 range not the $1000 quoted above by Solar Dave.