[Seanpcola]

Really hope I am not being redundant but didn't see much on here about this pistol.

I am about to get my CCW. I purchased a XD9-SC 3 weeks ago which I really like so far. I plan on buying another CC pistol but would like to go smaller for certain carry situations. Also, I want to stay with 9MM for now. Seems like the Kel-Tec would fit the bill and the price is in my range.

Any other suggestions, keeping in mind a budget?

Thanks,

Sean

[RightCoastBiased]

What is your budget?

[GrandmasterB]

PF9 is a decent gun. Mine shoots fine and is reliable. It recoils more sharply than my Kahr PM9, even though the Kahr is a little smaller. But the Kel-Tec PF9 can be had around $260, which is a fantastic bargain.

[malakili]

As an owner, I would say the PF9 is a solid choice. I hear they were of inconsistent quality when first released, but are now quite well made. I bought one new about a year ago and it's been nothing but reliable, with many FMJs and JHPs through it.

It's very light and quite thin, and because of this delivers a good bit of recoil force into a narrow strip of your firing hand. Nothing too painful though, and it's pretty controllable. Groups pretty good at 7 yards for me.

For concealability and power in one package, it's hard to beat. 8 rounds of 9mm +P isn't bad at all, and I find it to be small enough for daily pocket carry in the cargo shorts or pants I normally wear.

I chose this over the P3AT or LCP .380s I was looking at due to the stronger cartridge, and don't regret it at all.

Caveat 1: As Keltec will tell you, do not dry fire. Due to the way the extractor and firing pin are held in place, this will damage the pistol.

Caveat 2: It's possible to engage the mag release with your thumb during recoil if you're not careful. This is been reported by several other users, and did happen to me once.

I hope this was helpful.

[BCCL]

Love my PF9, great compact pistol, and so far it's been 100% reliable, with 115gr FMJ and 147gr HP ammo.

[RX-178]

Caveat 2: It's possible to engage the mag release with your thumb during recoil if you're not careful.

Actually, as a long time owner I no longer believe this to be the case. I thought I had the exact same problem, in fact, I was convinced of it and was looking to replace the PF-9.

It turns out, mine had a plastic magazine catch that had been sheared down by the magazine catch slot on the metal magazine. The recoil itself was enough to force the magazine out.

Switched to a metal magazine catch (which all factory-new PF-9s have), and haven't had the problem ever again, up until when I sold it.

[Seanpcola]

Thanks for the response guys. I plan on buying tomorrow. I don't usually rush into any purchase but need to jump while all the finances line up. The price is good I think.

RCB, my budget is $400.00 tops for the smaller CC. Just bought the XD-M, paid for a couple of classes, (finally :o) joined the NRA, paid range dues, want to buy a couple of holsters and oh, more ammo :D

Unrelated to this but I also plan on picking up a decent zombie gun. Probably will get a Mossberg 500 or 590.

I've had firearms in the past but have been naked for about 10 years or so. I decided now is the time to get a few things and all of this has been on my list for a long time.

[J_McLeod]

I have six pistols, but carry the PF9 almost exclusively. The 500 is a great shotgun.

[Seanpcola]

You prefer it to the 590?

[MachIVshooter]

Kel-Tec has rapidly ascended to become the 3rd largest handgun maker in the United States for a reason. Price has played it's part, but history shows us that cheap guns don't equal successful companies. What does is value; KT makes good guns (albeit not as refined as their more expensive counterparts), they sell them at a price point that makes them obtainable by almost anyone with a job, and they have customer service that is absolutely second to none.

The PF9 is still the thinnest and lightest 9mm on the market, is very accurate and reliable and, at less than $300, is substantially more affordable than it's nearest competitors, save the new Ruger that copied it and gained some weight (some 35% heavier).

[Geckgo]

http://journal.drfaulken.com/kel-tec-pf-9-handgun-review/

Have you looked at the P3AT, or is 380 outside of your comfort zone?
Also, Ruger LCP, nicer than the P3AT but a little more pricy.

I would spend a couple bucks at the range and try some pocket pistols before you buy one. My P3AT just sort of fell into my lap, otherwise I would not own one, but it has grown on me since then, and after I milled on it a while to get the trigger to reset properly.

[CDW4ME]

I recently bought a Kel-Tec PF9.
I like the weight. I had a PM9 before, but the weight was just a little much for front pocket carry; the PF9 fits in the same pocket holster and the weight difference is what I wanted.
That light weight comes at a price, the PF9 does have more felt recoil than the PM9; best comparison I've got is PM9 with +P = PF9 with standard load.

Initial shooting session: I shot 50 rounds of WWB 115 FMJ, no problem, next 40 rounds were "old" (1997) 124 Hydra-Shoks and I had 2 FTF. I cleaned the pistol and subsequently shot 80 "new" 124 Hydra-Shoks and 80 Silvertips without a problem. Yes, 250 rounds fired on the first session.

I shot my Ruger LCP a couple days later with some Ranger T 380 and the recoil seemed brutal compared to the PF9 with standard 9mm loads.

Performance wise, here is an average for 5 shots:
124 gr. Hydra Shok @ 1,013 fps = 282# KE
115 gr. Silvertip @ 1,051 fps = 282# KE

All rounds fired, but the Federal Hydra-Shoks displayed a more positive impact on the primer and are my choice load for the PF9.

It will be three weeks before I shoot the PF9 again, because I got some Duracoat "Shake N Spray" and applied combat gray the the previously blued slide.

Edit: the Kel-Tec PF9 does not have a magazine disconnect or internal lock and that was a determining factor in my purchase.
I would buy this pistol again.

[Walt Sherrill]

I mention this every time the PF-9 is mentioned. Check out the KTADDONS website, and get the grip enhancement material. It changed my P3AT (and later a LCP) and my PF-9 from marginally painful guns to shoot to reasponably comfortable guns. The grip enhancement material isn't that expensive.

(I changed from a P3AT to an LCP because the P3AT trigger guard and my trigger finger just didn't want to get along. It wasn't a problem with the LCP.)

[Leathermarshmallow]

I have put about 1000 rounds through my PF9 now. Not a single ftf. I carry it daily and trust it to go bang when I pull the trigger. I would buy another if given the right opportunity.

[MedWheeler]

The PF-9 is my EDC as well. It replaced a Bersa Thunder 380 in that duty. At first, I thought the Kel-Tec was bordering on unpleasant to shoot, but my last session (my first at an indoor range with it, without the sweat running over my hands and into my eyes) was remarkably improved. I had gone to "proof" my new P-32, which will only serve an occasional pocket role, and I thoroughly enjoyed blasting away with both guns.
The DB-9 from Diamondback takes away the claim to "smallest" 9mm gun made, but I think the KT is still lighter and flatter. Personally, I don't think I'd want anything much smaller in this caliber.
I assume by now you have purchased yours, Sean. Good luck! You have made a good choice.

[Ben86]

Before you get the Kel Tec check out the Kahr CW9 and CM9.

I've heard the Pf9 is a good gun, but has notably brisk recoil. I was turned off by the lack luster finish.

[451 Detonics]

My PF-9 has well over 3000 rounds of 9mm through it and another 800 or so .22s. I have never had a problem with dropping the magazine, nor do I find the recoil to be a problem.While they may not be as pretty as the Kahrs, they are more reliable than the Kahrs I have sold in the past. It is an ideal gun for deep concealment such as a holster t-shirt like the Kramer Confidential. Works equally well in a belly band.

[Seanpcola]

Well gents (and ladies possibly?),

Got up this morning and went to my LGS. Talked to the guy there that sold me my DX-9SC. He showed me the PF-9 and a few others around that size including the Ruger LCP. Really liked the Ruger. Then went to the gun show here in town but everything there was higher than the LGS. When I went back to the store the owner tells me that they have the Ruger on sale so I jumped on it. I think I got a great deal at $299.00. I was set against going to another caliber but can't see the issue now.

Of course here in FL we have the 3 day wait so I can't pick it up till Thursday. My SD class is next weekend so I guess it'll be there that I get to fire it for the first time.

I appreciate everyone's input. I'm sure that I will find that it kicks harder than what I would expect but figure that after a few hundred rounds at the range and so forth I'll learn to live with it. Besides, I didn't buy it for fun shooting so doubt it'll get to the range very often anyway. I do think it'll be a ton easier to carry and conceal around here in the summer.

Walt Sherrill, thanks for the heads up on the grip material. I am going to check that out.

[MCgunner]

I was turned off by the lack luster finish.

The finish would be the least of my criteria on a carry gun. My P11 has ridden in a sweaty pocket for 15 years. It looks a might, well, it looks carried. :D It ain't no beauty queen, but a Kahr won't be either after 15 years in a sweaty pocket.

[Ben86]

Of course here in FL we have the 3 day wait so I can't pick it up till Thursday.

I didn't know they had that, how disappointing. So, you got a Ruger LCP? If I may suggest a few alterations to make it more shootable. 11# wolff recoil spring, pachmyer "tactical" grip sleave, ruger factory grip extensions on the magazines, and white nail polish on the front sight. I think that's it lol.

The finish would be the least of my criteria on a carry gun.

It was rust though. I cannot in good conscience buy a gun with rust already on it, unless it's a war relic or something of that sort. I simply refuse to spend my hard earned money on that. It was NIB by the way with a layer of fine rust on the slide and barrel. I also take fit and finish to reflect on the overall craftsmanship of something.

[Seanpcola]

Oh yeah, 3 days and weekend don't count. I can't pick it up until Thursday morning. No big deal as I wouldn't be able to get to the range till next weekend at the earliest anyway.

What is kind of funny to me is that just 2 weeks ago I bought the XD-9 from the same guy in the same LGS and had to wait the same amount of time. I know the argument is a "cooling off" period but seems like if you went through it once already in the same month (or year or???) that it should count for something. Oh well, I guess that's a subject for an entirely different thread plus I guess I just look at some things too simply.

Ben, thanks for the tips. I do know I'll be checking into the grip sleeve and will get the mag extensions (I have them on the HC mags for the XD too). As for the springs and such I'll check into it but way past my technical knowledge at this point. I'll see how it feels. I know I really like the trigger on the XD and a couple of friends that have shot it really like it. If the Ruger feels wrong I'll certainly check into that.

[Mike1234567]

I have a Kel-Tec P-11 and it has been 100 percent reliable. It's not much larger than the PF-9 and it takes standard double-stack S&W mags so I can keep the 10 round mag in the pistol for concealment and a couple of 15 rounders as spares. Just be aware that neither the PF-9 nor the P-11 are rated +P full time. In fact, I only shoot 115gr and 124gr standard pressure rounds.

[MCgunner]

My P11 mostly eats standard pressure, but I've got probably around 300-500 rounds over the years of +P and it's no worse for wear.

Ben, I don't have a rust problem with the P11. I keep it clean, but don't oil it with any real regularity. It gets sweaty and I'll wipe it off with an oily rag when I think about it. One that's rusty in the box, well, I'd have to wonder about the warehouse it was stored in. They are NOT unusually rust prone.

I do like stainless, but with Kel Tec, that's not an option.

Oh, and I think a gun can be emaculately finished and still be a lemon. Smith and Wesson is proof enough of that IMHO. Their QC seems to be on the downswing in the last decade or two.

[rich642z]

I have a LC9 for carry along with my 1925 Colt 1911. Both still shoot great with no hangups.

[Plan2Live]

I'm right where Sean "was". I've been looking at pocket pistols all week and can't decide. Spent most of the day today at a gun store and then talking to two trusted friends. I have it narrowed down to the pf9, Ruger LC9 and possibly a .38 S&W Airweight. Pros and cons to all, can't decide and it's driving me nuts.

Mine will be front pocket carry, which also means I have to switch cell phones and get mine out of that pocket and on my belt or something. I'll probably keep a bigger 9mm in the console and use this one strictly as a pocket companion, sort of like a new invisible friend.

Care to pick up where Sean left off?

[otomik]

i just took my pf9 to the range today. i fired 100 rounds of winchester white box and it cut up my hand taking a bit of skin off the bottom of my trigger finger and the webbing between thumb and trigger finger. powerful recoil, i can still feel some soreness.

i think the cut has something to do with the rough finish. there's a bit of flash left over from the molding process. really they need a premium version that has a nicer finish, perhaps stainless and a melt job.

I had about 6 failures to feed and and i hear that this gun requires firm grip to recoil properly and avoid limp wristing FTFs. but it's still in the break in period so i guess i'll work on my technique and find out eventually what it is.

[MedWheeler]

Sean, you went with the LCP? Just checking to make sure you didn't mean to say LC9. The LCP and the Kel-Tec PF-9 are not in the same class at all, and you did say in your original post you wanted to stay with 9mm (I'm assuming Luger.) The LCP is in .380ACP (though, technically, it is 9mm, but "short", or "Kurtz.")

[Seanpcola]

Hi Medwheeler,

Yep, I went with the LCP. I know, it is a different approach than what I started out for (and the reason for this thread) but after looking around all day I went with it. The purpose for this gun is to pocket carry. I had already bought the XD-9 and it has it's place too but I really wanted something that would be as small as possible and that I can carry easily no matter what I'm wearing. I have a really diverse work day and a pistol this small will just flow with everything. Also, at some point I think my wife may decide that CC is a good idea and she may end up taking it away from me. :D

As for the caliber change my original reasoning was to have commonality between handguns. On further reflection it didn't seem important. I seriously doubt that the LCP will get shot very often compared to the XD or whatever I buy next. I plan on putting a few boxes through the LCP at first then will only occasionally take it to the range to keep familiar with it. I do suspect it'll be hard on the hand to shoot a lot but the idea behind it is total concealment and if I ever have to use it for it's intended purpose a little skin abrasion and sore muscles will be the last thing on my mind. :eek:

[MedWheeler]

You still made a good choice in getting a truly-"pocketable" gun. Your XD can always do belt duty; my PF9 isn't much of a pocket gun, and does do full-time belt duty. I'd been hankering, like you, to get a pocket piece. For reasons in my thread "Kel-Tec P32, range report", I went with that gun. It will definitely fill a role my PF9 cannot, as will your LCP. Go shoot it some, and let us know how you like it..

[Ben86]

I do suspect it'll be hard on the hand to shoot a lot but the idea behind it is total concealment and if I ever have to use it for it's intended purpose a little skin abrasion and sore muscles will be the last thing on my mind.

With me it doesn't really cause soreness (I only shoot 50 rounds at a time), but it does rub the skin on the web of my hand between my thumb and index finger pretty bad towards the end of a range session. It can cause a blister if I'm not careful. This isn't really a problem as I will likely never shoot that much ammo, or even have that much on me, in a SD situation with that gun. My biggest problem is the gun trying to jump out of my hand. This is mitigated by grip extensions and a grip sleeve. Let me know if I can give you any LCP tips. This is really a great gun if you learn to work with it's challenges and limitations.

Ben, I don't have a rust problem with the P11. I keep it clean, but don't oil it with any real regularity. It gets sweaty and I'll wipe it off with an oily rag when I think about it. One that's rusty in the box, well, I'd have to wonder about the warehouse it was stored in. They are NOT unusually rust prone.

I do like stainless, but with Kel Tec, that's not an option.

Oh, and I think a gun can be emaculately finished and still be a lemon. Smith and Wesson is proof enough of that IMHO. Their QC seems to be on the downswing in the last decade or two.

I didn't think all Keltecs came rusty, but it did make me change my mind at that moment. True, pretty lemons due exist. Smith does seem to be doing their M&P pistol line right, I love my M&P9 and 45. My Glocks are so lonely now.

[Seanpcola]

Thanks Ben.

I am sure I'll be asking some questions and needing advice on the LCP. I won't get to try it out until next Saturday. Should be am interesting day for me since it'll be my first time to the range with an instructor.

I would like to know who sells the grip sleeves and extensions.

[Ben86]

I would like to know who sells the grip sleeves and extensions.

This is where I bought my sleeve: http://www.pachmayr.com/tactical-grip-gloves.php

I think I got my grip extensions from either midwayusa or the shopruger site.

[skoro]

I've been carrying my PF-9 for 2 1/2 years. No complaints. It's just right for pocket carry in most circumstances.

[wgaynor]

I would advise that you fire before you buy. Guns are like clothes. They are not one size fits all. If you have huge meaty hands, you might want something bigger. Also, since it will be your ccw carry, try wearing it before you buy it too. Your LGS should be more than ok with this. If not, go elsewhere.

[Pyro]

Shot my buds PF9, didn't like it.
He didn't clean it well so it jammed, actually the whole slide failed to spring back to battery and just stopped half way down the slide. Poor accuracy and it bites my hand. It works for some people, not for me.

When it was properly maintained the gun works like clock work. It's a close quarters kinda gun (CCW).
Did I mention how bad it bites?

[451 Detonics]

Took mine out today and ran about 100 rounds of 22 through it. It is really shooting well for me. Definitely not a target gun but given the short sight radius, small sights, and long trigger I am well satisfied.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z271/reloader1959/handguns/pf922targetcopy.jpg