Which would you buy and why?

Gun Geezer · 12-19-2011, 10:58 AM

I am looking to buy myself a Christmas present but can't decide. So if cost were not a factor which one would you choose and why?
Rohrbaugh 9mm
Barretta Nano 9mm
Kel-Tec PF-9 or P-11 9mm

I am looking for: reliability, pocket carryness, capacity, longevity, did I say reliability and stopping power?
I am not considering the Kimber Solo because it appears to have all the usual 1911 safety's and I prefer the striker fired, double action platform.
The Kel-Tec might be the smallest and lightest but from what I have read, it is a crapshoot for reliability. The Rohrbaugh is small, light and reliable but I've read some articles questioning its longevity. Also, I'm not real fond of its mag release. I'm really leaning toward the Barretta Nano because its modular design makes it a brick and I have not read any negative reports about reliability. I especially like the ambi- mag. release as I am a southpaw. Size is the only issue I have as it appears to be a bit longer, heavier and wider than the others. I presently rotate pocket carry between a J-frame S&W and a P3AT. I've had no issues with my Kel-Tec but I'd like the power and availability of 9mm. A little help please!

garydude · 12-19-2011, 11:30 AM

Not to make your decision any harder, but how about the Ruger LC9?

Edit: just re-read your thread and noted you being a southpaw. The LC9 may not be the best for you because it's safety is not ambi.
So to your question-if cost was not a factor, then I would get the solo, for the exact reasons you do not want it (being 1911 ish). I chose the LC9 because cost was a factor and I didn't want to worry about leaving an expensive gun in my glove box when I couldn't carry it inside.

Gun Geezer · 12-19-2011, 12:13 PM

I'm a big Ruger fan. I have a Redhawk .44 mag, a Single Six Convertible, an LCR .357 mag. and I hope to get a new 1911. Somehow, I guess I didn't think the LC9 was in the same size range as the others. I thought it was more like a Glock-26 size.

Grizz · 12-19-2011, 01:07 PM

You don't like the glocks? I am partial to them, I carry a glock 23, but if you can handle no external saftey you cant beat the reliability, and accuracy.

bamajoey · 12-19-2011, 01:22 PM

I have a PF-9 that I have had for 2yrs with no problems. It is no fun to shoot but it carries well.

Double D · 12-19-2011, 01:32 PM

I got a new pf-9 I will sell you for 269.00 shipped to your ffl. And a new ruger lc9 for 350.00 to your ffl. Oh yea, p11 for 245.00

graehaven · 12-19-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Geezer

I am looking to buy myself a Christmas present but can't decide. So if cost were not a factor which one would you choose and why?
Rohrbaugh 9mm
Barretta Nano 9mm
Kel-Tec PF-9 or P-11 9mm

I am looking for: reliability, pocket carryness, capacity, longevity, did I say reliability and stopping power?
I am not considering the Kimber Solo because it appears to have all the usual 1911 safety's and I prefer the striker fired, double action platform.
The Kel-Tec might be the smallest and lightest but from what I have read, it is a crapshoot for reliability. The Rohrbaugh is small, light and reliable but I've read some articles questioning its longevity. Also, I'm not real fond of its mag release. I'm really leaning toward the Barretta Nano because its modular design makes it a brick and I have not read any negative reports about reliability. I especially like the ambi- mag. release as I am a southpaw. Size is the only issue I have as it appears to be a bit longer, heavier and wider than the others. I presently rotate pocket carry between a J-frame S&W and a P3AT. I've had no issues with my Kel-Tec but I'd like the power and availability of 9mm. A little help please!

I carry the PF-9 daily. Never have had an issue with it. When I bought it (used) I promptly put 300 rounds of ball through it and a box of my particular SD ammo. Not one hiccup.

I also have and carry the P-11. Never had an issue with that either, had it far longer.

Both reliable and easy to carry concealed.

I think the Rohrbaugh is overpriced, and the Beretta is ugly.

graehaven · 12-19-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamajoey

I have a PF-9 that I have had for 2yrs with no problems. It is no fun to shoot but it carries well.

The first mag is fun, after that, it can get painful though.

Gun Geezer · 12-19-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizz

You don't like the glocks? I am partial to them, I carry a glock 23, but if you can handle no external saftey you cant beat the reliability, and accuracy.

No,No, I love Glocks. I have a G-26 and a G-30SF. I'm looking for a SMALL 9mm. for pocket carry.

Rhuga · 12-19-2011, 05:26 PM

I like the streamlined look of the Barretta and the Walther. If money was no object why wouldn't you not like to have either of these? They have different models to choose from and have been the icons of handguns for a long time. Bersa, also makes a great compact.

The Walther PPK always makes me drool. But, I can't afford it. So, I bought the Hi-Point c9, 9mm that is more in my price range and at $104.00 how can a guy get mad. Also, I am impressed by their simplistic approach of their design. I am a big guy and I find the weight just right and like the feel and heft in my hand. The 10 round mags make it a whole lot better in fire power than the wheel guns that I have always had in the past.

"Always wear your Hi-Point proudly."

hogger129 · 12-19-2011, 05:57 PM

Of those, the Kel-Tec. Never heard of the Roughbaraugh and I think the Beretta is ugly. Plus I have heard the Kel-Tec is pretty reliable.

gdmoody · 12-19-2011, 10:48 PM

I traded for one of the Kel-tec PF9's earlier this year. It was a good looking pistol and easy to carry and conceal. The problem with mine was that I just could not get it to shoot where I wanted it (it just wasn't accurate for me) and I sold it within a month. I have never owned a Solo but I do now own and have owned several Beretta's and I feel that you really can't go wrong with them. Yeah, I think the Solo is kind of ugly, too, but I don't have any doubts that it is a fine pistol.

Grizz · 12-20-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Geezer

No,No, I love Glocks. I have a G-26 and a G-30SF. I'm looking for a SMALL 9mm. for pocket carry.

Ahhh I gotcha

Gun Geezer · 12-21-2011, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhuga

I like the streamlined look of the Barretta and the Walther. If money was no object why wouldn't you not like to have either of these? They have different models to choose from and have been the icons of handguns for a long time. Bersa, also makes a great compact.

The Walther PPK always makes me drool. But, I can't afford it. So, I bought the Hi-Point c9, 9mm that is more in my price range and at $104.00 how can a guy get mad. Also, I am impressed by their simplistic approach of their design. I am a big guy and I find the weight just right and like the feel and heft in my hand. The 10 round mags make it a whole lot better in fire power than the wheel guns that I have always had in the past.

"Always wear your Hi-Point proudly."

I purchased a stainless Interarms Walther PPK in the 80's. It jammed when I racked the first rnd. Had to take it to a gunsmith to clear the jam. He said there was a burr on the feed ramp. I was never able to shoot a complete mag. without at least 1 FTF. It was a beautiful gun so I kept it until last year when I just got tired of looking at it taking up room in my safe and got tired of hearing gunsmith's tell me there was nothing wrong with it. Sorry no Walthers for me. If they can't fix it, they ain't going to get me again.

pkcgbifaid · 12-21-2011, 11:11 AM

I like the Kahr for a pocket sized 9mm, but you aren't going to have the ambi mag catch.

I have seen some issues with Kel-Tecs that I don't care for, so I would probably stay away from them personally, but I know others have had a lot of luck with theirs. I have never seen or handled the Rohrbaugh or the Barretta Nano, and I don't know anyone who has, so I can't say much about them one way or the other.

Caneman · 12-21-2011, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Geezer

No,No, I love Glocks. I have a G-26 and a G-30SF. I'm looking for a SMALL 9mm. for pocket carry.

you find that your baby Glock is too big for the type of pocket carry you want to do?

hardluk1 · 12-21-2011, 01:40 PM

Give the Kahr CM9 a good look over. Small and still fairly light,thin and very controlable and can be bought for in the looow 400 dollars range.

Today any gun you buy could give you problems but for me I have not found that to be true yet. I did carry a pf-9 for 2 1/2 years and worked just fine . the kahrs are just plane easier to shoot and control.

When a 9mm get as light as the pf-9 it is harder to control and then design helps more.

RunningOnMT · 12-21-2011, 02:00 PM

Kahr CW 9, but if you want stopping power CW 45. If you want smaller yet there's the CM 9.

Gun Geezer · 12-21-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caneman

you find that your baby Glock is too big for the type of pocket carry you want to do?

Florida weather dictates shorts and a tee shirt and that's as dressy as it gets. My G-26 is a favorite of mine and a great shooter but I don't consider it a pocket gun. I have been rotating between a P3AT and a S&W 342. Anything larger or heavier looks like I'm carrying a lead anchor in my pocket. I love my KLCR but it flops when I walk screaming "gun".

If I could dress layered with a tee shirt and light jacket or button-down shirt over a tee, I would carry my EMP IWB or G-30SF, but going in stores or in the heat of the afternoon I would have to start peeling clothes or sweat like a pig. Did I mention I'm a tad over weight? It's not a pretty sight, but at my age I avoid as many mirrors as I can.

north tex · 12-21-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graehaven

The first mag is fun, after that, it can get painful though.

You need to check out the "Tractiongrips" web site. Made mine much more comfortable. I do about 70 rounds per session now

Old Guy · 12-24-2011, 07:09 AM

I have been through the same process and settled on the PF 9. I did have an issue that Kel Tec was quick to solve (about 1 week). DAO, no safety and 9 mm. I did not buy it as a range gun and it has worked well for me.

BobMcG · 12-24-2011, 09:17 AM

I think an LC9 would be a fine choice especially with a couple of mods, if you can get along w/o a lefty set-up that is.

At any rate, I don't really credit the 9mm so much with having "stopping power" as having "killing power".

chubcobear · 12-24-2011, 09:22 AM

Big hands, P-11 better. P-11 carries easy in front pocket most cargo shorts.

hardluk1 · 12-26-2011, 04:48 PM

Worst trigger ever too. But light high cap pistol. And the street price is right.

graehaven · 01-10-2012, 10:13 AM

So, Geezer, did you end up buying anything?

12-19-2011, 10:58 AM	#1
Gun Geezer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,710	Which would you buy and why? I am looking to buy myself a Christmas present but can't decide. So if cost were not a factor which one would you choose and why? Rohrbaugh 9mm Barretta Nano 9mm Kel-Tec PF-9 or P-11 9mm I am looking for: reliability, pocket carryness, capacity, longevity, did I say reliability and stopping power? I am not considering the Kimber Solo because it appears to have all the usual 1911 safety's and I prefer the striker fired, double action platform. The Kel-Tec might be the smallest and lightest but from what I have read, it is a crapshoot for reliability. The Rohrbaugh is small, light and reliable but I've read some articles questioning its longevity. Also, I'm not real fond of its mag release. I'm really leaning toward the Barretta Nano because its modular design makes it a brick and I have not read any negative reports about reliability. I especially like the ambi- mag. release as I am a southpaw. Size is the only issue I have as it appears to be a bit longer, heavier and wider than the others. I presently rotate pocket carry between a J-frame S&W and a P3AT. I've had no issues with my Kel-Tec but I'd like the power and availability of 9mm. A little help please! -->

12-19-2011, 11:30 AM	#2
garydude Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Desert Southwest Proper Contributor Posts: 741	Re: Which would you buy and why? Not to make your decision any harder, but how about the Ruger LC9? Edit: just re-read your thread and noted you being a southpaw. The LC9 may not be the best for you because it's safety is not ambi. So to your question-if cost was not a factor, then I would get the solo, for the exact reasons you do not want it (being 1911 ish). I chose the LC9 because cost was a factor and I didn't want to worry about leaving an expensive gun in my glove box when I couldn't carry it inside. Last edited by garydude; 12-19-2011 at 12:13 PM..

12-19-2011, 12:13 PM	#3
Gun Geezer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,710	Re: Which would you buy and why? I'm a big Ruger fan. I have a Redhawk .44 mag, a Single Six Convertible, an LCR .357 mag. and I hope to get a new 1911. Somehow, I guess I didn't think the LC9 was in the same size range as the others. I thought it was more like a Glock-26 size.

12-19-2011, 01:07 PM	#4
Grizz Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 646	Re: Which would you buy and why? You don't like the glocks? I am partial to them, I carry a glock 23, but if you can handle no external saftey you cant beat the reliability, and accuracy.

12-19-2011, 01:22 PM	#5
bamajoey Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Pensacola Contributor Posts: 1,256	Re: Which would you buy and why? I have a PF-9 that I have had for 2yrs with no problems. It is no fun to shoot but it carries well.

12-19-2011, 01:32 PM	#6
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,048	Re: Which would you buy and why? I got a new pf-9 I will sell you for 269.00 shipped to your ffl. And a new ruger lc9 for 350.00 to your ffl. Oh yea, p11 for 245.00 __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder. Last edited by Double D; 12-19-2011 at 01:46 PM..

12-19-2011, 05:26 PM	#10
Rhuga Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 642	Re: Which would you buy and why? I like the streamlined look of the Barretta and the Walther. If money was no object why wouldn't you not like to have either of these? They have different models to choose from and have been the icons of handguns for a long time. Bersa, also makes a great compact. The Walther PPK always makes me drool. But, I can't afford it. So, I bought the Hi-Point c9, 9mm that is more in my price range and at $104.00 how can a guy get mad. Also, I am impressed by their simplistic approach of their design. I am a big guy and I find the weight just right and like the feel and heft in my hand. The 10 round mags make it a whole lot better in fire power than the wheel guns that I have always had in the past. "Always wear your Hi-Point proudly." Last edited by Rhuga; 12-19-2011 at 05:48 PM..

12-19-2011, 05:57 PM	#11
hogger129 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,064	Re: Which would you buy and why? Of those, the Kel-Tec. Never heard of the Roughbaraugh and I think the Beretta is ugly. Plus I have heard the Kel-Tec is pretty reliable. __________________ Samuel Adams once said, "among the natural rights of the colonists are these: first, a right to life, secondly to liberty, thirdly to property; together with the right to defend them in the best manner they can."

12-19-2011, 10:48 PM	#12
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,306	Re: Which would you buy and why? I traded for one of the Kel-tec PF9's earlier this year. It was a good looking pistol and easy to carry and conceal. The problem with mine was that I just could not get it to shoot where I wanted it (it just wasn't accurate for me) and I sold it within a month. I have never owned a Solo but I do now own and have owned several Beretta's and I feel that you really can't go wrong with them. Yeah, I think the Solo is kind of ugly, too, but I don't have any doubts that it is a fine pistol. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

12-21-2011, 11:11 AM	#15
pkcgbifaid V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Charleston, WV Contributor Posts: 490	Re: Which would you buy and why? I like the Kahr for a pocket sized 9mm, but you aren't going to have the ambi mag catch. I have seen some issues with Kel-Tecs that I don't care for, so I would probably stay away from them personally, but I know others have had a lot of luck with theirs. I have never seen or handled the Rohrbaugh or the Barretta Nano, and I don't know anyone who has, so I can't say much about them one way or the other. __________________ "...As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body, and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks." Thomas Jefferson

12-21-2011, 01:40 PM	#17
hardluk1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nc mountains Posts: 293	Re: Which would you buy and why? Give the Kahr CM9 a good look over. Small and still fairly light,thin and very controlable and can be bought for in the looow 400 dollars range. Today any gun you buy could give you problems but for me I have not found that to be true yet. I did carry a pf-9 for 2 1/2 years and worked just fine . the kahrs are just plane easier to shoot and control. When a 9mm get as light as the pf-9 it is harder to control and then design helps more.

12-21-2011, 02:00 PM	#18
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: Which would you buy and why? Kahr CW 9, but if you want stopping power CW 45. If you want smaller yet there's the CM 9. __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

12-24-2011, 07:09 AM	#21
Old Guy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Beaufort County, NC Contributor Posts: 342	Re: Which would you buy and why? I have been through the same process and settled on the PF 9. I did have an issue that Kel Tec was quick to solve (about 1 week). DAO, no safety and 9 mm. I did not buy it as a range gun and it has worked well for me. __________________ Old Guy ___________ NRA Life Member GOA Life Member Last edited by Old Guy; 12-25-2011 at 07:31 AM.. Reason: correction

12-24-2011, 09:17 AM	#22
BobMcG Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Somewhere in the Twilight Zone. Contributor Posts: 1,119	Re: Which would you buy and why? I think an LC9 would be a fine choice especially with a couple of mods, if you can get along w/o a lefty set-up that is. At any rate, I don't really credit the 9mm so much with having "stopping power" as having "killing power".

12-24-2011, 09:22 AM	#23
chubcobear V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 132	Re: Which would you buy and why? Big hands, P-11 better. P-11 carries easy in front pocket most cargo shorts. __________________ There is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress. - Mark Twain "....life isn't fair. The central threat to freedom comes from those think they can use politics to make it so. " --Bradley Gitz

12-26-2011, 04:48 PM	#24
hardluk1 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nc mountains Posts: 293	Re: Which would you buy and why? Worst trigger ever too. But light high cap pistol. And the street price is right.

01-10-2012, 10:13 AM	#25
graehaven Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 2,853	Re: Which would you buy and why? So, Geezer, did you end up buying anything? __________________ The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." - Thomas Jefferson RESISTANCE IS FEUDAL... PREPARE TO SERVE.