Should I get a Taurus 145 or 111?

[mole]

Howdy folks. I'm thinking about getting myself either a Taurus 145 or the 111---basically a choice between the .45acp or 9mm. I would appreciate it if those of you that have them or have shot them would speak up and tell me your opinion. The gun will be used for plinking and carry. I know to get the pro series. I'd be buying new and will be looking for those new SA/DA ones if I can find one.
I do not want a 9mm vs .45 debate, just people's experiences with these two guns.

Assuming large enough pockets, how hard are they to pocket carry (There was just something I didn't like about my brother's P3AT)?

I would like to try to pocket carry, so is the 145 any harder to conceal than the 111?

I usually wear Wrangler's relaxed fit jeans. I figure they won't work for pocket carry, but how do cargo and carpenter pants do?

With the shorter barrel, does "over-penetration" become much less likely with the 9mm?

Which holsters do you perfer for both pocket and concealed hip carry?

How tame or bad is the recoil? I've shot the smallest GLOCK .45acp, and its recoil was fine for me. I might try to get my girlfriend and mother to use it every once in a while, so the easier it is to manage the recoil the better.

I'm leaning towards the 111. I already have a 9mm, so I wouldn't have to buy a different ammo. The cheaper ammo price would mean that we could practice with it more. The 9mm should have less recoil.

But then again, I don't have a .45 yet....(I could just want for an ss Taurus 1911)

Thanks,
mole

 

[Timmy]

I LOVE my PT145! It shoots with less "snap" than my SIG228 (9mm). Very easy to shoot. Probably won't fit in a pocket though, unless you have big pockets.

 

[steelhead]

I have the PT145 Mil Pro and recoil isn't bad at all and it has been reliable. I don't think pocket carrying the PT145 is really feasible unless you are talking about a winter jacket. However, it conceals really well with an IWB holster. I use a High Noon holster for IWB, a Don Hume JIT for belt carry, and a Smartcarry holster for when deep concealment is needed.

One more thing about the PT145, and many don't know this, it will accept Para Ord hi cap magazines. So instead of 10+1, you can have 14+1 for HD, range time, or whatever.

Since you already shoot 9mm, I would recommend you just stay with the 111 for now. The idea to wait and pick up a 1911 is a good one.

 

[Doggieman]

I have a 745, slimmer version of the 145. Recoil is fine, much like a Glock. It's a bit much for pocket carry unless you're a big guy. IWB carry is fine but not as good as my snubbie 38 obviously (which I use instead for CCW). I haven't tried the 9. Shooting is lots of fun and reasonably accurate.

 

[kokapelli]

I purchased a PT111, two weeks ago and like it very much.

It is definitely not a pocket sized pistol.

The reason I went with 9MM, is the price of ammo.

 

[brufener]

I have a PT111 Pro, and like it very much. I find it very shootable, especially for a smaller gun. I haven't shot a PT145, so I can't compare the recoil.

Pocket carry is a bit much for this gun. I've found that I can fit it in a front pocket of Cargo-style shorts, but it is a little heavy. When I wear regular jeans (mostly GAP or Old Navy), I can squeeze it in the pocket, but it is very noticeable and very uncomfortable. Not something I would want to do on a regular basis or for more than a couple minutes. I don't wear my jeans tight, but they aren't "rap style" baggy either.

I'd really like to try out the DA/SA, mine is DAO. At any rate, the gun has been flawless and I'm glad I got it.

 

[mole]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I didn't think it would pocket carry very well, but I have seen others post about being able to pocket carry one. It'll be another month before I buy one. My brother is going to buy a handgun then, so I'll wait and go with him and a friend to try to get a discount if we all three buy guns.

How is accuracy with these guns?

thanks,
mole

 

[made2cut]

My PT145 Mil Pro is very accurate. I think it's a darn good pistol and for the price they are a bargain. Recoil isn't bad at all for a light weight 45.

 

[steelhead]

Accuracy is sufficient for defensive needs.

 

[Doggieman]

accuracy is fine. Flinching with the long DAO pull will be the biggest problem, followed by target reacquisition due to recoil jump if you get one in .45. I can put all 7 rounds (PT 745) in a man-size chest area at 7 yards in about 3 seconds. The 9 would undoubtedly be faster.

 

[silhanek]

I own both in the Millenium Pro model. PT111 holds 12+1 and has smaller grip. I like the PT145 because the slightly larger grip fits my hand better. Both can shoot 3-5" groups at 10-15 yards. The DAO trigger was a little gritty when they were new, but really seemed to smooth out around 500 rounds. 9mm is cheaper so that might also be another plus depending on how you look at it. I don't think you will be disappointed with either.

 

[Lou22]

I own a PT145 and love it. I'm a big guy so it'll fit fine in the front pocket of my cargo shorts. Other pants types can be tight. I think with standard 230gr ammo recoil is mild out of this light gun. I shoot 185gr Double Taps in mine sometimes, and the recoil is pretty snappy but manageable. The trigger on mine definitely smoothed out about a couple range sessions, and is one of the best DAO pulls I've experienced.

Lou

 

[MachIVshooter]

Flinching with the long DAO pull will be the biggest problem

Long, but only 6 lbs and smooth. I recently tranded off my PT145 MP, but will be getting another, only with night sights this time (this trade was too good to pass on, might as well have been given $800).

 

[bigmike45]

I have been carrying my PT-145 in the right front pocket of my pants for over 2 years. Yes I wear pleated slacks and one size larger jeans, but I have no problems in either case. I alwo carry the gun OWB in a Galco Concealable Pancake when I can. It's my go everywhere and do everything gun.

 

[Deles136]

My PT -145 is the easiest to shoot 45 I own and I have had no trouble with it. Great pistol.

 

[ecureed]

pt111 pro

got my pt111 2 weeks ago and have nothing but good things to say about it...i would agree that the only pocket carry it would be suitable for is in the larger cargo pockets....i will probably get the Fobus holster for mine...i also agree, go with the 9mm and save on the cost of ammo

 

[Dave R]

Assuming large enough pockets, how hard are they to pocket carry

I just got done carrying a PT-145 on a backpacking trip. Pocket carry. It DOES require a big pocket. I don't think relaxed fit jeans are going to have a big enough pocket. I need "cargo" type pockets, like hiking pants often have, to be able to pocket carry it. And it still prints pretty much. A pocket holster hides the shape, but it looks like a pretty big block in the pocket.

Its easy to carry in an inside-the-waistband holster.

 

[weregunner]

Should I get a Taurus 145 or 111

Howdy, The PT 111 Millen-Pro is what I shoot. I use Winchester 115 gr. JHPs white box.For that matter any standard 115gr. JHP.The gun gobbles them up.Recoil is soft. +Ps have more recoil and I can bring the gun back on target easier with standard loads. I'm not going to start the 9mm.vesus 45ACP debate.Been flogged to death. If you feel the lower recoil is must o.k. If recoil is not problem go with the 145. My PT Millen -Pro fits my Dillon belt holster and a fanny pack just fine.It is slightly more compact than the 145. Dat's all folks. SO right!