Kel-Tec P11/40 & Taurus PT-111Ti

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DougB

New member
I'm planning to buy a very compact semi-auto in 9mm or .40. I'd really like 10mm, but I don't think any of the REALLY small and light handguns chamber it - I'm aware of the Glock 29 and may get one as well, but it's a lot bigger and heavier than the Kel-Tec & Taurus pistols.

I would also prefer a traditional single-action/double-action rather than double-action only, but that also doesn't appear to be an option.

I'm leaning toward the Kel-tec P11 because: (1) its the smallest and lightest (2) It holds 11 rounds, (3) I have several 9mms and practice ammo is cheap, (4) it can use S&W high-cap mags (I have several), (5) I think the trigger is a little better than the Taurus, and (6) Kel-tec (the company) has a good reputation for customer service.

I am, however, tempted to go with the P40, which is only slightly larger and heavier, and fires a slightly better cartridge (in my opinion). However, practice ammo will cost more, it will probably be less comfortable to practice with, and it will hold less ammo unless I get an extended magazine.

Finally, the Taurus titanium in either 9mm or .40 tempts me. I think the titanium Taurus weighs about the same as the Kel-tecs, I like the manual safety (I realize that many don't), and it should be very rugged and rust-resistant.

Any thoughts to help me decide? Thanks.

Doug

[This message has been edited by DougB (edited July 04, 2000).]
 
The guns you mention are very similar in appearance and design. (The Taurus uses a striker rather than a hammer.)

Both have heavy trigger pulls, DAO. Both are hard to shoot well. The Taurus is a little harder to disassemble.

You can use 15 round S&W mags with the Kel-Tec, with a little plastic spacer to extend the grip.

Both have good warranties, with Kel-Tec giving a little better turnaround time.

I'd go with the Kel-Tec, but its a close call -- and if you've had good success with Taurus, then go that way.

Visit www.ktog.org to see what's available there. You can gunsmith-it-yourself with the Kel-Tec; you might not be able to do that with the Taurus.

An aside:

Those who buy these guns as a first gun are invariably dissatisfied. They are difficult guns to master. They can be VERY accurate up close and from a bench rest, but beyond 15 feet, only those who practice a lot get good results.

(I've shot my Kel-Tec in IDPA matches; I generally do quite well with other guns -- often winning my class -- but don't do as well with the Kel-Tec.)

These guns are made for up close and personal; they are not target pistols. They are light, easily concealed weapons.

(My local pistol range has a very nice P-11 on sale, and you could probably get it for $200.00. Like new. Its been nicely "fluffed and buffed," and the trigger's not bad. The owner was one of those guys who just wasn't willing to put the time into mastering it.)
 
If you do get either Kel-Tec, many find a trigger shoe and the grip extender really help with the trigger. It is probably quite different than what you're used to. Both available from Kel-Tec www.kel-tec.com
 
DougB,

I own a Kel-Tec P-11 and I have tried a friend's Taurus Millenium at the range as well. The trigger on the P-11 seems better than that found on the Taurus as far as I am concerned. Accuracy is comparable between the Kel-Tec and Taurus. Keep in mind that either of these choices are intended to be used at distances of 15 yards or less as their long range accuracy usually leaves much to be desired. As for choosing a P-40 or P-11 from Kel-Tec, I reccomend getting a P-11 as practice ammo is cheap in 9mm and if you feel like you need more firepower you can buy a .40 conversion kit for your P-11 and you can essentially have two guns in one for less than what a Titanium Taurus is likely to cost you. I have over 500 rounds through my P-11 and it has functioned as reliably as my Glocks through range ammo and hot defensive loads.

If you go with the Kel-Tec I highly reccomend that you get the trigger shoe and a Hogue Handall Jr. slip-on grip as it makes the weapon much easier to control during rapid fire.


Take Care,

Dean
 
DougB-
I was at the Kel-Tec website & saw your posting under the "bulletin board" section.
I didn't get a chance to check the eGroups section to see if you had posed your question there but if you didn't, you should go to that site. It is under "mail" at the www.ktog.com website. you have to get registered & get a password. that is where the folks that really know their kel-tecs hang out. I'm not sure why they have 2 sites for posting messages but they do.
 
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