Taurus PT709 or PT111 for concealed carry?

B

BigBL87

New member
I'm in the process of saving up for a concealed carry handgun, and given price and all other factors these two are my primary options. I currently own a SAR B6P and have a holster for it, but it's just too big to use as a CCW on a regular basis although I probably could do it if I dress around it.

My big question is if the thinner profile of the PT709 is worth having 5 fewer rounds. From what I've read pocket carry could be an option with the PT709 which would be nice as IWB isn't always an option. Seems like the PT111 would be a bit big for pocket carry.

I've also considered a Zastava M88A, but seems like sourcing a holster for it would be about impossible compared to the two Taurus guns. I need to stay around $200, which is the main reason for the Tauruses as they often go on sale in that range.
 
I have the pt111 g2, not too hard to pocket carry, you can see the floorplate if you peek really hard with a tucked in shirt. I would prefer to have the pt111 over the 709 because the trigger on the 709, if I remember correct, is a DAO. although I haven't had experience with that exact model, I have shot many other DAO's in mini 9's and they all seem to have the same lengthy pull and the propensity for me to short stroke it. I think you should probably go handle them at the store and see for yourself. if you do get a chance to check out the models, note that the trigger on the pt111 is striker sa/da, so you must cock the gun first to feel the short trigger, I find it to be the best option on the pt111, that and the adjustable sights are a nice feature as well.

their is a 3oz difference between the pistols and only a quarter inch difference in length, so you down to width being the only real difference
 
The pt 709 is a SA trigger system. I would classify it as a striker fired gun. It has a restrike capability if you have a misfire. The gun converts to DA until the slide either cycles back or is racked manually.

I don't have any experience with the 111. I've had the PT709 since June of 2009. I seldom carry it anymore unless I need something smaller than my Sig239. Biggest problem with the 709 is xtra mags are so friggin hard to get.

Good luck making a decision.

SG
 
I would prefer to have the pt111 over the 709 because the trigger on the 709, if I remember correct, is a DAO.
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The 709 actually has the same SA/DA as the PT111 G2. I haven't had the opportunity to fire the 709, but from what I have seen, it is a very similar trigger pull and reset. As far as size difference, it is about 3/4 of an inch taller, 1/4 inch wider and maybe 1/4 inch longer. Not much difference, at all. It is really a matter of which one you prefer. I took the PT111 G2, since the slightly larger frame gave me just enough room for my XL hands. 12+1 beats 7+1, too, IMO. I carry IWB, so pocket carry doesn't matter much to me, but here is a picture of my pocket with the PT111 inside. It is not in a holster, and my pockets may be larger than yours, but it seems to fit OK. Printing may be an issue if you wear your pants on the tight side.

 
People carry j-frames, with 3 rounds less than the PT709. If you LIKE the PT709, buy it and call it done. If you are planning on going into areas where 5 more rounds is a good idea, you need to rethink your plan.
 
If the 709 has the same trigger mech as the 111, then I'd would say whatever feels better to you. I just assumed by the way it looked it was Dao. It def looks considerably thinner than the 111 ans the less five rounds will also keep the weight down more then just the 3oz empty. You just going to have to play with then and see what you like. They both seem to have good track records reliability wise. Good luck. The sar IS an awesome gun, I couldn't carry mine well either though.
 
My wife has a PT709 for CC, and she selected it because it was the best bang-for-the-buck option (at the time) when considering size, the trigger system and feel, and price. It still has only a few hundred rounds through it, but so far it has been consistant, and has never failed to fire. It's reasonably accurate for what it is, and the trigger is long but relatively smooth whether it's in SA or DA mode.

What it is, is a sub-compact 9mm that will conceal as good as any of the subcompact 9s out there, for a very reasonable price. The trigger isn't great, but it's much better than many of it's competitors, especially considering price.

The only downside to owning a PT709, so far, has been that spare mags are virtually nonexistent unless you willing to shell out nearly half the price of the gun to get one. If Taurus would make the effort to provide magazines for a reasonable price (~$25), they would probably double sales of the gun overnight.

Originally, Taurus provided two magazines with each PT709, but quickly dropped it to one, while providing no aftermarket avenue for spares. They crippled a decent, reasonably priced CC pistol by not meeting the needs of potential customers, and now several years after it's introduction, their marketing plan for the PT709 still doesn't make sense: plenty guns priced cheap, but extra mags are still almost nonexistent.
 
Ky Gun Co. rolls out a few PT 111 G2's every other week @ $200. You can get on the backorder list. I bought mine a little over a month ago. It is an excellent cc weapon. I've got about 325 rounds through mine (reloads) with no hiccups or burps. Taurus has a real winner here!
 
I carried the 709 daily for over a year. I found the size, second strike capability, and the external safety to be ideal for IWB or pocket carry. Unfortunately, the extractor failed after 500 rounds. The extractor failure was somewhat common on early models, but has supposedly been corrected. I enjoyed carrying the 709, but have concerns about reliability if you fire a lot of rounds.
 
In a good holster / belt combo the PT111 is as easy to conceal as the PT709. In pocket carry the PT709 has an advantage.
I always recommend holster carry over pocket carry.
 
vkeith said:
Originally, Taurus provided two magazines with each PT709, but quickly dropped it to one, while providing no aftermarket avenue for spares. They crippled a decent, reasonably priced CC pistol by not meeting the needs of potential customers, and now several years after it's introduction, their marketing plan for the PT709 still doesn't make sense: plenty guns priced cheap, but extra mags are still almost nonexistent.
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The PT709 is available in several versions. More expensive versions are shipped with two magazines and the budget versions are shipped with one magazine.
 
709/111

I have both the 709 slim and the 111 G2. Both came with extra clips,,,so no problem. Wife carries the 709 in purse, but will also fit in most front pocket jeans with slip on to cover trigger and conceal outline of gun. Several 100 rounds thru both w/ no issues. Good to go so far. Caught them on sale
 
111 is just swell.

i'm here to speak up for the PT111. i have been nothing but satisfied with it as an everyday carry. The only thing i wish it had was de-cocking ability for having 12+1 in the chamber. My solution is one in the chamber— the thumb safety has been stupid simple for me, so i carry with it on...cocked and locked, essentially. This is using a Hunters Joy IWB Suede Holster i just got Monday....love it!
 
I run the 740, same gun but in .40. Taurus had 8 rnd extended mags and I snagged 5 spares at 30 per a couple months ago. :D

The platform is very stable. It's given no issues with 1000 rounds shot and it can easily hit 8" plates at 18 yds. Trigger is decent for a small gun in my big mitts.

For CC, the small size and THIN profile make it very comfortable. I've changed my mind from capacity to comfort as lack of comfort leads to a full safe and no carry. But YMMV
 
PT709 or PT111 for CC

I had a PT709 for regular owb carry for several years, was accurate ( it shot better than I could) and would eat anything I fed it, however it did need a trip back to Miami for an extractor change and a tune up when new 3 1/2 yrs ago.
When I wanted to replace the striker spring & or assembly and the recoil spring I called Taurus and they said "no sale" have to send the complete pistol back to Miami. 1st trip was on their dime next one on mine, so I replaced with a S&W Shield 9 and like it much better.
Arizonite
 
The 709 is a decent gun that is easy to carry and shoots well, but spare mags have been virtually impossible to find for the last couple of years. That is the main thing that would deter me from getting one right now. Before the mags dried up, I would have said go for it.
 
FWIW, I just ordered a PT111. Mag availability is a lititle better than the 709 but still not good, and I'm thinking it will be more comfortable for me to shoot
 
Had a 740, it was an ok size, length and height actually the same as a Sig P250 SC. just a bit thinner. magazines were next to impossible to find, took 9 months. 2 months after that, sold it for a sig. it was reliable, just didn't want an extra 40 in the pistol inventory, 709 I may of kept if i had bought in stead. but just as a back up.
 
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