Anyone shoot a Kel-Tec PF9?

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dgray64

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I have been looking at them and because they are small and light, I want one for backup. It had some bugs according to older reviews, but they seem to have been worked out and they are supposed to be darn accurate. The lightness increases the recoil but it's not a target gun, so that is to be expected. What are your thoughts? Thanks for the input.

Dave :confused:
 
Had one until I purchased and shot a PM9.

The PF9 functioned ok but it was without a doubt the sloppiest slide to frame fit I have ever seen and felt recoil is pretty heavy compared to the PM9.
 
I've had one since Jan 09, and carry almost nothing else despite having 5 other handguns, all of which are small enough to carry. It's small light, and still packs 7+1. It's not fun to shoot, but when I do it's plenty accurate for 10 yards and below. The trigger is very long and does take some getting used to. It's a great deal at it's price too.
 
honestly my first thought is use the search function. it's a popular gun talked about often.

In my experience just looking at the specs and price I was convinced I had to give it a try. But the recoil is pretty brutal and the first time out I shot only 100 rounds and my hands hated me for it. The trigger and sights are actually good, especially for a gun that size and you can hit what you're aiming at. I experienced about 6 failures to feed either because it was new or I wasn't gripping it correctly. I don't know yet. If it turns out to be a reliable gun after about 500 rounds I might consider buying a Twisted Industries rimfire conversion slide.
 
You're right about the recoil being stout. Shooting 9mm in the PF-9 reminds me of shooting .357 Mag in a medium-size revolver. It's not exactly a fun gun to shoot IMHO, but it's designed to be carried often and fired little.

It is quite accurate as long as you can manage the recoil and the long trigger pull. If I do my part, the bullet seems to go right where I'm aiming. The trigger pull is very long, but quite smooth and reasonably light.

My PF-9 was 100% reliable for for first ~220 rounds, but then the takedown pin started coming loose while firing which causes the slide to lock up. I haven't figured out exactly what the problem is yet, but I suspect it's an issue with the spring that retains the takedown pin. I haven't gotten around to calling Kel Tec about it yet, but given their lifetime warranty and reputation for great CS I'm sure they'll take care of it.

The only other issue I've seen is that with new magazines, the slide may not lock back correctly after the last round. The is due to the slide lock catching on the plastic mag follower. This isn't really a big deal and will go away after the magazines are used more. You can also fix it manually by sanding down the corner of the follower. KTOG.org has info on how to do this if you're interested.

In conclusion, if I were to do it all again I'd probably still buy a PF-9 even though I'm a little annoyed about the takedown pin issue. The gun is very affordable and it's hard to find another gun that can outdo the PF-9 in its role. If you choose the PF-9, though, you need to go into it expecting to test it thoroughly, maybe work out an issue or two, and likely do a little work on it in terms of polishing the feed ramp, shaving flashing off the frame, and possibly repainting the contrast sights (mine were less than perfect, but it's easy to fix). If you want a gun that's guaranteed to be dead nuts reliable out of box, you'll probably have to look at more expensive options.

I also bought a SIG P239 in 9mm since I started having trouble with the PF-9. At this point it's a temporary replacement since I haven't even talked to Kel Tec's support people yet, but if I can't get the PF-9 to run reliably I'll switch to the P239 full-time. I also got the SIG because I wanted a 9mm for recreational shooting that won't beat up my hand, and for winter carry since the larger pistol will be more controllable. However, the SIG costs almost 3x as much as the Kel Tec, so it's only natural that it be higher quality.
 
I've been carrying one for over a year now and shoot it regularly; while the recoil is noticable, I don't think it's too much. I feel the recoil in my wife's 38BG is even worse.

No failures of any kind with over 800 rounds down the pipe
 
I had a PF9 several years ago. It was ammo finicky and wouldn't shoot WWB at all, which was my primary range ammo at the time. I sold it and bought a Kahr CW9, and never looked back. I have since bought four more Kahrs, and never had a problem with any of them. [except that two managed to get themselves stolen]
 
I carried one for 2 years and it was a 100% relyable with 124gr or 115gr bullets. Accuracy was good for a small lite pistol. Not a joy to shoot but it is what it is. Price should be around 240 at a good shop new. I was offered a kahr cw9 for a very low price , easier to control and like it . Bought a cm for carry and sold the pf-9. Like I said no problems ,good basic defence gun at a low price. KT has the best CS if ever needed and they do upgrade if problems show but mine was a great one.
 
Tried to give them a try twice but sold them both times. The problem with the ones I had was that the magazine would always pop out everytime I was shooting (grip nowhere near mag release. That was unacceptable for me and now I carry a G26.

I hear the same problem with other owners. Some were able to fix the issue by swigging out the plastic mag release for the metal mag release, but both of mine had the metal installed from factory.

If you want something that carries extremely well but potentially a one-shot cvs then give it a shot. IMO, I would look at other options. There are plenty of slim 9mms out on the market now.
 
I've carried a PF9 daily for three years now, shooting log for that handgun shows 673 rounds through it.
Out of the 673 my log book shows only two FTFeed (both stovepiped) and both of those were on the first two mags. Kept it cleaned and lightly lubed and it has ran without problem. I bought a LCP right after the PF9 but that gave my more problems than I liked so i let it go for cheap.
 
snappy*

i like the p11 better, not much bigger but holds 12 flush, and i can grip it better also
 
I had one and really liked it.... I carried it quite frequently..... but you have to practice with it to get used to the trigger pull.....
 
After about 100 rounds I noticed the take down pin was broken...called Kel-Tec and they mailed me a new one. No problems in the next 150 rounds until this last trip to the range and in 21 rounds I had 4 failure to extract the spent round from the chamber. I love the size, weight, accuracy, and price. I will call KT and send it back for warranty work but, my love for the gun is quickly wearing off and I am now considering a number of other micro pistols smaller than my G26...
 
I have been looking for a ccw gun and both people on anouther forum and my gun shop owner have recommended the pf9 for my budget. Next week Im gonna see if the gun range has one for rent. I handled one and it felt real good in my hand but I would like to shoot one before buyin it. I have been warned that it does have a long trigger pull but after my sigma i think I can deal with that.
 
I just picked up a new grey gripped PF9 at a gunshow for $255 tax in all. I hope to wedge in some range time in the next day or so and schedule a CCW class sometime this week.
 
My first few times at the range I came away thinking "this works well, but it's not fun!". The last time was different. I had gone to the range to proof my just-acquired P-32, and brought my 9 with me. After I was done with the 32, I proceeded to run the 9 through some paces. I found that it seemed much more manageable than my first few times, handling well even through one-handed, rapid-fire strings. I think part of the reason, besides mere experience with it, that it "got better", was that this was the first time I was shooting it at an indoor range, and wasn't dealing with the 90+ degree heat, and the sweat running through my eyes, and all over my hands, that I deal with at the outdoor one.
The PF-9 is my EDC (the P-32 is only here to fill the rare occasion deep-concealment is needed.)
 
Mine goes with me almost all of the time due to its small size. I have fed it tons of different kinds of ammo and I don't recall it ever having a problem. I think it's a great gun and I would highly recommend it. If I needed another small weapon, I would get another one of these.
 
I am surprised grown men would complain about the brutal, wrist breaking recoil of th 9mm round. I own and shoot a PF9 regularly, and it is nothing at all like shooting 357 out of a medium frame revolver as someone claimed.

The recoil is not bad at all. I highly recommend this gun as well. Mine has been 100% reliable as well. Its hard to believe that it is less than $300.
 
Balrog said:
I am surprised grown men would complain about the brutal, wrist breaking recoil of th 9mm round. I own and shoot a PF9 regularly, and it is nothing at all like shooting 357 out of a medium frame revolver as someone claimed.

The recoil is not bad at all. I highly recommend this gun as well. Mine has been 100% reliable as well. Its hard to believe that it is less than $300.
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It's not about "about the brutal, wrist breaking recoil" but just that there are (IMO) better choices that have less felt recoil that allow for faster and more accurate follow up shots.
 
Balrog said:
I am surprised grown men would complain about the brutal, wrist breaking recoil of th 9mm round. I own and shoot a PF9 regularly, and it is nothing at all like shooting 357 out of a medium frame revolver as someone claimed.

The recoil is not bad at all. I highly recommend this gun as well. Mine has been 100% reliable as well. Its hard to believe that it is less than $300.
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I agree. The PF9 is more muzzle flip than recoil. I certainly feel it in my hand, but never been sore even after 100 rounds or so. I do prefer shooting it with the pinky extension to reduce the flip some.

Trigger pull is long, but not heavy. Easily adjusted to as long as you know what to expect. I actually prefer it to a Glock trigger that feels like something just snapped inside the gun. No, a PF9 will never have a 1911 trigger... :rolleyes:

Mine has fed everything without problem. Had some FTE's when the extractor spring screw got a little loose. Loc-tite cured that. Mag never comes out when shooting, mine had a steel mag release from the factory.
 
I bought one last week I removed from box Oiled the slide rails and went to shooting
It ate 50 rounds of ball like candy . I didn't find recoil all that bad. I was doing head shots at about 15 yds last couple mags .
. Now I have also fired Corbon +P JHP and again recoil not to bad. Then I went to 100gr Power Ball These feel like a 357 in my hand Corbon say the 9mm Power Ball over 1400FPS I know it more than recoil their JHP +P Box.
I like this pistol and will go in my carry rotation soon.
This is my 5th KelTec. 1st above the 380 in caliber and all have worked fine right from box with out any tinkering . Do to KT size and weight have become the carry pistols of choice of my wife and daughters.
 
I bought a Kel-Tec PF9 not too long ago.
I shot 250 rounds in the initial session, so the recoil can't be too bad; given that it is a 12 oz 9mm, recoil is tolerable with standard pressure ammunition.
I like the PF9 enough that I would buy it again.
It fits the same Desantis Nemesis pocket holster I had on hand from when I owned a Kahr PM9.
 
I was trying to find one but they are sold out everywhere

*swyped from the evo so excuse any typos*
 
I love mine. over 600rds and it is great. Reliable, accurate, and easy to shoot considering it is such a compact, lightweight gun. It has a long but very smooth trigger, and it has great sights. It points naturally and is capable of very accurate shooting. It is not something that you want to shoot more than about 200rds in a trip however 50-100 is no sweat as far as comfort. I think you will be surprised how good they are for the money. I know I was.


The only complaint that I have, if I can even think of one is that mine doesn't eat steel cased ammo. As that is what I shoot exclusively in my other guns, however that is no big deal I will gladly buy brass cased ammo for it. I know this is not an issue for most people as most shy away from steel cased. With that said I know 2 other dudes that have the pf-9 and theirs runs with steel cased just fine.
 
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