If you HAD both, which would you carry? 642 or PF-9?

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I would carry the 642. I own one and it's my #2 carry gun. I've fired a kel-tec and it's (to me) harder on my hand. it's easier for me to get my 642 back on target in spite of the significant recoil (which is ameliorated by the big soft grip). The Kel-tec is a lot like the LCP and for me is hard to aim and shoot. it's a nice pistol for the money though and if you enjoy shooting it - it will do you right.
 
The 642 without a doubt.....with lock or without.

Lock problems are so rare as to be statistically insignificant.

You couldn't pay me enough to carry a Kel-Tech.
 
the 642 only because I prefer revolvers. Better yet it would be a 640 38 special only sans the lock.
 
The 642 without a doubt.

A carry gun must be as reliable as possible, and when it comes to reliability, the revolver trumps the autoloader.
 
I have a P3AT and a PF9. Both are reliable as Sunrise. I like the size and weight of both. Easily slip into a pants pocket or IWB holster. I have a G19 that I carry whenI am wearing a coat, winter time not suit coat. I'm retired and don't get that dressed up. But even when I carry the Glock, the P3AT (P380) slips into a pocket.

If you have a problem with a Kelty, they have a great rep for CS. I can only talk about the rep though, because i have NEVER had a problem with either gun. About 300 rds thru the .380 and about 500 thru the 9mm. After the first 50 in both I have not had a single malfunction.

Kel-Tecs are not intended to be range guns. Take it and shoot it enough to be comfortable, enough to be sure your chosen carry ammo works, and then just shoot a couple mags worth when you go to shoot your fun guns. The Kelties are good for a couple thousand rounds. Used as designed, you will not wear one out. The P3AT, PF9 and P11, throw the P32 in but personally that's too small, .380 is pushing the minimum, are all designed for easy concealed carry. That is what they are VERY good at.

Some people complain that they are to sucepitible (sp) to "limp wristing". I have medium size hands with major osteoarthritis and I do not have any problems with either gun. I actually have more of a problem with my Glock. Of course 50 rounds thru a Kelty and you DO NOT want to pull the trigger again. And I get there with about a hundred thru the G19.

And I can shoot my Stainless Ruger P90, .45 ACP, until I run out of ammo and not get tired. But I am not planning on carrying a 2 1/2 pund pistol when I have the Kelties and I can carry both plus a spare mag for each and have the same weight as the Ruger. And at 10 to 20 feet I'm going to put every round somewhere in the body of an attacker.

Yes, I would and do bet my life on those little "cheap" pistols. They are relly great little guns that do exactly what they were designed to do. Now if I can just find a Sub2000.
 
Kel-Tecs are not intended to be range guns. Take it and shoot it enough to be comfortable, enough to be sure your chosen carry ammo works, and then just shoot a couple mags worth when you go to shoot your fun guns.
Click to expand...

I agree with you, but I know someone who purposefully put many rounds through his to try to break them, and has yet to do so. :D
 
I have both and I went with the pf9 until it began to malfunction. Now I need to send it back to KT.
 
I had both. My 642 IS 100% reliable and my PF9 WAS pretty reliable. One failure in hundreds of practice rounds. Unfortunately that failure came with oneof my favorite Gold Dots. I ended up selling the PF9. Neither are easy to pick up and shoot well, both take alot of practice but with some practice can be very effective. (pretty true with most small pistols)

I shot my buddys new Ruger LCR (not LCP) and to me its the easiest of all to shoot due to better trigger and less felt recoil for me. It does not hide in the pocket as easy as the 642 does because of the grip but can still be worn in a pocket holster. Niether is my main carry gun, just a backup or gun I bring when i cant conceal a 1911.

I think I will trade up for the LCR soon. In my opinion its the best pocket or back up gun for me. Get a lazer and you are really set!

BTW - If you go with the keltec, get the hogue or Pachmayr grip sleeve - it help alot!
 
Having owned and carried multiple J-frames, and owned (but not carried, due to recurring reliability issues) four Kel-Tecs, my vote is for:

None Of The Above.

It is no coincidence that I also now own:

None Of The Above.

I do own (and carry) a Kahr PM9, and it's big brother, the P45.
 
Don't have the 642 but do have an old model 60, also have the PF9 and shoot them both often. Which ever one you have the most confidence in is the one to carry. If i'm wearing a pull over shirt I might wear my 60 with IWB holster, if I'm wearing a shirt tucked in and docker style pants I might put the PF9 in my front pant pocket. I've got many other small pistols to choose from, tried the Kahr but had bad problems with FTF on the one I had and sold it but it could have been just that individual pistol I'm not against someone carrying or owning it I just had problems and felt uncomfortable with it. I'm sure as people have stated that there's a been lemon in every gun makers history, had a S&W revolver cylinder bind up and not be able to turn after 1 shot but I digress OP said between 642 and PF9, if I could only choose between those two I'd have to go :confused::evil:;)...... probably PF9 because its easier to conceal for me and mine has been reliable with all ammo I've tried and currently have mine loaded with Fed HST 147 gr. Just IMHO ymmv..
 
642

Of the two pistols mentioned, the S&W 642 without a doubt.

That said, when I was looking for a small CCW pistol, I ended up with a Glock G-19 and didn't look back.
 
I just got my Keltec pf9 back from the gunsmith. Broken ejector. Keltec did not charge for the part; gunsmith charged $25 to install. I shot about 300-400 rounds through it prior to the breakage. These were mild loads: less than starting loads according to the Lee manual. 5.6~5.8gr. v-3n37 under a 115gr. jacketed bullet. Gun functions fine now. Anybody interested in a pf9...cheap?
 
Duh, the 642! And the Con you put of "more expensive ammo" really can't be used as a Con...because you need less ammo AND the cost of your ammo does not matter in a carry gun...if it was up to cost then I would be carrying a Hipoint not an XD.

~Norinco
 
Clipper, I purchased the gun from an individual and was under the impression that I had to purchase from an authorized dealer to get warranty service. In short, I was ignorant of Keltec's policies. Thanks for the heads up. When it breaks again, I'll heed your advice.
 
I'd go with the 642 without a doubt.

I'm partial to the inherent reliability of a revolver.

I'm partial to the ease of use.

I'm partial to the feel, the recoil, everything.
 
I do carry a 638 Smith. Solid reliability, in a tough little light weight gun. I have carried it for about 5 years in a Uncle Mikes pocket holster, with a speed loader. Carries great, shoots great, and it always gos bang.
 
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