Kahr CW45 in .45 ACP

The Kahr CW45 is an awesome concealed carry pistol.  This can probably be said about the entire Kahr line-up.  Kahr's introductory models were in Stainless Steel, designated as their K frame, before their polymer frame or P frame models were brought out.  They were originally chambered in 9mm and then introduced in .40 caliber S&W.  Kahr carefully established their 9mm offerings before gradually introducing the more powerful cartridge.  At the time, the .40 Caliber Kahrs were revolutionary for such small and lightweight polymer pistols.  One of the features that Kahr is known for is its excellent trigger pull.  It exemplifies what a smooth trigger should be and my example's trigger pull comes in at 5.11 pounds which is perfect for a defensive pistol.

When Kahr announced that they were bringing out a .45 ACP many people, myself included, assumed that it would first be released in an all stainless steel model.  We were surprised that it came out in as a polymer framed pistol, which has done very well however, I would still like to see a stainless K45.

I was able to procure this model for $359.00 and for that money you get a .45 ACP pistol with a 6 + 1 Capacity, trigger cocking double action operation, a 3.64 inch barrel with an overall length of 6.32 inches.  It has a height of 4.8 inches is 1.01 inches wide at the slide and 0.94 inches wide at the grip.  It has a Stainless Steel slide and barrel and a black polymer frame with textured grips.  The sights are black with a white dot up front and a white bar on the rear sight, which can also be drifted for horizontal sighting adjustments.

The CW series of pistols is Kahr's value priced line-up.  The differences help Kahr control cost but don't affect performance and are as follows:

 1. The barrel provided is conventionally rifled instead of being a match grade polygonal barrel.  I did not notice any difference in accuracy.

 2. The slide stop is Metal Injected Molded (MIM) instead of being machined.  Again, this is of no notice.

 3. The markings on the slide and barrel are rolled instead of being engrave.  This certainly does not affect the performance of the pistol.

 4. Kahr only provides one magazine instead of two but you can pick up a spare magazine and still be out-the-door for under $400.00.

You will notice that I added a Pachmayr grip sleeve to the pistol.  The grip frame width, at 0.94 inches is just a tad to thin for my preference.  The cushioning Pachmayr grip sleeve brings the overall grip width to 1.10 inches and makes the pistol more manageable when shooting controlled strings.

Shooting the CW 45

 The recoil is certainly there but it is pain-free, quite manageable and did not impede me from making respectable follow-up shots.

 Let's Look At The Targets

 I warmed up with 2 targets at 15 feet.

Here are two targets at 21 feet:

Here one from 35 feet:

At 21 feet here are two targets shot with Federal Guard Dog 165 grain and Speer Gold Dot Hollow Point 200 grain +P

The Guard Dog ammo was easy to shoot with mild recoil.  The 200 grain Gold Dot Hollow Point +P ammo did kick a bit!

To me value means affordable quality and the CW line-up is easy on your wallet and gives up nothing to more expensive handguns.  Kahr's niche is easy to carry and conceal pistols and they set the standard for the industry.  If you're looking for an easy to carry, potent, accurate and reliable pistol the CW45 may be your pistol of choice.