Taurus PT111 or Kel-Tec P11

C

catmath 1911

New member
Hello All,

Between these two handguns, Which is better? I like the PT111 due to safeties that it has. I have heard about issues of Taurus polymer guns, but I figure surely they are resolved by now. I know the Kel-Tec has a pretty good following, so which is better for a CCW/occasional plinker? I would appreciate any input

catmath 1911
 
I've handled and shot both, and used to carry a P-11 for a year or so.

The P-11 is simpler to strip and service -- you can do it all yourself, and can be "tuned" more easily. I think it has a better trigger.

Getting the PT-111 back together seems to take an extra hand.

Both guns are small, lightweight, and good for concealed carry.

Do yourself a favor and shoot one before you buy; they're not for everyone.

Kel-Tec has BY FAR the better customer service, with quick turnaround if you have problems. Sending something to Taurus for repair is a simulation of a "big black hole."

The P-11 seems to be pretty much trouble-free after a year or two of "teething" problems.

(I got rid of my P-11 when I stumbled onto a Star Firestar Plus [alloy-framed, double-stack version of the Firestar]. I found it far easier to shoot well, and even had the best times in a local IDPA match with it. Never could do that with my P-11. Parts with the Firestar may evetually be a problem; they won't be with the P-11 or PT-111.)
 
I have a P-11 and like it a lot. It is a bit lighter than the Taurus - 14 ounces vs. 18.7. Ditto Walt's remarks on the customer service, no comparison between the two. I think you will find the P-11 to be a bit cheaper. If you get a blue P-11 and want the chrome version, you can send your slide and barrel to KT and they will swap them for chrome parts for just $20. There is usually more than a $20 difference at gun shops between the chrome and blue version, parkerized available too. The P-11 doesn't have a manual safety but none is needed due to its revolver-like trigger. The trigger can be shortened a bit too with instructions on the KTOG forum. Lots of great accessories available too like the trigger shoe, grip extender, etc.
 
Considered them both like you're doing. Did a bunch of research. Asked a lot of questions. Read a zillion or so posts by supporters and detractors.

Decided on a Kel-Tec P-11 because of the rabid supporters of it on TFL and www.ktog.org. They revealed the Fluff & Buff DIY bonus of the guns being quite amenable to being your own gunsmith. Somehow, that and the great service reputation KT has among owners convinced me that all the cordiality and friendliness of the owners and their willingness, nay eagerness, to help one another was a community that would be fun to belong to.

Bought mine last fall, it's been absolutely wonderful and a marvelous experience with all the people involved. Besides that, it's a great gun, which now has a little P-32 brother! :D

One of these days, maybe I'll get around to trying a PT-111 or PT-145, but for now I'm enjoying the KTs immensely!
 
Get a P11

I'd opt fot the Kel-Tec P11. The newer serials (119xxx and above) are much better in the quality control department than earlier ones. I own two taurus revolvers and would recommend them highly but would be a bit leery of the Taurus semi-autos. I have experienced Kel-Tec customer service first-hand with my own P11; it is everything owners say it is: quite superior to Taurus. The Kel-Tec is built to be tinkered with and responds to careful "fluffing and buffing" readily.
 
Thanks for the responses.

The kel-tec is about 80 dollars cheaper than the PT111 in the local store (260 vs. 340). I also like the aspect of being able to tinker with my guns, so kel-tec may be the way to go.

I know that these guns aren't high use guns, but how many rounds could be expected to be put through a kel-tec before any adverse affects are seen? This would be my first anodized Aluminum framed firearm ( I have a 1911 and a Ruger MKII) and I am just curious. Thanks to all.


catmath 1911
 
Looks can be deceiving......

Over on the Kel-Tec forum:

http://webwarper.net/ww/~GZ/www.ktog.org/vbulletin/?*

I've read about some die-hard owners putting in the neighborhood of 10,000 rounds through theirs with nary a hiccup. Don't kid youself, the P11 is a tough little sucker. The slider sits into a full-length aluminm block/rail and all the steel is hardened-heat-treated. Polymer? tough to beat that stuff. It is an ingenious design, simple, durable, and easy to maintain/repair. AND, if it does break/malfunction, Kel-Tec will make it right.
 
I've owned a P11 for many years now and have never had a problem with it. I've haven't done any work on it either. Its definitely not a gun I want to take out for some fun plinking but I personally like DAO guns for concealed carry. I also bought a P32 when they first came out and had some trouble with it failing to go into battery on subsequent shots. Called KelTec and they were aware exactly what the problem was and took care of it immediately. Very impressed with their attitude and service. At this time I wouldn't even consider buying a pistol from Taurus, they have simply had too many problems with them, particularly the PT145 without a recall. The KelTec is an ingenious design and works quite well for its intended purpose.
 
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