KelTec PF9 Pro's & Cons

[Tacbandit]

Looking for another small carry gun....wanted the Sig 238, as I'm looking for something small, but it sounds like that gun has issues...I heard about the PF 9
and I was wondering about your experiences out there, with this gun...I found
it here locally for right at $300.00 new...Is this good? Is this gun worthy of consideration?

 

[SCBradley]

What issues does the 239 have?

 

[Tacbandit]

My bad, SC...I errantly said 239, but meant to say 238...in too much of a hurry. I went back and edited for correction....

 

[hardluk1]

Some guys pay a bit less for the pf-9 but thats what i had to pay. Pros and cons,,,Its lite,thats both good and bad. Not going to shot much more than a box of ammo at a time with only a two finger grip. It may like some ammo better than others but lots do when talk'n about hp rounds. Did i say it is lite? and small enough for most front pocket carry. That where mine sets. I like the pistol and still buy one evn with the newest bunch that have come along. I have put about 250 fmj down range and 193 hornady critcal defence rounds with no problems, last 7 in the clip with more comeing. Go to the KTOG forum and follow the fluff and buff for basic clean up. Then enjoy.

 

[rbernie]

I rented one, and that cured me of ever wanting to buy one. I am not normally recoil sensitive, but that little thing is so thin that the recoil was quite painful. I cdould barely get through a couple of magazines before I was ready to be done.

Others may be made of stouter stuff, but not me.

 

[Quoheleth]

Is this gun worthy of consideration?

Yep.

• Light.
• Big enough to grip; small enough to conceal easily.
• Decent DA trigger
• Real sights - not "bumps" like LCP/P3AT
• Has Pic. rail for light/laser, should you want to go that way.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Can handle OCCASSIONAL +P loadings, per the manual

Couple negatives:
"Disposable" - reportadly, they are made to handle a couple thousand rounds, and that's it. Of course, I can't see myself running 2000 rounds through it in any kind of rapid fashion. And, should it ever fail, the lifetime warranty is behind the product.
Lightweight - with a 9mm, recoil is managable, but snappy.
Finish detail is not to the level of Springfield or Smith. You may have to do some work with an Xacto knife or sandpaper to remove some sharp edges from the molds.

It is what it is - a $300 gun - and it serves its niche very well - a lightweight, concealable weapon with 7 rounds of 9mm firepower.

FYI, it is noticibly lighter & thinner with a better trigger than it's P11 counterpart. You lose 4 rounds capacity in the PF9, but the tradeoffs are, IMHO, worth it. To go up to the P11 for capacity I would jump up to the XDc or M&Pc.

Q

 

[skoro]

I bought a PF-9 last year. And I just put it away after carrying it all weekend.

Pros:

light
compact
packs 9mm punch

Cons:

snappy recoil

I've found the recoil can be tamed to acceptable levels by using a Hogus Hand-all Jr slip on grip. Works well for me.

 

[Tacbandit]

Quote by Quoheleth:
""Disposable" - reportadly, they are made to handle a couple thousand rounds, and that's it. Of course, I can't see myself running 2000 rounds through it in any kind of rapid fashion. And, should it ever fail, the lifetime warranty is behind the product.


Hey Q, what is your source for this info...? Is this just your opinion, or is this common knowlege, or what? Just trying to make an informed decision...Thanks

 

[Texasborn]

I'm not trying to start a war because I know there are a lot of Kahr vs. Kel Tec threads. My Kahr CW9 cost about $100 more. I get a 3 finger grip, stainless, no fluff n buff required, and a very smooth trigger. The down side is that it only comes with 1 magazine and they suggest a 200 rd break in.

 

[Quoheleth]

Service life of KelTec

From their FAQs page.

http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/faq.htm

Q : What is the expected life of a Kel-Tec firearm
A : All Kel-Tec firearms have an expected life of 6,000 rounds or more.

Pardon me...it's 6000 rounds, not the 2000-3000 I was thinking. But, again, while somewhat "disposable," it's backed by a lifetime warranty. I think I can safely guarantee you will not be running 6000 rounds through this pocket rocket in any sort of rapid fashion. It probably won't last as long as my Springfield, M&P, or Ruger. But those three are full-size duty guns, made for heavy use.

Not to start a bashing war, but I find it interesting that KelTec is up front on their round count but Ruger - reportedly having "borrowed" the KTP3AT design - won't do so with their LCP, even when directly asked, "Will this gun last 6000+ rounds?"

The Kel Tecs are the Ford Rangers of the pickup world - small, light, and efficient. Glocks, Smiths, et. al., are the F150, F250 and F350 of the world. You wouldn't use a Ranger to haul a 50,000 loaded trailer; you (probably) wouldn't use a F350 Diesel to hot-shot small boxes around town.

Q

 

[Tacbandit]

Thanks, Q.....I appreciate the clarification. I wouldn't expect it to handle what my Kimber
or Glocks would do over the long run, but I find myself looking for that smaller, less cumbersome carry gun. I'm sure that no matter what the life expectancy, it would handle those 1-2 shots that we hope we never have to fire. Thanks to everyone for all the help.
I'll keep you posted...

 

[gimlet1/21]

Tacbandit , I bought the PF-9 when it became available, never have I had a problem. It does exactly what I expect of it, reliably fire the 15 rds. of 9mm that I carry. BTW if you decide to go with this handgun I recommend the belt clip carry method. I frequently have to reach back just to insure it's still with me, very unobtrusive and comfortable way to carry from dawn to dusk.

 

[Tacbandit]

Thanks, gimlet1/21....My buddy just bought one, and he carries with the belt clip also...I
appreciate the insight...Happy shooting!

 

[scotthsi]

I'm with Texasborn and love my Kahr PM9. Yes, it's more expensive, but it is a MUCH nicer pistol, too. I've owned plenty of Kel-Tec products (including a PF-9) and still have two 2nd gen P3ATs and a P11 left. They all go bang (the others didn't) but still have that "when's it going to break" feeling. They work, for the most part, but there's no doubt they are roughly made, inexpensive pistols with a cheap feel to them. You get what you pay for. And, the Kahr CW9 only coming with one magazine? So what...so do the Kel-Tecs.