Kel Tec

[JayTee_IsMe]

I also recommend the M&P Shield.

Before I finally aqured a Glock 43, it was my preferred carry gun. And it fits your hand and shoots like a bigger gun than it really is. So it is a nice range gun too.

I bought my wife one because she shoots it really well, without it being too small or big.

These can be had for around $450 from what I hear now. Or just search *a Kentucky based online gun store* for deals sometimes.

[alabamacoastie]

Shot my friends keltec 9mm this weekend. It functioned fine, but it has to have the worst trigger pull I have ever experienced. It is DAO and has what feels like a 4 inch long trigger pull that is less than predictable. The RSO was laughing watching us shoot it because he could see from about 30 feet away how long the pull was. Like others have said, spend a little more and get something else.

Haha! I completely agree on the looooooooong trigger pull. I owned the P11 before i went on active duty. After my second tour in Iraq, i started having recurring nightmares where i would get into a fire fight with insurgents. In the dream, each time i reached for my drop holster, i would grab onto my M9 but when i aimed at the enemy, i would be holding my KelTec P11.

In my dreams, i would squeeze the trigger over and over again. Every time, it would feel like i was squeezing a gummy bear. I'd pull and pull, as hard as i could, but the hammer would never fall.

Then, if it did ever fire, the projectile would hit the enemy and bouncy off like it was made of rubber.

I must have had that horrible dream 100 times. I haven't had it in the last 8 years. It's funny to think about it now, but it used to be a pretty scary dream.

[deadcoyote]

I have no issue with admitting my own snobbery. My buddy bought a Bersa .380, I made fun of him about buying garbage, then shot it a bunch and it's an excellent gun. Super accurate, very reliable. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, just not a .380 guy personally.

[joefrank64k]

I have a KT P32 and a P11.
Both have been reliable from the very first shot.

The P32 is the same size as many .22LR and .25ACP mouse guns with a much better cartridge.
It is also the lightest mouser available.

The P11 is best thought of as a 11 shot S&W 442/ 642.
Add the optional trigger shoe and the pull will be much easier and hammer release will occur with your finger not so far back.

Here, here!!

I've got a P-40 (.40 S&W version of the P-11), PF-9, P-32, PMR-30, and PLR-16. All have been utterly reliable. I've carried all of them at one time or another, and never felt I was at any more risk (due to a malfunction) than from carrying a Glock, Beretta, S&W, or Ruger.

[k1dude]

S&W SD9VE for cheapest reasonable option ($350), Glock 19 for best all around ($500).

The extra $150 for a G19 is a worthwhile expense in my opinion, however whatever you can afford is great and don't let someone look down on you for it.

Both are on the roster. The S&W can often be found on sale for $270 to $300. The S&W trigger isn't very good, but can be improved with some aftermarket parts from Apex.

[plumbum]

+1 on Bersa, points well and has a good trigger. S&W 9VE is a nice value.

Unless you are a person who visits the range weekly, the price difference between 9mm/.380 is minimal, especially if you load up on bulk ammo to share.

[dwalker]

I have a PF-11. Must have gotten a later production gun but mine is actually pretty dang nice for the price. Has gone bang each and every time I pull the trigger, fits in my pocket, and aims/shoots well.
My PF11 is often relegated to truck duty, where it sits in the console or seat holster for days, often weeks, at a time even when its snowing or raining or whatever else we happen to get. I carried it almost daily for a while, still goes bang. I dont think I have ever stripped and cleaned it, probably should at some point.
Compared to my AMT380 Backup its lighter, holds a couple more rounds, and is 9mm not 380. I did have a P3AT for a while, but sold it before I really formed any useful opinion of it. The 380 Backup I will never sell, had one for over 10 years, sold it in a moment of stupidity, then regretted it until I found another, wont let that happen again.

I think people calling the Kel Tec trash may not be very familiar with them beyond youtube and internet forums.

[ThighSlapper]

You and i have two different opinions of what constitutes "trash". I've owned it for 13 years. I've put a few hundred rounds through it on multiple occasions and it has not malfunctioned. That alone makes it better than trash. I wouldn't throw it out with my household garbage.

Have you ever owned a KelTec? I doubt it.

I gave OP information he can use to make a decision.

You just came to talk trash; literally. Add some substance to the discussion, or go troll another thread.

Ive shot and handled a pf9 and a p11. Handled a ksg. That was enough for me.
Ive been wearing the same boxers for 10 years. Have they failed me? No they cover my balls just fine and the holes in them let my ***** breathe. Do they belong in the trash? Most definately.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ_GWPWapaQ

[Bowas]

Well let me ask you all one more question then. Some have given their recommendations and preferences, but what would be a good sub-compact in either .380 or 9mm that is not expensive but reliable and on roster?

[Maht_g]

Don't buy your children life saving equipment based on how cheap it is. Glock, Kahr, Shield are better choices.

Hopeton, I don't always agree with your views/statements but I'm with you this time! OP do yourself and your kids a favor and Spend an extra 50-100$ to get a proven platform!

[Garand Hunter]

Go for the Bersa Firestorm, you won't be disapointed ! Mine does the job for
close in defense, accurate. After the bloodbath in San Bernadino I moved up to
9mm because of the possibly of a situation in a room larger than 75 ft /25yds
long either direction.

Psalm 1

[Mytmoss]

Well let me ask you all one more question then. Some have given their recommendations and preferences, but what would be a good sub-compact in either .380 or 9mm that is not expensive but reliable and on roster?

Of the 3, in 9mm, the Shield and Kahr are the only two available in subcompact that are on roster. Of the two I would take the Shield. The Shield is at least $100 more than the Firestorm and that is not a reason to buy or not buy it. The reason to buy it, is that it is 9mm vs 380.

In 380 I still stand on the Firestorm choice. It is a proven platform that gets nothing but high reviews.

[Quiet]

IMO...

Best least expensive .380ACP subcompact pistol on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale:
Bersa Firestorm 380

Best least expensive 9x19mm subcompact pistol on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale:
S&W M&P9 Shield

[-hanko]

I would not trust my or anyone else's lives with a Kel-Tec...

I've seen a KSG demonstrated at my local range with the county sheriff and a bunch of deputies present. The Kel-Tec guy went back home early, after apologizing for many problems with the weapon.

[k1dude]

IMO...

Best least expensive .380ACP subcompact pistol on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale:
Bersa Firestorm 380

Best least expensive 9x19mm subcompact pistol on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale:
S&W M&P9 Shield