[Operator24]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ree:
I've never been to an IDPA match so maybe you can answer me this. I know the equipment is supposed to be real, practical stuff like you actually carry. But do you think that those who are likely to compete IDPA are also more likely to "go a little further" when it comes to they're carry equipment than your average CCW individual and carry bigger stuff? Also, if you're shooting IDPA, aren't you going to want a 4" barrel or more to enhance accuracy?

I'm really looking for something so conveniently small and light, I'm not going to no bring it along because it's too heavy or big.

I still need to get my hands on one. I've bought handguns before sight-unseen and not had the best luck with hand fit. I'm wary about this one being too small...I feel comfortable somewhere between a 1911 single stack and any double stack. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've never shot IDPA either. But I've followed it and have friends whom compete in it, I'M NOT CLAIMING EXPERTISE HERE, but maybe I can give you a feel for what they do at IDPA. Yes, generally what people seem to shoot is what they carry, and a lot of them are professional operators. FBI HRT, SWAT and others compete in it and they all shoot 5" (nowllins usually) barrel 1911s, nothing less. I believe A 1911 has won all but 1 time. A sig P220 won ONCE. It was a back up because his 1911 broke. Military folk tend to compete in the El Presidente, its more like combat drills than target shooting.

My compact .45 is a UC Springfield (3.5" bull type barrle). 7 round mags. I understand what you mean by fit of hand, and my hands are med-small. So a 1911 is generally the only thing that fits well for me.

I personally don't like light weight .45s with short barrels. They're too difficult to control when shooting rapidly for my taste (insane muzzle flip) and I bet the Kahr (being a polymer frame) wouldn't be my first choice. Maybe you're a better shooter with a bigger hand? That might make the Kahr a good choice for you then, but still consider my point.

I like the UC springer in the pic below because its got heft to it (forged stainless frame not alloy LW). The felt recoil is managable due to its extra weight I think. These are easy to conceal because they're thiner than most polymer guns too. Holsters are easy to find for a 1911 as well. For a CCW application, you'll love to carry a small 1911. The biggest down side is that they're not very accurate with +P ammo. This gun generally only likes plain ol' 230 FMJ. Most 1911s will tend to shoot low with that grain load. A good shooter will know that and adjust their sight picture accordingly. I hope some of this helps. Post up a pic of whatever you decide on! If you do go with the Kahr, let us know what you think of it! Most of the people I shoot with only shoot 1911s and HKs, so a little feedback on Kahrs would be great.