P45 vs Kimber Compact II?

bczrx · #1 10-15-2011, 10:03 PM

Ok, I have a Kahr K9 and like it. I also have a Kimber Compact II [officer sized grip holding 7 rounds, 4" barrel] and like that. I have no problems carrying 'cocked and locked'. I have no problems with striker fired pistols.

I have been toying with the idea of a P45 lately. Sometime in the next 6 months I expect to be pursuing a CCW license.

So, is there any great reason to pick the P45 over the Kimber Compact II?

Keep in mind that saving money is good, but the right firearm is better.

Comments, please.

HadEmAll · #2 10-15-2011, 11:18 PM

Be sure and ask this over on the 1911 forum and compare results.

My comments have little to do with the different action styles. Exept one, the Kahr is pull and shoot, the Kimber, pull, wipe safety off, shoot. Not much difference. I use both myself. The Kahr is just a little simpler though.

I've never had a problem of any type with 3 .40 Kahrs, or 1 9mm Kahr. I have a Kimber Classic that has broken a barrel bushing while shooting. And the MIM slide stop gave malfunctions that went away when I replaced it with a Wilson part. I am concerned about the long term strength of the MIM parts the Kimber is full of, and have replaced almost all of them in my Classic with Wilson parts.

I vote Kahr over factory Kimber. Kahr will fix any problems you have, if any.

wyntrout · #3 10-15-2011, 11:36 PM

The P45 is a nice-sized gun... 6+1. I have the PM45 with 5+1 and a P40 with 6+1. I always carry a reload... the largest Kahr capacity with extended grip... good for the range, too. One magazine, especially a single stack, just isn't enough if you have to expend a few rounds while ducking for cover... conditions permitting.
I also have a a Springfield Champion 1911 with 4" barrel. I don't ever see carrying the 1911 concealed. I don't really have a good holster for CCW with it, but all of the Kahrs are great for CCW.

Wynn

gb6491 · #4 10-16-2011, 11:08 AM

Kimber products and their customer service have always done well by me (two full size 1911s and one call to CS), but I don't have a Compact model from them or, for that matter, a Kahr P45 (though Kahr products and CS have also well by me).
I do have a Colt Officer's ACP and a Kahr CW45. I like both pistols quite a bit. They are reliable and accurate. They are very close in size. However, the Kahr is quite a bit lighter and that gives it the nod for concealed carry (actually any carry for prolonged periods). The difference in weight might not be as significant with the Kimber Compact II (alloy frame?), so that might not be as big a consideration for you. I've also found that I like the ergonomics of the CW45 a little better and it's checkered front strap is a big plus in my book. Bottom line for me: both pistols are keepers, but I prefer the CW45 for carry. Then again, I already have both and would recommend that arraignment to you.

Regards,
Greg