KAHR ARMS CW45
Posted May 19, 2023
KAHR ARMS CW45: An In-Depth Review
When it comes to pistols, the KAHR ARMS CW45 is a great choice for many shooters. This lightweight compact .45 ACP handgun is both dependable and easy to carry and conceal. With its smaller size and short barrel, it’s perfect for concealed carry, home defense, or even just recreational shooting. The KAHR ARMS CW45 may just be the ideal pistol for anyone looking for a powerful yet compact and concealable handgun.
First and foremost, the KAHR ARMS CW45 is a .45 ACP pistol. For those not familiar with the .45 ACP (also known as the 11.43x23mm), this is a centerfire pistol cartridge designed for self-defense and civilian use. This caliber is known for its high stopping power and reliability. The CW45 is a full-size pistol chambered in .45 ACP, meaning that it has a longer barrel and more slide and frame than some of the other handguns in KAHR ARMS’ line.
Kahr Arms is a U.S.-based firearms manufacturer that was founded in 1995 by Swiss gunsmith Justin Moon. The company is well-respected for their focus on high quality and attention to detail in all of their products, and the CW45 is no exception. This pistol has a polymer frame and steel-alloy slide, which makes it lightweight, resilient, and incredibly user friendly. The handgun features a double-action-only trigger system, which requires the user to pull the trigger once to discharge the firing pin. This system is specifically designed for safety, so that an accidental discharge is less likely to occur.
Weighing only 18.5 ounces empty, the CW45 is one of the lightest .45 ACP pistols on the market today. This makes it great for concealed carry, home defense, and recreational use. The only downside is that because the gun is so light, it does have a bit of recoil, something that some shooters may find uncomfortable.
The CW45 is just six-inches long and just 4.5 inches high, which makes it incredibly easy to conceal. It has a 3.6-inch barrel length and a five-round magazine, making it perfect for concealed carry. It also comes with an adjustable rear sight and a 3-dot tritium front sight, making it easy to quickly and accurately acquire targets.
Not only is the CW45 an excellent personal- and home-defense handgun, it’s also a great choice for recreational shooting. With its sleek, compact design, it’s easy to carry and comfortable to shoot. The gun comes with two eight-round magazines, so you never have to worry about running out of ammunition. The magazines fit securely in the grip and are easy to load and unload both with and without a magazine loader.
In addition to the great features listed above, the KAHR ARMS CW45 also comes with a lockable safety, which prevents the firearm from being fired without it being disengaged. This is a great safety feature, as it prevents any unauthorized personnel from using the weapon. The gun also has a manual slide stop and thumb safety, as well as a loaded chamber indicator. The overall design of the CW45 gives it excellent ergonomics and an intuitive feel, making it comfortable to shoot and easy to use.
Overall, the KAHR ARMS CW45 is an excellent choice for any shooter looking for a reliable and powerful firearm. With its lightweight design and .45 ACP cartridge, it’s great for personal and home defense, as well as recreational shooting. Its adjustable sights, easy loading and unloading, and safety features make it an excellent choice for any enthusiast. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced shooter, the KAHR ARMS CW45 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful pistol.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Lightweight and compact – CW45 is one of the most compact .45 ACP handguns on the market, making it ideal for concealed carry.
• All metal construction – The CW45 is constructed of steel parts, improving durability and reliability.
• Easy to disassemble – The CW45’s simple design makes disassembly and cleaning a breeze.
• Affordable – The CW45’s reasonable price makes it a great option for a first-time gun buyer or a budget-minded shooter looking for a capable concealed-carry handgun.
Cons:
• Trigger pull – The CW45’s long, heavy trigger pull is often considered one of its biggest negatives.
• Capacity – The CW45 ships with a 7-round magazine, making it one of the lower-capacity .45 ACP handguns available.
• Recoil – The CW45’s small frame and lack of grip length can make the gun somewhat snappy in the hands, especially for those with smaller hands.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the KAHR ARMS CW45 should be individuals who no prior experience with handguns and seeking an entry level concealed carry weapon. This gun is also a great choice for those who have limited physical strength or smaller hands. Those who shouldn't buy this gun would include those who are looking for a weapon to use for competition, home protection, or tactical use.
Comparisons
| Model | Price | Caliber | Barrel Length | Weight (oz) | Magazine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAHR ARMS CW45 | $314.99 | .45 ACP | 3.64 inches | 21.8 oz | 6+1 rounds |
| Glock 21 | $499.99 | .45 ACP | 4.6 inches | 30.48 oz | 13+1 rounds |
| Springfield XD MOD.2 | $419.99 | .45 ACP | 4 inches | 24 oz | 9+1 rounds |
| Ruger SR 1911 | $785.00 | .45 ACP | 4.25 inches | 33 oz | 7+1 rounds |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 6+1 rounds
• Action: Double Action Only (DAO)
• Safety: No Manual Safety
• Barrel Length: 3.64”
• Overall Length: 6.3”
• Height: 4.8”
• Width: 1”
• Weight: 20.8oz
• Finish: Matte Black Polymer Frame
Popular Accessories
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- Holsters: The most popular type of holster for the CW45 is the outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster. KAHR ARMS CW45 compatible OWB holsters are available from brands like Blackhawk, Fobus, Safariland, Galco, and more.
- Magazines: The CW45 uses six-round magazines in .45 ACP caliber, and they are available from KAHR, Kimber, and Mec-Gar, among other sources.
- Grips: While the original factory grips are generally preferred by most, there are a wide variety of aftermarket options available. From rubberized and textured designs for better hold, to grips in various colors and patterns, there is a wide range of grips available for the CW45.
- Lasers/Lights: The KAHR CW45 is compatible with both lasers and tactical lights, making it possible to customize the handgun to fit the situation.
Accuracy
The Kahr Arms CW45 is a reliable and accurate concealed carry pistol. It features a match grade stainless steel barrel with polygonal rifling for increased accuracy. Reports say the accuracy of the Kahr Arms CW45 is excellent, even at extended ranges. A vast majority of users report that the accuracy and recoil of the CW45 is on par with much more expensive firearms. At close range with good ammo, the Kahr CW45 delivers very impressive accuracy and consistency every time.
