Horvath819
Member
Tried 3 different kinds of ammo, always use a firm grip, and have tried two different magazines. I think it has something to do with the extractor because it fails to eject the spent shell and gets all jammed up.
Kel-tec PF9, biggest POS EVER
- Thread starter Horvath819
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MCgunner
Member
extractor or ejector probably. Kel Tec will fix it. Call customer service.
Walt Sherrill
Member
I've said it before -- maybe in this message chain -- some folks just can't shoot Kel-Tecs. That's not a criticism of them, nor of their technique.
One of my shooting acquaintances is a great shot with his guns, which include a number of SIGs and 1911), but just can't shoot Kel-Tecs.
He bought a P3AT and later sold it, raising hell about it. He said it was a POS, too. I let him try mine, and he could barely hit the target at 25'. I took the same gun and shot a relatively small group (4") shooting very rapidly.
It wasn't the gun, and I know he's a good shooter with other guns.
It may simply be that the gun/shooter interface with some Kel-Tec models is just wrong for some folks.
One of my shooting acquaintances is a great shot with his guns, which include a number of SIGs and 1911), but just can't shoot Kel-Tecs.
He bought a P3AT and later sold it, raising hell about it. He said it was a POS, too. I let him try mine, and he could barely hit the target at 25'. I took the same gun and shot a relatively small group (4") shooting very rapidly.
It wasn't the gun, and I know he's a good shooter with other guns.
It may simply be that the gun/shooter interface with some Kel-Tec models is just wrong for some folks.
Any gun that won't work straight from the box
is a disappointment, but it happens. Send it back to KT and reevaluate it. If you still don't like it or feel you can't trust it, sell it. I just made the choise to buy the LC9 over the PF9 and, at this moment, feel that it was the right decision. I hope I feel this way after 200 rounds. I should have it in aweek or two.
is a disappointment, but it happens. Send it back to KT and reevaluate it. If you still don't like it or feel you can't trust it, sell it. I just made the choise to buy the LC9 over the PF9 and, at this moment, feel that it was the right decision. I hope I feel this way after 200 rounds. I should have it in aweek or two.
Geezer Glide
Member
Just don't polish it and list it on GB.
Sounds like limp wristing could be the problem. Have you let other people shoot it?
Sounds like limp wristing could be the problem. Have you let other people shoot it?
Mike1234567
member
I have somewhat of a problem controlling recoil on tiny 9mm guns. I'm sure it's the ultra-short grip on which I can barely get three fingers. I'm pretty sure a longer grip would help but that partially defeats the purpose of a tiny gun. OR... maybe it's just psychological.
AT any rate, that's why I have a P11 with extended grip.
AT any rate, that's why I have a P11 with extended grip.bigfatdave
Member
I learned to shoot without a place for my last finger on the grip ... and now shoot all guns that way regardless of grip size.Mike1234567 said:
You can get used to it, and in the end you'll realize that that little finger was mostly providing a placebo effect. Amusingly, if I try to grip with all fingers on a gun with sufficient grip, now my shots get pulled low ... but they're dead-on otherwise.
===
Horvath819, perhaps pictures of your extractor would help? Pop off the slide and take a few shots of the extractor claw and the ejector in the frame while you're at it. For that matter, put a round on the bolt-face by hand and see if the extractor holds it.
Your extractor won't function right if the frankenbolt behind it on the frame isn't tight, you could probably find more detailed info and torque specs on KTOG, but if the extractor is un-tensioned it won't hold the empties in the right place on the way back.
Horvath819
Member
Everyone I've let shoot it has had it jam on them too. Even if I hold the gun as hard as I can when I shoot it the problem still persists.
Walt Sherrill
Member
Sounds like a call to Kel-Tec's customer service department is in order. Explain what you've done, that you've had others shoot it, that you've asked here and elsewhere for advice, and nothing has helped.
See if they'll pay the shipping. I think they probably should.
See if they'll pay the shipping. I think they probably should.
RX-178
Member
I had a PF-9 that eventually started FTEing, usually on the last round of a magazine.
I just tightened the screw on the extractor... I don't remember how much even. No precise measurements, I just gave it a little tweak.
That fixred the problem for me.
I just tightened the screw on the extractor... I don't remember how much even. No precise measurements, I just gave it a little tweak.
That fixred the problem for me.
orionengnr
Member
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Now that you've beaten up on the new guy...
So, the K-T faithful have had their say.
I've had well over 50 handguns in the last near-30 years. Four Kel-Tecs--a P32, two P3ATs and a P11. Each was a BIG POS.
I spent a lot of time on KTRange, got a bunch of practice at F&B'ing (with little/no improvement), spent more money on new mags and various types of ammo. And spent more time on the phone with Bill, who sent me springs and other parts at no charge (also with no change).
K-T tried, but never made anything right with me. So I sold each with full disclosure at a big loss and moved on.
I have an LCP that has worked fine from round #1 regardless of ammo and a Kahr PM9 that I shot weekly and carried daily for 3 1/2 years. It's not impossible to build a small gun that works...but IME, K-T still hasn't figured it out.
I will never spend another dime on a K-T, and if you gave me one I'd tie it to a brick and throw it in a lake. Might spend two minutes on it with my 6-pound sledge first...
So, the K-T faithful have had their say.
I've had well over 50 handguns in the last near-30 years. Four Kel-Tecs--a P32, two P3ATs and a P11. Each was a BIG POS.
I spent a lot of time on KTRange, got a bunch of practice at F&B'ing (with little/no improvement), spent more money on new mags and various types of ammo. And spent more time on the phone with Bill, who sent me springs and other parts at no charge (also with no change).
K-T tried, but never made anything right with me. So I sold each with full disclosure at a big loss and moved on.
I have an LCP that has worked fine from round #1 regardless of ammo and a Kahr PM9 that I shot weekly and carried daily for 3 1/2 years. It's not impossible to build a small gun that works...but IME, K-T still hasn't figured it out.
I will never spend another dime on a K-T, and if you gave me one I'd tie it to a brick and throw it in a lake. Might spend two minutes on it with my 6-pound sledge first...
Mike1234567
member
^^^ I have two P11's that function flawlessly. One with 2000+ rounds with no issues ever except the last round lock broke once... free replacement part received in three work days. The other is newer with 300 rounds and no issues.
Horvath819
Member
^^That's how I'm starting to feel about my PF9. I wish now I would have gotten a Ruger or Kahr instead. I'm going to give Kel-tec the chance to fix it, but if they send it back to me and it still jams I actually might throw it in a lake.
Mike1234567
member
^^^ Tell ya' what. Ship it to me and I'll throw it in a puddle in my yard. Then I'll clean it. Then I'll tweak it into submission and punish it thoroughly at the range.
I sympathize with the OP. He shouldn't have to send it back to be repaired because it should have worked right in the first place.
Having said that, venting online has therapeutic value, but it won't get the gun fixed. I'd give Kel-Tec a chance to make it right. If it comes back and still malfunctions, continue bothering them. Make them pay for their mistake until they correct it.
Having said that, venting online has therapeutic value, but it won't get the gun fixed. I'd give Kel-Tec a chance to make it right. If it comes back and still malfunctions, continue bothering them. Make them pay for their mistake until they correct it.
MedWheeler
Member
I like mine, and it is my EDC. I'm glad you've cooled your heels some by now and are sharing details. I don't have any suggestions that have not already been made. Just be clear and diplomatic when communicating with the maker. I'm with the majority here in believing they'll make it right, and on their dime (assuming you're the first owner; I'm not sure how the warranty applies beyond that.)
bigfatdave
Member
so what did you find out when you checked the tightness of that frankenbolt?
And where are the pictures of the extractor/ejector?
What did you find out when you put a round on the breechface?
Horvath819
Member
I did check the tightness on the extractor, it seemed good an tight. I can't get any pictures up right now because I let my sister borrow my camera.
JustinJ
Member
I have a PF9 that initially jammed with all ammo, ecspecially HP, but after a couple of hundred rounds and polishing the feed ramp it started running reliably with certain ammo which to me is unacceptable. If it's chambered for 9 mm a modern gun should shoot ALL factory 9 mm. It does worst with 124 grain FMJ red box winchester. That is why i got a Ruger LC9. Not a jam yet with eight different kinds of 9 mm. There are articles floating around about how to remedy some of the PF9's issues, ecspecially the older variants. The fact that articles exists speaks volumes to me.
hardluk1
member
HORVATH819 Write a letter not whinning but telling CS at KT what is going on. Talk to there CS folks about the problem. Be sure to tell them its new and they should send you a shipping label. Are any of your friends long time shooters Are all of you some what new to guns or atleast small lite weight pistols? Lots of shooters avoid 147gr loads in small pistols too.
I owned a pf-9 great pistol ran 600 mixed pratice rounds and 200 carry loads with zero issues before i carry any pistol and had around 1200 shot when I sold it with zero issues. Bought a KT P-!!. It did NOT work right out of the box. I call KT CS They sent a couple idems to replace to try. It did not help and they sent a lable for it. I recieved the pistol back in 8 days with many parts replaced and it ran like my PF-9. perfect.
Give them a chance. Explane you problems in a letter smartly, no bs or atitude. I also own 2 kahrs and they have there own little problems with some pistols and mags and there CS people are not nearly as nice to deal with.
Most of these problems can be mag related and most of those you can fix but once in a while a real problems comes up so just send the pistol back.
What would you have said if the problems were with a 3000 dollar custom!!! hehehe
I owned a pf-9 great pistol ran 600 mixed pratice rounds and 200 carry loads with zero issues before i carry any pistol and had around 1200 shot when I sold it with zero issues. Bought a KT P-!!. It did NOT work right out of the box. I call KT CS They sent a couple idems to replace to try. It did not help and they sent a lable for it. I recieved the pistol back in 8 days with many parts replaced and it ran like my PF-9. perfect.
Give them a chance. Explane you problems in a letter smartly, no bs or atitude. I also own 2 kahrs and they have there own little problems with some pistols and mags and there CS people are not nearly as nice to deal with.
Most of these problems can be mag related and most of those you can fix but once in a while a real problems comes up so just send the pistol back.
What would you have said if the problems were with a 3000 dollar custom!!! hehehe
MachIVshooter
Member
You don't have to make them; They'll do it voluntarily. It's KT, not Taurus.
I'm not trying to make excuses for them, but some things to consider if you get a KT that ain't perfect the first time out:
-They have developed some of the most innovative firearms extant. The PF-9 is still the thinnest and lightest 9mm around, and definitely one of the least expensive. Most of them run flawlessly.
-They are, and have been for some time, operating beyond their capacity to manufacture. They're still in the midst of a major expansion, which will hopefully get their production and QC where they are trying to be.
-They are 100% American made, and the company is extremely pro-2A. That in and of itself deserves giving them a chance.
-Other tiny guns have issues, too. Kahr had teething problems, Ruger has had issues witht he design they stole from KT. Even the $1,000 Rorbaugh is high maintenence and reported to be less than perfect oftentimes.
I've had 6 KT's, still have five (didn't need two PLR-16's and the mortagage needed paid). My P3 was one of the first, only issue it ever had was mag catch very early on. KT handled it in 2 weeks, it's been fine ever since. My P32 has been perfect, as has my PF-9. Both PLR's ran 100% out of the box. My PMR-30 had extraction issues, which I took care of by profiling the extractor and deepening the cut in the barrel a touch, as well as a slightly longer extractor spring. I also detailed that fix and emailed it to KT, who forwarded it to their R&D dept.
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