CZ-82 vs Kel-Tec P11

[Hammerhead6814]

This one is egging me. It really is. I can either go get my first flame, the CZ-82, for $250 this weekend, or I can go get a Kel-Tec P-11. Each comes with two magazines.

This is tricky. At first I wanted to jump on a P-11, since it is a 9x19. But the 9x19 ballistics tables I have seen always have a five inch barrel. This places the rounds above 1100 fps and usually between 350-450 ft-lbs of energy. Since the P-11 has a 3.1 inch barrel, would I be neutering this round to the point that maybe a 9x18 (from the 3.8 inch barrel) would be just as good? Then there is the reputation of the P-11 not being a reliable gun, while CZ-82 owners (I'm a former owner and will make this claim with pride) know that there pistols can go through hell and back and will be glad to keep sending lead down range.

Which one? Am I choosing between Coke and Pepsi?

 

[The grons]

CZ 82 I have two of them and they are indestructable. The only issue would be the weight and size for conceal and carry. The CZ 82 is not the greatest for CCW. Also you have to buy steel core russian ammo and many ranges don't let you shoot it; I have found a few ammo dealers selling lead core for about $17 a box which is still more expensive than the 9x19

 

[rmuzz]

Also you have to buy steel core russian ammo and many ranges don't let you shoot it

There is bass cased S&B ammo out there in 9x18 for ~$14/50. (online + ship)

No experience with the Kel Tec, love my CZ 82. You cant buy 9x18 at your local walmart, but you can at least find it around online even when ammo selection is pretty thin in your traditional handgun cartridges.

 

[gb6491]

Then there is the reputation of the P-11 not being a reliable gun, ...

I don't think that's the P11's reputation at all; seems to me the biggest complaint leveled at the P11 is in regards to the trigger pull.
There are some ballistic gelatin test results for the 9x19 out of a P11 here (some 9x18 from a Mak as well) here: http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/tests.htm
regards,
Greg

 

[chris in va]

I have a P11, not my favorite pistol by a long shot. But it's small, flat and light and my friend plans to carry it once her permit comes in.

Trigger is super long, bordering on ridiculous. It doesn't release the sear until the trigger is almost pressed against the grip.

Any way you can afford something like a Kahr CW9?

I fondled a CZ 82 at the last gun show, the ergonomics were amazing. I'd get that if it's what floats your boat.

 

[CajunBass]

I had a P-11 years ago. Traded it off for something else though. Never had a problem with it, just wanted something else. It's somewhat hard to shoot with it's long trigger pull, but the trigger is predictable, really not much worse than a run of the mill revolver pull. The more I shot it, the better it got. The gun is lightweight and easy to carry, but the recoil is "snappy" shall we say. I found that somewhere between 50 and 100 rounds my arm would start to tingle (I've got some carpel tunnel), so I just limited my sessions with the gun to 50 rounds. After that it wasn't much fun to shoot anyway.

I've got a CZ-82 now. It's a bit heavier, and the trigger is a conventional DA/SA design. Not bad in either mode. You can carry it C/L but I don't. Ammo in bulk is easy to find on the internet, and not too expensive in today's market. SD ammo might be different, I don't know. Never tried to find any. About the only thing I can say bad about the CZ is the grips block access to the magazine release on the left side for me. I've learned to simply hit the one on the right. Recoil isn't bad at all.

If I was looking for a carry gun, I think I'd go with the P-11. 9mm ammo can be found about anywhere and the P-11 is a little smaller and lighter, but not much. Either will do the job though. The CZ was less expensive for me, but I've got a C&R and could have it shipped right to me. A Don Hume KH-40 J.I.T. holster is a perfect fit BTW.

 

[rogertc1]

CZ-82 is twice the size and weight (less power too) of a Kel Tec P-11 which is 9MM

 

[MCgunner]

This is tricky. At first I wanted to jump on a P-11, since it is a 9x19. But the 9x19 ballistics tables I have seen always have a five inch barrel. This places the rounds above 1100 fps and usually between 350-450 ft-lbs of energy. Since the P-11 has a 3.1 inch barrel, would I be neutering this round to the point that maybe a 9x18 (from the 3.8 inch barrel) would be just as good?

Out of my 4.5" Ruger P85, my carry load pushes 440 ft lbs, something over 1300 fps with a 115 grain Hornady XTP bullet. Out of my P11, it pushes 1262 fps/410 ft lbs which is nearly double a 9x18 and, in fact, rivals snubby .357 magnums with the lighter bullet weights. It's much easier to shoot and a lot less muzzle flash than any snubby .357 I can carry in my pocket, too. For self defense, I love it. I've owned it 13 years now and put in excess of 11,000 rounds thorugh it. It never jams, always goes bang, and still shoots 3.5" off the bench at 25 yards.

I know nothing of the CZ, but if you have the hots for it, feed your thirst. For concealment, though, I'd go with the P11. Yes, the trigger must be mastered, but if I can do it, you can. Actually, I love that trigger, very safe for carry and once you get used to it, very accurate and fast out of the pocket, and very smooth with a slight stage at the end. You have to shoot it much as with a DA snubby, but I like DA snubbies, too..

 

[CoRoMo]

The cons of the CZ are what makes the P11's list of pros. And vice versa. Size, weight, 9x19, exp hammer, trigger etc.

I chose the P11 for CC because of its size, weight, 9x19, capacity, striker fired, etc. It was the perfect package IMO. I have had no quality/function issues at all, and have heard/read very few. The trigger pull is what it is, and I've warmed up to the idea of a long heavy trigger on my EDC. Controlled pairs are easily accomplished despite the hate for this trigger.

 

[JLCook]

I have no experience with the P-11, but I like my CZ-82. Manageable recoil for very quick followups , good capacity (12+1), ambidextrous controls, good sights, and goes boom every time.

 

[thegoodlistener]

Academy also carries the 9x18 ammo for what 9mm is going for price wise.

 

[customizedcreationz]

CZ 82's are great guns. I have one and love it. Kel-Tec's I dont own, but have worked on many and not sure if I would own one. Obviously be a gunsmith I see guns with problems, so that can be a little bias. But I can say, I ve never had a CZ 82 in the shop because it didnt work. I ve refinished them and they are very well built. Heavy, but well built. I guess thats a price you have to pay sometimes.

One thing to think about though, if SHTF 9mm would probably be alot easier to find then 9x18 would be.

My choice

CZ-82

 

[tinygnat219]

I'd go with the P-11 for many different reasons:

Pros:

• 9X19 Double stack pistol. It also takes S&W 59-series magazines for up to 15 rounds.
• Light gun
• Lifetime Warranty
• Ammo is easier to find.
• Greater selection of SD ammo.
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Trigger. The DAO pull on this gun HAS to go.
• Ergonomics. They suck.
• Roughness of Quality. Fit and finish are not a high priority for KT.

 

[OldMac]

CZ82

Good feel and ammo is surprisingly available in various types. Walmart has it on the shelf more than 9x19. Gander Mountain actually had 5 or 6 different varieties of 9mm Mak when they didn't have 9mm luger. I wonder how many people bought Mak by mistake.

The Cz82 is a comfortable and accurate gun. The barrel is very easy to clean since it has the polygonal rifling and may last longer. Simple no tool breakdown just like a Mak. Most Makarov holsters will fit but www.cdnninvestments.com/czholsters.html has a CZ82 holster for $10.

Personally, I chose the CZ82, twice. It is a little thick to carry.