First handgun: DAO Auto

[RiverwinoIA]

Looking to purchase a 9mm DAO pistol for home defense/possible future carry.

I have narrowed down the choices to
-Keltec p11
-Taurus pt111
-S&W Sigma

Right now im really leaning towards the keltec, as it seems they have listened to customers and really made improvements on the original design. they also have great customer service going for them.
The sigma doesnt have the lifetime warranty the others have... and its a little big for my purposes, but it fits most of my criteria and price range.

Any suggestions, warnings, or general banter to add?

 

[marshall3]

First DAO auto...

Well, I have a Kel-Tec P11, a Taurus Mil Pro PT145, and a SW 40GVE.

The P11 is best for lightness and concealed carry, but has a tough trigger.
The SW Sigma also has a tough trigger.
The Taurus is easiest to shoot accurately and smoothly, in my opinion.

All three are fine reliable, inexpensive firearms. Mine always go "bang."

I rec the Taurus as a first DAO gun.

 

[KONY]

The sigma doesnt have the lifetime warranty the others have... and its a little big for my purposes, but it fits most of my criteria and price range.

Sigma is made by S&W, which has one of the best customer service reputations in the industry.

I'd also take a look at the Springfield XD, sub-compact or service models.

 

[RiverwinoIA]

wasnt sure on S&W, thanks for clearing that up.

I have pretty much narrowed it down to the kel tec or the taurus. Both hold 10+1, both are around same size. Taurus is a bit heavier, and a bit more expensive. I guess i need to go dry fire a few and see which feels better..

 

[hkmp5g17]

I have a P11. Never had a problem with it and have put 500 rounds through. The trigger is not the best. Most of my friends hate it! Can't recommend it for a beginner.

IMHO- save you money and get a Glock. Or a revolver.

Anthony.

 

[SONICMASD]

i highly recommend the taurus! the trigger isnt a problem if thats what you learn on. its those who are used to SA triggers that complain.

 

[procomps]

I bought my used Taurus PT-111 Titanium (original version) used for $259. Granted that it is not the Pro version, but it is super light (16 oz. empty), smooth light trigger, only slightly larger than the Kel-Tec P-11, and overall quality is excellent.

If you are going to buy a new gun, keep in mind that the PT-111 Mill Pro is a smaller, lighter version of the 24/7, NRA's Handgun of the Year 2005. Plus, the PT-111 Pro can use the same 17-round mag of the 24/7 in 9mm.

 

[MrTuffPaws]

Oh come on, once you try a PT111, you can't go back. If you do, it is to a revolver.

 

[Big Mike]

I would direct you to a 6946 from www.kyimports.com. It trumps any of the choices you gave in the trigger pull dept (mine does!). Mike

 

[Yardstick]

PT-111 was my pick. I had pretty much those same three options. I wanted a DAO autoloader for CCW and HD that my wife could handle easier than the full-size .45 1911's we have. She had a hard time even actuating the trigger on the Kel-Tec and the Sigma wasn't much better. We also liked the idea of the lock since this one isn't going to see any time in the safe. If we have to be away from it, it's nice to know that it isn't going to be put into service easily.