Ruger LC9 or Keltec PF9

[Old John]

I'm looking at buying one or the other. They are both small & thin, easy to conceal. Maybe even carry in a pocket.
The Ruger has a better finish, a slide lock & safety.
The Keltec is a little lighter, and a Hundred Dollars cheaper. Acceptable finish. And, I think it has as good a trigger or better.

My DSW has a Keltec PF9 and it has been very reliable.
But, I like the Ruger reputation. Is it worth the extra $100??

 

[RX-178]

Having handled Ruger LC9s, the safety is a non-issue to me. I can't imagine EVER carrying this weapon with the safety on, considering that it did take some doing to take the safety off. It's a DAO weapon anyway.

The PF-9 HAS a slide lock, and does lock back on an empty magazine.

The PF-9 is a little rougher, and is less smoothed-over than the Ruger, which might be a consideration if you're going to pocket carry.

Personally, I have a PF-9 as a BUG since before Ruger even had the LCP (let alone the LC9), and given the choice again... I /probably/ would still pick the PF-9 because it costs less.

 

[Viper]

I had some reliability problems with a PF9 some years ago, but I think they are better now. I have handled a LC9 but never shot one, although I do have a well used LCP. If the trigger is important to you, you might want to check out the CM9. My PM9 has been 100% and is my go-to pocket pistol.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have the KelTec PF-9 the Ruger copy was never in the running weight ,safety, and the trigger all kept at dealer. I really like my PF-9

 

[cowhrse1]

I have the PF9 which was made about a year ago and been pleased with Kel-Tec. It has been 100% reliable and great factory service when ordering accessories. Would agree the Ruger has a nicer finish but I was looking for a quality pistol I could be rough with while carrying and not worry about wear and tear on it. Either would be a reliable choice.

 

[F-111 John]

Nutnfancy's PF9 vs. LC9 Shootout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzhapH0CaUE

Hickok45's LC9 vs. PF9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiXbGwnVhVY

Not having done my own head-to-head, I'd trust either one of those guys.

 

[dfsixstring]

I looked at both and bought the LCP at the suggestion of the dealer. I've been pleased with it. I really like how the edges have been smoothed over. Since I pocket carry, it's nice.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.283571,-86.781336

 

[TennJed]

I got a PF9 and love it. Also have the .22lr conversion kit coming from Twisted Industries. It is $200. ...looking at it a different way....for a $100 more than the LC9 you can have a Kel Tec 9mm and .22lr combo.....if you shoot factory you can save the $100 in ammo cost and get trigger time with the .22lr

 

[sigbear]

Had Both, Have one.

I bought both of them new in July 2011, got rid of the Kel-tec because of constant FTF's & FTE's, no issues with the LC9.

Sigbear

 

[97guns]

im getting an lc9 today, my local shop has a tax free weekend. i have a keltec p32 that is not reliable enough for me to trust it, hopefully the ruger will be nothing but uber reliable.

 

[Don357]

Seeing as the LC-9 is a COPY of the PF-9, save money!

 

[97guns]

well im in ca so the kel tec is a no go for me, also with my experience with the p32 would sway me towards the ruger. i picked up an LC9 today for $425 out the door.

 

[kokapelli]

In this catagory CM9 or PM9 would be my choice.

 

[breacher]

Taurus PT709 Slim

 

[billib]

Never shot the Ruger, but my PF9 has been ultra reliable, and with the belt clip, nearly invisible at 5:00.

 

[MrWesson]

LC9 with the thumb safetly,magazine safety,$100 more than the copied design..I'll pass

I also would question whether the Lc9 is drop safe with the safety not engaged as many people carry it.. Just something to think about.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I am a big Kel Tec fan, owning 6 of them, including the P-11 9mm/40 S&W.
But I don't own the PF9 and haven't shot one.

I did impulse buy the LC9 when the first one was delivered to the gun store and I happened to be there.
In 8 days the gun shot over a thousand trouble free rounds. I stopped counting at over 1,600. About ten people have shot about seven different kinds of ammo through the gun with no gun related problems (a couple bad rounds).

I like the gun so well I pocket carry it. I also bought another new one at the gun show.
$325. DFW area.
Haven't shot this one yet.



I bought the LC9's big brother, the SR9C, which also turned out to be a keeper.

 

[sigbear]

The LC9 may be a copy of the PF9 but it is a perfected copy. I don't think anyone looking at these 2 guns side by side could honestly say that the PF9 is of better quality. I would have been happy with my PF9 if it didn't have 30+ FTF/FTE's in 400 rounds, to me that's unacceptable in a brand new gun so I sold it after 2 weeks and took the $ beating.

I still have the LC9, so far 0 issues in 400 rounds

Sigbear

 

[Quoheleth]

I was in this spot earlier this summer.

After handling both the Ruger and KelTec, I settled on and bought the Kahr CW9. I felt that even though it was slightly larger and heavier (and I mean slightly), the trigger is much smoother and, therefore, gives a better shot break. It's hard to describe. The Kahr, to me, is like a DA revolver (or, if you've shot one, a Sig 250) - long but smooth. The Ruger and KelTec have a trigger that is more like a 3/8 dowel breaking (as opposed to "glass rod" of 1911 fame).

Q