Kel Tec PF-9 9mm

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J

Just One Shot

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I saw this handgun at the local gun show this past week end and was taken by it's compact size. It's only slightly larger than the P3AT by the same co.

I did some online research and found out about some problems it had when it was first introduced but it's being reported that the issues have been delt with by the manufacturer.

I was wondering if any of you own one and what your impressions are of it? Is it accurate and dependable? How's the durability been for you?

The one I saw was listed at $365.00, I know it's a little high but what isn't these days? I saw a write up that said list was $333.00 but I also saw where some people had purchased them for under $300.00 ($257.00 I believe is what was posted).

What are your opinions of this firearm and what do you see as a fair price for a new one?

Thanks!
 
That is a bit high, im looking to buy one right now (i have a p3at but want something slightly bigger) and they should go for approx 280 to 300 i beleive.
 
Find the newest model

I paid $229 brand new for mine about 14 months ago. It is an early model and I have had alot of problems. It works fine now, but it has been back to Kel Tec 3 times. If you really are interested, make sure it has the metal mag catch and hammer block to ensure that it is the most up to date model. Serial number RDXXX should have all the updates.
Here is how to tell if you have the new hammer block.

1) Rack the slide, pull the trigger and keep the trigger pulled fully toward the rear - don't let it out.
2) Rack the slide again. If you were shooting live ammo, this would have happened under recoil while the trigger is pulled fully rearward.
3) Slowly let the trigger out until you hear a click, then Stop.
4) Pull the trigger rearward again. Did the trigger move to the rear, or did it remain locked in place? If it moved, you have the old version. If it remained locked in place, you have the new version. Mike
 
Had a PF9 and have a Kahr PM9. The PF9 kicks like a mule when compared to the Kahr PM9 and isn't nearly as accurate as the PM9.

The PF9 is one of the sloppiest and loose guns I have ever handled and I just couldn't justify keeping it when compared to the PM9, so it's gone.
 
kokapelli
Had a PF9 and have a Kahr PM9. The PF9 kicks like a mule when compared to the Kahr PM9 and isn't nearly as accurate as the PM9.

The PF9 is one of the sloppiest and loose guns I have ever handled and I just couldn't justify keeping it when compared to the PM9, so it's gone.
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Comparing a $300 gun to one that is at least $200-$300 more for the base Kahr... :rolleyes:

I have not had any problems out of mine, but I have only ran ~200 rounds through mine so far(got it 2 weeks ago).
 
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Comparing a $300 gun to one that is at least $200-$300 more for the base Kahr...
I have not had any problems out of mine, but I have only ran ~200 rounds through mine so far(got it 2 weeks ago).
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I had close to 1000 rounds through my PF9 before I sent it back to Kel Tec. I sent it back because I felt that the slide frame fit was so loose it might just come apart.

I will say Kel Tec was very good about it and sent me a new PF9 with the old serial# on it, but it wasn't much better than the original!

I have three P-3ATs and an SU16C and am perfectly satisfied with all four guns, but the PF9 did not work for me.

Yes the PM9 is a lot more expensive than the PF9, but it is well worth the difference and then some.
 
I have one of the older ones. It isn't very pleasant to shoot, especially with its near non-existent weight and +P ammo. A rubber slip on grip does help however. It can shoot accurately, but due to its low weight, small size, and short sight radius it does take an exceptional shooter to squeeze out every last ounce of its accuracy.

However, that is OK. It is a defensive gun, not a bulls-eye gun. If you ever have to use it, chances are it will be at ranges of under 10 feet, at which point it is accurate enough to put shots where it matters. That, and with most stressful situations like that, noise and recoil are often the last two things the human body tends to perceive. Thus, those two downsides become a non-issue.

When empty, there is some rattle between the slide and the frame, but my take on it is this: for a gun that's going to be rolling around in your pocket picking up lint, its not a bad idea to have some sloppiness in the name of reliability a-la ak-47.

If I remember right I got mine for $250-300, and have had this "noisy cricket" for about 2 years now. Its not my favorite gun to shoot, but it is one of my favorite to carry, with it being small enough to fit into the front pocket of most pants and light enough that you almost forget its there. It also makes for a great summer carry gun, especially if you're a slimmer individual. Its always reassuring to have 7+1 rounds of 9mm versus 6+1 of .380ACP.
 
Had a PF9 and have a Kahr PM9. The PF9 kicks like a mule when compared to the Kahr PM9 and isn't nearly as accurate as the PM9.
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Pretty much the opposite of my experience. The PM9's I've played with were unpleasant and, to a degree, unreliable. In fact, all of the polymer Kahrs I've dealt with had some feeding issues. The T, K and Mk series are a different story.

To the OP, the PF9 was a well thought out and well executed design. I had some light primer strikes on my first outing, in which I fired less than one box (it was a bitter cold January morning in 2007). As it turned out, the corrosion inhibiting packing oil had filled the firing pin channel, and the sub-zero temperatures that day caused said oil to congeal. I cleaned the gun very thouroughly, and have not had one hiccup since. Probably 600 or so rounds now.
 
Pretty much the opposite of my experience. The PM9's I've played with were unpleasant and, to a degree, unreliable. In fact, all of the polymer Kahrs I've dealt with had some feeding issues. The T, K and Mk series are a different story.
Click to expand...

I haven't played with one, I just own and shoot one. My PM9 has never failed to load and fire a round and neither did the PF9, but no way can you compare the felt recoil or accuracy from the two guns.

I can shoot 150 rounds through my PM9 and not feel any the worse for wear, but 28 rounds is all I care to shoot from a PF9 with 50 rounds the absolute maximum at one outing.
 
We had a similar experience with the PF-9 vs. the M9, in that the PM9 wasn't as reliable. As far as recoil went, neither was exactly comfortable. The PM9 is at least an ounce heavier, and the cost is more than $300 more.

We kept the PF-9. I can practice with it through a box of ammo with no serious problem. In a real-world situation, the recoil would be a "man, my hand hurts, I wonder what I did to it during the fight" situation.

We have a couple of other shooters to whom the PM9 is a more favored choice. As long as it's reliable, and you have the money, you'll just take your pick.

I also have a P11 that is almost as small, but is heavier, nearly twice the capacity, and has been reliable, as well.

The Kahrs that I've shot reflected the Internet Commando's opinion of Taurus. "It's either a great one, or a lemon". I've seen far too much Kahr lemonade to justify the price difference. Others haven't. Go figure.:)
 
Agree totally with J47

Granted, I never shot a Kahr but just for handling it in my hand, to me, it's not worth the double price compared to my trusty P-11.

I know it's internet, but the reports of spotty Customer Sergvice for Kahrs it's not exactly inspiring either....the "web noise" about Kel-Tec is much more positive on average.

12 + 1 rounds and +P rated....totally reliable (been on the market for well over 10 years) perfectly accurate for the needs it has been designed for.

For what I hear, the PF-9 is very promising and some inevitable "youth defects" are being eliminated quickly.

Recoil is stout...not that hard anyway...and I do not think it would be my main concern in situations where I would need to draw it...man up guys or get a smaller caliber!!!

People expecting match pistol accuracy, anatomic grips for comfortable use or 10.000 rounds life expectancy should get a grip on reality...it's not a service pistol...it's a pocket gun folks...frugal use at the range just to keep your accuracy, proficiency and confidence level. It's not a handgun to spend your Sunday afternoons punching paper at the range for hours...for that purpose get something else.
 
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PF-9 is my 3rd 9mm

I got it two months ago. My other two are both S&W: a 908s and an M&P9c. The Smiths are much more refined and durable weapons, no doubt. But I didn't get the PF-9 to form any kind of emotional attachment to it. It has little personality and even less fine craftsmanship. Despite that, it functions perfectly and is reasonably accurate, plenty good for SD use.

And it's very compact, very lightweight, and it gives me a 9mm I can carry in my front pocket comfortably. I alternate between it and my S&W 642 as carry weapons. It fills that duty very well.
 
I realize this is a month old, now. However, if the OP is still looking for a PF9, CDNN Investments has them for $229...when they have 'em in stock :(

Bummer is, me living in Texas, I not only have to pay shipping and FFL transfer but 8.25 sales tax as well. Makes the $225 gun get mighty close to $300.:banghead:

Q
 
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