Kel-Tec PF-9 Info

[theweakerbrother]

I've spent a lot of time thinking about purchasing a new gun for everyday carry and have watched with severe interest in subcompact and pocket gun types of pistols. I did a search on the forum and could not find anything on any of our fellow INGO'ers owning or review any of the PF-9 but I thought I would pass along my findings in case anyone else was interested in purchasing a new or used PF-9.

This thread from a board of Kel-Tec owners lists the severe faults with early PF-9 models and gives serial number designations for problematic guns as well as what may be "refurbished" guns: KTOG Forum - A SHORT HISTORY (SO FAR) OF THE PF9

According to this thread: KTOG Forum - PF-9 Kel-Tec Tips and Pointers

Kel-Tec says a few things about their pistol that slightly discourage me from picking one up:

1. They do not recommend you use +P or high pressured ammo to be ran exclusively through their firearms. They do state that one can run the occasional mag of high pressure rounds.

2. Their service sheet also lists that limp-wristing may cause the gun to misfire. I've often heard this to be a fault of pistols before but I've never seen a manufacturer admit to it. Kudos to them for admitting it. I would like to shoot one to see if I could make one of their PF-9s stovepipe or failture to feed/fire.

3. Not just the PF-9 but ALL Kel-Tecs have a shelf life of only "6,000 rounds or more" according to their official website's FAQ section:

Kel Tec

Granted, they could last much longer but the disclaimer makes me doubt their quality.

A lot of reviews say that you get a lot of gun for very little money. I saw PF-9s at the 1500 in the $269-313 price range.

The "stock" or grip of the guns is interchangable and can be purchased from Kel-Tec directly. Grips come in black, olive drab, blue and grey. They can be interchanged because the serial number is on a separate section on the gun, just slightly below the hammer. Slides come in three finishes: (in order of least cost to highest cost) blued, parkerized and hard chromed.

I feel a little more informed after my search but was wondering if anyone out there has any personal experience with the PF-9. I tend to subscribe to the thinking of carrying the biggest possible weapon/caliber that you can and I plan on doing that but there are times when carrying something a bit more concealable makes sense. I want to stay away from the .380, not because I doubt its effectiveness as a self-defense round but because of current cost and availability. I'm also considering maybe a used Kahr but they are considerably more expensive.

I'd gladly do a torture test of over 6,000 rounds if any of you want to sponsor me.

[stoyan79]

PF-9s are good to go, I am currently looking to buy one as I am out of ammo and can't feed the P3AT anymore.

It is slightly bigger than the P3AT and just as good. Get one and don't look back.

[rockydog]

I have one, carry it every day. Shoot a clip or more through it almost every week. functions great and one of these will probably be my sons Christmas present.

[Woo]

I have one and carry it alot. Its easy to conceal and feels good in the hand. That said I do have the occasional Failure to feed. If you would like to shoot one let me know.

[Dogman]

JMO, the PF-9 is a shoot little, carry a lot gun. Can't say that I remember having problems with it. It's small, lightweight. I bought mine to be a house gun. I didn't care for the trigger at all. But for the price I don't regret buying it.

[mospeada]

I have one, bought it back in July. I shot some mis-sized reloads (mine) through it and damaged the extractor. Kel-Tec sent me a new one. Other than the bad reloads, I have yet to have it malfunction.

The trigger isn't great by any means, and I wish it were wider as I think that'd help bunches.

I liked the feel of the Kel-Tec's grip over the Kahr or Taurus that are roughly the same size (thanks for having all three Bradis).

As for accuracy, when I slow down, I can eat the X ring out at 10 yards, but as always, trigger control is king and this little gun is difficult to get that right, especially if you have larger hands like mine (6'6" tall guy here).

As for carry, get a good pocket holster and you'll forget the gun is there. I know I've darn near walked into some places where guns are forbidden (by law) and had to walk back to the car.

I'd recommend one to a person such as you that's looking for as powerful of pocket gun he can find that's accurate, reliable and as comfortable as such a beast gets. Could it be better? Sure, but you'd pay more.

Check out the Taurus (709 slim?) and Kahr (PM9), you may like them better. The Taurus was around $100 more and the Kahr was at least twice the price.

[karodger]

Went with a buddy to buy one.

Personally hate the trigger. Not wide enough and very heavy pull. I also do not care for the grip angle. That in combination with the barrel length created a very uncomfortable shooting experience for me.

Sold it 2 weeks later after putting 250 rounds through it cause neither of us could stand to shoot it anymore.

[CSK22]

Mine was reliable, but painful to shoot. My wrist was in pain for a while after shooting it. Then again I did about 200 rounds as quickly as I could. No ftf or fte, super easy to carry! And its at a good price!

[rlynch25]

I purchased a PF9 earlier this year. I have had no issues with it and carry it everyday. My review was posted here. I did not perform the "fluff and buff" as many recommend and have not had a single failure.

http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...l-tec_pf9.html

[theweakerbrother]

Originally Posted by rlynch25

I purchased a PF9 earlier this year. I have had no issues with it and carry it everyday. My review was posted here. I did not perform the "fluff and buff" as many recommend and have not had a single failure.

http://ingunowners.com/forums/handgu...l-tec_pf9.html

Thanks for linking the review. I literally could not find anything when searching for Kel-Tec or else I probably never would have posted.

I am really jonesing for a green one.