What do you think of keltec?

[coosbaycreep]

I've been arguing with other KT haters on another forum lately about whether keltec makes guns that are reliable enough to trust with your life. Personally, I think they are. I haven't put many rounds through either of the three I've owned, but it's the only brand I've carried since I've had my CHL, and it's the main gun I was open carrying (while hiking/biking) before I got my CHL. I had a few malfunctions with my first P32, but nothing that would keep me from carrying it again.

I'm not saying they're the greatest, most well made, and most reliable guns ever made, but I honestly don't think there's any manufacturer who makes guns that are a better choice for CC when you consider their cost, weight, size, and reliability.

I'm know glocks, XDs, revolvers, etc. are better made, (generally) more reliable, etc, but none of those are comparable in price, size, and weight to a keltec. That's why I got rid of a PF9 and a S&W 442, because they're too big, and too heavy.

So, I want opinions from people who either OWN, have OWNED, or who have at least SHOT a keltec. Please don't vote if you've never even held one and just think they're garbage because they're plastic and don't cost a small fortune.

 

[mrnkc130]

I voted reliable enough for carry- because i have only used a p3at, which i carry daily. Fires everytime I pull the trigger, its lightwieght and easy to conceal, i'm more than satisfied with my kel-tec.

 

[smartshooter.45]

i have a pf9 that has been 100% with factory ammo. it has great firepower for such a small package. very affordable.

 

[mrnkc130]

i forgot to add that too on the list of +'s for keltec...p3at also very affordable

 

[Jed Carter]

They work, but I absolutely hate their triggers, price is right though. I generally holster carry a PCR, or a P232, I have considered the P3AT, but cannot pull the trigger...

 

[natman]

I have a P11 and P32. I bought them both new and like all my new guns, regardless of maker, I gave them a good clean & lube and knocked off any burrs. Neither one has ever had any problems of any sort.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

I have a P11 and a P32. I bought both of them new and they both work fine.

IMO, they are GTG.

 

[harmon rabb]

My PF-9 has been a pos. Hopefully the new extractor kel-tec sent me will fix my issues.

 

[MCgunner]

I've carried my P11 for 14 years now. It's got over 11K trouble free rounds through it and is still amazingly accurate. I'm not sure how a gun gets any "more reliable" than perfect. Nothing like having 11 rounds of +P 9x19 in your pocket just in case.

 

[frozenover]

I've had the P32 for two months with over 400 rounds through it with no problems. Its turned into my daily carry gun.

 

[Nasty]

PF9 and P32 in daily carry...both function 100% and have for years.

 

[mesinge2]

I have a PF-9 and it has been 100% reliable. My only issue is the abrasive checkering, it cuts the hand during the sharp recoil. However, this it the smallest 9mm I own, I carry it in a pocket holster.

I think they're great guns

 

[uspJ]

i carry a pf9 when my glock 26 is not convienient due to dress restrictions. if you keep it clean it's fine.

 

[MisterMike]

I don't have a Kel-Tec, but will likely buy a PF9 soon. I think the company has done a remarkable job of designing and building quality pistols at an exceptionally good price.

It doesn't take too long to find negative reports about Kel-Tec on the web, but you can say pretty much the same thing about Glock, Sig, HK, Colt or whoever. However, the overwhelming weight of evidence seems to be that Kel-Tecs are reliable and well-supported by the company (in those instances where owners do experience problems). Pretty, they ain't, but that's pretty low on my list of reasons to buy a gun.

 

[trickyasafox]

I own a p11 that has been trouble free from day 1. Great little gun.

 

[Just One Shot]

I would but it's not my first choice. They seem to be dependable enough but, as it's already been stated, I'm not a fan of their triggers.

 

[Guillermo]

Kel Tec guns are cheap, they work, triggers suck.

They are a good enough design that Ruger cloned them

 

[Shadow 7D]

don't think that it can get much better at that price point, compare their competition

Ruger, a straight knockoff
ring of fire (cobra) guns
hipoint (price point, not size)

Then you have to pay more for NAA, and other pocket size gun

 

[CajunBass]

I had a P-11. It worked well enough, but I saw something I wanted more and traded it off.

 

[glove]

Kel-Tec

I like my P3AT easy to carry and 0 problems.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I didn't vote. I have several k/t's. All but 1 had to be sent back because they didn't work. Since then they have been about as relaible as a mouse gun gets and I have no problem carrying one.

 

[CoRoMo]

Posted by MCgunner
I've carried my P11 for 14 years now. It's got over 11K trouble free rounds through it and is still amazingly accurate. I'm not sure how a gun gets any "more reliable" than perfect. Nothing like having 11 rounds of +P 9x19 in your pocket just in case.

This is very good information. In fact, I think MCgunner's advice was influential when I decided on, bought, and began to carry my P11. I keep trying to find something else to carry, but nothing fits the bill. I'd really like to move up to 45, but I'd have to go with a bigger, heavier gun with fewer rounds. That's not a deal-breaker of course; it is what it is. I just have little reason to replace the P11 if it's going to keep purring along like it does. In fact, I'm planning to get another one. Also, if your P11 operates with the 12rd mags, it's very hard not to like that package.

 

[BushyGuy]

they are on the cheap side next to hi-point, i wouldnt carry one cuz the trigger are not that good but hey its better then no gun at all.

i am a Ruger fan so i love Rugers and Taurus my 2nd favorite

 

[thunder173]

I carry a P3AT pretty much every day,..and usually the P-11 is either close by or on me,..depends on my attire and the weather. Have had both for some time,..with lots of rounds down range to break in. Find an ammo they like and they work. I use Fiochhi FMJ in the .380,..and 13 Hornaday 124 gr JHP's in the P-11 with the 12 round mags. They are not pretty,..and they are NOT range guns. They both go bang every time,..and they work for me. Agree the triggers ARE long and hard. I like them that way for this type of ccw. The price was right when I bought them,..and they fit the niche I bought them for. I have had zero issues with either,..and have no complaints. I have found Keltec's sales & service folks easy to deal with. (Having bought spare mags and other goodies from them,...and they have answered several questions I have asked of them regarding both guns.)

One thing I have noticed,...most folks that rip on the Keltec's haven't ever carried or used one. Suggest you try it. You may like it. YMMV....If you don't,.... trade it back and buy something that you do like.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I own 2 P32's and they have both been totally reliable. I run Euro FMJ through them and use care when loading the mags. Never had a single hiccup with either.