KAHR ARMS CW 45
Posted Jun 15, 2023
It’s easy to see why the Kahr Arms CW45 is becoming one of the most popular carry pistols on the market today. Combining superior ergonomics and accuracy with its light overall weight, slim design, and impressive capacity make this semi-automatic handgun a great choice for any type of shooter. In this in-depth review of the Kahr Arms CW45, we will cover all the major features of the pistol, pros and cons, a comparison to other similar firearms on the market, and our overall opinion.
To begin, the Kahr Arms CW45 is a full-size, semi-automatic handgun chambered in .45 ACP. It features a 4” barrel, a black polymer frame with textured grip, a matte stainless steel slide, and a standard three-dot sight with a drift-adjustable rear. Kahr’s popular pre-set trigger system is also featured, offering a consistent 5-pound pull for both double and single-action shooting. The pistol also includes a Picatinny-style rail for the attachment of various optics and accessories.
One of the most notable features of the Kahr Arms CW45 is its light weight. At only 24 ounces, it’s one of the lightest full-size pistols on the market. It’s also slim, measuring only 1.1” wide in its grip. This makes the gun comfortable to carry and use, especially for extended periods of time.
In addition to the light weight and slim design, the Kahr Arms CW45 offers excellent ergonomics, further enhancing its comfort and making it easy to shoot. The textured polymer grip frame and black matte slide allow the shooter to get a good purchase when firing the weapon, while the deep beavertail and extended magazine release make it easy to manipulate the gun. The pre-set trigger system also ensures a consistent trigger pull for accurate shooting.
Additionally, the Kahr Arms CW45 is a reliable firearm. It is made with top-notch quality materials and features a three-dot sight system as well as a barrel that is designed for accuracy. This allows for consistent and accurate shooting performance, making it ideal for home defense or competitive shooting.
When it comes to capacity, the Kahr Arms CW45 is also quite impressive. It comes with two 8-round magazines, offering more ammunition than other similar pistols on the market. This allows for greater shooting capacity, giving you more confidence in a self-defense situation.
Overall, the Kahr Arms CW45 is a great choice for any type of shooter. Its light weight, slim design, impressive capacity, and reliable ergonomics make it well-suited for both concealed carry and home defense. It’s also accurate and offers consistent performance, making it ideal for competitive shooting. The only downside, however, is the pre-set trigger system that can take some getting used to for new shooters.
Comparing the Kahr Arms CW45 to other similar firearms on the market, we find that it offers a great combination of features. The Glock 21, for example, is also a full-size, .45 ACP semi-auto, but it is significantly bulkier and heavier than the Kahr Arms CW45. The Springfield Armory XD-45 Compact is also a popular choice, but it lacks the capacity of the Kahr Arms CW45. In general, the Kahr Arms CW45 is a great option, offering a light weight, slim design, high capacity, and reliable performance.
In conclusion, the Kahr Arms CW45 is an excellent choice for any shooter looking for a reliable and lightweight carry pistol. It has a slim design, impressive capacity, and is accurate and reliable. While the pre-set trigger system can take some getting used to, overall it offers great performance. In comparison to other similar firearms on the market, the Kahr Arms CW45 is one of the best options available for any type of shooter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliable and safe. The Kahr Arms CW45 is known for its exceptional reliability and safety, with a highly reduced risk of the gun jamming or misfiring.
- Lightweight. The Kahr Arms CW45 is a lightweight gun, weighing just 22 ounces unloaded. This makes it easy to carry and very comfortable to use.
- Compact. The Kahr Arms CW45 has a relatively small profile, making it easy to hide or conceal. This also makes it easier to draw quickly in self-defense situations.
Cons:
- Expensive. The Kahr Arms CW45 is an expensive firearm, with a full retail price of around $699. This is much higher than some other similar handguns.
- Reduced magazine capacity. The Kahr Arms CW45 has an 8-round magazine capacity, which is lower than many other comparable handguns.
- Long trigger pull. The Kahr Arms CW45 has a relatively long and heavy trigger pull of between 7 and 8 pounds. This can be off-putting to some users.
Who Should Buy
Anyone over the age of 21 with a valid concealed carry permit should buy the KAHR ARMS CW 45. The CW 45 is a lightweight and easy to carry firearm, making it perfect for concealed carry.
Those who do not need to carry a firearm for self-defense, or who do not have the proper permits needed to own a concealed carry firearm, should not purchase the KAHR ARMS CW 45.
Comparisons
| KAHR ARMS CW 45 | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Action | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Gas Operated Semi-Auto |
| Capacity | 6+1 Rounds | 8+1 Rounds | 8+1 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.6" | 5" | 5" | 10.5" |
| Sight Radius | 5" | 6.5" | 6.5" | 14.9" |
| Weight | 21.8 oz | 39.6 oz | 42.5 oz | 6.7 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Model: CW45
• Type: Semi-automatic handgun
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 3.64"
• Overall Length: 5.80"
• Height: 4.53"
• Width: .90"
• Weight: 19.4 oz. (w/o magazine)
• Frame: Textured polymer
• Finish: Matte black
• Sights: White bar-dot combat rear sight, pinned in polymer front sight
• Safety: Integral locking system & manual safety
• Magazine: 1 – 6 round with non-extendable base
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for KAHR ARMS CW 45 are magazine base plates, extended mag release buttons, laser sights, extended threaded barrels, night sights, recoil springs, holsters, grip extensions, and rail adapters.
Accuracy
The KAHR ARMS CW 45 is renowned for its accuracy, particularly among those who use it for target practice or carry it as a concealed weapon. The gun’s 3.6-inch barrel and single-stack magazine offer plenty of accuracy compared to other similar handguns in the same size and price range. When shooting at targets at around 15-25 yards away, it produces stunning accuracy and precision with an impressive grouping of around 2.5-3 inches. It is a highly reliable and accurate handgun, and is a preferred choice for those who prioritize accuracy and safety.
