Kel-Tec PF-9 Review

[Shaw_2112]

Well, got around to doing the fluff and buff this weekend and finally got out to the range today.

I'm new to all this and have never fired a handgun before in my life and I learned a couple of things.

1. I can't hit the broadside of a barn to save my ass.
2. My PF-9 performed flawlessly.

While the recoil was a bit snappy it didn't really bother me much. Gotta work on my control though. I could feel a little numbness after I was done but it was gone after a short while. I really don't think I'll have any soreness and certainly no blisters. I kept hearing about the long trigger pull but not having a reference to compare it too I can't really see where it bothered me much

I put 100 rounds of the Winchester 115gr FMJ through it and had absolutely no problems. I'm quite happy with the way it performed. Now I just gotta work on my aim. After reading about the recoil I decided to go ahead and get the AG Laser shock pads and grips before I even fired the gun. I can't wait till they get here and have another go.

Chalk me up as satisfied Kel-Tec owner...

[DenverRK]

That is the same choice I will make for my next purchase. After getting my CCW permit I will choose something smaller than my Colt Det. Special to carry.

[Thealien]

What distance are you shooting at? Start at 5 yds practicing breathing and slowly squeeeezing the trigger. As you get better move the target farther away. Practice, practice, practice.

Be safe and have fun.

[vindex1963]

This is a big help.
The attachment on the right is for lefties....or is it....yea that's it.

[Shaw_2112]

Originally Posted by vindex1963

This is a big help.
The attachment on the right is for lefties....or is it....yea that's it.

I found those already!! My aim has definitely improved after 500 rounds so far. I'm not hitting all black yet but at least I'm hitting the target now lol! The biggest issue with this gun is that it's so light it's hard to control. Nothing another 1000 rounds won't cure....

[VIP]

I bought a PF-9 a couple days ago.

Cleaned and lubed and put about 80 rounds through it with no problems.

Violent little dude. I had a P-11 before so I expected that.
I wore a glove most of the time but I am going to look for or make some slip on grips.

[CherokeeTad]

I owned PF9 for 6 months, hoping to use it as a CCW, but ended up selling it. It was extremely sensative to limp wristing and short stroking of the trigger along with various quality problems (3rd gen pistol). It also does not have the second strike capability like the P11, if you do short stroke the trigger. When the chips are down and the adrenelin is flowing I want a gun that all I have to do is pull the trigger. For me the PF9 was not a reliable and acceptable gun for a CCW. Kel-Tec has a great warranty and service department which is good, because you'll probably need it at some point. There are better, more reliable guns out there in the PF9 price range. KTOG (KelTec Owners Group) has a forum and they seem to love them, although many post with the same problems.
My 2 cents.

[vindex1963]

Originally Posted by CherokeeTad

Kel-Tec has a great warranty and service department which is good, because you'll probably need it at some point.

I'm not sure I agree with that statement. I think Kel-Tec makes a defence pistol and not a target pistol. That being said I shoot it a little and carry it a lot. I've ran 1000s of rounds through my Glock and 100s through my Kel-Tec.
For the $$ I don't think anyone competes with Kel-Tec in the micro pistol market . My P3AT has ran without a hitch.

[CherokeeTad]

Go read up on the PF9 forum at KTOG. Many have posted problems with the PF9. The P3AT seems to have less problems than the PF9 and are mostly used as BUGs not primary guns. The PF9 as I stated has several features that I do not like for a CC primary gun. The short stroking of the trigger and no second strike capability is not good IMHO. Under a pressure situation a person shouldn't have to worry about something like that. Also, after 300 rounds the pins started walking out on my PF9. I agree that you don't shoot the PF9 that much and that it is not a range gun. But don't most self defense experts tell you that you should be extremely proficient with your carry gun? Some have stated that they won't carry a gun unless it has had at least 500 rounds thru and been 100%. They also recommend regular monthly training with it. If I get in a shootout I want to be proficient with what I carry and not have to worry about any problems with it. If it works for you, great. But I still would not recommend a PF9 for a CCW. I too have a Glock (G23) and it goes bang everytime.

[roofeditor]

Originally Posted by Shaw_2112

Well, got around to doing the fluff and buff this weekend and finally got out to the range today.

I'm new to all this and have never fired a handgun before in my life and I learned a couple of things.

1. I can't hit the broadside of a barn to save my ass.
2. My PF-9 performed flawlessly.

While the recoil was a bit snappy it didn't really bother me much. Gotta work on my control though. I could feel a little numbness after I was done but it was gone after a short while. I really don't think I'll have any soreness and certainly no blisters. I kept hearing about the long trigger pull but not having a reference to compare it too I can't really see where it bothered me much

I put 100 rounds of the Winchester 115gr FMJ through it and had absolutely no problems. I'm quite happy with the way it performed. Now I just gotta work on my aim. After reading about the recoil I decided to go ahead and get the AG Laser shock pads and grips before I even fired the gun. I can't wait till they get here and have another go.

Chalk me up as satisfied Kel-Tec owner...

Would have been my choice in that type of small gun, also the Glock 27 is pretty good.

I have a P-3AT also and It is OK for what it is but I still prefer my SW Scandium .357 snubbie. With the Crimson Trace grips it's deadly, light and other than abusing your hand it's hard to beat. Model 360PD

[Shaw_2112]

Originally Posted by CherokeeTad

I owned PF9 for 6 months, hoping to use it as a CCW, but ended up selling it. It was extremely sensative to limp wristing and short stroking of the trigger along with various quality problems (3rd gen pistol). It also does not have the second strike capability like the P11, if you do short stroke the trigger. When the chips are down and the adrenelin is flowing I want a gun that all I have to do is pull the trigger. For me the PF9 was not a reliable and acceptable gun for a CCW. Kel-Tec has a great warranty and service department which is good, because you'll probably need it at some point. There are better, more reliable guns out there in the PF9 price range. KTOG (KelTec Owners Group) has a forum and they seem to love them, although many post with the same problems.
My 2 cents.

Originally Posted by CherokeeTad

Go read up on the PF9 forum at KTOG. Many have posted problems with the PF9. The P3AT seems to have less problems than the PF9 and are mostly used as BUGs not primary guns. The PF9 as I stated has several features that I do not like for a CC primary gun. The short stroking of the trigger and no second strike capability is not good IMHO. Under a pressure situation a person shouldn't have to worry about something like that. Also, after 300 rounds the pins started walking out on my PF9. I agree that you don't shoot the PF9 that much and that it is not a range gun. But don't most self defense experts tell you that you should be extremely proficient with your carry gun? Some have stated that they won't carry a gun unless it has had at least 500 rounds thru and been 100%. They also recommend regular monthly training with it. If I get in a shootout I want to be proficient with what I carry and not have to worry about any problems with it. If it works for you, great. But I still would not recommend a PF9 for a CCW. I too have a Glock (G23) and it goes bang everytime.

Well, I did run into a problem with my PF-9 recently. But it was one of my own making. I didn't seat the assy pin properly and as a result the pin backed out and broke at the range a couple of weeks ago. No problem though, Kel-Tec sent me a new in 2 days. Almost 1000 rds through and with the exception of the operator error no problems.

Yes the limpwristing is a problem with this gun, but nothing a little practice won't cure....

I'm a member on the KTOG site, yeah some of the older versions (pre SN R4xxx) had some issues, but this is only the first year in production, bound to be some bugs to work out.

[Shaw_2112]

Originally Posted by roofeditor

Would have been my choice in that type of small gun, also the Glock 27 is pretty good.

I have a P-3AT also and It is OK for what it is but I still prefer my SW Scandium .357 snubbie. With the Crimson Trace grips it's deadly, light and other than abusing your hand it's hard to beat. Model 360PD

If had the $700 to buy one I might have considered it, but at $265 out the door for the PF-9 I couldn't beat it....

[vindex1963]

Originally Posted by CherokeeTad

I too have a Glock (G23) and it goes bang everytime.

I agree with a lot of your points. I don't go by the KTOG site because people there are like groupies for Kel-Tec and others are the other extreme for not liking them. I would rather see people buy a Kel-Tec than some of the really junk guns out there.

I also have a G23 and would trust my life with it any day of the week.

[winpitt]

After messing with my Keltec P11 for a while (bought it as a carry weapon) I happily got rid of it. I frankly couldn't stand anything about it. Maybe mine was an exception, but it was clunky, poor quality, very poor accuracy, and generally not at all a pleasure to shoot. Don't know about the P9F, but based on my experiences with Kel-Tec I really am not interested. Just my

[Fred1369]

Walther PPK anyone?