Beretta92FS
NES Member
Some of you may remember my posting "380 showdown" from last year, where I compared the Ruger LCP and the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. See this link: http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...4-380-showdown-S-amp-W-Bodyguard-vs-Ruger-LCP
I recently came across a Kahr CW380, and wanted to do a quick comparison between the Kahr to the Ruger as well. The .380 isn't the most powerful caliber, but still good enough for close up, last resort self defense, and that's the purpose of these tiny guns. If you want to go to Alaska and shoot Mr. Grizzly Bear, feel free to bring the 454 Casull, but for light carry and deep concealment, the .380 is all you need.
The Kahr CW380 is a cheaper version of the P380 - the only differences are that the P380 has a polygonal barrel while the CW380 has regular barrel, and the slide on the P380 is slightly more refined. For all practical purposes the P380 and the CW380 are the same gun.
Both the Ruger LCP and the Kahr CW380 are very similar in size. The Kahr CW380 is slightly shorter, but has a longer grip than the Ruger. Width is the same for all practical purposes. The profile of the Kahr is a bit more boxy, and I find that the Kahr actually prints more when pocket carried, particularly when using thinner dress-type of pants. The Ruger LCP's more rounded profile makes it disappear more easily.
The Ruger LCP weighs in at 9.6 ounces. with the magazine! Simply amazing! The Kahr is a bit heavier, at 11.4 ounces with magazine, but neither gun is heavy! These guns are so light that you can easily forget that you're carrying.
The recoil of the Ruger LCP is very snappy and borderline unpleasant. The Kahr CW380 is not as snappy, probably due to a heavier slide. Both guns are super lightweight, but the 18% weight difference does change felt recoil.
For accuracy testing, I shot 5 rounds of Hornady American Gunner ammo in each gun. The pictures speak for themselves.
I had one flyer with the CW380, probably due to my unsteady hand, but I have to say that I'm very impressed with the CW380: 4 holes touching each other! Outstanding for a mouse gun with a 2.58" barrel!
The Ruger LCP wasn't bad either, and both guns are plenty accurate for close up self defense.
The trigger on the LCP is shorter, but grittier. The CW380 has an amazingly smooth trigger, but with a longer pull, almost like a double action revolver. Both guns have long and hard enough trigger pulls to make them perfectly safe for pocket carry, even without a safety.
So which gun is "better"? I honestly don't know.
The Kahr CW380 feels like a more quality gun, it is more pleasant to shoot and is more accurate. The Ruger LCP is lighter and prints less when pocket carried, and is still accurate enough. I would be perfectly fine carrying either gun - and I probably will be carrying both, depending on clothing and carrying conditions. Neither gun had any misfires or mechanical issues during my testing, and I would feel safe and well prepared carrying either one of them.
The only downside with them is that they are relatively hard to find in Massachusetts, but hopefully they will be added to the approved roster at some point!
I recently came across a Kahr CW380, and wanted to do a quick comparison between the Kahr to the Ruger as well. The .380 isn't the most powerful caliber, but still good enough for close up, last resort self defense, and that's the purpose of these tiny guns. If you want to go to Alaska and shoot Mr. Grizzly Bear, feel free to bring the 454 Casull, but for light carry and deep concealment, the .380 is all you need.
The Kahr CW380 is a cheaper version of the P380 - the only differences are that the P380 has a polygonal barrel while the CW380 has regular barrel, and the slide on the P380 is slightly more refined. For all practical purposes the P380 and the CW380 are the same gun.
Both the Ruger LCP and the Kahr CW380 are very similar in size. The Kahr CW380 is slightly shorter, but has a longer grip than the Ruger. Width is the same for all practical purposes. The profile of the Kahr is a bit more boxy, and I find that the Kahr actually prints more when pocket carried, particularly when using thinner dress-type of pants. The Ruger LCP's more rounded profile makes it disappear more easily.
The Ruger LCP weighs in at 9.6 ounces. with the magazine! Simply amazing! The Kahr is a bit heavier, at 11.4 ounces with magazine, but neither gun is heavy! These guns are so light that you can easily forget that you're carrying.
The recoil of the Ruger LCP is very snappy and borderline unpleasant. The Kahr CW380 is not as snappy, probably due to a heavier slide. Both guns are super lightweight, but the 18% weight difference does change felt recoil.
For accuracy testing, I shot 5 rounds of Hornady American Gunner ammo in each gun. The pictures speak for themselves.
I had one flyer with the CW380, probably due to my unsteady hand, but I have to say that I'm very impressed with the CW380: 4 holes touching each other! Outstanding for a mouse gun with a 2.58" barrel!
The Ruger LCP wasn't bad either, and both guns are plenty accurate for close up self defense.
The trigger on the LCP is shorter, but grittier. The CW380 has an amazingly smooth trigger, but with a longer pull, almost like a double action revolver. Both guns have long and hard enough trigger pulls to make them perfectly safe for pocket carry, even without a safety.
So which gun is "better"? I honestly don't know.
The Kahr CW380 feels like a more quality gun, it is more pleasant to shoot and is more accurate. The Ruger LCP is lighter and prints less when pocket carried, and is still accurate enough. I would be perfectly fine carrying either gun - and I probably will be carrying both, depending on clothing and carrying conditions. Neither gun had any misfires or mechanical issues during my testing, and I would feel safe and well prepared carrying either one of them.
The only downside with them is that they are relatively hard to find in Massachusetts, but hopefully they will be added to the approved roster at some point!
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