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Jason,

I agree that practice makes a difference. However, all other things being equal, the same person shooting a long slide 9 out of a kydex holster (where the belt does not go over the outside of the holster to help retain the pistol) will be able to draw and shoot repetitive shots faster than someone carrying a 45 in an inside the waistband holster. Someone with a huge magazine opening added to their pistol (which they would not carry on the street) also has an additional advantage on the range.

My understanding is that IDPA is intended as a "training" competition for concealed carry and that it came about because other shooting sports became equipment races. It would seem only reasonable to compete with the gear we carry in IDPA. Those that shoot a "game gun/holster" most of the time then go to something much different for concealed carry are putting themselves at a distinct disadvantage off the range (my opinion).

Gringop,

I have seen a lot of data as well. I also have several friends that are current/retired law enforcement (some are HPD SWAT). Unanimously, their choice is to carry the 45 ACP and my discussions with them led me to go with the 45 as well. We each make our own decisions based on the information we have at the time. I may change my mind at some point in the future but my current position is based on what I have read and information from people who are well informed and "have a big dog in the fight".

I congratulate you on making master class, I know how much work that takes.

I agree with your comment that mindset, motivation and training matter. I have learned that from personal experience and the training classes I have taken in the short time I have been in this shooting sport. I have also learned that consistency in what we do is extremely important and how training one way but living another can have a negative consequence. Those inconsistencies can result in tiny to not so tiny changes in performance off the range.

I plan to keep my 9 and will probably shoot it in a USPSA match and may even try it in an IDPA match. However, I will shoot it much less frequently than my 45. My main reason to purchase it was to get my younger daughters to step up from the 22 rimfire pistols. They watched me shoot the 45 and did not want to shoot it. I was able to talk them into taking the step to a 9 but still hope to get them to the 45 someday.

These opinions are mine and do not necessarily reflect that of this station or their management. :-)

Yes, I shoot with my carry guns (both compact and full size M&P 45's). I have only shot 3 1/2 IDPA matches and do this for practice/training for concealed carry, not for competition's sake. I have talked with folks at the matches that are shooting the long slide 9mm's (some with the modified pistols, i.e. enlarged grip/magazine opening) that are also using kydex OWB holsters that one would not use in concealed carry on the street. They do this for speed and the game. I asked what they carry on the street and the answer has been a 45 from most. I have asked if they thought that they could make the transition (in a real life adventure) to the 45 after having shot the 9 for so long. They said yes.

So, I bought a M&P 9 Pro to see for myself. There is a big difference in recoil/recovery. I don't think these folks would like what they would expericence if they had to use their 45 in a real life adventure unless they get in a lot of extra practice with their 45 outside of matches. Could I carry the 9 Pro? Yes, with the right holster. Would I? Doubtful. I like the extra punch that a 45 gives. The comments from some of these 9 shooters at the last match tell it all when we were checking targets/pasting holes (Man, that 45 sure makes a BIG hole compared to a 9). If I were writing the rules for IDPA (non gaming rules), I would require the 9 shooters to make at least twice as many hits as someone shooting a 45. And yes, I would let them have their high capacity magazines as they would have them in the real world and may very well need them.

Please note that I understand that there are people that are recoil sensitive and must shoot a 9. However, there is a difference in performance that can't be neglected.