01-11-2009, 06:30 AM
As far as handguns go, I have a Glock .40 model 22, a S&W Sigma .40, and Kel-Tech P-11 9mm. Also have a small Cobra .22 pistol. (The Cobra and the Sigma are actually ones that I bought for my wife.)
The Sigma is very reliable and an overall great gun for the price. The trigger is a little stiff for alot of people, but that's because it's double action only. You are right when you say that the XD is obviously a better firearm so there is no competition there. There is nothing really wrong with carrying a Sigma, but for concealed carry it will soon get too big and cumbersome unless you plan on wearing it under a jacket all the time. I've been carrying for 2 1/2 years now daily and believe me, you need to take size and comfort into consideration. Anything that will encourage you to carry your gun more often is a good thing. One day you might say to yourself, "Nah, that's not comfortable or concealable with what I'm wearing," and you'll perhaps not carry it and it will turn out that's the day you should've had it. Get a gun made for CCW and you'll be much happier.
May I recommend a Kel-Tech if you are a little concerned about staying in a budget? Lots of people had bashed the P -11 over the years, but it is one of the greatest guns ever made for concealed carry in my opinion, especially in light of the cost. Sure, the trigger pull is stiff and long, but that's easily remedied to some degree with the purchase of a trigger shoe from the website and target practice. I don't care if you spent $1200 on a handgun, being well-practiced and familiar with your weapon to the point that shooting it is second nature to you is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing. I got a 12 round mag in mine, so that's 13 rounds in a compact little 9mm package on my hip, for under $250. I also put a belt clip on it so I don't carry it with a holster, just right inside the waistband. I can do this easily without worry because of the nature of the trigger. It is so comfortable I often forget it's there, yet I can pull it out on the fly with no hindrance whatsoever. In addition, I put a mag grip extension on it. It fits my hand so well now and I have practiced with it enough that I can shoot is as accurately as other full size handguns. It has yet to fail me. I have taken it to a tactical handgun class and it performed very well in timed targets and scenarios. Naturally, in a full-on firefight I'd prefer my Glock, but the Kel Tech holds it's own.
Kel-Tech had improved the P-11 with the introduction of the PF-9. Since the PF-9 is single stack, it's slimmer and more comfortable, but holds less rounds. That's not all that bad, since in most situations you'd need what, 3 rounds tops? Still, I don't want to part with mine. 12 +1 rounds in 9mm is hard to turn away from for the price. Since I am on campus so often, I prefer a higher capacity in the event of a school shooter or something.
Yes, Kimber and Kahr make better CCW guns, but you'll spend twice as much. If you don't want to spend alot, try a Kel-Tech. Don't listen to all the bad press. I'd be happy to take the P-11 to the range and put it up against other carry guns anyday.
Here's the Kel-Tech site [url "http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/"]http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/[/url]
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The Sigma is very reliable and an overall great gun for the price. The trigger is a little stiff for alot of people, but that's because it's double action only. You are right when you say that the XD is obviously a better firearm so there is no competition there. There is nothing really wrong with carrying a Sigma, but for concealed carry it will soon get too big and cumbersome unless you plan on wearing it under a jacket all the time. I've been carrying for 2 1/2 years now daily and believe me, you need to take size and comfort into consideration. Anything that will encourage you to carry your gun more often is a good thing. One day you might say to yourself, "Nah, that's not comfortable or concealable with what I'm wearing," and you'll perhaps not carry it and it will turn out that's the day you should've had it. Get a gun made for CCW and you'll be much happier.
May I recommend a Kel-Tech if you are a little concerned about staying in a budget? Lots of people had bashed the P -11 over the years, but it is one of the greatest guns ever made for concealed carry in my opinion, especially in light of the cost. Sure, the trigger pull is stiff and long, but that's easily remedied to some degree with the purchase of a trigger shoe from the website and target practice. I don't care if you spent $1200 on a handgun, being well-practiced and familiar with your weapon to the point that shooting it is second nature to you is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing. I got a 12 round mag in mine, so that's 13 rounds in a compact little 9mm package on my hip, for under $250. I also put a belt clip on it so I don't carry it with a holster, just right inside the waistband. I can do this easily without worry because of the nature of the trigger. It is so comfortable I often forget it's there, yet I can pull it out on the fly with no hindrance whatsoever. In addition, I put a mag grip extension on it. It fits my hand so well now and I have practiced with it enough that I can shoot is as accurately as other full size handguns. It has yet to fail me. I have taken it to a tactical handgun class and it performed very well in timed targets and scenarios. Naturally, in a full-on firefight I'd prefer my Glock, but the Kel Tech holds it's own.
Kel-Tech had improved the P-11 with the introduction of the PF-9. Since the PF-9 is single stack, it's slimmer and more comfortable, but holds less rounds. That's not all that bad, since in most situations you'd need what, 3 rounds tops? Still, I don't want to part with mine. 12 +1 rounds in 9mm is hard to turn away from for the price. Since I am on campus so often, I prefer a higher capacity in the event of a school shooter or something.
Yes, Kimber and Kahr make better CCW guns, but you'll spend twice as much. If you don't want to spend alot, try a Kel-Tech. Don't listen to all the bad press. I'd be happy to take the P-11 to the range and put it up against other carry guns anyday.
Here's the Kel-Tech site [url "http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/"]http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/[/url]
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