[smores]

Thank you guys so much for the help so far!!!

I've narrowed down my list to 2 pistols (sort of, just small differences to discuss). It's down to the Kahr CW9/P9, Kahr CW40/P40 and Walther PPS (in 9mm or .40 S&W).

I've heard of reliability issues with both the Kahr polymer guns and the Walther PPSes so let's just assume they work out of the box just fine or have been fixed after a return to the manufacturer. As for caliber, I'm still on the fence. I'd love to fire these guns to see how recoil is in each. Discussion of nuances follows.


Kahr - CW models vs. P models - From what I can tell, these are the differences:

- CW
--- Pinned in polymer sight ("big dot" tritium sights are $120)
--- Conventional barrel rifling (no big deal)
--- Fewer machining operations on slide (is this only cosmetic? If so no big deal)
--- Simple engraving on the slide (again, cosmetic - no big deal)
--- MIM slide stop lever (does this wear over time? how is Kahr's warranty?)
--- Only includes one 6-round mag

- P
--- Dovetailed front sight (Meprolights are only $~60 for a set)
--- Polygonal barrel (can't shoot lead reloads for target practice, which I don't ever shoot anyway so I guess that doesn't matter)
--- Fancy machining on slide (AFAIK only cosmetic, who cares)
--- Rollmarking of slide (cosmetic, who cares)
--- Forged slide stop lever (I'm assuming this is more durable over time?)
--- Two magazines (I know spares are costly, this is a definite plus).


So as far as I can tell the only REAL differences I see are these:
- MIM vs. cast slide stop
- Rifled vs. polygonal bore
- Pinned vs. Dovetailed front sights

I know spare mags are $40, of which I will buy one if I get the CW model. With night sights (priced on Kahr's site) the CW models will be about $710 (with extra mag) while the P models will be about $800. Let's say the difference in price is $100, are the P models worth that much over the CW? A shop I know can get these things for quite a bit less, but these prices are just working figures to help get a feel for the real difference in cost.



Walther PPS
- What say ye? Looks like a cool little gun, but I'm leaning towards Kahr based on price and the feel of the grip. It seems the trigger guard of the Karhs is cut about 1/4" higher so it's definitely more comfortable to hold. 9mm vs. .40 S&W will have to be hammered out at the range. The magazine release is a little weird... but I could get used to it.


NOTE: I'm hoping to test these guns out at home in MD and buy this pistol before I get to PA, so I can carry it as soon as I get my LTCF! If I don't get to test it out, please PM me if you're in the Pittsburgh area and would be so kind to let me try out your pistol(s)!