Kel-Tec PF9?

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TxPhantom

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After the long, hot, Texas, summer we have had this year I have given a lot of thought to a hot weather BUG. My wife has a S & W 642 revolver that works great but I'm beginning to look for something different for me. My 1st consideration would be a blued S & W 442 revolver.

Lately I've been sorta thinking about the Kel-Tec PF9. I called my local dealer and he said he didn't have it in stock yet. Must be a new Kel-Tec product. It's supposed to be a lot like the PF11 but smaller. Both in 9mm. Has anyone had any experience with the PF9? Is it worth waiting for? Should I buy a PF11?

I just bought a Kangaroo Holster for Bug carry. Use it for my Bersa Thunder 380 for now but I want something a little lighter with a little more power.

For you Kahr-aholics, I am aware of Kahrs. They are great guns but too costly.:eek:
 
The PF-9 is out, and I've seen a few reports on other sites about it.

The key is that the PF-9 is actually slightly longer and taller than the P-11. The selling point is that it is thinner, which is a big help if carrying. Still not pocket-carry though.
 
Compared with the P-11, the PF-9 is:
  • lighter
  • thinner
  • has a "Glock-like" trigger similar to the P-3AT
I'm staying with the P-11. I like the greater capacity and the second-strike capability of a true double action.

I spoke with the Kel-Tec Sales Manager last week and was told that they'd just started shipping PF-9s.

Regards,
Dirty Bob
 
Dirty Bob I think you are mistaken. The PF9 is hammer fired and unlike the GLock striker fired mechanism the hammer is trigger cocked allowing second strike capability. The difference is that it uses linkage and a firing pin block like the smaller guns which improves the trigger pull and adds a little safety in the case the weapon is dropped. The new rear sight of the PF9 is reportadly and improvement over the P-11 sights. Personally I own the P-11 9mm and I have no plans to part with it to get the PF9. I bought the P-11 on a whim but I have grown really fond of it and the tenth of an inch extra thickness of my gun is a fair trade for the extra ammo it carries.
 
The PF-9 has a trigger system adapted from the P-32/3AT which does NOT have true multi-strike capability like the P-11 does.

It indeed has a hammer but you must retract the slide slightly to get the trigger to reset to give a balky round another hit. So DB is correct.

And, I also agree that the P-11 is fine for me and have no plans to get the PF-9.
 
The PF-9 is not longer than the P-11. OL length listed on KT's website is just not correct. The PF-9 is only taller than the P-11 if you measure it with the finger extension on the magazine, and it ships with a flat baseplate. Basically, the PF-9 is the same length and height as a P-11 but thinner and lighter.

As for the trigger, the PF-9 lacks the double strike capability in exchange for a much lighter trigger and 100% drop safety. I personally think this is an excellent tradeoff, as double strike capability seems like a pretty dubious advantage anyway. Standing there trying to restrike a bad primer when you should be clearing it is a bad idea for CCW IMO.

RecoilRob is correct on the presence of a hammer in both and the origins of the PF-9 trigger system.
 
Perhaps I should have been more clear: I meant Glock-like, in that it's not a true DAO action. My understanding is that its trigger is shorter and lighter than the P-11 trigger, but without a second-strike capability. Sorry for any confusion.

I'm sure it'll be a great pistol, but if I were choosing from between the two, I'd take the P-11, based on the greater capacity. It's good to see a firearms company that works to improve/update their products, though.

All my best,
Dirty Bob
 
The P-11 is still a great choice, especially if you only are planning on belt carry. I am hoping/expecting that Kel-Tec will update the P-11 with the new style grip, slide, extractor, and trigger system sometime in the near future. To me, they both have a place in one's CCW lineup.
 
The key is that the PF-9 is actually slightly longer and taller than the P-11. The selling point is that it is thinner, which is a big help if carrying. Still not pocket-carry though.
Click to expand...

Well, I pocket MY P11. It's actually more compact than the very popular J frames, slightly more. If you can pocket a 642, you'll have no problem pocketing a P11 or a PF9. I do it all the time. You do have to select your wardrobe with pocket size in mind, but it carries rather light and easy in a larger pocket.

I still have an IWB for my P11, but usually carry it pocket carry anymore, it's so easy and convenient. I'm not trading my P11 for a PF9, either. I didn't realize the PF9 didn't have second strike capability, but that's not a big requirement with me as I carry quality ammo and have never ever had a misfire on a primer with carry ammo. I've only had a few misfires and it was on reloads that had high primers. I figured out the Lee hand priming tool I was using back then had worn out and wasn't seating them all the way into the pocket, so I tossed it and went to the autoprime 2 which to me is easier anyway.

I don't know if you like DA triggers, but my P11 is quite smooth with a revolver like 10 lb (the newer ones are 8.5 lb) trigger. However, the trigger has a long pull which I like for safety, but some don't. The PF9 has the same long trigger from what I understand which means it's NOT like a Glock trigger, much safer to carry in a pocket IMHO. But, it is lighter than the P11. My info on this comes from a highroad member who just got one and did a little review on it.

I'm one of those who likes the capacity of the P11, but I also like the width of the frame. I prefer a wider frame, why I like Ruger P guns that some hate. I can't stand skinny grips like on a 1911. On my 1911s, I had wide grip panels that helped fill out the grip in my hand and felt better to me. I also like finger groove grips and have a Hogue Handall on my P11 which helps index it in my hand on the draw. When I carry it OWB, I have a finger extention on one mag which also helps.
 
I think everybody has their own limits on what they can pocket carry. To me, the J-Frame is too bulky, and the P-11 just prints too much. I have occasionally dropped my P-40 in my pocket for a trip to the grocery store after working out at the gym. It is a bit heavy and prints "gun" but for 10 minutes I can live with it. I carry my P-40 IWB with a Handall, Jr. and a spare mag with a +1 extension on it. It is fine for cooler weather and clothes I normally wear under those circumstances. I do have a P-11 but use it as a practice pistol for the P-40. For me, the PF-9 will be better for pocket carry under some conditions where I want more than my P-3AT, and can go IWB when I feel like the P-40 is more than I want to bring in my belt.

I have gotten pretty good with the P-11/P-40 trigger but prefer the P-3AT system. The PF-9 trigger I tried was just a bit heavier than my P-3AT, but still fairly long. I don't worry about an AD with any of these pistols to be honest (though I do make sure to keep my finger out of the guard, not taking that for granted). I am not a fan of DA revolver triggers and would swap to the 8.5 pound spring if I had your P-11. OTOH, your spring may have stretched to the point where it is less than 8.5 pounds by now - they do lighten with age. Call KT and ask for one. Customer Service will almost certainly sent you one for free, and installation at home takes 10 minutes of less. Keep whichever one you prefer.
 
If I was mistaken about the second stike capability I am sorry. I don't have one of the smaller KTs......Yet. I won't be trading my P11 though. You either love em or hate em. I love mine.
 
PF-9

Over on the KTOG forum, its sounding like the first 100 PF-9 released are having some issues. Apparently KT has suspended production to correct the problems so the next round of production should prove more reliable.

KT's customer service is top notch so even if you got one of the first, I feel confident they'd do whatever it takes to make it reliable.

I personally would prefer the PF-9 over the P-11 as the width of the gun is of the most importance to me for carry. I would definately wait for a serial number over 100 at this point.
 
its sounding like the first 100 PF-9 released are having some issues. Apparently KT has suspended production to correct the problems so the next round of production should prove more reliable.
Click to expand...

Didn't this same thing happen with both the P32 and P3AT? You would think KelTec would be done using it's paying customers as beta testers at this point, though. Very disappointing if this is true.
 
its sounding like the first 100 PF-9 released are having some issues
Click to expand...


ah, some things never change. Kel-Tecs reputation for spotty quality lives on.



You would think KelTec would be done using it's paying customers as beta testers at this point, though. Very disappointing if this is true.
Click to expand...

True! so true!
 
I want one, but I'm going to wait at least a year while all the good KelTec owners get the bugs:uhoh: out of the new PF-9
 
Well, I'm glad I got one of the 'buggy' first gen .380s. KT fixed it right up in a very timely fashion, and I have a great pistol that's lighter than the g2 guns. My wife's g1 has been flawless from the get-go.
 
"Didn't this same thing happen with both the P32 and P3AT? You would think KelTec would be done using it's paying customers as beta testers at this point, though. Very disappointing if this is true"
Click to expand...

I bet you have never been involved in product design or development.

In my experience, the difference between something that works 100% vs something that occasionally doesn't is much harder to find than most people think.
 
KT customer service

I agree--KT's customer service is excellent. If there is a problem, they'll make it good!

I also live about 40-50 miles from the factory so if they won't fix my gun, I can go pay 'em a visit :evil:
 
TxPHANTOM - I have had the new PF-9 for about 3 or 4 weeks now... have about 300 or so rounds thru it without a hiccup.

I Love It! It has a SWEEEEET Trigger... Spot-On accurate. And the Price is Right!

I live around the corner from you and I teach CHL in Dallas every week.

Please feel free to PM me and we can arrange for you to come down and shoot it if you wish... Just bring your own ammo... :)

I WILL EXTEND THIS OFFER TO ANYONE IN THE DALLAS/Fort Worth AREA...

Let me know!!!
 
TC-TX, do you actually work at Texas Armament? I took my wife to look for a concealable handgun this weekend at the Bullet Trap & Bass Pro. She found a chrome & blue Kel-tec she liked, I'm not sure if it was the PF-9. It was 9mm and bigger than a pocket pistol.....but smaller than most sub-compacts. It was single-stack.
Does this sound like the PF-9?
 
Lately I've been sorta thinking about the Kel-Tec PF9. I called my local dealer and he said he didn't have it in stock yet. Must be a new Kel-Tec product. It's supposed to be a lot like the PF11 but smaller. Both in 9mm. Has anyone had any experience with the PF9? Is it worth waiting for? Should I buy a PF11?
Click to expand...

If you want one check Bud's Gun Shop.

I just ordered one from them and it is on it's way. :evil:
They were in stock the last time I checked, which was this past weekend.

Over on the KTOG forum, its sounding like the first 100 PF-9 released are having some issues. Apparently KT has suspended production to correct the problems so the next round of production should prove more reliable.
Click to expand...

G MODEL: SN R3P00 AND UP. 10/10/07) Produced with new frame to eliminate ejector pin walk.
Click to expand...

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1173985819
 
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