t_dickinson
Member
This is my review of the Kel-Tec PF9 I asked about this morning.
Ok, so I moved fast on this. Went to my shop and they had a new shipment at $277 each. Saw one in the case used for $225 and it had the metal mag release which Kel-Tec says is how you know it is the latest version.
Got them to drop it to $200 so why not?
Grabbed an extra factory mag and went to the range. It's not comfortable to shoot but it's not uncomfortable. The one does not define the other. I feel that the S&W 642 Airweight has very uncomfortable recoil and would rather not shoot it at all (simply my opinion of a very nice revolver). By comparison the PF9 is mild. To me it feels like shooting a Glock 23. Not bad but certainly not an all day gun. Kind of snappy but doesn't send a shock up the arm.
The grips are good and aggressive. The stock mag has a little extension that allows my average sized hand to get a full grip. I was easily able to shoot one-handed with no fear of losing it. That said, the backstrap did dig into my palm by the end of 100 rounds but that was the end of the session and way more than I'll usually shoot.
Sights are good and easy to pick up.
Trigger is not heavy. I'd say 6 lbs. Long DA pull but very smooth.
Accuracy is good off hand was about 6" per 7 at about 7 yds shooting quickly. When taking time it was about 3. I think it could have been better. I shot at 1300 and had only a coffee and no food all day so my hands were shaking all over the place. I wasn't a good test of accuracy today but others here have covered this.
Reloading is easy but not instant due to the miniscule grip - this will take practice. The mags have a good finish and the stock mag flies free easily. The spare however, needed to be pulled from the gun. I don't like this but I don't expect to have to load a 3rd if even a second.
I'm 6' 175 with an athletic cut so I can't hide my Glock 23. Even with a tight T-shirt the Kel-Tec disappears. If I can hide this anyone can.
I fondled a Taurus PT709 and ergonomically it didn't feel any better than the PF9. IUt has a different trigger and might feel more like a glock so it wins there but the PF9 isn't terrible so I don't mind. The 709 is a bit heavier and thicker but still so small that it wouldn't hamper IWB. It may be okay for pocket carry but you't need baggy pockets. To be honest, neither is a real pocket gun. Get a .380 for that.
The 709 comes with 2 mags; the Kel-Tec just 1 but the spare factory was only $21. The 709 has a better finish (my PF9 is blued and not looking very durable but I don't care one bit). At $275 plus a spare mag the PF-9 is about $100 cheaper than the $400 OTD Taurus. Given the nicer trigger, finish, and probably better recoil, I'd say both guns are well worth their respective price tags so I can't say one is a better deal than the other.
Trade a little comfort and save $100 on the Kel-Tec or pay more for the better features of the Taurus but get a wider, heavier pistol.
There are so many things I've left out but they've been covered everywhere else. I'll let the wife shoot this. If she likes it, great and CT makes a laser if she wants. If not, I like it just fine and I'll get her the Taurus. The PF9 should give no man a problem with recoil. I simply can't support the complaints in that area.
For $200 how could I go wrong. My shop even gives you 24 hrs to return a used gun!!! I'm happy and either way, most of you will be too.
Thanks to all who helped me get through this neurotic day. This review was neither well written nor spell checked. I'm aware of the shortfalls in both regards and simply choose not to care. Sorry.
harmon rabb - your review was much better than mine and helped alot today. I hope my attempt helps half as much!
Ok, so I moved fast on this. Went to my shop and they had a new shipment at $277 each. Saw one in the case used for $225 and it had the metal mag release which Kel-Tec says is how you know it is the latest version.
Got them to drop it to $200 so why not?
Grabbed an extra factory mag and went to the range. It's not comfortable to shoot but it's not uncomfortable. The one does not define the other. I feel that the S&W 642 Airweight has very uncomfortable recoil and would rather not shoot it at all (simply my opinion of a very nice revolver). By comparison the PF9 is mild. To me it feels like shooting a Glock 23. Not bad but certainly not an all day gun. Kind of snappy but doesn't send a shock up the arm.
The grips are good and aggressive. The stock mag has a little extension that allows my average sized hand to get a full grip. I was easily able to shoot one-handed with no fear of losing it. That said, the backstrap did dig into my palm by the end of 100 rounds but that was the end of the session and way more than I'll usually shoot.
Sights are good and easy to pick up.
Trigger is not heavy. I'd say 6 lbs. Long DA pull but very smooth.
Accuracy is good off hand was about 6" per 7 at about 7 yds shooting quickly. When taking time it was about 3. I think it could have been better. I shot at 1300 and had only a coffee and no food all day so my hands were shaking all over the place. I wasn't a good test of accuracy today but others here have covered this.
Reloading is easy but not instant due to the miniscule grip - this will take practice. The mags have a good finish and the stock mag flies free easily. The spare however, needed to be pulled from the gun. I don't like this but I don't expect to have to load a 3rd if even a second.
I'm 6' 175 with an athletic cut so I can't hide my Glock 23. Even with a tight T-shirt the Kel-Tec disappears. If I can hide this anyone can.
I fondled a Taurus PT709 and ergonomically it didn't feel any better than the PF9. IUt has a different trigger and might feel more like a glock so it wins there but the PF9 isn't terrible so I don't mind. The 709 is a bit heavier and thicker but still so small that it wouldn't hamper IWB. It may be okay for pocket carry but you't need baggy pockets. To be honest, neither is a real pocket gun. Get a .380 for that.
The 709 comes with 2 mags; the Kel-Tec just 1 but the spare factory was only $21. The 709 has a better finish (my PF9 is blued and not looking very durable but I don't care one bit). At $275 plus a spare mag the PF-9 is about $100 cheaper than the $400 OTD Taurus. Given the nicer trigger, finish, and probably better recoil, I'd say both guns are well worth their respective price tags so I can't say one is a better deal than the other.
Trade a little comfort and save $100 on the Kel-Tec or pay more for the better features of the Taurus but get a wider, heavier pistol.
There are so many things I've left out but they've been covered everywhere else. I'll let the wife shoot this. If she likes it, great and CT makes a laser if she wants. If not, I like it just fine and I'll get her the Taurus. The PF9 should give no man a problem with recoil. I simply can't support the complaints in that area.
For $200 how could I go wrong. My shop even gives you 24 hrs to return a used gun!!! I'm happy and either way, most of you will be too.
Thanks to all who helped me get through this neurotic day. This review was neither well written nor spell checked. I'm aware of the shortfalls in both regards and simply choose not to care. Sorry.
harmon rabb - your review was much better than mine and helped alot today. I hope my attempt helps half as much!
