Recoil with the CW40

[rodwha]

I'm curious how it handles the standard ammunition as I'm considering it for my gf, as well as myself. Seems like these little light things could be a lot to handle. I am getting in to handloading and would make lighter stuff if the recoil is too stiff. I'm considering a 9mm as well, but prefer the larger side of the spectrum.

[Bigeasy]

Never shot a Kahr .40, but I have owned or shot a pretty fair selection of compact 9mm and .40's.  I have found you don't get the hand numbing recoil of say, a light weight .44mag.  What you do get is a lot of muzzle flip, with recoil fairly sharp with a .40.  I would suggest letting her try one before purchase, as it may well be more then she is comfortable with.  For an inexperienced shooter, sometimes a heavier, lesser powered pistol makes more sense, as it easier to hit accurately with, and less likely to cause flinching.  The last woman I taught to shoot was having a hard time with her sub-compact Glock .40, but did well with my 9mm model 19 Glock, and in fact ended up trading her .40 for a model 19 a few days later.  Downloading can work, to an extent, but you risk reliability, and lessen terminal performance.

Larry

[rodwha]

She has fired most of a box of Spls and 1 Mag from my 44 Tracker. She didn't care to shoot any more , though she handled it well. I think she could handle something with some kick, but I think it makes it more difficult to do well with.
We would certainly have a look see at what can be rented around here before we bought.

[paul105]

I have a CW40.  I really like it. 

The daughter was home last week and we took it to the range with several other handguns.  She shot a magazine of Speer Blazer 165s (chronoed in that gun at 1,005 fps, 65 Deg F) at a popper 10 yards away.  She had no problem staying on the popper, but the first round was a malf due to limp wristing (never happened to me in 800 + rounds).  Got her to firm up her grip and the CW40 ran flawlessly.  She did say that the recoil was little snappy -- this was after running a 100 or so 230gr hardball loads thru my 1911 with narry a hickup.

She doesn't get to shoot that much and isn't a great shot but is more than adequate and I wouldn't want her shooting at me.  Her favorite is the 1911.

Couple of observations regarding the CW40 and new shooters.

Recoil can be a bit snappy.

Muzzle flip is noticeable.

For some, the long trigger pull takes getting used to.

Paul

[swcu_21]

I have owned a cw40 for over a year now and would tend to agree with a lot of Paul's observations. One of my friends bought the cw9 at the same time and she likes it pretty well. She is pretty new to the game and the 40 was a little more difficult for her to stay real accurate. To me the cw9 shoots quite comfortably, could shoot it all day. The 40 is much less comfortable and with a 200 to 250 round break in recommended by Kahr she will have to shoot it quite a bit. The trigger is pretty long, but it is consistent and smooth. One of my favorite things to do is practice my cc draw, by shooting cow patty's or sticks in a pond. It has plenty of accuracy to handle those target, so I am confident with any other cc applications.

I would personally rather carry my 3.5" 1911 if I am looking for controll ability, but the cw40 packs a sizable punch in a small package; with the cross breed mini-Tuck its real concealment dream.

If she is a beginner the cw9 would be the better choice and more frequently used one.

I would say get yourself the 40 and her the 9 and you guys will be happy with the results. They have the same build so you can always trade or rotate with a outline and similar feel.

[wallacem]

Any new shooter, especially a female,  generally, is better off starting with a revolver.  We guys think it is macho to have an auto, and our girlfriend MUST have one too, because we think so.  Please give careful consideration to letting her try a small frame revolver in 357 or 38 spl.  Start her with 38 spl ammo.  when she gets brave let her try 357 mags.  A gun she can shoot well, and feel comfortable with is much better than one she is shy of.  Ladies generally think a revolver is simple, pull the trigger, and an auto is complex, safeties, clips, etc.  Think about it from their viewpoint.