Kel-tec PF-9...what a sweet little CCW!

[wnycollector]

I have had my Kel-tec PF-9 for a month now and put 400 trouble free rounds through it thus far. In those 400 rounds (200 125gr CNL reloads, 100 Fiocchi 115gr FMJ and 100 JHP's) I have had only one FTE and two FTF's that were ALL attributable to me (2 accidental mag relases and once my thumb brushed the slide during recoil). The more I shoot this pistol the smoother the trigger gets and the smaller my groups become Once I run 150 rounds of my carry ammo (federal 147gr HST's) through it, I anticipate that it will become my daily carry either in my front pocket or IWB.

One of the more surprising things for me is that this pistol was 100% reliable out of the box without the famous Fluff and Buff being performed on it. For less than $300 ($282 OTD) this is a steal IMOO.

I forgot to mention that I have added the pearce grip extensions to my mags in order to get three fingers on the PF-9 and the KT addons grip pads and slip on grip cover. Those additions (plus a few minutes with a sharp knife and sand paper smoothing out some rough spots on the frame) allow me to comfortably shoot 100 rounds/range session.

 

[COgunner]

I agree - I've had one for a couple of years now and I love it. I was absolutely amazed at how accurate it is at reasonable distances. Yes, the trigger pull is long, but (on mine at least) very smooth and relatively light. l can group with it better than some of my other, much more expensive pistols. It is also small and light enough that I can forget I'm carrying it. I can also just stick it in my pocket for a quick run to the store or something. It's nice to have 9mm firepower in a small, light package. I've handled, but not shot, the Walther PPS and Taurus Slim 709 and I like the size and feel of the PF9 better

 

[hardluk1]

I can go along with everthing COgunner said about the pf-9.

 

[gbelleh]

I agree. It's so small and light, I carry a PF-9 almost everyday. It has been trouble free with over 1,000 rounds fired so far.

 

[Hatterasguy]

My friend has a little Kel-tec in .380. Its a nice little pistol I have shot it a bunch, perfect for CC IMHO.

 

[wnycollector]

the trigger pull is long, but (on mine at least) very smooth and relatively light

That pretty much describes my trigger. It feels like the trigger of a DA revolver...very much like the trigger on my S&W M36.

 

[TheDriver]

Good to hear some recent news on the PF9. I've been thinking of picking one up.

 

[Strahley]

Good to hear. A PF-9 will be my next handgun purchase, can't wait

 

[Logan80]

I've never shot a PF-9, but can't see how it could be any better than my P11, which is a fantastic gun so far. It's only a TENTH of an inch thicker than the PF-9, but has a 10 rnd magazine...

 

[COgunner]

Well, the P11 is actually .12" wider, but you make a great point. I didn't realize they are that close in width (which, for me, is the most important measurement for CCW). I may have to pick up a P11 just for fun.

I also have a P40, but haven't shot it in years. After a couple of magazines, I have a bit of skin missing from the top of my thumb joint. Takes an Ironman grip to make it run reliably too.

 

[kokapelli]

I've never shot a PF-9, but can't see how it could be any better than my P11, which is a fantastic gun so far. It's only a TENTH of an inch thicker than the PF-9, but has a 10 rnd magazine...

Having owned a P11, PF9 and now a PM9, I will take the PM9 in a heartbeat over either the P11 or PF9, but if I could only own a PF9 or P11 I would take the PF9 over the P11 because it has a much better trigger and even though the PF9 holds fewer rounds than the P11 I figure I would get more and better hits with the PF9 because of the better trigger.

 

[Yo Mama]

I bought mine when they first came out for $250. Saw one the other day for $350. Can't believe it went up that much.

I love mine, completely trouble free other than sending back to the factory for a new frame that they retrofitted for free when they first came out. I hate shooting it only because it hurts to put alot of rounds through, but probably have 250 rounds through it mostly hollow points to test carry ammo.

For my work, CCW is mandatory, no one can know. The pf9 gives me a larger caliber and with 7 rounds in a mag I'm pretty sure it can be a darn good defensive pistol.

I have the baby brother in .380, but I find that I never carry it as it's a smaller caliber, and ammo is much harder to find.

 

[wnycollector]

I hate shooting it only because it hurts to put alot of rounds through

I highly recommend the grip pads from KTaddons plus the slip on rubber grip of your choice (ktaddons, hogue hand-all Jr or pachmayr). They make a huge difference with virtually zero added bulk.

 

[UniversalFrost]

pf-9 is a nice little pocket gun, buddy has one and I have shot it and shoots well, but has a bit of bite. keltec has great customer service as well. I have owned several keltecs and all are reliable.

only pocket 9mm under 500 I like more is the taurus 709 slim. it has no bite and is accurate like a laser with a glock like trigger, but has double strike capability. if you can spend more than 500 for a 9mm pocket pistol get a rohrbaugh (that is just the nicest pocket pistol you can buy).

 

[Yo Mama]

Thanks wnycollector! I'll be ordering one for each of mine.

 

[gbelleh]

The P-11 is only slightly bigger than the PF-9 on paper, but I have owned both, and I find the flatter grip of the PF-9 makes a big difference when concealing under a t-shirt.

 

[saturno_v]

I have a P-11 and I absolutely love it....it did become my primary CCW (front pocket) because I got tired of carrying full size.

However the real capacity of the P-11 magazine is 12 rounds.

It is shipped with a 10 rounders only because of the law in some states (for example California)

I bought 2 extra 12 rounders from Kel-Tec.

Having owned a P11, PF9 and now a PM9, I will take the PM9 in a heartbeat over either the P11 or PF9, but if I could only own a PF9 or P11 I would take the PF9 over the P11 because it has a much better trigger and even though the PF9 holds fewer rounds than the P11 I figure I would get more and better hits with the PF9 because of the better trigger.

I would take the P-11 and PF-9 over the Kahrs any time of the day...

Difference between "best value for the money" and "way overpriced"

For example, it was fun few weeks ago at the range to see the overpriced brand new Rohrbaugh R9 of one guy jamming all the time...and no +p....the worst $1000 spent on a firearm....
I did feed my $260 P-11 anything and it keeps rolling

 

[kokapelli]

I would take the P-11 and PF-9 over the Kahrs any time of the day...

Difference between "best value for the money" and "way overpriced"

For example, it was fun few weeks ago at the range to see the overpriced brand new Rohrbaugh R9 of one guy jamming all the time...and no +p....the worst $1000 spent on a firearm....
I did feed my $260 P-11 anything and it keeps rolling

If you want to compare the PM9 and the PF9 and P11, yes the KTs are cheaper, but it ends there.

I have a number of KelTecs and they are good bargains if price is your main criteria, but other than price and a higher capacity in the P11 there is nothing else the PF9 and P11 offer that compares with a PM9.

If you want a quality pistol and are willing to pay the price the PM9 is in a different league than the P11 and PF9.

You can not compare the triggers, accuracy, felt recoil or workmanship of the P11 and PF9 to a Kahr PM9. The PM9 is in a whole different league than the KT pistols.

As for the Rohrbaugh jamming, that has nothing to do with the PM9. I have approximately 4000 rounds of many brands of ammo through my PM9 and have never had a jam or misfire and felt recoil is way less than it was on my PF9. I can shoot my PM9 all day and that's something I could never do with my PF9.

Try wiggling the slide on a PF9 and then try it on a PM9. The slides on the two PF9s I had were so loose I thought they might fly off.

I love my SU16C and am satisfied with the P-3Ats I own, but I would and did trade my PF9 for a far superior pistol.

 

[wnycollector]

However the real capacity of the P-11 magazine is 12 rounds.

In theory, the P-11 can accept any S&W 5900 series mag. So you could carry your P-11 with a 10 or 12 round mag and then pop in a mecgar 17 or 20 round mag as a backup mag.

 

[Yo Mama]

I would take the P-11 and PF-9 over the Kahrs any time of the day...

+1, you should do a search on this a compare problems with Kahr vs. keltec.

My money stays with the keltec.

 

[kokapelli]

+1, you should do a search on this a compare problems with Kahr vs. keltec.

I have done my research! I had two PF9s, a P11 and two Kahr pistols, a PM9 and a K9. The Keltec P11 had the worst trigger I have ever shot and the PF9s were so loose I was almost afraid to shoot them!

My Kahr K9 is one of the early Kahrs and it has been flawless over many, many years and as I have said the PM9 has also been flawless.

I carry Gold Dot +P for short barrel guns in the PM9 and I have shot a lot of +P+ from the K9 and after all the years I have had it it is still relatively tight.

The slide on the PF9 I had was so loose I was afraid I would end up wearing it in my forehead so I sent it back to KT and they sent a new pistol. The second one was a little better but still way too loose. In the meantime I had purchased a PM9 and the difference between the PF9 and the PM9 was like night and day and IMO the PM9 is far superior in every respect when compared to the PF9 so I just traded the PF9 away.

I have no problem with Keltec service which has always been very good and the few times I have had any problems they have always sent the parts I needed to fix my pistols and the time I sent the PF9 back they replaced it immediately but I have done the research and as I said own two Kahrs and both have been just superb pistols.

 

[NinjaFeint]

I carry a PM9 but I am glad to hear the PF9 is working out so well for you.

 

[-v-]

+1 on the PF-9.

Had one for two years now, and it has never hiccuped. Only malfunctions it has had were user-induced from limp-wristing.

Sure, the slide on the Kel-Tec is looser. The PF-9 is also a gun intended to be carried in your pocket. The looser slide to frame gives all the pocket lint, dirt, and grime some place to go to keep your gun reliable.

Also, we are talking about a browning-type lock-breech design. Looseness of frame to slide is an entirely irrelevant concern. As long as the barrel locks to the slide in a solid manner, the rest is irrelevant.

Personally, I usually carry a 4" service gun anyway.

 

[saturno_v]

Kokapelli

The only thing I may concede to the Kahrs is that they are superior (not that much) in the finishing (NOT the fit)...however who cares about that for a pocket piece?? It stays in your pocket, it will eventually get scratched up, it is an emergency pistol not a BBQ handgun or a safe queen.

I guess Kahr has to somewhat justify $500 difference....if you are happy I'm happy for you...

The Kel-Tec P-11 is a truly small wonder of technical ingenuity in a small package...it has been designed by the Swedish engineer George Kelgren an ex-Bofors designer...that is a very good pedrigree to have in the firearm world.

The P-11 and PF-9 are +P rated, I do not know if it's the same for the Kahrs are the same, at least officially.

With basically the same size and weight the P-11 has 12 rounds capacity (flush, no extension) Vs. 6+1 for the Kahr PM9 (7+1 only with the magazine extension)

The PF-9 is slimmer than the PM9 (0.88 vs. 0.90) and still has 7+1 magazine capacity.

All the KT pistols I handled did not have any sort of "loose slide"....and, however, a too tight slide coupling with the frame may induce cycling problems (especially when the pistol stays in your pocket catching lint and dust)...and many Kahrs have issues in that department.

Accuracy?? How about all my rounds in the black at over 15 yards?? Again, it is a pocket piece, intended for very short distances....it is not a range tool.

I saw quite few new Kahrs jamming...

Sorry for your PF-9 problems..you should be aware the the PF-9 had some early problems (like any new pistol in the market) that did need to be worked out...and Kel-Tec did take care of them. I got the P-11 at the time of my purchase exactly because it was an already proven design, the PF-9 was a very new model back then.

KT has one of the best Customer Service in the industry, hands down.

I have no problem whatsoever with the P-11 trigger...very long pull = very effective safety when is in your pocket.....I stress this again, it is a pocket piece not a target range handgun

So if you want to spend more than double of your money on a Kahr, it is your choice but, please, do not trash the Kel-Tecs because from an engineering point of view they are even superior to the Kahrs.

As Yo Mama said already, so far my money stays with Kel-Tec when it comes to pocket handguns

 

[Yo Mama]

Kokapelli, I understand finish and fit, but did you ever have a problem with the function of the gun?

I've always thought a bit loose is ok, to rigid gets rounds stuck.