Just bought a Kahr CW9 and it seems like a really well made, sweet handling, concealed carry piece but man is it tight. The slide fit, recoil spring, and slide release seem pretty stiff and I've heard these guns have tight tolerances, but I can barely release the slide and when I do my thumb is a little sore. I think I'll run a few boxes of hot ammo through it to break it in, but was wondering if all Kahrs have such a stiff slide release?

I've looked at the PM9, pricey but very nice. Do you know the difference between the PM and CW series?

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Sure you did

In my experience, Yes.

Kahrs seem to be a slightly different animal than others.

A lot of good information can be found at the Kahr Forum.

The folks over there recommend removing the magazine and cycling the slide 500 times by hand, and shooting two hundred rounds of ball ammo to break it in.

Word of advice, bet a couple of friends a six pack each they can't cycle the slide at least 250 times. They win by manning up, and believe me a 12 pack is cheap payment for the task!

After doing this it is recommended to depress the side lock to chamber a round, as using the sling shot method will not always result in the slide going into battery.

I have one in .40 and the jury is still out as to whether it will be rotated into the carry club, as I have not had enough time to break it in.

PC945

Ladder13: The PMs are about 1/2" smaller than the CW in length and height. 6+1 instead of 7+1 and a couple ounces lighter.

I have a PM9 as my daily carry gun; very happy with it. Yes, it's a stiff action.

The difference is the CW9 doesn't have a dovetailed front sight and only comes with one magazine, and the magazines are about 35 bucks.

Sounds like the Kahr's are winners, thanks guys.

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Sure you did

I have a K40 that is my daily carry gun. The slide release is a bit hard to manipulate, especially if you try to release the slide with an empty magazine in the gun. I've always racked the slide to chamber the first round and use the slide release when reloading. I've never had a malfunction of any kind with my Kahr. Wish they made a steel framed .45.

Also, the PM has polygon rifling and the CW series does not.
Yes, the P series is more $ and the Black Diamond finish even more.

The CW is also bigger and is not as good pocket carry. The PM fits my pocket better than a J frame.

The owners manual gives specific instructions on loading and releasing the slide.The manual states a 200 round break in before they will consider any problems.

The slide should be locked back. One round inserted in mag. Drop the mag release to chamber. Drop mag and fill with more ammo.

To release the slide when locked back with no ammo. Drop the mag and then press slide release.

When they work, they are very accurate, I shoot mine at 10 yards as well as much larger guns. They can be very trouble prone but their service is good.

Please do not ask me to go into it.

I do carry a PM 9 with black finish daily now.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I trade a KelTec PT-9 in 9mm for a CW 9 Kahr. Best move I've made in a long time. The Kahr has NEVER failed to fire, eject, load or anything yet, at 500+ rounds.
Recoil is much more pleasant than that of the KelTec


I will buy another Kahr soon.

rayb

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"cumplo pero no obedezco"