New to forum - considering a Kel-Tec PF-9 for daily carry

[Deaj]

Hello all,

I'm new to this forum though I have read through more than a few threads here recenntly following Google searches for info. I have been carrying the same dependable, reliable 9mm Star Firestar for close to 15 years. While it has proven itself dependable it is a brick to carry! I have recently begun to research alternatives looking for something light, compact, and effective as a replacement for my trustty Firestar. I had been focusing mostly on ultralight .38 snubby revolvers when my brother-in-law (and friend) loaned me his Kel-Tec PF-9 so that I could spend some time at the range wth it. So far I'm very impressed with this littl auto loader! Small, light, easy to handle, conceals just about anywhere, and a DA trigger I believe I can live with happily. Time will tell, of course, but the PF-9 looks to be the ideal replacement for my long trusted Firestar.

The weight savings is a no brainer, the switch to double action carry is just a matter of muscle memory & practice. I just wanted to hear from those carrying PF-9's and/or those who have decided not to carry one: why the PF-9 for you, or why did you decide against or retire it? Are there any significant reasons to avoid the Ke-Te c PF-9?

Thanks! Dennis

 

[PAPACHUCK]

I carry the P11. If it works 100%, and you can shoot it well, carry it.

 

[Prepster]

Welcome to the forums

I don't own a Kel-Tec, but my buddy has two; a PF-9 and a P-32. They both seem to work just fine and do want they are designed to do. I don't care for Kel-Tecs myself because they don't feel good in my hand and they aren't quite as nice as other polymer offerings (although they are cheaper). I feel that as long as you go in expecting a workhorse and not a luxury machine you should like it just fine.

 

[MCgunner]

I've carried a P11 for 13 years and many thousand trouble free rounds. Works for me. The PF9 has a lighter, shorter trigger than attracts many who don't like the DA on the P11. It's a little thinner, 2 ounces lighter, but gives up capacity for that being a single stack. It's one of the better choices in subcompact 9s IMHO. There's plenty of variety in the category, though. I consider a pocket sized 9 among the best choices for pocket carry in hot climates. Many don't agree with that, but it works for me.

 

[svaz]

I recently saw one at the LGS and started checking it out. The clerk opined (un-prompted) that it was a gun "made to be carried often, but not shot alot". I've long since stopped listening to unsolicited opinions but I'm guessing he wasn't impressed with the recoil spring follower which, given the price, he probably thought was plastic (as did I, BTW). Turns out it is polymer and according to KOG is unlikely to wear out.

I've since done a little more research and have been favorably impressed though I have yet to shoot it. FWIW, it's on my short-list, to replace my .38 snub (standardizing on 9mm), along w/ the Taurus 905 & PT-111.

 

[presspuller]

I carry the P-11. I do not own a PF-9 but I don't really think its THAT much smaller/lighter than the P-11 to give up the extra capacity.
In short, if you like it and feel comfortable with it then go ahead and don't look back.
I have had no problems at all with either of my two KTs.

 

[midiwall]

I just wanted to hear from those carrying PF-9's and/or those who have decided not to carry one: why the PF-9 for you, or why did you decide against or retire it? Are there any significant reasons to avoid the Ke-Te c PF-9?

I wanted something small that could give me a number of options in how to carry. With the PF-9, I can carry pocket or belt-clip then at 2 o'clock or SOB with a holster. I wasn't concerned about capacity... If 7+1 isn't enough, then I'm probably running while staining my shorts anyway.

You may also want to look at the Kahr PM9. My GF carries one, and it's a great gun. About twice the price (new) of a PF-9, but it'll be up to you if you think it's worth the additional cost. Personally, I spent the "extra" money on a CT laser and some grip additions for the Kel-Tec.

 

[DesmoDucRob]

Grip Length?

I haven't seen the Kel-Tec's up close, but I don't personally care to have a pinkie hanging off the grip. Does the height allow for a full grip?

 

[wally]

See this thread I made when I got my PF-9:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=316342

I think its a good choice if the budget is tight, but if you can afford a more expensive pistol, I think its worth it in the long run.

The PF-9 and SC360 are the only pistols I've ever had to "take a break" to let my hand recover before finishing a box of ammo.

--wally.

 

[ByAnyMeans]

If it works for you then use it. I personally use the P3at if not a G26 but the PF-9 is a nice option. I tried many grips before falling in love with http://www.ktaddons.com/products.htm and their energy pads and grip. It adds no real width and makes the gun much easier to shoot.

 

[midiwall]

I haven't seen the Kel-Tec's up close, but I don't personally care to have a pinkie hanging off the grip. Does the height allow for a full grip?

A NIB PF-9 will come with a pinky extension that will help. A guy over on KTOG came up with an idea to use a Kahr PM9 extension (which is longer) on the PF-9 and I documented the process:

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1239471511/0

The PF-9 and SC360 are the only pistols I've ever had to "take a break" to let my hand recover before finishing a box of ammo.

Agreed. But, adding a Hogue Gripall Jr and a rear pad from KTAddons helps a LOT. I've shot 200rds without a break and was able to type about it later.

 

[wanderinwalker]

I have a PF-9 that I like to call my "bicycle gun". It's so flat, small and light, I can throw it into an elastic waistband and it doesn't move. (I use a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB with a clip for this; works well.) It can go in a pocket, or pretty much anywhere.

Now, I dislike it's recoil (I too have to take breaks to finish more than 2-3 mags in a sitting) and it is susceptible to limp-wristing when I get near the end of an extended range session. I've actually kept a log and am running about a 2% failure rate, but none in the last couple hundred or so, where I have been refraining from more than 25-30 rounds in a trip through it.

My preference, when dress and conditions permit, is my Glock 26. Quite a bit bigger, not the "only a little bit bigger" some will say, but lots easier to shoot well and mine has proven boringly reliable, even near the end of an extended range session. Plus it holds what seems to be a lot more rounds (10 +1 versus 7 +1). In a gun this size, IMO, 10 >>> 7, and 7 >>> 5 (snubby).

That said, I'm keeping the Kel-Tec for those times the Glock can't go. I suppose I could use it as a BUG to the 26 as well. Just thought of that...

 

[Deaj]

Thanks for the info and observations everyone. I'll get to the range wiith it this week. It is easy to carry!

 

[GBExpat]

...I just wanted to hear from those carrying PF-9's and/or those who have decided not to carry one: why the PF-9 for you, or why did you decide against or retire it? Are there any significant reasons to avoid the Ke-Te c PF-9?

Welcome to THR, Deaj!

I have carried a PF-9 in a DeSantis Nemesis holster in the right rear pocket of my 501s everyday since last October a couple times a week during the 14 months prior to that.

I find it to be light, accurate and relatively comfortable to shoot (so long as the grip is covered with a Hogue or a piece of innertube ... I use the latter). My pinkie finger has no room on the grip, but that does not bother me too much.

I do not shoot it often or much, since wear will probably develop more quickly than with an all-metal gun.

Some folks actually have 2 PF-9s ... one for most of their range work and the other for carry.

 

[Deaj]

Thanks again for all of your feedback everyone. The lack of any negative reliability comments here and at KTOG and my own positive experience with my brothers PF-9 finally led me to the purchase of a new PF-9 for myself last week. So far it's been nothing but positive. I've been to the range twice with it now and I've put ~300 rounds through it (a variety of FMJs and JHPs) with no failures. It's easier to shoot than I had expected given others posted experience. I experienced no significant fatigue and shot well with it practicing for its intended use through more than 100 rds each visit.

The PF-9 is much easier to carry than my old Firestar! I'm currently carry it IWB on my right hip using the optional right handed belt clip only, no holster - it disappears and it is comfortablte to carry this way for me. With practice I'm now able to draw the PF-9 consistently from my right hip using my middle finger to lift the belt clip and my right index finger falls straight along the top side of the trigger guard. I actually find it easier to deploy than the Firestar I've trained with and carried for many years.

Time will tell if the PF-9 will prove as reliable as my long trusted Firestar (~4,000 rounds, no failures) but it's looking good so far!

 

[nelson133]

Since Kel-Tec give a lifetime no question warranty, shoot it as much as you like. I literally wore out a P3-AT and they replaced it for the cost of shipping it back to them.

 

[bigmike45]

Deaj,

As far as a carry weapon, it is hard to beat due to size & weight. I carry mine every day no matter what I am wearing. In my dress slacks I use a Galco pocket holster and it quite literally disappears. I can drop the same combination in the pocket of my favorite shorts and carry it comfortably and securely, and this gun makes a perect BUG for the other carry weapons I strap on from time to time. It is not a range shooter without either modifications to the guns grip or wearing a shooting glove, fast becomes very uncomfortable. I have over 2000 rounds through mine with the calouses to prove it and have never had any problems....since I got it back from KT. Out of the box it was shooting waaaay off point of aim. They fixed it no charge. I would buy another!!! I previously had a KT P-11 filling this role but it has been reassigned to nightstand duty since I picked up the PF9.

 

[hardluk1]

I to am a owner of a pf-9 and have shoot only about 200 rounds now and no problems have come up. Yes it is harder to hang on to and i do have the hogue jr slipon for help there. It is what it is ,,a ccw gun and will shoot about 28 rounds and then shoot something else and come back and finish the box . It is superizeingly accurate for a small fly-weight and all though i do have a nice pocket holster it fits several pair of paints very good with out the holster. I did spend more time than needed desideing on a pistol for my pocket and am glad i got his one. I did buy two extra clips , if needed and they fit well in the off side watch pocket. I do also have a 38 fy-weight as a backup

 

[LancerMW]

Like my pf9 a whole lot, carrys very well, shoots well ect.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I have really sung the praises of my PF9, but recently it did something very odd that places it in my 'inactive' column. It had several FTFs and it actually went into a single action mode while firing. The hammer would stay back, hung up somehow. I've got to get it sent off to Kel-Tec.