Kimber is ALWAYS the RIGHT choice!
Hi there, I am a NRA instructor (in-case the log in didnt give that away!)for basic pistol, rifle, home firearms, personnal protection in the home and outside the home(PPH, PPO) and a few other programs. But as a instructor for almost 15 years and LEO for a number or those years I have carried most every type of sidearm out there and today the two "carry guns" I always have one of on my hip are both Kimbers one being a Ultra carry II (3" barrel) and a Custum Stainless LE (4" barrel) both are ideal carry guns and as for barrel length you have nothing to worry about because the one dimention that creates issue's is not the length of the barrel(with-in reason!) but width! The 1911 frame is a perfect carry frame because of its slim profile. I would highly recommend the Milt Sparks vera maxII holster (as did another person)because the belt loops (it use's 2 loops, one on each end of the holster for stability. And it make's a HUGE difference) on that IWB are replacable! If you have a 1.5" belt on one day and the next you have a suit on with a 1" belt then you just use a small allen wrench to remove the 1.5" loops and put on the 1" loops! It is those little things that make a great holster. I would recommend that you get on the web site NOW and start the order for that holster seeing that there is now a 6 month wait for a holster from milt sparks right now, but it is well worth the wait. QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY!!!!! The holster will run you just under $100 and each set of belt loops are $12 I think. You can also try topgun.com for that holster, they may have one of the versa max II in-stock.
One thing DO NOT BRING YOUR FIREARM INTO CLASS WITH YOU!!! Most states use the NRA PPH course as the standard for the CCW class and rule #1 is no firearms and no live ammunition in class! The instructor will tell the class to bring in the firearm they plan to use for the range portion of the class but that is only the day before(so they can inspect and deem safe for use) the live fire portion, so wait until they tell you to bring it or they might tell you to just leave the class. As for a holster dont bring one because at no time will you ever be holstering your firearm. The protocal for the NRA class states that the instructor will be the one to load and hold the firearm between rounds fired while on the range(one instructor per student on that day). It is the NRA's way of avoiding any accidental discharge during loading and waiting. It may sound strange but once you are doing it it will make sence. Also I would recommend that in a few years you look to see if you can find a program that the NRA puts on called the "Eddie Eagle safety class/program" it will instruct children what to do in most every dangerous situation including coming accross a firearms at home, a friends house or anywhere. It is a great program!!! Having the experience I have in both Law Enforcement and in being a instructor I do need to say a few things about having a sidearm that accessible is to remove the taboo from the gun. Meaning when, not if but WHEN your kids have any questions (and they will, I know first hand!) answer all of there questions. NEVER try to hide it or keep iot a secret, EVER! Think back to your years as a child, what was the first thing you did after your parents told you not to touch something? What did you do? YOU TOUCHED IT!! Answer all of there questions, then let them touch and if they want to shoot like daddy does then go buy them a BB gun or a small 22 caliber rifle. But please teach you children the basic gun safety rules, please dont just say "you dont need to be asking about that and dont ever touch one EVER that is dangerous!! Instead tell them not to touch until you can show them only after you have taught them the basic safety rules you have been taught in you class. REMOVE THE TABOO AND ANSWER ALL THERE QUESTIONS!
