I have not yet gotten a chance to read the entire thread yet. However, there's a growing number of officers whom I work with that are carrying the Kahr arms pistols. I carry a PM4043 off duty. Yes, it has a 3" barrel. However, I have shot a perfect score with this pistol the past two years at my qualifications (I have to qualify with this gun to carry it off duty per my regs w/ the city). Even from 25 yards, the pistol is VERY accurate. One of the range instructors was surprised at the accuracy of such a small pistol.
Again, I HIGHLY recommend this gun. I carry the .40 caliber. GREAT GUN.
http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_40sw_pm.html