Cannot decide on carry gun. New guy here

A

Afboy143

New member
Hey guys,
Fairly new to the hand gun world. Ive been to the range about 6 times now, but never owned a gun personally. I want a 9MM pistol that can be easily carried (want to get my CCW) but also can be taking to the range and practice often. I was looking at the Ruger LCP at first, but due to price and how rare it's bullets are, im going with 9mm. Currently I am stuck between two guns (Im a college student so price is big for me).
The Kel-Tec P-11
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/25990

Or

The Taurus Slim Compact
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/55283

Again, I want something I can carry easily. Id prefer pocket carry so Im leaning toward the P-11. Any ideas?
 
Imo, when you say that you intend to carry the pistol mainly in your pocket, you have really restricted your choice in terms of size and weight. For pocket carry, anything much larger or heavier than a Ruger LCP, a Seecamp, a KelTec3AT or their equivalents is too large and too heavy.
 
IMHO, going to the range 6 times is not enough, particularly if you don't have much experience with guns.

Why don't you work on getting your CCW first? Many ranges rent semis and/or revolvers--try to get a feel for different types of firearms.

Also you will see many preferences on carrying in these (and other) forums--IWB, OWB, small of back, pocket, open carry, and so on. Personally, I pocket carry a lightweight revolver and also have the Taurus 709 which I can pocket carry. I also have holsters for OWB carry.

Make this a well, thought out decision.
 
Well, if you consider a carry method other than pocket carry, your options will open up quite a bit. There are several good guns at reasonable prices on the market right now and buying a used one will help to save you quite a bit of money. In my opinion, one of the best values in a semi-auto right now is a CZ-82. These are chambered for 9x18 Makarov which has remained available over the past year even when 9x19mm was pretty scarce. These guns can be found quite readily in my area for $200-250. While it's a bit big to fit in your pocket, it would likely carry quite nicely on your belt or inside your waistband.
 
Carrying in your pocket really restricts your options, especially as far as 9mm goes. You could get a 'belly band' holster (side or in-pants carry) and you'd probably be better off. And those things will swallow a small 9 very comfortably.
 
thank you all for the quick replies! I appreciate it. As for price range, I wanted to stick around $300 but I can do $400 max. I really want to stick with 9mm ammo as I cannot afford anything else (well .22 but that doesnt stop a human too well).

Gator- I see the 709 is a slim 9mm. Do you like this gun? How accurate is it?
 
my reasoning for pocket carry- im a very on the go person. I also wear a lot of jeans and shorts with cargo pockets. Pocket carry to me seems like the most convenient method of carry compared to anything else. I need to look into this belly band tho. What is the most popular ccw available? I live in florida so the summer I dress lighter. Another reasoning for pocket carry
 
You have narrowed your search by size, caliber, and price.

I would go the store and hold both guns, see if the salesman will let you try it in your pockets, snap the action if allowed. See which gun gives you a better feel, and go with it.

If you end up not liking it, you should be able to sell it for only a small loss off retail and try something else.
 
does anyone have any info on the Kel-tec pf9? I got to looking at one a while back for a pocket carry piece, but wasnt too convinced with what I found.
 
I have a PF9 and a Kahr CW9. They are about the same size, but the Kahr is 3 oz heavier. In the summer, I usually carry the CW9, but it may be beyond your price limit. My PF9 will not shoot WWB at all, but has been fine with other ball and my carry rounds of Gold Dots or Federal HST's. The Kahr has never had a problem with any ammo.

That said, with your $300+ limit I would definitely get the PF9, and don't buy any WWB. I had a P11, but sold it because I couldn't stand the trigger. The PF9 has the trigger block from the P3AT, and is much better. The PF9 is also narrower than the P11 and quite a bit easier to conceal.
 
For anything larger than an LCP you should probably get a holster. Unless, you are big enough to were a large in your pocked won't be noticed.

As far as your choices go, save your money and get something else. I recommend a Kahr of somekind. Look into a snubnose as well.
 
You say you want a pocket gun but something for range use. Most pocket guns are designed to be carried a lot and shot a little. A descent range gun will normally dictate something a little larger. I would say that the Kahr CW series or something similiar would be the smallest for both worlds. It gets hot in South Texas too and I can conceal a CW9 in a OWB belt holster wearing shorts and a big T shirt with no problem. From my experience most of those small mouse guns won't stand up to a lot of continued shooting and the recoil gets uncomfortable in fairly short order.

My suggestion is that you rethink your options and if it takes saving for a little longer to get a better pistol, you will be better served in the end.
 
The "best" gun is the one YOU like, not anyone else. It will be a compromise of:

1. Fit - It should fit in your hand like you were born with it there.
2. Reliability - It should go BANG about 99.8% of the time you pull the trigger.
3. Accuracy - In YOUR hand. It's how well YOU shoot it.
4. Concealability - It should be comfortable enough to wear and easy enough to conceal so you won't leave it laying on the dresser at home.
5. Cost - You don't want to scrimp on your "life protector" weapon, but you probably don't need a $1,000 Kimber, either.

All that being said, I carried a PF-9 for a couple of years and liked it a lot. It's small and light enough to conceal almost anywhere. Mine was totally reliable with over 2,000 rounds through it. It was plenty accurate enough for "social work". It's a good little gun and I heartily recommend it. There ARE two down points to it. It has a LONG trigger pull and it kicks like a mule. A set of slip-on grips are a must for this little popper.
 
Pocket carry choices

I live in TX, so I'm familiar with the nine-months-per-year of shorts and t-shirt. I pocket carried a bit over three years, and went through a number of "experiments".

If you are stepping up to the $400 mark, I would look for a used Kahr CW9. Far better trigger and build quality than any K-T (and yes, I've owned four total). The P-11 is a double stack and as a result is wide and heavy for pocket carry (yes, I had one).

I prefer (and own) the PM9, but they run a bit more--$500 or so used.

I have finally convinced myself that I can carry a 45acp IWB every day, year round, but I cannot see myself selling my PM9... just in case :)
 
I carry a Kel Tec P-11, and I go inside the waist band with a Galco holster. The only pants I'd even consider pocket carrying are in my 5-11 tactical pants and even then, they print a lot.

I'd suggest just keep looking at different options. Don't limit yourself, in either caliber or carry location.

Good luck to you my friend.
 
To the original poster--I really like it, but to be fair, have only had it out once and only put 150 rounds through it with a few failure to extract. Not overly concerned at this point, because I still think it needs a break in.

I don't have it quite zeroed in yet, and need another trip to the range, but it seemed like i was getting the sights dialed in pretty good.
 
When people refer to pocket carry everyone seems to think pants. I "pocket carry" in jackets in cooler weather quite a lot. I have 2 jackets or coats with a built in holster, one from Sig and one from LA Police Gear. Practically any leather or even a sports jacket can support my PF9 or CW9 in a pocket holster. My heavier jackets or coats will even carry my 24/7 Pro c 45 or my CW45. The draw from an inside jacket pocket is quite easy from almost any position.
 
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