I had a Kimber Ultra Carry II (3")that was perfectly reliable with quality ammo. It was also very easy to carry in the right holster. The major thing that steered me back to full sized pistols is their ease of handling. Some of the drills I would practice with 5" guns are near 'bout impossible with a 3" gun and shortened frame. Not impossible to conquer, but tougher. Also, speed of follow up shots to me were slower, due to the short sight radius. It took more time to find the sights on the short gun. Again, with practice, I got progressively faster. But, under stress, I found my gunhandling was simply better, faster, and more accurate with a bigger gun than a smaller one.
Equipment is also a consideration. I have found shorter pistols can sometimes be VERY magazine sensitive. And, if you ever over insert a govt size mag into a shortframe pistol, you are hosed. Yeah, ask me how I know this! So, mags MAY be a consideration. Also, w the short barrell, you will have to really be careful in holster selection. Due to the short barrell, in an iwb holster, the pistol is actually kinda top heavy unless the holster can lever the butt back into you. Spring and recoil setup will be more sensitive and need to be tuned to your ammo to prevent either beating up the gun or not cycling properly. This is true with 5" guns, but more so with smaller versions.
So, its really just how much you plan on putting into the peripherals (sp?) of the gun, as to how much it will benefit you. I think the 3" gun is as viable as any choice, if you put the time an effort in.
Dan
Equipment is also a consideration. I have found shorter pistols can sometimes be VERY magazine sensitive. And, if you ever over insert a govt size mag into a shortframe pistol, you are hosed. Yeah, ask me how I know this! So, mags MAY be a consideration. Also, w the short barrell, you will have to really be careful in holster selection. Due to the short barrell, in an iwb holster, the pistol is actually kinda top heavy unless the holster can lever the butt back into you. Spring and recoil setup will be more sensitive and need to be tuned to your ammo to prevent either beating up the gun or not cycling properly. This is true with 5" guns, but more so with smaller versions.
So, its really just how much you plan on putting into the peripherals (sp?) of the gun, as to how much it will benefit you. I think the 3" gun is as viable as any choice, if you put the time an effort in.
Dan