Kel-Tec P11 or Ruger SP101 fora CCW?

[wow6599]

I can't decide on this one and want some opinions. I have been going back and forth on this for weeks. I have a P11 that holds 10+1 9mm (at KT's HQ's getting work -FTF's) and am thinking of selling it for a new CCW. I am looking at a Ruger SP101 .357 with a 3 1/16" barrel. I carry a S&W M&P40 full size in cool weather and have also thought about another M&P40 in a compact (3.5") version as well. Bottom line - keep the P11 (which I also have had the barrel and slide titanium cobalt boron nitrate plated @ $125), go Ruger (5 shots) or M&P compact(11 shots)? I know it should be what works for me, but I can't make up my mind on this one. Anyone?

 

[ScottE]

PF9?

I don't want to complicate things, but I traded my P-11 for a PF9 and am happy with my decision. I carry the PF9 IWB using the optional belt clip from Kel-Tec. I've never had any failures with the PF9 since owning (1 year'ish), but have only shot about 500 rounds. It holds 7+1.

Scott

 

[rugerman07]

I'd go with the Ruger SP101.

 

[MCgunner]

I own both. The Kel Tec is my daily pocket carry. I rarely carry the SP101. It's just too heavy and inconvenient. I've been shootin' and totin' the P11 trouble free for 12 years now. I'm sure the PF9 is a good gun, but I've got a zen goin' with the P11, it's accurate, it works for me, and I like the extra firepower. The .357, even HOT loads, isn't so special out of a 2.3" barrel. I get 550 ft lbs out of a 140 grain load. I get 410 ft lbs out of my 115 grain +P 9mm load, weaker for sure, but a hell of a lot easier to shoot well. Not as much kick OR NEAR as much muzzle blast. I'm quite confident in the caliber. Trust me, the P11 is a lot easier gun to live with all day. Keep it no matter, great BUG even if you're totin' a bigger gun IWB. It rides light on an ankle or in a pocket. Me, I have a range of carries for all occasions. One thing they all have in common is DA operation, revolver or auto. Simplifies practice and training.

 

[thunder173]

I've had both pistols and revolvers of many makes and fashions over the year,...and in .357 as well as 9 mm......I carry the P-11 almost daily, with the optional 12 rd mag and one up it's nose. (I am not superstitios!)...it works as it should, carrys comfortably and conceals well.
So,...5 shots of what somebody's comfortable with,...or as many as 13 that somebody else is?? Question is,...what are YOU comfortable with?

 

[machinisttx]

Ruger. My wife's P11 is a good little gun, but I can flex the frame(one handed) enough to prevent the mags from dropping free.

 

[gym]

PF-9 also, after you get used to a light weapon, it's hard to go back. And I have a 32 seacamp and a Taurus scandium/titanium, that is lighter than all of them. I like the idea of having 8 instead of 5 though. For $25 I picked up a second clip for the kel-tek but seldom carry it. I want to try one of those clips for carry that was mentioned, I hear a lot about that method of carry.

 

[sean m]

Sp-101 is an excellent car and woods gun

 

[bogie]

What feels better? What fits you? What -points- more intuitively and ergonomically? If you are already close, via instinctively pointing, you get "dialed in" on the target a lot quicker.

It may be neither of the weapons mentioned. Try a bunch on to see if they "fit."

I won't carry a J-frame Smith revolver. Not that they're bad or anything, but if I'm just yanking and cranking, I dump all five rounds into the crotch of a 7 yard target. With a 1911 with a curved backstrap, they're all in the upper chest.

 

[Srigs]

bogie is right. What feels right and what do you shoot well?

The P11 (12+1 which is amazing) is not a target gun but a gun that you can carry almost anywhere. I have a PF9 and it is even thinner and better trigger.

 

[19-3Ben]

As a guy who LOVES his SP101 and recommends that everyone own a 3" model...

I'd say to go with the M&P40c.
You carry the full sized M&P in the winter. So why not get a summer carry gun that has the advantage of interchangeable ammo, and mags, and has the same familiar manual of arms? be consistent.

 

[shep854]

One more for the PF9. I pocket carry, and the SP101 (used to have one, but it got stolen) is too big and heavy, even with the 2" barrel. I carried J-frames for a while, then got a P11. As repeatedly said, it's a good pistol, but the PF9 is even slimmer and lighter, plus the trigger is lighter, so I am much more accurate with it than the P11. This makes up for the loss in ammo capacity.

As for the original question, a P11, obviously.

 

[presspuller]

My vote is for the P-11.
I know some guys like to tote a full size 1911 all the time to me its all about size and weight. Or rather the lack of it.
I can carry my p-11 all day and not know it there.

 

[Matt-J2]

Not that they're bad or anything, but if I'm just yanking and cranking, I dump all five rounds into the crotch of a 7 yard target.

You know, it has always been my philosophy that if a dude can take 5 rounds of .38 special in the crotch and keep fighting, it just ain't my day to win.

 

[GingerGuy]

Here's my vote...

 

[teknoid]

You know, it has always been my philosophy that if a dude can take 5 rounds of .38 special in the crotch and keep fighting, it just ain't my day to win.

Would you use "ball" ammo for that?

SP101, but I'm biased. It's what I carry.

 

[kcshooter]

I have a couple 5-shot snubbies, and a P11. I carry the P11 waaay more often, it's great in a pocket or thrown IWB with the belt clip on it. Goes with me when the 1911's can't be concealed.
I hate shooting it, heavy trigger, but it isn't a range gun, it's a SD tool. I feel better with 13rds of 9mm over 5rds of 38. I've never had any issues with mine, either.