BamaHuntin

I'm in the market for a pistol and wanted to see if you guys could lend me some help.I'm not much of a pistol guy and this will be my first new one.I've bought several used from friends.I don't want nothing too big or small,probably 9mm range.Just something to play with and maybe for protection.I looked at a KelTec PF11 today and really liked the feel to this gun.I almost bought it but I'm not one to buy somethingwithout some research.Any opinions on this particular gun? Anybody on here have any otherrecomendations that are similar to this gun in cal. and price?
Heres the link:http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/p11.htm
Thanks in advance,
James

kendradad

Would suggest a Glock, Springfield or S&W MP in semi-autos and a Ruger SP101 or S&W if you go to a revolver. Those are my suggestions, I am sure you will get more. In my mind, these represent a good mix of quality and value.

VAhuntr

IMO there are better choices, especially if you plan to trust your life with it. Kendradad made some excellent suggestions. I will addfour more pistols to look at: the Sig P229 or P239 and the Beretta 92 or PX-4.

spaniel

I would not trust a Kel-Tec with my life. If for fun, yes. Defense, no.

There is a reason the majority of law enforcement carried Glocks. I own a Glock 23 (40SW) and have no complains. The 9mm comes on the same frame, so it'll have less recoil.

Others have offered good suggestions (Sig, Springfield etc) as well. I don't own them but have heard good things. My Glock has not failed to cycle or fire in thousands of rounds, is competitively priced vs the other suggestions, so I have to recommend it.

kilotanker19

i would prefer a para ordnance 1911 they do make one in 9mm but out of that price range as far as they quality goes there is not much better

Wolf killer

I would look at Springfield Armory XD& Glock. I owna Springfield ArmoryXD chambered in 40-S&W. I trust my life wth this gun.

stalkingbear

If it's your 1st handgun, what could possibly be more versaitle than an .357 revolver with about 4" barrel? You can shoot cheaper/lower power .38s in it when plinking, and use .357 loads for more serious matters. Also you'll NEVER get anything as simple to operate as an revolver.

tow2atm

Hekler & Koch USP or 2000

Briman

For the same price, you should be able to get a Used Beretta 92 or a new Taurus pt92 either of which will be 10x the pistol of a kel-tec.

To add: if you find that you like something like a Beretta/Taurus, take a very hard look at a 1911 .45- the exterior dimensions of the pistols will be almost identical. The Springfield Mil-spec pistols are very good and are close to your price range. For resale value, availability of aftermarket parts, durability, and reliability, you can't do better than a well made 1911.

If you want something cheap, durable, smaller, and similar to a 9mm, a Makarov might fit the bill. They typically sell for $150-300. Here's a link to an importer that sells them: http://www.southernohiogun.com/hand.htm

The Kel-tecs are fine for a small concealeable pistol, but they aren't made to be shot alot and won't hold up to a lot of usage.

Matt / PA

If you want an Auto pistol that is fun to shoot, not too small but still very concealable, reliable and won't break the bank look at the Bersa Thunder or Firestorm Mini9 (Same pistol made by Bersa)
You can find them new for about $350 or like me used in great condition in the $200's.
Mine has probably 1000 rounds through it now without a single hiccup and is my "truck gun"
Good looking gun too.

Don't expect match grade accuracy but it's super reliable, cheap to shoot and isn't a significant investment.

I you get the itch you can always add a high dollar gun down the road.