I really like the Taurus pt 709. I've looked at a few and talked to a guy at the range that had one. It shot well enough and fits pretty good in my hand. I really like the size of it. I don't want to carry a gun in my pocket as there is already way too much in there so I would be carrying it on my hip IWB. Thanks for all the imput and if you have experience with the 709 let me know.
Budget friendly compact nines
- Thread starter Kevin77
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Shadow 7D
Member
A CZ-82, about the same size as a bersa, and in a larger 9 to boot
Also consider the Taurus 24/7 Pro compact 13+1 and 17+1 mags, around $350, I have one and love it. I also have a P11 and for CCW it works perfect for that role both capacity and size and mine is 100% reliable to go bang. FYI, budsguns is running a special on S&W 9VE for $250 shipped after $50 rebate, not as small but the price is right.
Water Garden
Member
kel-tec but I hate the trigger pull
Clipper
Member
The Kel-Tec P-11 action is a double-strike design with a long, rough pull, but the PF-9 uses the P3AT action. Much shorter and smoother, but no double-strike capability. I switched from the P3AT to the PF-9, and wouldn't use anything else unless Kel-Tec comes out with a .45...
MovedWest
Member
Check out www.best9mm.com. This guy gives great insight on the feel, performance, and overall satisfaction of 9mm semi's under $550. After going through this and visiting many gunshops I settled on the Baby Desert Eagle 9mm full size (actually I practically called every gun shop in a 100 mile radius to track one down). One clinch of the grip put a smile on my face and I said "wrap it up".
It's the best shooting 9mm I've ever used. It eats anything, recovers quickly between shots, is dead nuts accurate, and the balance is perfect.
I'd like to buy another... or two, three, etc, but sad to say Magnum Research no longer imports them so they are no longer available in a California-legal configuration. They're now sold by Charles Daly and imported under their IWI name "Jericho 941" and not available in California.
If anyone working at Charles Daly is reading this - I am not going to buy any of your other arms until I can buy the Jericho in a California-legal configuration!
-MW
It's the best shooting 9mm I've ever used. It eats anything, recovers quickly between shots, is dead nuts accurate, and the balance is perfect.
I'd like to buy another... or two, three, etc, but sad to say Magnum Research no longer imports them so they are no longer available in a California-legal configuration. They're now sold by Charles Daly and imported under their IWI name "Jericho 941" and not available in California.
If anyone working at Charles Daly is reading this - I am not going to buy any of your other arms until I can buy the Jericho in a California-legal configuration!
-MW
bill.l.johnson
Member
P-11
Another vote for the Kel Tec P-11. The trigger pull is long, but I have found it to be smooth and predictable.
Another vote for the Kel Tec P-11. The trigger pull is long, but I have found it to be smooth and predictable.
Colton White
Member
the bersa 9mm feels like a great pistol i almost picked one up at the gun show bty make sure u handle and if u can fire pistols before u buy
unloved
Member
I like my P-11. It's still the smallest, lightest 12+1 9mm available. Put some Pearce Grip mag extensions on and you've got a comfy, four finger grip that's still pocketable. I find mine to be too heavy for for pants pocket carry, but it's perfect for my coat pocket in the winter.
thunder173
Member
Have the Keltec P11 with a few thousand rounds out of it,..and a P3AT as well,...carried a lot and shot a little,....not range guns,...but not intended to be either. They work,..and they don't cost an arm and leg. No regrets with either. Also have the Firestorm versions of the Bersa Thunders in .22LR,....380,..and the mini-45. Don't underestimate any of them. I have had zero issues with any of them. They are not the prettiest or finest ladies at the dance,...but they get the job done at a reasonable price.These are all carried and shot often,..depending on the need and the mood. The mini 45 does duty as the nightstand gun as well. Try them. You might like them. YMMV
Caligula
Member
I recently purchased a Kel-Tec PF-9 chromed version for $319 from my local dealer. I researched the brand and model thoroughly and was aware of problems with the PF-9 prior to my purchase. I looked at Kahrs, sub-compact Glocks, and the Walther PPS. I decided to purchase the PF-9 because it seemed to be the best overall value for the intended purpose of the firearm.
Last week, I shot 200 rounds of Federal 9mm range ammo, don't recall the grain -either 115 or 124. I only had one failure to feed because I didn't let the trigger reset. I also fired seven Remmington 9mm 124 grain Golden Saber JHP with no failure to feed. I didn't polish the ramp prior to firing this pistol for the first time. However, I did disassemble clean, and oil.
I've read about how the recoil is extreme and how the trigger and grip hurts the user's hands, etc. I'm a fairly large person, 6 ft, 230 lbs and have large hands. I found the recoil to be controllable and neither my trigger finger or hand was sore. The PF-9 also proved to be very accurate at seven and 15 yards - enough accuracy as required for a self-defense carry weapon. This pistol is not a work of art and is not as refined or polished as my house gun, the Glock 22, but it has its place - self preservation.
You get what you pay for, and so far, I'm very happy with my PF-9. I didn't purchase it to flash it in front of my buddies so that they could see how cool it looks or so that I could impress them with a brand name such as Kimber, Glock, Sig Sauer, et al. I bought this pistol as a self defense weapon. So far, it has proved to be accurate and reliable. Only time will tell, but Kel-Tec headquarters and factory is located less than an hour's drive from my home, the pistol has a life time warranty, and Kel-Tec appears to have a great customer service record.
Last week, I shot 200 rounds of Federal 9mm range ammo, don't recall the grain -either 115 or 124. I only had one failure to feed because I didn't let the trigger reset. I also fired seven Remmington 9mm 124 grain Golden Saber JHP with no failure to feed. I didn't polish the ramp prior to firing this pistol for the first time. However, I did disassemble clean, and oil.
I've read about how the recoil is extreme and how the trigger and grip hurts the user's hands, etc. I'm a fairly large person, 6 ft, 230 lbs and have large hands. I found the recoil to be controllable and neither my trigger finger or hand was sore. The PF-9 also proved to be very accurate at seven and 15 yards - enough accuracy as required for a self-defense carry weapon. This pistol is not a work of art and is not as refined or polished as my house gun, the Glock 22, but it has its place - self preservation.
You get what you pay for, and so far, I'm very happy with my PF-9. I didn't purchase it to flash it in front of my buddies so that they could see how cool it looks or so that I could impress them with a brand name such as Kimber, Glock, Sig Sauer, et al. I bought this pistol as a self defense weapon. So far, it has proved to be accurate and reliable. Only time will tell, but Kel-Tec headquarters and factory is located less than an hour's drive from my home, the pistol has a life time warranty, and Kel-Tec appears to have a great customer service record.
MCgunner
Member
Kel Tec P11 in a pocket. On very few occasions I'll use the Rosen workman tuckable IWB. I find pocket carry better for me, though. Very accurate, 10+1 rounds with 12+1 available, only 0.12" wider and 2 ounces heavier than a PF9 for the extra firepower. And, I prefer the true DAO second strike capable action. Safe to carry and a smooth DA to shoot. The gun shoots 3.5" at 25 yards from the bench and NEVER malfunctions. I've put over 11,000 rounds through the thing in 13 years and never had a jam, not even a break in jam.
cluttonfred
Member
At the price range you're in, which appears to be around $250-300, I think you could do a lot better with a used, higher-quality pistol rather than an inexpensive new pistol. For example:
Sig Sauer P6 (Ex-West German police guns, available from multiple sources, but Allan's Armory has them for $325 including two mags, holster, etc.)There are also some somewhat larger but more solid pistols available new for similar prices. They will not be as small as the Kel-Tec models but they are certainly CCW pistols. Here are some ideas:
EAA Zastava M88 (new, looks like a 9mm baby Tokarev or old pre-WWII Colt, single-action, again multiple sources, for example Able's has them in stock for $254)Then again, if you don't really need a truly compact 9mm, you can get a lot of gun for not much money in a full-size 9mm. I have seen S&W Sigma SW9VE two-tone polymer/stainless 9mm at Bud's Gun Shop for as little as $249 after mail-in rebate and Ruger P95s for $300, but those are full-size pistols.
Good luck!
Sig Sauer P6 (Ex-West German police guns, available from multiple sources, but Allan's Armory has them for $325 including two mags, holster, etc.)
EAA Zastava M88 (new, looks like a 9mm baby Tokarev or old pre-WWII Colt, single-action, again multiple sources, for example Able's has them in stock for $254)
Good luck!
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MCgunner
Member
That's your example of a "higher quality gun?"
I do like the 3913NL, but it's not a budget gun, either.NMGonzo
Member
Bersa
smallbore
Member
Glock 26
Defense Minister
Member
Kel-Tec PF-9!
Dallas Jack
Member
The PF-9 and the PT-709 are very simular in size and weight but the PT-709 has a much better trigger pull and has second strike ability which the PF-9 does not.
I had a P-11 but gave it to my son and replaced it with a PT-709.
Dallas Jack
I had a P-11 but gave it to my son and replaced it with a PT-709.
Dallas Jack
RevDerb
Member
I owned a Taurus PT111 which functioned flawlessly and was really fun to shoot. I only sold it because I was looking for a new experience. Out with the old, in with the new.
This was my first trip to the range with it.
This was my first trip to the range with it.
Enachos
Member
Think about a glock 26. Maybe it's not as small as a Kel-Tec but for less than $500 you can own something that will go "Boom" everytime. I own a Glock 27 just because I'm a fan of the .40 cal round
ozarkgunner
Member
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P11. Never had any problems with it in the 10 years I've had it. I've only put about 4 or 5 hundred rounds thru it, but I bought it from another gun nut. So I'm sure it has atleast a 1k rounds thru it. I've broken it down a few times. Cleaned it for the first time last month. 7 parts when broken down. All you need to do it is a spent round or a strong finger nail. Take down and reassembly is something an inexpeirienced gunner can do blind follded.
I have had a few stove piped shells, but I think it was the cheap Wolf ammo I 've been trying to get ride of.
I would love to get another one. And if Keltec comes out with a 40 or 45 cal, I'm on it.
And you can use S&W extended clips to go above 10 plus 1.
Heavy triger pull, but I trust it.
You usually get what you pay for in fire arms, but mine was under priced for what I got. I paid 140 used. I bought a "new" Jennings Nine at a gun show for 150 around the same time. It makes a great paper weight. Steer clear of any of those. Any one need an anchor for a small boat? Don't get me started on this POS.
I have had a few stove piped shells, but I think it was the cheap Wolf ammo I 've been trying to get ride of.
I would love to get another one. And if Keltec comes out with a 40 or 45 cal, I'm on it.
And you can use S&W extended clips to go above 10 plus 1.
Heavy triger pull, but I trust it.
You usually get what you pay for in fire arms, but mine was under priced for what I got. I paid 140 used. I bought a "new" Jennings Nine at a gun show for 150 around the same time. It makes a great paper weight. Steer clear of any of those. Any one need an anchor for a small boat? Don't get me started on this POS.
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