Kel-Tec P11 vs PF-9

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Zundfolge

Zundfolge

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One of the guys I work with is in the market for an inexpensive CCW pistol.

I mentioned the Kel-Tec pistols and we went on their web site.

His comment I found interesting (and I didn't have a good answer for).

The PF-9 is basically a single stack version of the P11, but why haven't they styled the P11 to look more like the PF-9?

Its pure aesthetics, but he said the P11 looks like cheap crap (and as such would rather buy the PF-9).

I'm inclined to agree. Kel-Tec needs to do something about that.

p11_pic01.gif
pf9_pic01.gif
 
Its pure aesthetics, but he said the P11 looks like cheap crap (and as such would rather buy the PF-9).

I'm inclined to agree. Kel-Tec needs to do something about that.
Click to expand...

Looks ain't everything. Keltec has no problems selling pistols... I like throwing my P32 in my pocket and booking out the door. I don't worry about dinging it up like I do my Kahr and Walther...
 
A wisecrack answer might be "because that would cut into sales of the higher-priced PF-9!" :)

I do like the waffle-looking grip on the PF-9 better, and wish they would re-style the P11 to be a bit more similar to it, then differentiate between the two based on dimensional and mechanical differences.

(I seem to recall that the PF-9 is less suited to +P ammo than is the P11 -- is that true? And that it has a nicer trigger and extractor mechanism. I've never fired a PF-9, but have handled one or two and was impressed with the feel.)

timothy
 
Other than the rail, the grip checkers, about .2 inches in thickness, and the little foot on the bottom of the mag for your pinky, the two pistols are actually very similar looking. And you can get the little mag-feet for the P11 too. Plus, you've got the green poly P11 in the photo, which makes it ugly.

But seriously, who cares? The P11 and PF9 IMHO aren't meant to be sexy guns for showing off, the're designed to never be seen unless the SHTF. Just about nobody knows about my parkerized/black poly P11. I prefer the P11 for two reasons: extra capacity, and it's a tried-and-true design.
 
The main functional difference between them is that the actions are completely different. The P-11 has a true second-strike capability (you can re-strike a light-strike, which will usually fire the round, without any other manipulation of the gun besides pulling the trigger a second time), while the PF-9, using the P-32/P3AT action, does not. The action must be manually drawn at least 1/4-5/16" rearward to reset the hammer before the trigger can re-engage it. However, the PF-9 has a shorter, smoother trigger pull. That said, My PF-9 firing pin smacks the heck out of the primers...I think a deep seated primer would be no problem for it. In fact, the primer strikes so deep and hard, that the pin itself doesn't have time to fully retract from the primer before the ejector kicks the case out, resulting in a slight teardrop shape to the indent left on the fired primer...For sure I have never had a dud round from a light strike!
 
The main functional difference between them is that the actions are completely different. The P-11 has a true second-strike capability (you can re-strike a light-strike, which will usually fire the round, without any other manipulation of the gun besides pulling the trigger a second time), while the PF-9, using the P-32/P3AT action, does not. The action must be manually drawn at least 1/4-5/16" rearward to reset the hammer before the trigger can re-engage it. However, the PF-9 has a shorter, smoother trigger pull. That said, My PF-9 firing pin smacks the heck out of the primers...I think a deep seated primer would be no problem for it. In fact, the primer strikes so deep and hard, that the pin itself doesn't have time to fully retract from the primer before the ejector kicks the case out, resulting in a slight teardrop shape to the indent left on the fired primer...For sure I have never had a dud round from a light strike!
Click to expand...

All good points. I have the P11 you can't beat the price. The trigger is a little more stiff but it works for me.
 
I might pick up one more (somewhat fun) student job this semester, which would net something very close to the cost of a P11 (or perhaps a used RAMI, or ... well, the field is not unlimited, but not small). So I am watching this and other threads about the P11 / similarly small pistols with interest.

timothy
 
I actually think the reverse: to me, the PF-9 looks cheap compared to the P-11.
Whatever, I still want one.

John
 
I think the P11 is the best combination of size, weight, caliber, and capacity (12+1) of any concealment pistol at any price.
 
I have carried my P11 for about a year now, with no problems.

Bought two 12rd magazine's, belt clip, and finger extentions for all three magazine's. I Also bought a Wolff spring set, and use the extra power fireing pin spring, and 20# recoil spring.

I like the little pistol for what it is. Small, light-weight, and there when/if i need it.
 
My P11 goes with me everyday. I don't care if it is my backup to my G21 on duty or if it is my CCW when I take my wife out to dinner. It is a good gun that goes "bang" everytime I need it too.
 
I thought my cousin's (retired army CSM) P-11 was a bit thick for pocket carry. So did he...So he bought a P3AT, and is very happy with it. I carried my P3AT everywhere until I got my PF-9. I pocket carry in cargo pants, and the PF-9 disappears as completely as the P3AT in the large pockets. I think it's the perfect pocket 9mm. The only thing I can think of that would make me abandon it would be if Kel-Tec would bring out a P4T5, knowwhatimean?
 
Aesthetics aside, I like the grip on the PF9 better. It feels more positive for my hand and the grip is more, well,... "grippy".
 
I like the "skinnyness" of the PF9. Unless you are using the old .40 cal mags in your P11 (allows you to hold 12 or 13 can't remember). I personally would go with the PF9. Being skinnier vs carrying fewer rounds is a fair trade off for me. JMHO
 
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Zundfolge said:
why haven't they styled the P11 to look more like the PF-9?
Click to expand...
Because the PF-9 is a NEWER design while the P11 is an OLDER design. When they introduced the new PF-9, they did NOT redesign the older P11.
 
Zundfolge said:
why haven't they styled the P11 to look more like the PF-9?
Click to expand...
Because the PF-9 is a NEWER design while the P11 is an OLDER design. When they introduced the new PF-9, they did NOT redesign the older P11.
 
An interesting comparison and this thread is making me want to go buy either one or the other. Has anybody experienced or heard about feeding problems with either, particularly with Gold Dots?
 
I've owned a Kel-Tec P-11 for six years now shot it a ton with ZERO jams. It fits in the palm of your hand, holds 11 rounds +1 and is so easy to carry full time regardless of clothing (summer or winter).

So tell me about about it's negatives?
 
If it is purely aesthetics you shouldn't be buying a Kel-Tec. :)

How are you getting 11+1 rounds in your P11?
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Kel-Tec sells magazine extensions which allow you to use larger capacity S&W magazines. I believe you can also use the P40 magazine in the P11 which would allow for a bit more room for rounds.
 
I have both the P11 and the PF9. I like em both, but prefer hte P11 for carry.

Incidentally I have 13 rounds in my P11, Kel-Tec sells 12 round law enforcement mags and one in the pipe makes 13. That's a lot of firepower in a very small package.

jw
 
I chose the 9 over the 11 simply because it fit my hand better and the relatively skinny profile fits cargo shorts very well here where it does tend to get warm many days out of the year. Way lighter and thinner than my G26 and very little give-up in mag capacity. No complaints here.
DJW
 
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