Which would be better? Kahr or S&W???

[45DAVID1]

I'm looking at two CCW style handguns with the option to purchase 1. The first is the Kahr CW9 and the second is the M&P 9c. Both 9mm's but the S&W holds 10+1 (12+ could be possible if needed due to aftermarket crap). The Kahr is 7+1 or 8+1 depending on magazines.

What are the other pros and cons I may be missing?

[9mmepiphany]

There are two big differences in my mind

1. thinness - the Kahr is a lot thinner
2. trigger -
a. the Kahr has more trigger travel and the reset is longer...but it is very smooth
b. the M&Pc has shorter trigger travel, but it is usually gritty and the reset is a bit indistinct. I tell everyone who buys a M&P that they need to add the Apex Tactical parts

I found the M&P very comfortable in my hand and it pointed very well. I usually carry a CW9 because of how flat it is..it feels a lot like my Springfield EMP

[brianm767]

Both are great guns, it comes down to how much bulk/weight do you want to carry?

I bought a M&P40C for my every day carry, I'm not, nor have I ever been in law enforcement so of course I'm not used to carrying a gun, (still waiting on permits) but I can tell from trying it out around the house, it's just too heavy and bulky for me, probably will use it as a glovebox gun.

So I went out and bought a Kahr PM9, yes now I'm limited to 7+1, instead of 11 total rounds, so 3 less rounds, and what feels like half the weight, the PM is very small, almost as small as my Kahr P380, now I know some guys carry full size 1911's, but not me, I think the Kahr PM is going to work out fine.

When you feel the weight of the M&P also consider the extra weight of 11 rounds of ammo with it, if you can carry it, go with the bigger gun, but if your like me, you may find you'll be less likely to carry and go with out because the M&P is too heavy, but that's me of course.

[esartori]

M&P9c for me. I like the feel of it as a subcompact. Some don't like the trigger, I don't mind it. But I've heard wonders about the apex tactical kits for the trigger and better reliability

[pointedstick]

I just bought a Kahr CW9 and I have to say that it is an incredible firearm. Natural balance, natural pointing, and the trigger is to die for. I'm not exaggerating when I say this, but I shoot it better than my Ruger 22/45, which has a single-action trigger. I'm not the best shoot in the world but the CW9 makes me look good. At 7 yards, it's positively boring to blow a ragged hole through a target.

The capacity is low, true. That was one of the biggest things I had to get over when I made the purchase. But the CW9 is such an eminently well-designed and made firearm that I have no regrets.

Oh, and no jams or malfunctions yet, even in the recommended 200-round break-in period.

[jyo]

Put me down for the CW9---have two (one for me, one for wifey)---VERY small and thin---but not TOO small like PM9---also very lightweight---both shoot right to point of aim---very reliable---really smooth and light trigger---well made with stainless slide (resists rust)---I can recommend them!

[ripro75]

I don't have personal experience with the M&P, I do with the CW9. It is a great gun for CCW due to its thin profile. 8 rounds of +P ammo is plenty for me.

[Shenaniguns]

I carry a M&P 9c and besides being a great gun AFTER what 9mmepiphany and my signature says, it's a tad bulky but I'm use to carrying it everyday now

[45DAVID1]

Thanks for all the responses. I actually went and held the CW9... all I can say is WOW!!!! It is built nice, the profile is slim and the weight feels like nothing compared to my Glock 19. I'm 100% getting the Kahr CW9 over the M&P compact.

[theneko]

Take a look at the P9 too. The PM9 seemed too small for me the P9 was just right. Is the CW9 the same size as the P9...?

[45DAVID1]

Take a look at the P9 too. The PM9 seemed too small for me the P9 was just right. Is the CW9 the same size as the P9...?

P9 costs a few hundred more for features that don't really seem that important.

[9mmepiphany]

The CW9 is the budget version of the P9

The CM9 is the budget version of the PM9

[forgiven]

Thanks for all the responses. I actually went and held the CW9... all I can say is WOW!!!! It is built nice, the profile is slim and the weight feels like nothing compared to my Glock 19. I'm 100% getting the Kahr CW9 over the M&P compact.

That would be my choice.

[Volksgrenadier]

I just bought a Kahr CW9 and I have to say that it is an incredible firearm. Natural balance, natural pointing, and the trigger is to die for. I'm not exaggerating when I say this, but I shoot it better than my Ruger 22/45, which has a single-action trigger. I'm not the best shoot in the world but the CW9 makes me look good. At 7 yards, it's positively boring to blow a ragged hole through a target.

The capacity is low, true. That was one of the biggest things I had to get over when I made the purchase. But the CW9 is such an eminently well-designed and made firearm that I have no regrets.

Oh, and no jams or malfunctions yet, even in the recommended 200-round break-in period.

/\/\/\/\ This /\/\/\/\

I also have a Kahr CW 9 and have found it to be a superb weapon. Light, slim, sleek and well balanced. It is also remarkably accurate for a compact 9mm pistol, and the trigger, while indeed a long double action with each shot, is quite smooth without noticeable stacking.

[locosway]

I've heard nothing but good about Kahr guns even though I've never held one or shot one, I'd likely look into these first if I didn't like Glocks.