Kel-tec Pf-9 or Ruger LCP

[chaim]

I have both a Kel-tec Pf-9 and a Ruger LCP that I own for basically the same role (primarily for pocket carry). I don't carry often at all, I live in MD where a CCW is nearly impossible and only carry when I'm in a state that will honor my non-resident Utah CCW. When I do carry, I seldom pocket carry anymore (I used to quite commonly, but I haven't in some time). Neither are fun at the range, so I don't really shoot them very much.

As someone with a limited budget (I'm a teacher) and limited storage (I'm in an apartment so I don't really have space for another gun safe), it doesn't really make that much sense to me to keep both.

For me, they both have major advantages and disadvantages. Right or wrong, I don't really feel that comfortable with .380 so I really like that the Pf-9 is in 9mm. However, the LCP is significantly smaller, so when I do need a gun that serves that seldom used role of pocket carry, it may do it a little better. Not that the Pf-9 is bad (it is very thin, and under 13oz), but it is a little long and tall, though not too long or tall to fit in most of my pockets.

So, given that I don't really enjoy shooting either, and I so rarely pocket carry that it doesn't really make sense to have two guns for that role, I will be selling one (it, along with my S&W 442 which is falling victim to the same circumstances, will help fund a Glock 27).

If it was you, which one would you pick to keep and why?

Please don't say "neither, get an XX" because this isn't a which should I buy thread, I already have these guns and I'm only keeping one. If I didn't have either, I'm not sure I'd buy a gun specifically for pocket carry at this point considering how seldom I pocket carry, and I have three other guns that can be pocket carried though they are a bit heavy in that role (my Taurus 85CH, my 2" Rossi 461 and my SIG P290RS).


Edit:
At this point, I am leaning towards keeping the Pf-9 even though it is a bit bigger and the LCP would pocket carry better (and even though my LCP has the nice laser engraved scrollwork) since the Pf-9 is plenty light for pocket carry and the size is doable for pocket carry, the sights of the Pf-9 are much better than the LCP's sights, and I trust 9mm much more than .380. If I do keep the Kel-tec though, I will be getting a Hogue Handall or similar to help better manage the recoil.

 

[chaim]

Hmm, I know I said don't say "neither, but buy an XX" because I already have these guns and I'm just selling one, and I wouldn't be buying in this niche if I didn't already have one, but there is one exception.

I've thought a few times about replacing them with a Kel-tec P-11. I've rented one several times in the past and the wider double stack grip makes it a much more comfortable shooter (to me) than the Pf-9. It is thicker, but it is shorter in both length and height and still only 14oz, making it a doable pocket gun (maybe even better than the Pf-9). To me it is more comfortable at the range (and actually kind of fun), and being a 10-round double stack, I'd probably carry it IWB at times. So, while I can't add to the poll, let me know in the comments if your vote would be to sell both and pick up a Kel-tec P-11.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

You have to decide which best fits your needs. If it doesn't make a difference, to you, see which one brings the greatest value in a sale (check Gun Broker to see what they're going for...)

I've owned both and didn't really have problems with either. I also had a Kel-Tec P3AT, and that one's trigger guard jammed my trigger finger; the LCP didn't.

 

[TruthTellers]

With how low the prices have fallen on the LCP, I don't think you're going to find anyone who will pay more than $150 for it. If you're looking to get as much $ as possible for the new Glock, then I think you're gonna have to sell the PF9.

 

[merrill]

I owned a PF9. I sold it. The trigger reset required that the shooter move his finger too far forward to reset. If he didn't the next time he pulled the trigger it would be a failure to fire. Not good in an emergency situation.

 

[MedWheeler]

Of those two, given your location and limited carry options, I'd keep the PF9 (I carry one here in Florida.) Trigger reset isn't an issue for those of us older guys who trained with double-action revolvers as service weapons.

If you're considering the P11, also check out the SCCY CPX-II, essentially a more-refined P11 with the same bloodlines..

 

[USAF_Vet]

If you were to sell both the PF-9 and the LCP, get something better than the P-11. I have a P-11, and it's my daily carry gun. It's NOT fun for me to shoot, and to be honest, the only reason I purchased it was for magazine compatibility with my S&W 469. I keep a 15 round 59 series mag for a reload for the Kel Tec. I'm comfortable carrying it, but it's not a range gun


As for keeping one or the other, really, flip a coin. Neither are highly expensive guns to begin with, cheap, efficient carry guns that go bang when the trigger is pulled. Selling either will free up a bit of cash for maybe a decent night out. But on the other hand, as small as they are, neither takes up much space, so I don't really see how storage is an issue (unless MD has some really obtuse gun storage laws).

I'd keep the PF-9 because it's 9mm, and the LCP is .380. I have no real use for .380, as 9mm does everything the .380 can do and then some. Other than costing more, and being chambered for slightly smaller guns, .380 brings nothing to the table over 9x19, imo.

 

[Plan2Live]

A Kel-Tec Pf9, Ruger LCP, Rossi 461, Taurus 85ch, S&W 442 and a Sig 290RS. You certainly have been on an interesting journey.

 

[bannockburn]

I bought a PF9 primarily for pocket carry. Didn't really care for the feel of the gun or the way it handled. Traded it for a P3AT and found it was much better suited for what I wanted in a pocket carry gun. Later I picked up a Kahr CM9 which was a big improvement over the PF9 in terms of a easily concealable 9mm. If it were me I would keep the LCP and try to sell the PF9.

 

[huntsman]

so when I do need a gun that serves that seldom used role of pocket carry, it may do it a little better.

There's your answer, an LCP is a pocket pistol while the pf9 is a gun that can fit in a pocket. A specialty role calls for a specialty gun.

I've thought a few times about replacing them with a Kel-tec P-11. I've rented one several times in the past and the wider double stack grip makes it a much more comfortable shooter (to me) than the Pf-9. It is thicker, but it is shorter in both length and height and still only 14oz, making it a doable pocket gun

I own a P-11 and while it's nifty for IWB carry I would not use it for a pocket gun.

 

[horsemen61]

I'd go with the LCP because of anything goes wrong kel tec will try to do anything possible not to stand behind their product, Ruger on the other hand is flawless in my book in customer service

 

[Tallball]

LCP, it's a pocket carry gun good for CC.

I have two similar pistols (ironically, the manufacturers are reversed) and carry the 380 fairly often. The 9mm is much more of a nuisance to carry.

 

[leadchucker]

I am leaning towards keeping the Pf-9 even though it is a bit bigger and the LCP would pocket carry better

If I do keep the Kel-tec though, I will be getting a Hogue Handall or similar to help better manage the recoil.

1. If you get the Handall, your PF9 will be even bigger.
2. You evidently already find the PF9's recoil difficult to manage.

Keep the LCP.

BTW, regardless of the what the naysayers say, Keltec's customer service has been superb.

 

[wild cat mccane]

I've owned the following for pocket carry roles: PPS, PF-9, LCP, P3AT, LC9, LC9s Pro, LCP Custom, P938, CW380, P99c, CM9, PM40, Solo, P11, TCP...

Accept the .380 for its role.

The PF-9, though the worst gun in many respects, is the lightest and thinnest. Next on the thin list you have a PPS or P938, but those are too heavy for professional/comfortable pocket carry. The P11 as suggested? dimensions are deceiving you. It feels like a G26. The P11 is fat.

The only true pocket 9mm is the R9...and when I went to purchase it years ago with cash in hand, I decided it was too wide for pocket carry.

Simply put, there is NO 9mm that is as comfortable as the LCP/P3AT in the pocket. Even the fractionally smaller Kahr PM/CM380 isn't as concealable.

 

[thewillweeks]

I didn't vote, but I'd say keep whichever one has run better for you. If they've both been absolute flawless, zero malfunctions of any type (which means you must be a saint or something...) then look at the wear on the guns and try to determine which one will wear out first, remember KelTec's are only rated to 6000 rounds.

 

[wlkjr]

I've had both and PF9 was unreliable so I sold it. Still have the LCP but my daughter has it. If I had to only have one, I'd sell both and get a Glock 43 or 42. I pocket carry the 42 daily as mine is very reliable.
My LCP is good for an up close and personal weapon. What's your life worth for the one time in a million that you might need it?

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I'm not sure if this helps or not but there is a .22 conversion kit available for the PF-9. The cost is almost what a PF-9 runs but you would have .22 long rifle as well on the same frame for practice.

http://twisted.industries/product/pf9-22lr-conversion-kit-2/

I carry a PF-9 daily and used to own the LCP. I actually sold the LCP and got the PF-9 instead. It fits my hand and needs better.

 

[USAF_Vet]

The only other truly "pocketable" 9mm pistol I've seen/ held is the Diamondback DB9. Thing is tiny, as is the DB380. However, I don't recommend them. Dubious quality and reliability just isn't up to par.

 

[chaim]

If you were to sell both the PF-9 and the LCP, get something better than the P-11.

If I was to sell both and buy something else, and something other than the P-11, it would be the Kahr PM9. I've wanted a PM9 since they came out, then about a year later one of my closest friends bought a PM9 and I've wanted one even more. However, there is a reason I still don't have one. They are more money than I want to spend on any gun that doesn't say SIG, 1911 or S&W on it (of course, S&W would be a revolver or 1911 at that price range). Heck, I don't even have many SIGs, 1911s or S&W revolvers in that price range right now.

A Kel-Tec Pf9, Ruger LCP, Rossi 461, Taurus 85ch, S&W 442 and a Sig 290RS. You certainly have been on an interesting journey.

I've been on a bit of a CCW gun kick for a few years. I don't know what it is, especially living in a state without shall-issue, but I just love a good carry gun, they far outnumber my full sized guns (even my current 1911 is a S&W 1911SC, a Commander sized alloy 1911). Out of the guns listed, the only one that I regularly carry when out of state is the SIG P290, though the Taurus 85CH often gets dropped in a pocket when I'm answering the door or taking out the trash (it used to be my main carry gun when out of state). I actually have other carry guns not listed: my .45ACP SIG P250 Compact is often carried when out of state, my S&W 65LS can be considered a carry gun, and I just bought a 3" Rossi 461 on Gunbroker (it will probably often come with me to states that will honor my non-resident UT permit). I have had a Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro for about a decade and it used to be carried when I can carry, but it has been broken for a couple years and I haven't got around to sending it in (the Glock will be the replacement for the PT140).

You evidently already find the PF9's recoil difficult to manage.

Something about a <13oz narrow single stack 9mm that is uncomfortable with anything but the lightest 9mm loads. I'm really not sure which is more uncomfortable to shoot, the Pf-9 or a small-framed .357mag. It is pretty comparable with my 16oz S&W 442 when shooting .38+P.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

If the PM9 is too much money look into a CM9. This might be your best way to go.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

You evidently already find the PF9's recoil difficult to manage.

Something about a <13oz narrow single stack 9mm that is uncomfortable with anything but the lightest 9mm loads. I'm really not sure which is more uncomfortable to shoot, the Pf-9 or a small-framed .357mag. It is pretty comparable with my 16oz S&W 442 when shooting .38+P.

I had and carried a PF9 for quite a while, but eventually traded it for a SR9c. I prefer the SR9c, but found the PF9 tolerable after I added grips from KTADDONS. They seem to be out of business, but any slip on grip with some materials underneath it greatly lessens the harshness of the PF9's recoil.

(The KTADDONs grip was a handall type wrap under which some tuff plastic foam was positioned on the front and back straps. I suspect you could make something like with stuff found at a hardware store.)

 

[corton93]

I had a PF-9 and a LCP, both have since moved on. Both were good guns, but for the size of the LCP, I could pocket carry my Kahr CM-9 (be warned, it can be a handfull). And for as much of a footprint as my PF-9 had, I found it was just as easy to carry my Glock 26, (but I appendix carry so the width of the gun is not as much of an issue). But then again, im just some guy from backwoods Alabama, what do I know.

 

[stchman]

I am sorry to all the KelTec fans, but KelTec pistols are generally unreliable.

I owned a P11 a few years ago and sold it. All it ever did was stovepipe.

I own an LCP and it has been a VERY reliable pistol.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I am sorry to all the KelTec fans, but KelTec pistols are generally unreliable.

A lot of folks say that, but there are a surprising number of folks -- all Kel-Tec owners -- who would disagree with you. I've had a P-11, a P38AT, a PF-9, and have a PMR-30. All gave good service, but I moved on after quite a bit of use with all of them except the PMR-30. (Still have it, and my wife can shoot it -- something she couldn't do with any of my other guns.) I never had reliability issues with my Kel-Tecs, and all were reasonably accurate. The PF-9 wasn't a pleasant gun to shoot, until I found grip enhancements; it still was't pleasant, but I no longer flinched when THINKING about shooting it.

I think some folks -- due to no fault on their part, perhaps just a different physiology -- find that Kel-Tecs don't fit them. Those folks are justified in getting rid of them --not much else they could do.

One friend, several years ago, bought a P3AT and swore it was the biggest piece of crap he had ever shot. He said you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it.

At the range, I pulled mine out of the box and said, "try mine." He did, and he could barely hit the broad side of a barn with it. He had a hard to getting it on paper at 15'. I took it and shot a 3" group firing rapidly. It wasn't the gun. This fellow would typically outshoot me with any other gun.
​

15-20 years ago, Kel-Tec had a terrible reputation for unreliable guns, but that has slowly changed since then. Now you hear relatively few complaints -- except that many of the gun aren't fun to shoot. But I'd argue that was never a design consideration. They're not outstanding guns, but they do offer great value IF THEY WORK FOR YOU.

 

[cc-hangfire]

If you pocket carry at all, there are only a few pistols available that fill that role perfectly, & the LCP does it well at an affordable price. Keep it.

With that said, I have a P11 & had a PF9. The PF9 was less pleasant to shoot for me due to its thinness - same recoil applied to a smaller area. For IWB carry, the P11 wasn't any more difficult and has 10+1 capacity.