Something to compete with the Kel-Tec P11

[psween]

I have a P11, it's my only carry gun right now. I've put enough rounds through it to be comfortable (around 800) with it's reliability. I like the simple operation (DAO), 13 rounds of 9mm, very light weight, and small size. What I don't really like is the appearance of poor quality. It obviously does what it's designed to do, but it's rough. I know it's psychological, but I want a "quality" gun with these features! All the "quality" subcompact 9mm's tend to be single stack, or considerably larger/heavier than the KT.

 

[Linejudgemick]

I have a P11, it's my only carry gun right now. I've put enough rounds through it to be comfortable (around 800) with it's reliability. I like the simple operation (DAO), 13 rounds of 9mm, very light weight, and small size. What I don't really like is the appearance of poor quality. It obviously does what it's designed to do, but it's rough. I know it's psychological, but I want a "quality" gun with these features! All the "quality" subcompact 9mm's tend to be single stack, or considerably larger/heavier than the KT.

I had a PF-9 and sold it after buying a different single-stack 9mm to replace it for the same reasons, plus the infamous "slide rattle". Besides... I didn't enjoy shooting it and I do the new pistol. Anyway, I also have an M&P9C and think it's a great pistol. It's heavier than the P11, but if you think about it, there's probably a good reason for that. It will come with 2, 12-round magazines, changeable back straps and can be ordered with a variety of options such as; safety or no safety, magazine disconnect or none, night sights, etc. You're asking this question on the S&W forum, so I'm guessing you've considered the M&P compact already. If so, I believe it is good pistol.

 

[psween]

I have looked at the M&P compact, although I haven't shot one. For the same capacity, it's nearly double the weight and physically quite a bit larger. I'm sure it's easier to shoot, but the size/weight throws me a bit. I guess what I'd really like is a double stack Kahr, or an M&P "sub" c. I guess I'll keep on wishing!

 

[Linejudgemick]

If having the smallest size and weight double stack pistol is your primary goal, then the P11 may well fit your needs best, and I won't denigrate it. You could always keep it and get a second carry gun to either get used to, or for other purposes.

I do know from my experience with the PF-9 that my current single-stack 9mm weighs a lot more, but is infinitely better built, made of better materials, is easier to shoot, and is more accurate. I've also learned that a decent belt and/or a quality holster mitigates the increased weight. I have 3 different sizes of carry guns for different situations - a .380 pocket pistol for very light clothes, the single-stack 9mm (the one I use most) and either the M&P 9mm or a different .40 compact for other occasions.