As the title says, I'm in the market for a budget 9mm, price range $300-$350. I'm buying at least one and probably 2 or 3. I've looked around a good bit, and done a lot of internet research, and the ones that interest me right now are the Taurus PT111 or 709, or the SCCY CPX-2. As one would expect the interwebs are FULL of information, some of it seeming reliable, some of it obviously not.

Are there any shooters on here that have owned and/or shot any of the pistols mentioned? I'm looking for more information before I start digging out my wallet, and would love to hear some personal experience.

Two requests for any answers.
1. I'm looking for real, personal experience, not internet answers. I've been researching for a couple of months now, and if you read it on the internet then I probably have as well. I'd like to hear from guys (or gals: one of these will be for my wife) who have actually owned or shot these models, or maybe have a trustworthy and experienced friend who owns and shoots them.
2. I know it's tempting, but please don't do the "For another $150 you could get a model Whatever" thing. The word budget is capitalized in the title cuz that's what it is. Otoh, suggestions for a particular used pistol in that price range are fine, but the problem with shopping for used is that it's kinda luck of the draw with whatever the gun shop has on hand.

Any suggestions or comments? I searched the board before posting, and mfbarnes HATES Taurus, so I'm thinking they might not be so bad. Couldn't find anything on TexAgs about the SCCY.

Forgot to mention, I've looked at the S&W SD9VE too. It's in the budget certainly, and from a respected name, but these are going to be for CC and the SDVEs look a little big for that. Anyone shoot one of these, or carry concealed?

I carry a KelTec PF9. Definitely fits into your specifications if not cheaper. I have put about 600 rounds through it and love it so far. It is VERY snappy though because it is so small and light. But that is the trade off you get when you are able to carry it in your jeans pocket. The ONLY issue I have had is when I let someone who has never shot a pistol before, try it. He limp wristed very badly, but we fixed that and no other issues. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the PF9!

Not what you're asking for, but I'd look at used Glocks (G19 or G26) or other reputable used guns (XD9, M&P, etc) before I'd consider either one of those. Taurus is junk. Never heard of the other.

Edited to add: My comment "Taurus is junk" is based on a Taurus PT145 I once had that worked far better as a projectile than as something you'd use to shoot projectiles. It was, indeed, junk. I traded it and some cash for my first Glock and have never looked back.

Edited to add again: I feel the same way about KelTec, except I'd buy another Taurus before I'd buy another KelTec.

PSSS - My comments weren't made because I don't like "cheap" guns. I had a Ruger P90 that was "cheap" but still extremely reliable (also extremely huge). My comments were made from personal experience with Taurus and KelTec.

Taurus isn't bad, just has a bad rap. One thing to realize about gun guys, there is a bit of arrogance about cheap guns and many look down upon them, even if there is no need to. If you're looking at something the price of a 9VE, just bump up a tiny bit and get a shield. Otherwise, I've had good experience with Diamondback DB9 and SCCY, as well.

And when I say it isn't bad, I also mean that you will spend some time finding out just what it will and will not cycle. Cheaper guns have more... character... to them and will each have their own personality. Not something to be scared of, but if you are truly wanting a carry gun, I have to say that reliability is the most important thing and I would not put reliability as the selling point of Taurus, Keltec, etc.

http://texags.com/forums/34/topics/2619078

If you're a "Qualified Professional" (LEO/MIL/EMT/etc.)

Another option
If ya aren't.

And I know ya said nothing above your stated numbers, but i think an extra 30$ is worth it. Been carrying the Shield for about 9 months now. No complaints. And you're hard pressed to find any legitimate ones.

I also have the kel-tec pf9 and endorse it

BTW, the S&W SD9VE is almost identical to a Glock 19 in overall dimensions.

I have had a Taurus PT111g2 since late December 2014. I have put over 1500 rounds through the gun since I've owned it. About 1000 of those rounds have been the cheap TulAmmo Brass Maxx that I buy at Walmart for $23.92 for 100 rds. I have run at least 400 rounds of Winchester white box through it also along with several other types of 9mm ammo without a single malfunction. The only type of bullets that it does not like are the cheap $10.50 for 50 rounds that Walmart carries that are in the matte army green box (I can't remember the name). I purposely did not clean the gun to see how many rounds I could put through it before I had a malfunction and it was somewhere north of 850 rounds when I had my first malfunction with the army green Walmart ammo. I cleaned the gun after that, did not buy any more of that type of ammo just in case and have been shooting it ever since without a problem. As far as defense ammo goes I get a better group with Hornady Critical Defense than I do with the Federal Defense ammo in this gun. The gun likes Frog Lube. Once I started cleaning it with Frog Lube it cycles like butter. I have also owned a Taurus .22 mag SS 8 shot revolver that I have used to terminate sharks before I bring them over the gunnels of my boat. I have owned the revolver since 2005 with no problems. I am 6 foot 2 in., 255 lbs with fairly large hands that have been working around saltwater since I graduated from TAMU in 1990. My hands are fairly rough compared to the average person. I love the grip on the PT111g2 because it is large and aggressively textured. I feel like I have a very secure grip on it when I am shooting. My daughter (Class of 2014) is petite and has small hands. She didn't shoot the PT111g2 as well as I have seen her shoot other guns. I think the grip was too big for her. I only mention this because you said you may get one for your wife. You need to let her hold the gun before you buy her one and trust her gut instinct on the grip size. The gun has a nice light recoil. I do not think that will be an issue for her at all if the gun fits her hands. The trigger on this gun is very crisp and a pleasure to shoot. When you break the gun down to clean it it is very similar to a Glock . Easy to clean and easy to go back together. I purchased my PT11g2 from Academy and paid $289 for it on sale. I would not hesitate to buy another one . I hope this helps you. If your anywhere near Port O'Connor/Port Lavaca TX drop me a line. You and your wife are more than welcome to run a 100 rounds through mine to see if it will work for you. Got to get cleaned up for Muster. Gig Em!

quote:

---

BTW, the S&W SD9VE is almost identical to a Glock 19 in overall dimensions.

---

Yeah, but the trigger pull on the SD9VE is brutal.

If it is for protection I would not trust the Taurus. I have one and like it for plinking but mine does not like the cheap ammo. It will malfunction a couple times every 50 rounds. The more expensive ammo is more reliable and almost never have a malfunction with it but still wouldn't trust it 100 percent for protection.

I got a Smith & Wesson M&P9C for $300. It was used. But, deals can be had for your price range. I also got a used Glock 26 generation 4 for $379. Be patient, and you can find a nice gun for a reasonable price.

quote:

---

quote:

---

BTW, the S&W SD9VE is almost identical to a Glock 19 in overall dimensions.

---

Yeah, but the trigger pull on the SD9VE is brutal.

---

Sorry I meant to make that a reply to this...

quote:

---

Forgot to mention, I've looked at the S&W SD9VE too. It's in the budget certainly, and from a respected name, but these are going to be
for CC and the SDVEs look a little big for that.

---

BTW EyeGuy, will the Glock 43 come in under $400?

quote:

---

quote:

---

quote:

---

BTW EyeGuy, will the Glock 43 come in under $400?

---

---

---

Not until they catch up to demand. Realistically, I think they will end up $450-$475.

In fact, the request list... and these are people that are willing to pay and just wait... is so long that I told everyone just to watch my facebook (plus twitter soon) to see when I get them.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1GLK22G3


This is not a 9mm, but aimsurplus routinely has police trade ins for cheap. I'd take my time and watch this site for a deal. I'm not sure they ever have the models you're interested in, but they may get something at some point. Sign up for their email.


ETA don't get one of their 9mm super Bs. Apparently parts are impossible to find.

https://www.classicfirearms.com/beretta-9mm-semi-auto-surplus-vg


Used Beretta92 . $299! I had a 92fs for years and loved that gun.

Kahr CW9 for $323

quote:

---

https://www.classicfirearms.com/beretta-9mm-semi-auto-surplus-vg


Used Beretta92 . $299! I had a 92fs for years and loved that gun.

---

92 is a great gun but a little big/heavy for a carry gun even for me and I'm a big guy.

quote:

---

Kahr CW9 for $323

---

Great gun.

Ruger LC9 $289

I have a PF9 as well. Had an issue with lots of FTF's... had to send it in for repair. It runs great now though. Very snappy like previous poster said but it's a great pocket carry CCW

Thanks guys. This is the sort of thing I'm looking for.

I've looked some at Kel Tec. It's my understanding that SCCY was started by some former Kel Tec folks and that the CPX was an updated version of the PF9.

The posts from Hoss and the Capt perfectly illustrate what I'm seeing about Taurus. Folks love them or hate them. It seems to me that EyeGuy describes the situation well. Every manufacturer will occasionally put out a gun with the wrong "character"; make enough of something and you're going to produce a few lemons. Apparently the chances of getting a pistol with bad character are greater with the cheaper brands. I can live with that, except they ARE going to be used for CC. I think from what I read Taurus has improved leaps and bounds from what they were when I worked behind the gun counter 20+ years ago, but I worry that they haven't improved enough.

Having said that, I'm glad to hear from you Capt Shelly. In spite of my concerns, I'm kinda partial to the PT111. I'm glad yours is working well, and it's still in the running on this end. I'd love to take you up on your offer, but I live just south of the Red River. It'd be a bit of a drive.

Paladin, I saw that link, and by the time I clicked on it they were sold out. I do like the Shield, and if I can find that kind of deal it'll jump to the top of the list. I'm an EMT for a private 911 service, so I guess I'd qualify for the discount. Most places have them for $380+. I guess I could get 2 instead of 3.

I've heard good things about the Kahr CW9, but it comes with only one magazine. I know there's a certain amount of engineering involved in designing a functional magazine, but manufacturing? It's stamped steel, plastic, and a big spring. Either throw 2 in the box or sell me extras for $10.

That may be odd, but it's a peeve of mine.

I handled the LC9. Just didn't like the way it felt in my hand, which was disappointing because I like Ruger. I may get a chance to shoot one this weekend. I'm going to give it another try.

Another vote for the Kahr CW9 or its little brother the CM9. I love mine, although I don't carry it much any more. As a matter of fact, I'd probably sell it if you are interested (I want a CM9 for pocket carry). It will come with an extra mag, the case and, if you are left-handed, a Comp-Tac CTAC holster. $350 for the package. You can email me at my user name at yahoo.

Have you been able to make it out to any gun shows?

Have a Taurus pt140 with 1k ish rounds with one malfunction due to limp writing. I've mostly shot white box winchester with no issues. I like the above kahr well enough, but I can't get used to the sao pull that seems like it is measured in feet.

From what I understand older Taurus guns were bad, but the models within the last decade are much better. That's just anecdotal, maybe eyeguy or somebody else knows better, mine is only 3 years old

I have no qualms with newer taurus models. Wouldn't trust my life to them unless i knew the gun personally but they have come a long way. That being said, due to the rep they have traditionally, i really cant invest in them for the store large scale. I have a pretty kickass pt1911 in the store now that eats anything i throw at it. Im picky about guns and do like them, just not love

SCCY from Champion's FB page
EAA Witness, a CZ 75 clone, well regarded by many

I have a S&W SD9VE. I love it. The trigger pull that some people complain about doesn't bother me at all. It's a bit heavy for a carry gun. Mine is my car gun. I usually carry a Ruger LCP because it's so light weight. But if I'm ever stuck in a gun fight, I'd like to have the SD9VE.

I've never had any reliability issues with the SD9VE. And the price is right. I paid $279 for it at Academy about 2 years ago.

quote:

---

SCCY from Champion's FB page
EAA Witness, a CZ 75 clone, well regarded by many

---

I love Witnesses... I have a 45 Match Witness and it's my range gun. However, they are a bit big for CC.

https://www.gtdist.com/products/glock-43-fs-single-stack-9mm-2-mags-for-le-mil.html


Glock 43. $358 LE/MIL at Gtdist.

EMTs qualify for the LE/MIL pricing according to their FAQ. They'll get more in soon. That place sells alota Glocks.

quote:

---

I have no qualms with newer taurus models. Wouldn't trust my life to them unless i knew the gun personally but they have come a long way. That being said, due to the rep they have traditionally, i really cant invest in them for the store large scale. I have a pretty kickass pt1911 in the store now that eats anything i throw at it. Im picky about guns and do like them, just not love

---

I worked a gun counter for about two of the last four years and we/I sold a LOT of Taurus pistols and revolvers. We had some issues brought back but not like the die hard nay-sayers would lead you to believe.

Also, a friend of mine has a pretty kick ass pt1911. He has upgraded some components and polished quite a bit but it is slick as a snake's ass! Only 1911 I've seen hand cycle empty 45 ACP cases through. Eats anything. Loaded ammo or otherwise.

All that said, I'd give a Taurus an extra hard look before I bought it. I have seen issues.

Taurus PT92AF I have has chewed through 3500 rounds of all kinds of 9mm without a single FTF except for one dud primer.