Although the Solo is longer than a R9 it looks like the R9's barrel is longer than the Solo's.
From what I can see about specs:
R9:
- Barrel:2.9"
- Length:5.2"
SOLO:
- Barrel:2.7"
- Length:5.5"
you're correct - the SOLO is both longer - and has a shorter barrel.
The SOLO would interest and tempt me greatly IF I did not have an R9 - but since I do have an R9 I'm 99.999% sure I'll pass on the SOLO. My experience with Kimber has been good but not perfect. To me the SOLO is more compelling than the Kahr (BAD Kahr P380 experience) or any other small 9mm offerings (including the new SIG P290 and Ruger LC9 pistols), but it isn't the same as the R9 being both externally bigger and also heavier.
It might be more comfortable on the range than the R9 but I wouldn't consider it a range gun anymore than I consider the R9 a range gun.