christcorp
Member
Well, I went and bought a new Kel-Tec P11. Was needing another pocket pistol. Was very content with my AMT 380 backup; but so was my wife. LOL!!! She sort of confiscated that pistol. Didn't get the greatest price, but got the Kel-tec P11 for $275+tax.
I was going to get the kel-tec PF-9, because it's a couple ounces lighter and thinner, but the P11 had 2 things I really liked. 1) Reputation as being a very reliable and accurate pistol. 2) A TRUE double action. Basically, a DA revolver in a pocket Semi-Auto format.
Magazine capacity has never been an issue with me. So whether it was 8 rounds in the PF-9 or 11 rounds in the P11, both are fine. But I like the idea of a true Double Action. No safeties to deal with. Hammer Block safety. You couldn't accidentally fire this gun no matter how hard you tried. And even though some people get philosophical about it, I like having double strike capability. I liked the idea that after each shot, the internal hammer is lowered back to 100% double action position.
The 8-lb trigger pull isn't as nice as my 4-5 lb on my double action S&W Model 13-1 revolver, but it isn't as bad as some people said it was. 7-10 yards was excellent accuracy. 3 quick shots in the size of a baseball. Double Action Only definitely needs some getting use to. Psychologically, I know this with my revolvers. With a semi-auto, I'm use to a SA/DA where only the 1st shot is the long trigger pull. But I really like the safety of a true double action only pistol. You can't accidentally shoot it.
Caliber isn't that important to me for self defense carry weapons. For some, it's a major issue. For me, I am confident enough that I've had no problem carrying a 32acp, 380acp, or 9mm makarov chambered pistol; besides 45acp and 357 magnum. The advantage of 9mm in the Kel-tec P11, for me, is simply that it's much less expensive to shoot than most other calibers. (Except for the 9x18 makarov).
Anyway, I was looking at a few other pocket/carry pistols, but for what I want it for, the $600+ price tag just didn't make sense for a Kahr, Walther PPS, or a glock. (Which will never be an option for me. Not saying it's not a good or reliable gun, just that I don't like them). Anyway, the Kel-tec P11 has definitely developed a positive reputation and worth what I paid for it. And while the PF-9 seemed really decent, I was willing to give up a little on the trigger pull and slight thickness, to get a TRUE double action.
ADDED BONUS: For those who didn't already know, the P11 9mm can use ANY of the S&W 59XX series 15 round magazines or S&W 69XX series 12 round magazines. They even sell a magazine extension sleeve to go over the S&W magazine to take up the additional inch at the bottom of the pistol if using the 15 round magazine. I'll probably stick with 10-12 round magazines that sit flush. But for those who didn't know, it's nice to have additional magazine options for the P11. This was one other thing the PF-9 didn't have going for it.
So, I think this was a good solution. A gun that can fit in my jeans pocket or jacket. Good quality. American Made with an excellent warranty if needed. TRUE Double Action. 2nd strike capability. Hi-Cap magazines for those who are interested in that. VERY LIGHTWEIGHT. 14 ounces unloaded. 20 ounces with a full magazine.
I was going to get the kel-tec PF-9, because it's a couple ounces lighter and thinner, but the P11 had 2 things I really liked. 1) Reputation as being a very reliable and accurate pistol. 2) A TRUE double action. Basically, a DA revolver in a pocket Semi-Auto format.
Magazine capacity has never been an issue with me. So whether it was 8 rounds in the PF-9 or 11 rounds in the P11, both are fine. But I like the idea of a true Double Action. No safeties to deal with. Hammer Block safety. You couldn't accidentally fire this gun no matter how hard you tried. And even though some people get philosophical about it, I like having double strike capability. I liked the idea that after each shot, the internal hammer is lowered back to 100% double action position.
The 8-lb trigger pull isn't as nice as my 4-5 lb on my double action S&W Model 13-1 revolver, but it isn't as bad as some people said it was. 7-10 yards was excellent accuracy. 3 quick shots in the size of a baseball. Double Action Only definitely needs some getting use to. Psychologically, I know this with my revolvers. With a semi-auto, I'm use to a SA/DA where only the 1st shot is the long trigger pull. But I really like the safety of a true double action only pistol. You can't accidentally shoot it.
Caliber isn't that important to me for self defense carry weapons. For some, it's a major issue. For me, I am confident enough that I've had no problem carrying a 32acp, 380acp, or 9mm makarov chambered pistol; besides 45acp and 357 magnum. The advantage of 9mm in the Kel-tec P11, for me, is simply that it's much less expensive to shoot than most other calibers. (Except for the 9x18 makarov).
Anyway, I was looking at a few other pocket/carry pistols, but for what I want it for, the $600+ price tag just didn't make sense for a Kahr, Walther PPS, or a glock. (Which will never be an option for me. Not saying it's not a good or reliable gun, just that I don't like them). Anyway, the Kel-tec P11 has definitely developed a positive reputation and worth what I paid for it. And while the PF-9 seemed really decent, I was willing to give up a little on the trigger pull and slight thickness, to get a TRUE double action.
ADDED BONUS: For those who didn't already know, the P11 9mm can use ANY of the S&W 59XX series 15 round magazines or S&W 69XX series 12 round magazines. They even sell a magazine extension sleeve to go over the S&W magazine to take up the additional inch at the bottom of the pistol if using the 15 round magazine. I'll probably stick with 10-12 round magazines that sit flush. But for those who didn't know, it's nice to have additional magazine options for the P11. This was one other thing the PF-9 didn't have going for it.
So, I think this was a good solution. A gun that can fit in my jeans pocket or jacket. Good quality. American Made with an excellent warranty if needed. TRUE Double Action. 2nd strike capability. Hi-Cap magazines for those who are interested in that. VERY LIGHTWEIGHT. 14 ounces unloaded. 20 ounces with a full magazine.
Anyway... The extractor broke and I sent the slide back to them for repair. They sent me a new complete top end! 
. It still locks back occasionally on Gold Dots. I think that it's the bullet shape that nudges on the slide stop. When I carry it I use a Gold Dot (I got them free at work - don't ask) in the pipe and FMJs in the mag. Some day I may send it to them, or, if i'm in the neighborhood I'll drop by (I've done that before - they're very friendly and will do some work on your gun while you wait! 
