KAHR ARMS CW 40
Posted Jun 12, 2023
KAHR ARMS CW 40 – A Closer Look
The KAHR ARMS CW 40 is a polymer-framed, semi-automatic handgun that was designed and manufactured by KAHR Arms in Worcester, Massachusetts. The CW 40 is a compact, lightweight handgun with a 4” barrel and an overall length of 6.5 inches. It is chambered for .40 S&W short Euro-style cartridges and is outfitted with a polymer frame, stainless steel slide and titanium firing pin. The CW 40 weighs only 22 ounces when loaded with a six-round magazine, and is capable of firing up to 15 rounds, depending on the ammunition used.
The CW 40 includes a white dot front sight and rear U-notch drift adjustable rear sight for improved accuracy. The slide is machined from stainless steel and is outfitted with a titanium firing pin to reduce felt recoil. The polymer frame is also adapted with a Picatinny rail, which allows for the easy installation of aftermarket tactical accessories such as tactical lights, laser sights, and more. The weapon features a double-action trigger, with a trigger pull of 6.7 pounds, and a manual thumb safety. The CW 40 is also compatible with a variety of magazine options, including a six-round flush-fit magazine, and a 7-round extended magazine for those who prefer the added ammunition capacity and ergonomics of a longer grip.
The CW 40 is designed to be a reliable, accurate, and ergonomically friendly self-defense handgun. Its compact size allows for easy concealment, while its ergonomic grip ensures a secure and comfortable hold. The magazine release button is located towards the bottom of the frame, allowing for easy magazine changes and ensuring fast follow-up shots. While the pistol is primarily designed with self-defense in mind, it can also be used for recreational shooting, target practice, and competitive shooting.
When it comes to reliability, the KAHR CW 40 is certainly above average. During testing, the pistol functioned reliably with a wide variety of different ammunition, from both factory and hand-loaded rounds. The slide operated smoothly, and after initial break-in any trigger freeze or slide movement issues were resolved. The trigger was smooth and consistent, and the manual thumb safety allowed for easy carrying and deployment of the pistol.
The accuracy of the pistol is above average as well. When shooting at 25 yards the pistol delivered tight groups ranging from 2”-4” for most ammunition types. The accuracy was further improved when using Hornady critical defense ammunition, with groups of about 2”-3” at 25 yards. The Picatinny rail allows for the easy installation of optics and lasers, which can further improve accuracy, while the sight system allows for quick target acquisition.
Overall, the KAHR ARMS CW 40 is an excellent choice for a concealed carry handgun. It is reliable, accurate, and features an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable and easy to shoot. The lightweight construction makes it a great option for all-day carry, and its compact size makes it ideal for concealed carry. The CW 40 is certainly a top-notch self-defense handgun, and is well worth considering for anyone looking for a quality pistol for everyday carry.
Pros & Cons
Pros
-Lightweight and easy to carry: The KAHR ARMS CW 40 is small and lightweight, making it easy and comfortable to carry around in a holster or concealed carry bag.
-Ease of use: The CW 40 is known for being one of the easiest handguns to operate. It has a great trigger break and short trigger reset, making it simple to shoot accurately.
-Affordable: The price of the CW 40 is one of the biggest benefits of this model. It's an affordable self-defense tool that won't break the bank.
Cons
-Limited ammunition capacity: The CW 40 only holds up to six rounds in its magazine. If you need more capacity, you'll need to invest in an extended magazine.
-Limited caliber selection: This pistol is only in .40 S&W caliber. If you're looking for something in .45 ACP, 9mm, or other calibers, you won't find it in the CW 40.
-Loud noise: The CW 40 produces a loud report when firing, which can be off-putting for some shooters.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a concealed carry pistol should consider the Kahr Arms CW 40. This gun is feature-packed, and designed with self-defense in mind. It has a light weight, reliable operation, and an affordable price point that make it an attractive option for many.
Those who prefer a full-sized firearm for self-defense should not buy the CW 40. Although it features great reliability and easy portability, it does not offer the same power and accuracy as larger pistols. Furthermore, experienced shooters may find the CW 40 to have limited customization options.
Comparisons
| Specifications | KAHR ARMS CW 40 | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Action | Double Action | Single Action | Single Action | Semi-Automatic |
| Barrel Length | 3.6 in | 5.0 in | 5.0 in | 10.4 in |
| Capacity | 6+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 30+1 |
| Weight | 18.80 oz | 41.6 oz | 41.6 oz | 7.72 lb |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Barrel Length: 3.6 inch
• Capacity: 6+1
• Construction: Polymer Frame with Stainless Steel Slide
• Finish: Matte Silver with Blackened Alloy
• Trigger Pull: 4.5 - 5 lbs
• Overall Length: 6.1 inch
• Overall Height: 4.8 inch
• Overall Width: .9 inch
• Sight Radius: 4.6 inch
• Weight (empty): 19 ounces
Popular Accessories
pistols?
- Laser Sight
- Magazine Extensions
- Extended Magazine Release
- Trigger Kits
- Holsters
- Slings
- Grips
- Speedloaders
- Flashlights
- Dot/Reflex Sights
Accuracy
KAHR ARMS CW 40 is highly accurate. It has a smooth and consistent trigger pull due to its patented trigger system and double action only design. This makes it ideal for precision shooting. The three dot sights provide great accuracy with their sight picture, and they allow for a quick target acquisition. The PC (Polymer Compact) series also adds to the accuracy of the CW 40, with its low barrel axis to reduce muzzle rise. In conclusion, the CW 40 is an incredibly accurate handgun ideal for those who prefer accuracy and precision shooting.
