harmon rabb
Member
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
- Messages
- 2,699
I picked up a Taurus PT-709 yesterday. I also replaced the extractor in my Kel-Tec PF-9, and the gun now works properly.
Well, I shot them side by side yesterday, and thought I might give some thoughts. I put about 50rds through the PF-9 and 150rds through the PT-709, with zero malfunctions from either.
Well, I'll start with the Kel-Tec's strong points first. It has much better sights. The Kel-Tec is also noticeably lighter, a tiny bit thinner, and the grip is shorter despite having the same magazine capacity. It's also cheaper, and do I even need to compare the reputation of Kel-Tec's customer service to Taurus's? :jest:
Now, I'll bag on the Taurus for a second. Whoever put those sights on the 709 should be punched. It's such a good product in so many ways, but man, did they drop the ball on the sights.
Ok, now the good bits about the Taurus. Awesome trigger. Probably the best striker trigger I've ever experienced. Much better than a glock trigger, better than a xd trigger, light years better than the PF-9 trigger (which has a hammer and is not striker fired, so don't jump on me, because I know). It's unique though. The first 9/10'ths of the travel has almost no resistance (maybe 1lb, if that), and the final, second stage, is very light, with a clean break. If it's more than 5lbs, I'd be shocked. Unlike a glock, the trigger reset is very short, so you can send out a string of shots very quickly. I honestly think I'm safe in saying it has, without a doubt, the best trigger of any mouse gun in existence.
Awesome recoil handling as well. The PF-9 really isn't bad here. You have people make it out to be painful, and it isn't. But it's not pleasant. You wouldn't want to shoot 200rds out of it. The 709, on the other hand, handles recoil about as well as a full size. You truly could shoot 200-300rds out of it and not leave with your hand in any sort of pain at all. Perhaps this is due to the added weight it carries over the PF-9. I don't know. But, side by side, the difference is VERY noticeable.
Accuracy... well, based upon my trigger comments, do I really need to say anything else? I was far better with the Taurus. But that's me, and I apparently suck balls with heavy ass DA style triggers.
I guess that covers most things. Now, how about carrying them? Well, the PF-9 will fit in a pocket a little easier.. although, really, it'll only fit in a big pocket anyway, and a big pocket will fit the PT-709. As far as IWB, I can't notice the weight difference. What I do notice is that the PT-709 has a rounded profile, while the PF-9 is blocky with sharp edges, so the PF-9 prints more. They both fit in the same holsters btw.
The PT-709 is SA with a thumb safety, but with a glock style trigger safety and a firing pin block. So, in theory, you don't need to carry it locked... but, man, that trigger is so light, I worry a little. I've been carrying it cocked and locked. The PF-9 trigger is heavier. You're not setting that ****er off any way but intentionally :lol:
What else? Hmm. The PF-9 is rated for +p while the PT-709, as far as I can find, is NOT. That's definitely something to consider.
In short, due to the trigger, better recoil absorption, and melted profile, I like the PT-709 better. It's FAR more enjoyable to shoot, but that's not really the measure of a carry gun. It's got a decent amount of features for the money, and actually came with :OMG: two mags. I was VERY pleasantly surprised with this gun, I will say. I bought it on a whim, as the store had a good price, and I decided to give Taurus a try. I'm glad I did.
But the PF-9 ain't bad, at least now that mine works properly.
Btw, the PT-709 field strips like a glock, but you don't have to dry fire it first. Lots of guys report the slide being very difficult to remove, though.
I found the secret, even though the manual doesn't tell you this. Once you pull the slide back a bit, hold down the release tabs, then release the slide... dry fire it. The slide will then come off easy.
Some comparison pics are below.
Well, I shot them side by side yesterday, and thought I might give some thoughts. I put about 50rds through the PF-9 and 150rds through the PT-709, with zero malfunctions from either.
Well, I'll start with the Kel-Tec's strong points first. It has much better sights. The Kel-Tec is also noticeably lighter, a tiny bit thinner, and the grip is shorter despite having the same magazine capacity. It's also cheaper, and do I even need to compare the reputation of Kel-Tec's customer service to Taurus's? :jest:
Now, I'll bag on the Taurus for a second. Whoever put those sights on the 709 should be punched. It's such a good product in so many ways, but man, did they drop the ball on the sights.
Ok, now the good bits about the Taurus. Awesome trigger. Probably the best striker trigger I've ever experienced. Much better than a glock trigger, better than a xd trigger, light years better than the PF-9 trigger (which has a hammer and is not striker fired, so don't jump on me, because I know). It's unique though. The first 9/10'ths of the travel has almost no resistance (maybe 1lb, if that), and the final, second stage, is very light, with a clean break. If it's more than 5lbs, I'd be shocked. Unlike a glock, the trigger reset is very short, so you can send out a string of shots very quickly. I honestly think I'm safe in saying it has, without a doubt, the best trigger of any mouse gun in existence.
Awesome recoil handling as well. The PF-9 really isn't bad here. You have people make it out to be painful, and it isn't. But it's not pleasant. You wouldn't want to shoot 200rds out of it. The 709, on the other hand, handles recoil about as well as a full size. You truly could shoot 200-300rds out of it and not leave with your hand in any sort of pain at all. Perhaps this is due to the added weight it carries over the PF-9. I don't know. But, side by side, the difference is VERY noticeable.
Accuracy... well, based upon my trigger comments, do I really need to say anything else? I was far better with the Taurus. But that's me, and I apparently suck balls with heavy ass DA style triggers.
I guess that covers most things. Now, how about carrying them? Well, the PF-9 will fit in a pocket a little easier.. although, really, it'll only fit in a big pocket anyway, and a big pocket will fit the PT-709. As far as IWB, I can't notice the weight difference. What I do notice is that the PT-709 has a rounded profile, while the PF-9 is blocky with sharp edges, so the PF-9 prints more. They both fit in the same holsters btw.
The PT-709 is SA with a thumb safety, but with a glock style trigger safety and a firing pin block. So, in theory, you don't need to carry it locked... but, man, that trigger is so light, I worry a little. I've been carrying it cocked and locked. The PF-9 trigger is heavier. You're not setting that ****er off any way but intentionally :lol:
What else? Hmm. The PF-9 is rated for +p while the PT-709, as far as I can find, is NOT. That's definitely something to consider.
In short, due to the trigger, better recoil absorption, and melted profile, I like the PT-709 better. It's FAR more enjoyable to shoot, but that's not really the measure of a carry gun. It's got a decent amount of features for the money, and actually came with :OMG: two mags. I was VERY pleasantly surprised with this gun, I will say. I bought it on a whim, as the store had a good price, and I decided to give Taurus a try. I'm glad I did.
But the PF-9 ain't bad, at least now that mine works properly.
Btw, the PT-709 field strips like a glock, but you don't have to dry fire it first. Lots of guys report the slide being very difficult to remove, though.
I found the secret, even though the manual doesn't tell you this. Once you pull the slide back a bit, hold down the release tabs, then release the slide... dry fire it. The slide will then come off easy.
Some comparison pics are below.
