Thoughts on the new Kahr CW380

[Tennjed]

Looks like new for 2013 is the Kahr CW380.  MSRP $419, so it should run about $350 like the other CWs.  I think it may be on my short list

 

Caliber: .380 ACP
 Capacity: 6+1
 Operation: Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; "Browning - type" recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
 Barrel: 2.58", Conventional Rifling, 1 - 16 right-hand twist
 Length O/A: 4.96"
 Height: 3.9"
 Slide Width: .75"
 Weight: Pistol 10.2 ounces (w/o magazine)
Grips: Textured polymer
 Sights: Drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight, pinned in polymer front sight
 Finish: Black polymer frame, matte stainless steel slide
 Magazine: 1 - 6 rd, Stainless

 

[Parrothead]

For comparison:

 

Shorter than a LCP

Slide width is less than the LCP

Same Capacity

Same Heigth

Heaver than LCP

Real sights--Advantage Khar

[Patton]

Truthfully, it's about 4 years too late. Ruger and Keltec have filled so many pockets and purses with products there isn't to many left wanting to buy. I think Kahr could have racked in he money with cm380's/9/40/45 a lot earlier. Instead they have some expensive models that 95% of gun buyers care nothing about, a TP45 for example.

[Oh Shoot]

Truthfully, it's about 4 years too late. Ruger and Keltec have filled so many pockets and purses with products there isn't to many left wanting to buy.....

 

Quite a few people in America turn 21 every day, ya know. :)

 

- OS

[Patton]

Quite a few people in America turn 21 every day, ya know. :)
 
- OS

Thats a good point, but unfortunately I don't think too many are interested in guns. I have a much younger brother that is 21 and I am amazed at how broke his generation is. Most have jobs, if you call it that. It's kind of sad because in my 20's I had more money than I have now. I had a lot of toys. I was also in the military and making bank.

[leroy]

I think the kahr is a helluva idea.  The size is what sells these little guns, and kahr is a good product.  I'm lookin to buy one myself and ive got a sig 238 in my front pocket now.  

 

leroy

[Fourtyfive]

I have many Kahrs , my 380 is the only one that ever went back to the factory , twice. Now it is flawless , most P380's have seen a trip back to the factory from what I've read on forums. I hope they have the bugs out.

[McAllyn]

I love my Kahr's, but personally, I'll deal with the extra 1/2" of barrel length and keep my CM9.  That's just my dislike for the 380 caliber, though.

 

Mac

[samson7x]

I think I want one.  I'm in the market for a pocket 380 and have been looking hard at the LCP until I discovered the Kahr.  I may have to hold off on my purchase until it becomes available and I get a chance to hold one.

[wipfel]

How does this differ from the P380 as far as the niche it's trying to fill (or target market in other words)?

 

EDIT: nm, I answered my own question.

 

Differences between the Kahr CW380 and Kahr P380 models include: the CW series has a conventional rifled barrel instead of the match grade polygonal barrel found on P models; the CW slide stop lever is MIM (metal-injection-molded) instead of machined; the CW series slide has fewer machining operations, and uses simple engraved markings instead of roll marking; the P380 comes with two magazines, but the CW series comes with one 6 rd steel magazine with flush baseplate. Lastly, the slide locks back after firing the last round – another feature missing on a number of other value-priced compact semi-auto pistols. The durability and reliability of the CW380 model makes it a strong consideration as a backup gun for law enforcement.

Edited February 7, 2013 by wipfel

[wipfel]

I have many Kahrs , my 380 is the only one that ever went back to the factory , twice. Now it is flawless , most P380's have seen a trip back to the factory from what I've read on forums. I hope they have the bugs out.

 

Mine's been back 4 times.  I want to like the gun, but I'm just about done with it.

[Fourtyfive]

Mine's last trip got a new barrel and slide.

[Jonnin]

just seems like another in a pile to me.  I am sure its a nice gun, khar makes a good product, but nothing is really standing out about it.  If you could reverse the mag drop, it would get a boost from lefties, most of the others are RHOs.

Edited February 7, 2013 by Jonnin

[Patton]

I understand lefties feel left out but if your thinking about tactical reloads you need to be carrying a larger gun anyway. These pocket guns are BUG's or guns I use when I don't suspect trouble. The 5/ 6 or 7 rounds are to get me out of there while I'm running. I'll reload in my car or get a bigger gun.

[Lumber_Jack]

someone enlighten me on the differences between this and the P380, I dont really want to google it  :taunt:  

[wipfel]

From what I could tell, it's just the cheaper version. 1 less mag, cheaper parts, etc.

[Lumber_Jack]

From what I could tell, it's just the cheaper version. 1 less mag, cheaper parts, etc.

 

I totally missed your post above.  That answers the question.  I guess I never thought the P380 had all that "special" machining and such since its a pocket .380 and you'd be lucky to hit a barn door beyond 10 feet.  

[nightrunner]

The p380 is the top shelf dao pocket 380 as far as im concerned. I love mine. Wanting to send it to Robar for some custom work but really dont want to be without it for very long.