That said, with all the normal caveats in place, a 9mm "can be as effective as a 45 for self defense". The .45 acp was developed to replace the .45 Colt, which was an effective "horse gun". It will stop a horse. It is a slow moving round with less felt recoil than the higher velocity 9mm and 40, even though the recoil over time is actually higher, maybe. I can't prove it. I would like to see a chart of recoil pressure over time, to show it.
I know my small wife, has had both 9mm and 40 pistol for carry prior to dumping them and going to the .45acp because it's easier for her to shoot.
9mm is cheaper to practice with, and improvements in ammo have made it an acceptable SD round in some of the +P+P+P JHP...etc. rounds. It increases the chamber pressure and wear and tear on the system to run the hot stuff. It is also harder to control and maintain accuracy. But, with pistols that have been built lately, they are made to handle the load, for a while. A lot depends on your needs. I can not comment on Kahr's, but I'm sure they work just fine. For a first pistol and CHL qualification, it should serve your needs.
With time and experience, my complete family, brothers and sisters families, have all moved to .45 acp for CCW. If I were in sport shooting, like IDPA, I would most likely be using 9mm for that, but still carrying a .45. Honestly, I have as much fun plinking with a .22, and it's a lot cheaper. I know there are NO correct answers. If it works for you, then it's the right pistol. Good Luck in your journey. I look forward to talking to you in three or four years and see where you are. Welcome to CHL.
