A brace of 9mm's - part II

UPDATE SUMMER 2012  I just could not get used to the long, double action trigger pull on the P-11. I sold it, and got the SR9-C, which is a smaller SR9 and operates exactly the same way, with approximately the same trigger pull. More on it later . . .

As I related in my previous post, gun number one of the pair is the Ruger SR9. I completed the pair with the KelTec P-11.

There are plenty of smaller sized 9 mm's to choose from, and my interest was piqued by some offerings from Taurus, and the KelTec P-F9. I have had good experience with the KelTec P-3AT, and the P-F9 is like one of those on a mild dose of steroids.

In keeping with my stated scenario of perhaps needing quite a few rounds in a defensive situation, I decided to take a look at the P-11 and compare it to the P-F9. The KelTec specifications page reveals a few facts that might not be apparent at first glance.

• Although the P-F9 is very flat, it is only .12 inches narrower than the P-11. Slight advantage P-F9.
• The P-F9 is the same height as the P-11. Call that a tie.
• The P-F9 is .25 inches longer that the P-11, making it a little harder to stuff in a jeans pocket (in a pocket holster, of course). Slight advantage P-11.
• The P-F9 holds 7+1 and the P-11 holds 10+1, or 12+1 with the optional magazine. So a magazine and a spare gives a total of of up to 25 rounds vs. 15 for the P-F9. Big advantage P-11.

If you get a Smith & Wesson Model 59 magazine as a spare, your capacity goes up further. There are some out there that hold 30 rounds.

As I stated in the SR9 article, I wanted the same manual of arms for both guns. With the P-11, it is once again, pull, point, and shoot.

The P-11 is equipped with a 'standard' magazine release button on the left side, under the thumb. This is like most modern pistols. The slide locks open when the magazine runs dry. The trigger has a long, nine pound pull. This is the only thing I don't like about the gun. Think double-action revolver. The P-F9, by comparison releases at about five. KelTec does offer a trigger shoe for the P-11 that is probably worth getting.

This gun, like the SR9 functioned flawlessly when test fired. It, too, keeps them on a sheet of copy paper at 25 yards. I like it.

So, there you have it, the second member of the brace of 9 mm's.

Where to buy? The SR9 is commonly seen at gun shows. Some dealers stock the P-11. But, I recommend that you check the Gun Genie before you buy anywhere. They have a live inventory, and you get to select a local dealer to have it delivered to. Order it online today. Pick it up locally tomorrow.And the Gun Genie has a lifetime replacement warranty.

What would you pick, if you were to pick a pair?

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.