Kahr P9 vs. Kel-Tec PF9

[Beatnik]

So, I know there are a ton of CW threads out there, but I'm looking for a stack-up of these two pieces in particular. So far I've figured this much out.

Kahr P9 pluses:
-I've fired the Kahr CW9 before, and despite being told that I'd hate it, I didn't hate it. It kicked, but it didn't seem like it was kicking more than a 1911. I just couldn't put all 7 rounds in a bottle target in 3 seconds (without a lot of practice).

-Fit and finish seemed to be about what it should be for that price.

-It's the ideal size for me: fit my hand just right, even though it's small. Half grips annoy me, and this wasn't a problem.

-All Kahr pistols can apparently eat a steady diet of +P.

P9 minuses:
-I loathed the sights, so I'd probably have to get a P9 instead of a CW9 to be able to swap them, which drives the price up a bunch.


Kel-Tec PF9 pluses:
-I can buy two, plus holsters, for the price of a P9.

PF9 minuses:

-I've never shot one, so I don't know what recoil is like.

-Don't know if they are +P rated.

-I've heard that they need rough edges taken off to reach their potential.


So, has anyone shot both, or owned both, who can help with the stack-up? It's looking like I'm going to just save up the money - I don't know any place around here that rents Kel-Tecs to make a determination, and so far it looks like the Kahr is just a better pistol.

 

[wally]

If the Kahr trigger gives you problems, the Kel-Tec trigger will be even worse for you.

If you dislike the Kahr CW9 sights that much, I fail to see how you could like the PF-9 sights much better.

--wally.

 

[Beatnik]

The Kahr sights are the dot & line style like are on the Ruger MkIII.
Plus, some of the paint was smeared on the one I shot, so it just wasn't fun trying to shoot with them.
It looks like the Kel-Tec has 3-dots, but I'm not sure.
I didn't mind the trigger on the Kahr, it was a really long, but I'd expect that in a DAO. I don't know what the trigger on the PF9 would be like, since it seems like all they carry around here is the P32. Is the PF9 trigger a lot worse?

Thanks for the response.

 

[mdao]

The Kahr P9 is just a better pistol with better ergos, better trigger, and lower recoil. At the current inflated PF-9 prices (~ $325-350 last time I went to a gunstore), the PF-9 has no real advantage except for being more suited for pocket carry.

As for CW9 sights, only the front post is pinned. Just get a $34.95 white dot rear from Novak installed and you're good to go.

 

[littlelefty]

I've shot both, recently.
Last week I shot my used (new to me) Kel Tec, P11, a new PF9 and a new Kahr 9mm (I think the P9 since its sights had been replaced with night sites). The Kahr definitely has a much better trigger. I suppose if money is easy or relatively easy to come by, and you like the Kahr, by all means, go for it. For me it's easy, money is tougher to come by and I'm a tight wad, so I waited until I found the used P11 for $179, and for that cost, the trigger is just fine The Kahr was nice, but for the price of the black diamond, night sighted one that I shot? Not for me!

Kel Tecs are relatively plentiful. Maybe someone yoy know has one that you can try. Or ask someone at the range if yo unotice them shooting one. Most folks where I hang will let you shoot a magazine full.

 

[hkmp5g17]

On the Kel Tec-

I've looked at two recently (both were $279) I really want one except-

the mag releases were TERRIBLE on both.:banghead: When I find one with a decent release- I'll pick it up.

 

[JRW]

"On the Kel Tec-

I've looked at two recently (both were $279) I really want one except-

the mag releases were TERRIBLE on both. When I find one with a decent release- I'll pick it up."

I'm kinda thinking about picking one up. Just so I'll know what to check for, what was wrong w/ the mag releases?

 

[hkmp5g17]

howdy- the mag releases felt really"gritty" and failed to release the mag.

The release had to be pressed several times before the mag would drop. I also had trouble reinserting the mag on one- wouldn't go in unless I held in the mag release button.

I've owned several other Kel-Tecs and haven't had a problem- so I'm guessing it's due to the newness of the design. I hope the factory gets the bugs out

 

[Keoni]

Never tried the Kel-Tec, but the P9 has been totally dependable and carries comfortably in an IWB.

 

[lanternlad1]

Have a PF-9. Don't like it.

VERY snappy recoil for a nine. (was using 115gr WWB)
Relatively inaccurate (8 shots in a 6" group at 7 yds - I swear I'm not that bad of a shot)
Feels cheap and is uncomfortable for me to shoot. (Hits my thumb knuckle).
The light rail is a joke - almost nothing fits it. (only the Armalaser or the X2 will work on it. Armalasers go out of zero when you shoot, and X2s are bulky and expensive)
Mag release IS terrible - I think its the gun's design.

However

Seems reliable (tho I only put 50 rounds thru it, but with no problems)
Conceals like a dream - only the P3AT conceals better.
Very light, good for all day carry (but is probably the reason for the snappy recoil)
Inexpensive.
They are +P rated for limited use - just don't shoot a consistant diet of +P, leave that for your carry ammo. However, the best ammo for it so far in tests is the CorBon DPX, which is 115gr, and not +P.

If I had my druthers, (and the $$$) I'd get the Kahr.

But I don't, so I'll probably get a Bersa.

 

[Bane]

I have shot both the Kahr and the Kel-tec. I found the triggers to be very similar. I decided to buy the Kel-tec due to price. As for the complaints about accuracy my example is plenty accurate. At 7 yards I can keep 7 rounds in the 10x ring on a standard silhouette using WWB. Also, my mag release always mags to easily drop free. YMMV.

 

[Breakdaddy]

lanternlad1, my Cor Bon DPX 115gr *IS* +P, Im not aware of a non +P 9mm DPX, though I could easily be wrong.
To the OP, I dont own a P9, but my PM9 has been a wonderful pistol and the recoil is on par with my bersa thunder 380CC model, which isnt bad. It's also been super reliable so far, with almost 1000 rounds through it at this point. If the P9 is anything like this, then you wont have a problem. Ive fired a kel tec PF11 and liked it, but its bigger and fatter than my PM9 and the trigger pull is a bit much for my tastes. Never fired a PF9 so dont know about that one.

 

[lanternlad1]

Breakdaddy,

You're right about the DPX. My bad.