CW40, PT140, PF9 or ??

[flatlander]

I'm looking for opinions and experienced feedback on a couple of pistols that I'm considering. I have a TCP 738 for a  small summer gun, and a Ruger P89 that is pretty large. They are both great guns, but I'm looking for something in between sizes to carry and plink at the range with that I can pick up for around $350.

I'm looking for a 9 or 40, and reload, so cost to shoot won't be too different between them. I'm considering a Kahr CW40, a Taurus Millenium Pro or a Kel Tec PF9. Any experience with these, or recommendations of others that are in the same neighborhood that I might be overlooking?

[Spirithawk]

The Kel Tec PF-9 is an excellent Conceal Carry firearm. Exactly what it was designed for and it does the job very well but it is not a gun most would want for plinking. Because of it's small size and light weight most find it a bit hard on the hand when shot multiple times. I don't, but a lot of folks do.

[BL Drake]

I recently purchased a CW40 and absolutely love the gun.  It shoots great, has less muzzle flip then the sc Glocks.  It does take a little getting used to, however it's well worth it.  Shot a little low at first but seems to be coming around.  Don't know if that was more me or the gun.  Seems to take whatever I feed it with no issues. 

[flatlander]

The recoil on the PF9 was the main thing that concerns me. I am not overly sensitive to recoil, but I think I would like something that will be fun to shoot more. My little 380 is a blast to shoot and I don't have problems shooting a lot of rounds through it, but I wasn't sure how the recoil on the PF9 would compare. I might opt for a little more mass just for the plinking option.

[jager]

+1 on the PF9. I too was concerned about the recoil, but used a "cut-out" section of an old bicycle tube over the handle to mitigate the sharp edges (found the "tip" on GBO). It made big difference! Besides now being comfortable to shoot, it's accuracy seems to have improved .

[flatlander]

Well, there is a show coming up in a week. Looks like I need to do some shopping. I'm not sure if I've narrowed things down, but I think I'm going to stick with a 9mm since I am already set up to load for it. So I'll be trying out the CW9 (instead of the 40), the PF9, and the PT111.
Can anyone tell me if any of these are DAO, or if they have a DA/SA trigger? I think that the PF9 and CW9 are DAO and the PT111 is DA/SA. Am I correct in this?

[03A2]

I can tell you that the kahr line, based on my personal experience with a K9 is well made and is a striker fired action similar to glock in that the striker is partially cocked by the slide.  I believe DAO to be inaccurate as pulling the trigger twice will not drop the firing pin twice on an empty chamber.  Single action is also inaccurate in my mind because the trigger must move the striker back or cock it the rest of the way before it has enough energy to fire a primer.  Safe-action is glocks term but it is trademarked.  I am sure Kahr has their own description of their trigger action but it is not coming to mind now.  I can tell you that it is closer to a DA than the glock in that the pull is longer and reset longer, but you don't have to deal with the little trigger blade thingy on a glock that drives me nuts.

[flatlander]

I just found another thing that kind of throws a twist on the decision. I found a 22 conversion kit for the PF9 that would be cool to play with. http://www.twistedindustries.net/products/

Anyone have experience with this? A bit pricey, but I might consider it, too. They claim fully loaded, it will weigh less than the PF9 without a clip. It might be a fun little 22 to shoot, and with the same trigger and grip, it would still be good practice for when you take it back to factory configuration.

[flatlander]

I now own a parkerized PF9. Got a good price, and it was light, small and  really felt good in my hand. I need a new holster, and a handall, jr, I think.
I did try out the finger extension for the clip, and sent parts flying all over the room. I put it back to the shorter version. It just felt better, since the spur fit my hand wrong and didn't seem to be helpful.

[bulldog44]

I had a PF9, traded it for a CW40...Best thing I ever did.
That happened three weeks ago, I have since purchased a CM9 also.
I really like Kahr pistols.
Bulldog...

[rockbilly]

I didn’t like or want a plastic gun when they came out, but after shooting a PF-9 I now have a couple of them.  My carry gun his equipped with the CT laser sight and shoots very well out 20-25 yards.  She also handles the 9mm reloads very well.  It is an excellent gun for the money and should serve well as a CCW.

[Scibaer]

i had a kahr cw40, after carrying it consealed for a few years , i got rid of it and went with rugers.
i have a lcp 380 and a lc9 , i interchange carrying them, depending on weather and clothing .
nothing wrong at all with the kahr's, but i feel the rugers are better guns overall .

[Brett]

The new S&W M&P Shield (single stack) has been getting some good reviews as has it's older brother the M&P 9c/40c (double stack).   I have a full sized M&P and like it a lot.

[dougk]

The Kel Tec PF-9 is an excellent Conceal Carry firearm. Exactly what it was designed for and it does the job very well but it is not a gun most would want for plinking. Because of it's small size and light weight most find it a bit hard on the hand when shot multiple times. I don't, but a lot of folks do.

Great Point Spirithawk

in my opinion concealed carry does not necessary = plinking.  I know the deeper the carry the less the plinking   The big exception is the 1911 which is a great plinking and a good concealed carry.

Doug

[flatlander]

After going to the range a few times, I can honestly say that I love the PF9. No failures at all so far, and I think the recoil is very managable. I'm used to shooting 44 mags and contenders in 45-70 and 375 JDJ from my past, and the PF9 is just plain fun to shoot. It is pretty accurate, and I like shooting it a LOT more than I expected after hearing the reports of "fierce" recoil.  It's a little snappy, but still a lot of fun. I do have the handall JR mounted on it upside down, and it makes a very comfortable grip. Combined with a crossbreed seconds holster, it is a super comfortable, compact CC rig. I'd highly recommend the PF9 to anyone looking for a carry gun.

[Steve E]

I vote for the CW line. I started with the CW9 and then my Wife got her CC permit and she wanted a CW9 (she liked mine a lot) and I got a CW45 and absolutely love it. I can carry it all day with no problems. To me the recoil of the CW45 is less 'snappy' than the CW40. The CW9 is a dream to shoot.

Steve E............

[PAHUnter04]

Most shooters don't realise how SNAPPY a .40 S&W can be, especially in a smaller CCW handgun. In a real small handgun it is going to SMARTS quite a bit. 
 
My Glock 27, & SA XDM 3.5 inch are both .40 S&W. I would not want to shoot this caliber in a smaller handgun. This is just my two cents. The PF9's, the Kahr CW9's, PM9's, P380's, are all great handguns in my opinion. When you go bigger than the 9mm you should go with a little bigger handgun.
 
I have yet to try the new SA XDS .45 ACP should have one today to play with.
 
Regards PAH04