wally
Member
Recently picked up a Kel-Tec PF-9, guns that are small for their caliber are a large part of my collection so now that I've shot it a bit thought you might like some comparison photos and a few opinions.
Executive sumary: Since you can usually find the CW9 or (even better CW40) for about $90-100 more than the PF-9, I'd go with the Kahr for the significantly better trigger, marginally better sights, and much better mag release button and slide lock lever.
The PF-9 is a bit smaller and a bit thinner. In my hand the CW9 is much more pleasent to shoot -- slightly longer grip and ~1/4" smaller girth below the trigger guard makes a large difference for me. YMMV. I generally run 50 rounds a week thru my CW9 as an analog for the PM40 I usually carry and never have an issue with comfort. I had to take a rest after every two mags of the PF-9 and shoot something else for a while.
Here is a photo of the gripsl L to R: CW9, PF-9, PM40, P3AT
Here is a view form the front:
Here is the top view of the slides, P3AT on top, CW9 on bottom.
Finally a side view of the guns stacked on top of each other with the P3AT on top, CW9 on the bottom.
My Kahr CW9 had to go back for warranty repair before compleating its first box of ammo, but its been fine since. So far, for the first 100 rounds the PF-9 has been 100% -- 50 rounds of my 147gr hard cast lead reloads that are the staple food of my CW9, 25 115gr Blazer Brass FMJ and some Federal 147gr Hydrashok and 147gr Winchester Ranger SXT JHP.
I'd rate them a toss up accuracy wise, although the better trigger will make the Kahr seem more accurate for most folks. Probably my biggest complaints about the PF-9 are that you have to partially depress the mag catch to insert the mag. Iits a bear to push the button to release the mag (no chance of it happening by accident, a feature not a bug?) -- I have to shift my grip, speed reloads are going to be very difficult (but since I almost never carry a spare mag no real issue for me). And its hear impossible to release the slide with the hold open lever, slingshot is the way to go.
If money was a serious issue, I'd be comfortable with the PF-9 as the PM40 will cost you what would buy a P3AT and PF-9, but if you can swing it, at only ~$100 more I think the CW9 (or CW40) is a better overall choice if the slightly larger size is not a showstopper for you as its much easier to shoot it well.
--wally.
Executive sumary: Since you can usually find the CW9 or (even better CW40) for about $90-100 more than the PF-9, I'd go with the Kahr for the significantly better trigger, marginally better sights, and much better mag release button and slide lock lever.
The PF-9 is a bit smaller and a bit thinner. In my hand the CW9 is much more pleasent to shoot -- slightly longer grip and ~1/4" smaller girth below the trigger guard makes a large difference for me. YMMV. I generally run 50 rounds a week thru my CW9 as an analog for the PM40 I usually carry and never have an issue with comfort. I had to take a rest after every two mags of the PF-9 and shoot something else for a while.
Here is a photo of the gripsl L to R: CW9, PF-9, PM40, P3AT
Here is a view form the front:
Here is the top view of the slides, P3AT on top, CW9 on bottom.
Finally a side view of the guns stacked on top of each other with the P3AT on top, CW9 on the bottom.
My Kahr CW9 had to go back for warranty repair before compleating its first box of ammo, but its been fine since. So far, for the first 100 rounds the PF-9 has been 100% -- 50 rounds of my 147gr hard cast lead reloads that are the staple food of my CW9, 25 115gr Blazer Brass FMJ and some Federal 147gr Hydrashok and 147gr Winchester Ranger SXT JHP.
I'd rate them a toss up accuracy wise, although the better trigger will make the Kahr seem more accurate for most folks. Probably my biggest complaints about the PF-9 are that you have to partially depress the mag catch to insert the mag. Iits a bear to push the button to release the mag (no chance of it happening by accident, a feature not a bug?) -- I have to shift my grip, speed reloads are going to be very difficult (but since I almost never carry a spare mag no real issue for me). And its hear impossible to release the slide with the hold open lever, slingshot is the way to go.
If money was a serious issue, I'd be comfortable with the PF-9 as the PM40 will cost you what would buy a P3AT and PF-9, but if you can swing it, at only ~$100 more I think the CW9 (or CW40) is a better overall choice if the slightly larger size is not a showstopper for you as its much easier to shoot it well.
--wally.
