Kahr CM9 versus Smith & Wesson 642

[JoeGun]

What's your opinion?
 
Dependability, Pocket Carry, Self Defense?
 
Thanks,
Joe

[Savage]

Either one will do the job. Dependability, the 642 is about as reliable as a mechanical thing can be,  a modern well built auto loader about the same. I have always been a fan of snubbies, and always keep a couple around. However, my choice for carry would be the Kahr. The flat, thin profile carries easier, carries more ammo on board, and reloads faster than the revo. With modern ammo, the nine gives up little to the .357 in a barrel that short. Kahr, all the way.
Savage

[JoeGun]

Either one will do the job. Dependability, the 642 is about as reliable as a mechanical thing can be,  a modern well built auto loader about the same. I have always been a fan of snubbies, and always keep a couple around. However, my choice for carry would be the Kahr. The flat, thin profile carries easier, carries more ammo on board, and reloads faster than the revo. With modern ammo, the nine gives up little to the .357 in a barrel that short. Kahr, all the way.
Savage

Thanks Savage,
 
Pretty much,, what I was thinking.
 
I have a 642,, and I'm mulling over changeing out an AMT 380 with either another 642 or maybe a CM9.
 
I don't remember me handleing and looking over a CM9 in person,, so I'll try to do that when the next Gun Show come's to town.
 
They are about the same price,, so that's a good thing too, and I've looked at the ballistic's for a 3" 9mm +P 125 gr, versus the Buffalo Bore 38spl +P out of a 2".  It appears that they have pretty close to the same speed,, maybe just a tad faster with the 9mm.
 
Like you said,, the 642 is engineered for dependability,, and another big advantage,, is they are fairly Female Friendly with regular 38spl ammo.
 
But still I need to look over and handle the CM9,, before I do the deed.
 
Thanks very much,
Joe
 
 

[max1138]

I carry a smith airweight in 38+p rated.  could have bought anything but went for the  lightweight revolver because it is carried much, shot little and cleaned less.  I mostly carry in a pocket holster and wanted the most reliable thing I could get in a defensive firearm of modest size. I know the wheelgun isnt gonna have a magazine spring weaken or fail to feed in any way. plus I prefer the light weight and concealed hammer for my uses.
theres a reload in a speed strip in the pocket as insurance. but if I need more than 5 Ive got no business being there anyway. this is just to get me out of a bad situation, and keep breathing, and so on. Im not the police and Im not rambo, its to keep me and mine alive for the 5 seconds or less its gonna take to resolve whatever deadly threat may present itself.

[JTB]

I've had Kahr come and go, but I'll always have a 642 or similar S&W snub nose.  They're just about perfect for pocket carry.

[JustaShooter]

I wouldn't own a Kahr - both of my LGS have said they have a great warranty, and they need it.  Ultimately they will make it right, but it can be a hassle getting there from what they've said. 

Besides that, the one guy I know that owns one had his brand new 9mm (not sure if a CM9 or CW9) come apart on the first shot  - factory Winchester ammo, blew the magazine out the bottom & locked up the barrel & slide, bits & pieces out the back.  Fortunately he wasn't hurt.  Sent it all in, including the rest of the box of ammo, got a new one back from Kahr (that had been test fired according to the enclosed letter) along with a replacement box of ammo and an apology.  No explanation or analysis of what happened either. 

[Josp]

I've had both and now only have the Kahr. S&W J frames are fantastic, no doubt about it. I love my Kahrs. Have the P45 and P380 now for ammo consolidation. Really can't go wrong either way.