You have only enough for one of these guns in 9mm. The PT-111 or the P-11. you can't buy a Glock, Mak, HK, Sig, Kahr, or any other. It must be polymer. Whick would it be. In light of a few of the recent threads on these two guns I'd be interested in what the membership thinks.
Kel-Tec vs Taurus
- Thread starter RH Factor
- Start date
Legionnaire
New member
RH,
I'm sure you've seen SkySlash's thread on his experience with the PT-111. I can't comment on the PT-111 as I've no direct experience with it; however, I've been quite happy with my Taurus M44 revolver.
However, I like the Kel-Tec P11. Had one for several years and carried it regularly. It was totally reliable for me. Only problem I ever had was a broken slide stop, which the company replaced with a phone call. I eventually sold it as it was my only 9mm and I prefer the .40 S&W cartridge.
I've heard Greg Hamilton (InSights Training) speak highly of the P11, as has Mas Ayoob (LFI). Both report the P11 to be remarkably reliable for its price.
That said, I replaced the P11 with a Glock 27 and find I like the Glock far better. I'd think long and hard about looking for a second hand G26 were I in your position. I believe the Kel-Tec is a fine gun, but it isn't a Glock.
I'm sure you've seen SkySlash's thread on his experience with the PT-111. I can't comment on the PT-111 as I've no direct experience with it; however, I've been quite happy with my Taurus M44 revolver.
However, I like the Kel-Tec P11. Had one for several years and carried it regularly. It was totally reliable for me. Only problem I ever had was a broken slide stop, which the company replaced with a phone call. I eventually sold it as it was my only 9mm and I prefer the .40 S&W cartridge.
I've heard Greg Hamilton (InSights Training) speak highly of the P11, as has Mas Ayoob (LFI). Both report the P11 to be remarkably reliable for its price.
That said, I replaced the P11 with a Glock 27 and find I like the Glock far better. I'd think long and hard about looking for a second hand G26 were I in your position. I believe the Kel-Tec is a fine gun, but it isn't a Glock.
I've owned two P11s, and currently own a PT145.
Both KelTecs had horrible triggers, and feeding problems.
My PT145 has a pin working it's way out of the side, but I'm hopeful this will prove to be a minor problem.
It has fed 3 types of fmj, and two types of jhp with no problems.
I have a friend that has a PT111. Neither of us has many rounds through our gun, but both appear to be of higher quality, better fit and finish, and much better trigger than the KelTec.
I put countless hours of "fluffing and buffing" into both P11s that I had. Still didn't want to feed hollow points reliably, even after several trips to the factory.
I've heard them called "belly guns" but I like a gun that can hit a tin can at 10 feet. I don't think that is asking too much.
Though I could shoot over 100 rounds without getting the "hand shaking" that some get, I could never get very accurate with one.
I also have two KelTec P32s, and one of those is starting to show reliability problems again, (after several trips to the factory).
The other one seems ok after having the trigger spring replaced.
I have started some heated threads before by stating that KelTec could actually save money if they put a good statistical QC program in place. Until then, I think the Taurus is a better gun, and a better buy.
JP
><>
Both KelTecs had horrible triggers, and feeding problems.
My PT145 has a pin working it's way out of the side, but I'm hopeful this will prove to be a minor problem.
It has fed 3 types of fmj, and two types of jhp with no problems.
I have a friend that has a PT111. Neither of us has many rounds through our gun, but both appear to be of higher quality, better fit and finish, and much better trigger than the KelTec.
I put countless hours of "fluffing and buffing" into both P11s that I had. Still didn't want to feed hollow points reliably, even after several trips to the factory.
I've heard them called "belly guns" but I like a gun that can hit a tin can at 10 feet. I don't think that is asking too much.
Though I could shoot over 100 rounds without getting the "hand shaking" that some get, I could never get very accurate with one.
I also have two KelTec P32s, and one of those is starting to show reliability problems again, (after several trips to the factory).
The other one seems ok after having the trigger spring replaced.
I have started some heated threads before by stating that KelTec could actually save money if they put a good statistical QC program in place. Until then, I think the Taurus is a better gun, and a better buy.
JP
><>
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kel-tec or taurus?
i own both kinds and i carry a p11 every day.i did the fluff and buff and istalled a small rubber bumper under the trigger to keep the trigger travel short.this is all explaned on kel-tec user websight.i like the p11 because it only weighs 16 oz loaded.
swab
i own both kinds and i carry a p11 every day.i did the fluff and buff and istalled a small rubber bumper under the trigger to keep the trigger travel short.this is all explaned on kel-tec user websight.i like the p11 because it only weighs 16 oz loaded.
swab
Well, before Springfield took over the HS2000, I bought one for less than the Taurus, and about the same money as the Kel-Tec. It's polymer, and far higher quality than the other two, so would that count? 
Actually, I own both a Taurus PT-145 and a Kel-Tec P-32. Both guns are fine for their intended purpose. They are not combat pistols, they are not target guns. They where designed for the deep concealment/backup role. Comparing them to much more expensive combat pistols like H&K, Glock & SIG, just isn't right.
Actually, I own both a Taurus PT-145 and a Kel-Tec P-32. Both guns are fine for their intended purpose. They are not combat pistols, they are not target guns. They where designed for the deep concealment/backup role. Comparing them to much more expensive combat pistols like H&K, Glock & SIG, just isn't right.
I would (and did) choose the Kel-tec P11. Mine works great. I prefer the trigger of the Kel-tec to the Taurus (though I don't care much for any DAO trigger). I have a fair collection of handguns, but I find myself taking the P11 along more often than most of my other handguns just because it is so light and compact.
Doug
Doug
Now that really is a hard question. I've owned both of these pistols. The PT-111 had the trigger mechanism break within the first 60 or so rounds. I sent it back to the factory and it came back repaired in 6 weeks. The gun performed flawlessly for close to a 1000 rounds. It fed both fmj and hollowpoints without a problem. It then started to have ejection problems. After a second trip to the factory and another month of waiting I sold this pistol. Overall I liked the PT-111 except for the lousy trigger pull. It was reasonably well made. The fit and finish was okay. The minor difference in weight between it and the P-11 were not noticable in my opinion.
The P-11 on the other hand was unreliable out of the box. I had problems with both feeding and ejection. After polishing the feed ramp this pistol fed reliably. I sent it back to Kel-Tec for the ejection problem. Both the gun and the ejection problem were returned to me within a couple of weeks. I've since sold it to a friend who was aware of the problems with this pistol. He continues to experience ejection problems. Fortunately (I guess) he seems to consider such things a challenge and he is enjoying playing around with this gun. The fit and finish seemed a little better on the P-11. As I said the slight differences in weight and size were insignificant in my opinion. The P-11 has some nice accessories. Customer service is quicker. You can also easily speak to a factory gunsmith if need be. That said, if I absolutely had to choose between these two pistols I'd probably take the PT-111. If I had the option I'd choose something different. On a slightly different note, my experience with the Kel-Tec P-32 has been very postive, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if your looking for a deep concealment pistol.
The P-11 on the other hand was unreliable out of the box. I had problems with both feeding and ejection. After polishing the feed ramp this pistol fed reliably. I sent it back to Kel-Tec for the ejection problem. Both the gun and the ejection problem were returned to me within a couple of weeks. I've since sold it to a friend who was aware of the problems with this pistol. He continues to experience ejection problems. Fortunately (I guess) he seems to consider such things a challenge and he is enjoying playing around with this gun. The fit and finish seemed a little better on the P-11. As I said the slight differences in weight and size were insignificant in my opinion. The P-11 has some nice accessories. Customer service is quicker. You can also easily speak to a factory gunsmith if need be. That said, if I absolutely had to choose between these two pistols I'd probably take the PT-111. If I had the option I'd choose something different. On a slightly different note, my experience with the Kel-Tec P-32 has been very postive, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if your looking for a deep concealment pistol.
OkieCruffler
New member
I can't speak for the Taurus since I've never owned one, but I've managed to put over 10,000 rds thru my P-11 with no problems other than an intense dislike for Cor-bons and Winchester white box. Unfortunately, mine has been in Florida for the past 2 weeks getting parkerized.
Went to my gun store today and compared the P-11 and PT-111 side-by-side. They both "fit" fine, feel good, and all the other ergonomic factors are comparable. However, while the P-11 points perfectly for me, the PT-111 was consistently high and left. That's the difference between grazing a shoulder or a solid hit in a quick-draw.
If I really, really need either one, I want the one that points right and naturally for me.
P-11.
If I really, really need either one, I want the one that points right and naturally for me.
P-11.
jdthaddeus
New member
Comparing them at the store I noticed the Taurus was just a little bigger here and there. That makes a big difference. The KelTec conceals and carries so very well, any size increase and I might as well carry a mini Glock.
My KelTec is an EXTREMELY accurate and precise little gun, giving ragged one-hole groups offhand at 7 yards. The trigger on the other hand takes some skill in order to acheive that accuracy and precision.
My P11 is %100 reliable with everything except one brand of hollowpoints I tried (Rem GS 115+P+). 124gr +P Gold dots and Hydrashocks work great, but the big mouth and long OAL of the +P+ RemGS just did not work.
I LOVE my KelTec P40 (Thanks Spectre) and I carry it pretty much 24/7 as my ready gun. The P40 has been %100 reliable with everything so far, even a couple boxes of 155gr Gold Dots. It is so light and small it is possible to carry this gun ALL THE TIME. I have a belt clip on it, so even when I don't have pockets or a holster, I can clip it to my waistband, such as right now sitting here in my pajamas. Having 10 rounds of .40 caliber (or 11+ rounds of +P 9mm) all the time is not a bad way to go. Not many guns offer that kind of firepower in a package you can have at all times in all places and in all types of clothing.
My KelTec is an EXTREMELY accurate and precise little gun, giving ragged one-hole groups offhand at 7 yards. The trigger on the other hand takes some skill in order to acheive that accuracy and precision.
My P11 is %100 reliable with everything except one brand of hollowpoints I tried (Rem GS 115+P+). 124gr +P Gold dots and Hydrashocks work great, but the big mouth and long OAL of the +P+ RemGS just did not work.
I LOVE my KelTec P40 (Thanks Spectre) and I carry it pretty much 24/7 as my ready gun. The P40 has been %100 reliable with everything so far, even a couple boxes of 155gr Gold Dots. It is so light and small it is possible to carry this gun ALL THE TIME. I have a belt clip on it, so even when I don't have pockets or a holster, I can clip it to my waistband, such as right now sitting here in my pajamas. Having 10 rounds of .40 caliber (or 11+ rounds of +P 9mm) all the time is not a bad way to go. Not many guns offer that kind of firepower in a package you can have at all times in all places and in all types of clothing.
Used to own P-11. I could never find a fault with it, it always worked, cycled fine and was accurate for what it was. I just didn't like the DAO trigger and thought it was an ugly gun.
But I do trust it enough to have given it to a LEO friend for use as a backup weapon.
I don't know if I would buy a Taurus semi.
But I do trust it enough to have given it to a LEO friend for use as a backup weapon.
I don't know if I would buy a Taurus semi.