Summer Carry- Ruger LC9 or Kahr CW45?

[Armed in Alpharetta]

Looking for a smaller summer carry gun. I don't believe in carrying anything under 9mm. I'm looking at two very good pistols- The Ruger LC9 with lasermax, or the Kahr CW45. Georgia summers are on the way, and I need a smaller weapon that will conceal easy.

The LC9 would be small enough to take anywhere. The laser would be a great defensive addition. 9mm would match the ammo I collect currently.

On the other hand...

The CW45 is also very small, but packing a powerful round with plenty of knock-down power. I've heard great things about the Kahr 9mm, but it wouldn't be worth it over the laser on the LC9.

Does anyone own both perhaps? Which one would be the better small-carry gun? Would love to buy them both, but I need to go easy on spending.

AA

[roadking]

Just a thought for you.

If you like the 45 Auto, you might look at another Kahr, the PM45.

Its noticeably smaller than the CW45 an is a fine shooting little pistol.

[t8er]

I have a Ruger LC9 and a Springfield Armory XD40SC. I prefer to carry the XD but if I'm wearing shorts then the LC9 with a spare mag is real easy to carry. In a smaller gun I feel more comfortable controlling a 9mm cartridge but I think either one is a great choice. I think you do get 1 or 2 more rounds with the Ruger.

[Armed in Alpharetta]

Thanks Roadking. That does look like a good gun....but it's $300 more. Ouch.

AA

[bigtitan]

I have the kahr cm9. Before I bought it i was trying to decide between it and the LC9. Both are great guns. But I opted for the kahr because the ruger has a external safety ( I could have ignored that) a mag safety and a locking mechanism. I prefer my guns, especially carry guns to be straight forward and simple.

[roadking]

Held them both, shot them both, talked my son out of the CW 45 an into the PM 45.

He's VERY happy with the PM. The good stuff costs a little more, but there is usually a reason for the higher cost.

Had the Kahr P380, nice but just to little, got the PM 9. Like it real well. It shoots very good, carries well inside my pocket when I need a small ccw pistol.

I like the PM 45 very well, but it just won't hide inside like the PM 9 does.

Young son was not planning on pocket carry, but was looking for a compact IWB holster type pistol. After he had a chance to fire both the CW 45 an the PM 45, he spent the extra money for the PM 45.

Both of these pistols are good, both shoot good. One of them is just a little better than the other one is.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.