Kahr CW380 Review

Here's a question for gun enthusiasts. What's the first name that comes to mind when you think of small handgun manufacturers. Colt? Glock? Nope. It's Kahr. While Colt and Glock have managed to dominate the semi-auto pistol market, the US based firearms manufacturers has been pleasing those looking for small carry on handguns with its wide range of 380 caliber handguns such as the P380.

Now, Kahr is back with a bang, introducing the new CW380, which is basically a revamped version of the P380 but costing half as much.

The P380 was one of the best handguns of its time, so the CW380 has a huge burden on its shoulders to carry forward the legacy. At first look, you might think of the CW380 as a poor man's P380 due to the significantly lower price. However, the CW380 still manages to put up fair fight with its well equipped cousin, using cost savvy methods such as standard rifling instead of the usual polygonal in high end Kahrs.

This, along with the reduced magazine, allows the CW380 to sell for a much lower price. In fact, the standard rifling works quite well with the miniature Kahr, but we'll get to that later.

When you first take the CW380 out of the box, you would be forgiven to think that Kahr accidentally mailed you a P380 with one magazine instead of the usual two. The CW380 holds 7 rounds, including one in the chamber. The packaging also includes a trigger guard lock.

For those unacquainted with Kahr's pistol designs, the manufacturer uses a minimalistic construct with no fancy materials used. The slide locks are released when the magazine empties, and a magazine released is situated right beside the grip for quicker magazine release.

Note: Since the CW380 shares the same frame as the P380, accessories such as laser sight aims would be compatible with both of them.

Upon first holding the handgun, you might be put off by the miniature dimensions. The handgun may not be the best choice for people with bigger hands, with the slide being significantly shorter in length compared to other pocket guns.

But forget first impressions; load up a magazine and shoot 5-6 rounds and you'll see why Kahr is so well known in the small guns department. The trigger operates seamless, with a very smooth recoil force which allows for extended shooting without any soreness in the hands whatsoever. This is often a complaint with pocket sized guns, but Kahr has managed to get it right.

Over 60 rounds were shot with not one single jam. Accuracy was tested up to 13 yards with only a 1 inch deviation from the target. In short, the CW380 has impressed us with the firepower under its belt.

Unlike the rugged exterior, the CW380 operates smoothly on the range, holding its own among pocket sized guns. For the price, the Kahr CW380 is probably the best value for money pocket gun in the market right now.

Model: CW380

Action: DAO

Caliber: 380 ACP

Overall Length: 4.96"

Overall Height: 3.90"

Overall Width: 0.75"

Barrel Length: 2.53"

Sights: 3-Dot

Capacity: 6 + 1

Weight: 10.20 oz.