Firearms are a passion of mine. If you’re a regular Gibberish reader, you know this. What you may not know is that I’ve held a concealed carry permit in the Commonwealth of Virginia ever since I turned 21. Most kids buy a twelve pack or go barhopping; I bought my Glock 27 and shot five hundred rounds of ammunition instead. I took a carrying hiatus while I lived in Oregon and Maryland, but aside from that time period if you saw me in public, chances were I was armed.
I’ve learned a lot about comfortable concealed carry over the last decade-plus. There are three goals anyone with a CCH license tries to achieve: safety/protection, comfort, and concealment. The desire to safely carry a weapon for protection is obvious. If you wear a handgun (or handguns, redundancy is your friend), then comfort is a major concern. I sit for most of the day, whether it be at the office or riding in my car. The fall and winter give you some allowances on clothing and holster options, but during the summer even small-framed handguns feel like wet anvils as you sweat just standing still.
Lastly, a key part of CCH is concealment. Freaking out that table of soccer mommies at your favorite restaurant doesn’t do anyone any good. You learn very quickly to reach for things at the store with your off-hand so that your shirt doesn’t ride up and show your piece. Take your gun out before you sit down on the toilet, or risk a nice “clank” if your handgun falls onto the bathroom floor. Sure, you might be able to pack a full-framed 1911 .45 ACP if you wear a suit all day, but my standard attire has been a tshirt and shorts/jeans. Even that is easy street compared to the poor guys who have to wear business casual. Too strict to keep a shirt over a belted handgun, too lax to wear a jacket all day. All of these issues combined lead consistent-carriers like myself to smaller and smaller handguns.
So, enter the pocket guns. I have mentioned my North American Arms Guardian .32 ACP before, which has ridden in a pocket holster for a number of years. I recently wrote about some of my concerns with the handgun not discharging properly. Whether it was poor technique on behalf of other people shooting the Guardian, cheap range ammunition, or both, I wasn’t really interested in leaving a failure to chance. I also disliked the fact that my Guardian’s magazine release would disengage whenever I squatted down. I’ve been compulsively checking to see if the magazine was seated properly. I wonder how many people saw me squeeze something in my pocket and wondered what the fuck I was doing. Not very conceal-y. That might also explain why parents rush their children away from me all the time. :shrug:
I was also concerned about the caliber. .32 ACP isn’t the smallest round out there, but it’s pretty damn close. If I ever had to use the Guardian, I knew it would be a short-range, multiple-shot nightmare. I intended to use it at the same range and with the same techniques as using a knife, which basically boiled down to grabbing my assailant with one hand while pulling the trigger with the other. Given the small size of the .32 ACP bullet plus the Guardian’s tendency to misfeed (again, bad range ammo? Who knows), I started looking elsewhere.
The Kel-tec PF-9 is supposedly the thinnest 9mm automatic made. True to the hype, it’s pretty damn thin, less than one inch. It holds seven rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. Thanks to the polymer receiver and grip, the pistol is very lightweight. I was surprised to discover that it weighs 18.2 ounces fully loaded. The Guardian weighs 15.8 ounces, and my “big” Glock 27 weighs 27.4 ounces. While the PF-9 is heavier than the Guardian, the increased size makes it feel more balanced. It feels less heavy than the Guardian.
Personal protection pyramid: Glock 27, Kel-tec PF-9, and North American Arms Guardian from bottom to top.
The Kel-tec (left) is thinner than the Glock 27. It may not look like it, but the difference makes a huge impact on comfortable concealed carry. There’s no way I could pocket-carry the G27.
The Kel-tec (right) is close in thickness to the Guardian.
The Kel-tec is built for one thing only: deep concealment carry. It doesn’t have fancy gel grips, it doesn’t have a sweet take-down lever, it doesn’t have a decocker, or an external safety. There is no drop-in laser dot contraption for the Kel-tec. The PF-9 has cheap-o fixed sights with a little dab of high-visibility paint on for good measure. The slide lock lever doesn’t release like a typical auto, so you have to “rack” the slide to chamber a round. The mag release button is plastic but functional. The magazine is metal, but isn’t going to win any awards for design or ergonomics.
The PF-9 shoots like it looks. It’s all business. Lacking one of those “new-fangled” external safeties, the PF-9 has a really, really long trigger pull. I am sure it’s bad self-defense shooting form, but at the range I pre-loaded tension on the trigger before firing the gun. Tutorial: pull the trigger back about two-thirds, feel the trigger start to catch, and then slowly pull the trigger the rest of the way.
Recoil and report are both extreme. The Kel-tec is louder than my G27, which isn’t known for being a mouse. After my first round of shooting, I remarked that the PF-9 may be the only handgun that’s more uncomfortable to shoot than the Guardian. Trigger slap (rebound) is painful. My trigger finger hurt for two days after shooting the Kel-tec for the first time. I’ve named my PF-9 Ike in honor of such a vicious trigger slap. The last time I took it to the range, I got a blister on my palm from the PF-9’s jagged grip pattern. I am able to successfully double-tap my target at seven yards, but shooting my G27 is a dream in comparison.
I was originally pretty down on how rough the PF-9 shot until I remembered I didn’t buy it to replace my Glock, I bought it to replace my Guardian. The PF-9 is a lot more accurate, feels more comfortable in my front pocket, and packs a bigger punch than the Elf Gun. It’s okay if the sights are meh, that the trigger pull is long, and that shooting two hundred rounds in one session makes my hand hurt the next day. This isn’t a target pistol, it’s a people-pistol, and if I fire all eight shots in “real life,” it will have been a very very bad day.
I am very impressed with the form factor of the PF-9, and unlike the Guardian have yet to have a misfeed. Every time I pulled the trigger the pistol went “bang.” I’ve carried it for almost two weeks now and feel like I made the right choice. I put it in my pocket and no one is the wiser. I have two holsters for it (reviews forthcoming), and thanks to them the PF-9 is a great little backup/deep concealment carry package.
It’s hard to find the PF-9 right now, but I found it at a very small-time local gun shop for $4 under the MSRP, at $329.99. The spare mag cost me an arm and a leg ($28), but they are going for $40 and more on Gunbroker.com right now. Ike is loaded with Federal 124 grain Hydro-shok rounds, which he cycles with aplomb. If you’re looking for a good pocket gun or perhaps even a daily carry piece, take a look at the PF-9.
I’m glad you found a backup in which you feel confident that it will perform if required. You had given the Guardian a couple funny looks when Sleepy Panda and I had problems with it when you took us to the range. But it was still working reliably for you at that time. So you gave us a couple “how can you pull the trigger and NOT have it go ‘plank’?” funny looks. But you were seriously unhappy when it started giving you problems. So I’m very happy for you and your new friend!
Nice review. I hope Ike is still treating you well. I paid my money for a PF-9 a year ago…still waiting. (That’s the down side of having a friend who’s an FFL. The up side is dirt cheap prices.)
Any suggestions as to where to look for holsters for this model? Thanks for your help in this matter.
Hi James, I really like my DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, which I purchased directly from DeSantis.
I also have a leather “slide” style holster that fits small frame automatics. I think someone local/regional made it, and I bought it when I got my PF-9. Unfortunately I don’t have any manufacturer information, but basically it can either server as a belt-mounted holster or an inside the waistband holster. It’s pretty good, although I don’t use it very often.
Try the Don Hume JIT slide for this weapon its a winner. Don hume out of Miami OK. There on the web. Agreed the Desantis Nemisis is also a great holster. I use them both on my Keltec PF-9 and P3AT.
I do not use the holster I bought a clip for the pf9 from Keltec for around 12.00 and love it. It stays where you put it and has not creeped or moved at all. I wear it at 4:00 hooked on the material of my jeans. great weapon.
The first rule of armed combat is to be armed. As a retired police officer that carries all the time, I found the PF9 perfect for those max concealment situations. The 9mm is a very respectable round. I carry the Federal Personal Protection ammo. (not permitted to carry hollow points in NJ, let’s not even go there). But in the SOB, IWB, ankle, belt or pocket, this weapon is stealth. Of course if Im doing a security or protection gig then I suit up with a .40 or .45.
Here is a tip on the PF9. Do yourself a favor and get out the dremil tool with a fine grinding bit and run it up and down those grooves on the backstrap and front of the grip. Those ridges are torture when firing this little dragon. Just hone them down nice and smooth and you will be very pleased with the results. Also, if you have a Fobus for your .45 (Kimber, etc.) the PF9 will be right at home.
Stay safe people……………….
And support the NRA, or else………………
Hi Joe P, thanks for your comment about the backstrap/grip groove. Your suggestion may go a long way towards more comfortable shooting. I could use all the help I can get after putting more rounds downrange with the PF-9! ;)
Mr. Faulken –
Thanks very much for the no BS review. In your search for deep concealment auto pistols did you look at the Kahr PM9’s? I’m currently weighing the two…. the Kahr is a fair bit shorter and a fair bit more $$$.
Thanks!
Justin
Hi Justin,
Thanks for your compliment. I had the Kahr on my short list. As you mentioned, price was a factor. The PF-9 is my backup pistol, so I was willing to be “cheap” in a few areas if that brought the firearm into a more affordable range. I was very concerned about the thickness of my pocket pistol, and as such the PF-9 was more of what I was looking for. I have not shot the Kahr PM9 but I do know someone who loves hers and it is her daily carry pistol.
The one thing I might consider now that I’ve owned the PF-9 for awhile is that the shorter length of the PM9 might come in handy if you have shallow pockets. I wear painter’s-style jeans, cargo shorts/pants, or dress pants, and all of those have really deep pockets. If you wear more a Levi’s 501 5-pocket style jeans the shorter length of the Kahr may suit you.
If I do wear pants with shallow pockets I use my inside the waistband holster. It’s not as comfortable as the Nemesis pocket holster I use, but it’s not bad for the day.
Good luck with your decision!
Thanks very much for the response!
Justin
Bought a PF-9 about two weeks ago. Your review is spot on! Great concealment gun and a nice upgrade to my KELTEC P3AT (another fantastic pocket gun, especially with the mag extender). I’m used to cycling a couple hundred rounds and was a bit surprised to find my hand shaking after a hundred rounds from the PF-9. This is not a range practice gun, but you can easily plug 15 rounds (the standard carry load with two mags) into center of mass at 10 to 15 yards, which is exactly what this gun was designed for. The only issue was a couple of misfeeds during single, weak hand fire, but that was poor shooter technique & easily corrected. Try the Uncle Mike Sidekick IWB holster (size 1). Perfect fit, zero bulk, and only $10-15. The biggest drawback to this weapon is that you will literally forget you are carrying it!
does anyone have a recommended holster for the pf-9 as well as the p3at.
Hi there, I use the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for daily carry. I have a locally-made leather slide IWB holster for deep concealment.
Matt recommends the Uncle Mike Sidekick IWB holster (size one).
onthefly suggests the Don Hume JIT slide.
Good luck!
Purchased my PF-9 a week ago. A very comfortable carry. With only a hundred rounds through it I’m concerned with misfeeds. I won’t discard poor shooter technique. Matt, what correction did you make that eliminated your misfeeds? Once I correct this I’m convinced I’ve a real WINNER!!
Anyone know of a reason why my PF-9 will not reliably feed Winchester 9mm 115 gr FMJ Target/Range ammo? I put another 60 rounds through it with about a 15% failure rate. Also the failures occurred when the mag had 5-7 rounds loaded. Once the first 1-3 were fired it fed ok. I’m quickly loosing confidence in this little jewel. By the way when it fires I’m getting nice 3″ groupings at 15′ so I’ld really like to make this work.
Hello Ramon,
Is that the Winchester white box? I’ve put several hundred rounds of cheap Winchester through my Kel-tec at the range (I have to buy my ammo from them), but I don’t remember if it’s 115 gr, etc.
Do you think it might be the mag spring? I’d call Kel-tec and see what they have to say.
I’m sorry I don’t have a better answer for you, maybe someone else here will.
Ramon,
With this gun, misfires are likely a result of “limp wristing” the gun. Try to concentrate on pushing the gun forward when you fire. In the firing position rotate your gun hand forward and down a little bit. You can find detailed articles on the web addressing this problem.
If it is only happening with the first couple of rounds then the gun may just need to be broken in. This may take 200-400 rounds.
If you still have the problem after break in and you are concentrating hard on technique then you should call Kel-Tec. They are very good about fixing their weapons and getting them back to you fast.
I’m just imagining you dropping the gun while going to the toliet and shooting something off… Ouch.
Welcome to Gibberish!
Modern firearms don’t work that way. There are safety devices in place that would prevent this from happening, such as the firing pin being moved away from the ammunition’s primer. Firearms just don’t “go off” like people see in the movies or television, and it’s really unfortunate that people think that they can.
The real dangers are dropping it in the toilet or just leaving a handgun on the toilet tank for someone else to find.
I just bought the PF-9 to replace the kel-tec .380 I was carrying. Haven’t fired it yet, so I won’t carry it until I do, but I was wondering about the upgrades that reportedly reduced the problems with this gun. Will the date of manufacture tell me if it’s the upgraded model? Also, the inside of the barrel doesn’t appear very smooth and shiny, even after cleaning and oiling it right out of the box. Is this normal for this model? Thanks.
I intend to purchase a PF-9 as soon as I scrape up the cash. In the meantime I bought a SmartCarry holster (see their web) for my SW9GVE. The rig rests right in front of your nuts and is not at all uncomfortable. Perfect with sweat pants or any elastic top pants, and works with jeans and trousers, just like Charlie demonstrates with photos on his web site. If someone stares at my crotch with the jeans they might think they see something, but nobody stares. Guess I’m not worth looking at. I can adjust it to fit a smaller gun with just a safety pin. I love it.
Nice carry piece. I put on the “pink grip” floor piece that came with the gun and for some reason the slide was a little tight when I chambered a round. I put the falt piece back on and it was fine. what’s up with that?
Hey, that is pretty odd. I wonder if the pinky extension kept the magazine from fitting all the way up in the well properly?
Sounds reasonable to me. In fact I bet that is exactly what it is. Thanks.
Hey guys, check out this forum for everything you want to know about the PF-9:
http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl
I must say that I am very interested in the PF-9 due to it’s size, but I don’t understand the widespread popularity and enthusiasm for a weapon whose sole purpose is concealed carry self protection, yet has such a bad track record. Don’t you want to trust your LIFE to a reliable weapon? I don’t give a rat’s ass how good their customer service is, my point is you shouldn’t need it!
Hi OneTuza, I’ve never had an issue with my PF-9. I know early production models had a variety of issues, none of which apply to my individual handgun.
Ditto here. I have run several hundred rounds through my PF9 without a hitch. However, keep in mind that this is a mission specific weapon. Close quarters self defense. Always use a sure grip (two handed if possible), and lean into the stance, push the weapon forward. Most of the problems I am aware of involve a weak or limp shooting hand. This weapon reacts unlike its counterparts and the extreme recoil requires you to be part of a successful battery. Make your pistol grip a part of your combat mindset. But after all is said and done if you still have any question about this weapon – GET RID OF IT NOW. NEVER carry without confidence.
Stay safe…………………… Joe P
I had FTF problems initially. When problems persisted regardless of how solid my grip was I consulted my gunsmith. He polished the feed ramp (took about 60 seconds) and I haven’t had a misfeed since. Regardless of the grade of ammo I use. Just a thought!
Any advice as to why my clip won’t stay in the gun? It keeps popping out with the least amount of pressure. and will not stay in after a round has been fired. It pops out and causes it not to feed the next round correctly if at all.. I’ve tried holding the clip bottom but still no luck.
My first attempt to understand and correct the FTF I sprayed the trigger mechanism with breakfree. BIG MISTAKE! This pistol does not like lubrication. After applying the breakfree the mag would release after every shot. I thoroughly cleaned the weapon and the mag performed normally. I don’t know if this fits your situation, but it’s another consideration.
Let me add something. A flaw, as I see it, with this weapon is that the mag retainer/release is made of plastic. Now I have read some good advice and that is to not slam the mag home but hold the release button in while seating it. This will prevent it from undue wear. Of course this would not be held in a combat reload situation.
So it seems that you may have already passed the point of saving that retainer in so far as the constant failure. I would send it back to Kel-Tec for a warranty repair. You might even question if there is a replacement in metal like you can do with the guide rod, which everyone should do. It is the same metal rod replacement for the PF-11.
I bought a PF9 about one month ago and have run about 400 rounds through it and have had no problems whatsoever. I don’t find the recoil that bad, I shot 150 rounds yesterday with no problems. The accuracy is very good for a gun of this size. I recommend that you practice jam clearing techniques as is do with any semi auto.
Just picked upmy pf9 and love it. The first thing I did was polish the feed ramp ( which didn’t take much polishing…) and cleand up some minor rough spots on the frame rails. I also used emory cloth on the grip sides, backstraps and trigger guard and trigger. It took all of ten minutes and improved the feel tremendously. I’ve only fired two full clips, but they fired flawlessly. I felt the recoil was minor ( no plus p rounds) and easy to keep on target. I would love to see Keltec make a small light pistol in .45 caliber. I also own a P-32 and love it.
This is a great little CCW gun. I am a small time FFL and I am lucky to have these in stock all the time. I sell them for $280 and have 12 in now, but they sell at a rate of about 1 a day. Most of the local cops around me have purchased one for there off duty gun de to its small size. I am also quite fond of the P3AT for the summer. Even though it is a 380 ACP te gun is so Small that you will actually carry it. And as they say a 380 in the pocket is better than a 45 on the shelf.
I put the Hogue Jr. Grip Sleeve on my PF-9 and it fells great in my hands
Hey I just installed energy absorbing grip pads from http://www.ktaddons.com/ and a Hogue Handall Jr rubber grip (installed it upside down, works better for me) and then I went and tried to improve upon the imperfect blueing job from Kel-tec. Clearly I don’t know what I was doing and it wasn’t what I expected. I went thru the process three times and I still ended up with a sort of used look with a few blotchy areas. I can live with it until I can afford to Durakote it some day.
I’m waiting for an Armalaser RSS laser so I can complete a pocket holster I’ve started using a Dell computer mouse pad! When I get it done of course I’ll have to post pictures.
I’m new to all this, and at 62, my wife thinks I’m nuttier than a squirrel turd, but I got my CCP and we have 4 handguns already. Will be saving up for a SU-16 a few months down the road!
hey, im thinking of buying a pf9. ive had several kel-tec pistols in the past and loved them all. had a p3at, and a p-11. is there any drawbacks ? if not im buying one
No drawbacks in my opinion, just compromises: personally, I prefer .45 to 9mm (less tendency to over penetrate); 7 round magazine means you are definitely going to be carrying the spare; sharp recoil and is very unforgiving of limp wrist and other poor technique. On the plus side, it is so thin and light that it has replaced my Taurus PT-145 Pro as my primary carry weapon. I’m trading 21 rds of .45 for 15 rds of 9mm for the ease of carry and better concealment. Just make sure you get one of the newer serial numbers as the earlier ones did have some issues. Go to http://www.ktog.org for details. Once you get a couple hundred rounds through the gun and get to know it you’ll find it to be a reliable and fun companion.
yeah, ive heard lots of good things about it. im also looking to purchase a ruger lcp. hard to find though. anyone heard anything good or bad about them? seems no-one in the state of North Carolina can order them. i am a big kel-tec fan though.love the p3at. hard to replace it in a deep cover pocket pistol. without giving up something i mean.
I had gotten a Ruger LCP about six weeks ago, purchasing for the size and Ruger reputation. I found I had the same problem with the LCP as I did with my PF-9, FTF. With my gunsmith resolving my PF-9 FTF by polishing the feed ramp, I did the same with the LCP. Once the ramp was polished I’ve had absolutely no problem regardless of ammo quality, cheap and pricey. I’ve not fired the P3AT, but I suspect from appearance that they are very comparable. Only with the Kel-Tec being readily available and lifetime warranty. I’m very impressed with Kel-Tec’s timely response to acquiring replacement parts. As a matter of fact, they did not even charge me for a new firing pin, spring, and retainer screw. It’s the little things that keep me coming back.
Last Thursday at the range my mag started falling out just about evry other round. This caused failures to feed, jambs stovepipes and failures to reset trigger. I was dejected, but had one vacation day left, so Friday I made the close to two hour round trip to Cocoa. Great service, quick service, courteous service, even jovial service, along with helpful hints. Anyway, Flo said it was the plastic mag release. She installed a new metal mag release and put 7 mags of 4 diff, types of ammunition thru it without a problem. She gave me back my gun, no charge, and yes, it was clean as a whistle. While I still have some reservations as to it’s reliability as a defense weapon, you cannot beat their service and lifetime warranty. AND, it’s an American company!
I have just written to Kel Tec for info on getting my PF9 retro fitted with a metal mag release. There have been too many instances of failure. And I hope they switch to both the metal mag release and metal guide rod for all new pistols.
Just got an email from Kel Tec. Said that the metal mag release is still in R & D and not yet available for consumers. I guess the only way to get it now is to show up at their doorstep like Onetuza did.
Good honest review on the PF9. Lots of shooters are opting to use it due to the lack of weight and thin design. I must admit though that I purchased the Kahr PM9 over the PF9 for a number of reasons. It’s fit and finish is much better than the Kel Tec as is the trigger and shooting comfort. Realizing it is much more expensive I still feel I made the right choice for a CCW, or back up 9mm. For the money the PF9 seems like a reasonable piece, it’s just not for me though. My PM9 has yet had a FTF and carries very comfortably. It is also a reasonably comfortable pistol to shoot for its size. Dollar for dollar I think it is a better handgun in the long run. I do own a P3AT and find it to be just fine for deep concealment when clothing and weather dictates and nothing else will work. It is a punishing handgun to fire though.
Thanks again for the comments about the review and about the slide release, etc. I am glad that we’ve been able to offer differing viewpoints without sliding into a caliber war or brand battle :). Sometimes I think the CCW community is its own worst enemy, but I am glad that the people who have commented on this thread have been helpful and open minded. I thank you.
Steve, I am glad that you purchased the Kahr PM9 — based on the other people who have posted in this thread and a few people I know that own them the pistol sounds like a great choice. If I were looking for a primary carry pistol I may have passed on the PF-9, or been unhappy with its uncomfortable shooting behavior. However, since it’s my last-ditch piece and mostly likely used at arm’s-length I probably won’t notice the not-so-comfortable grips or ridiculous trigger pull.
It’s funny how spending time with one product will help you with another. My big BMW motorcycle has helped my riding skill on my smaller Yamaha bike. Owning the PF-9 has helped me with my Glock shooting. It’s funny how things work out.
Warm regards, and may we never be pressed into using the firearms we’ve commented on in this thread.
The Pf-9 is a great gun! The only thing I dislike about it is that the recoil is a little to much for me but other then that the gun shoots well and you can’t tell if it’s in my pocket!
I, too bought the Kahr PM9. Here’s my story. It fired every time. Also, everytime it fired my pinky finger got pinched between the mag bottom and grip. Also, that darned wierd shape of the trigger guard rubbed my first knuckle raw and the top of the trigger cut into my finger, too. I called Kahr and was told that It’s not a “top of the line gun” and was told to wind a rubber band several times around the base of the magazine which did remedy that pinch problem. But the raw trigger finger thing did me in and I sold it at a local gun show. I plan on the PF9, but it’s for my wife & I’m having misgivings about the comfort and recoil. She’s a small woman with petit hands. But as soon as I can get back to the states, Im in India, I’ll put my hands on one and figure it out. By the way, the plastic mag release is one of the reasons I dumped my very last Taurus PT145. Mag fell out, firing pin and sear broke and lastly the recoil spring came out of the front of the slide and after 3 returns and numerous calls to Miami, came back with the wrong guide rod sticking out 1/8 in. from the slide. No more Taurus in my house. Never.
looking to get my m&p .40 back from my wife, is the pf-9 a reliable choice?
i would say it is a good choice. the m&p pistols are some of the top of the line polymer handguns in my opinion. only problem is that youll fall in love with it yourself and wanna keep it.
Everyone need to check out the R9. It is the smallest 9MM in the world. It is made very well and does not jam. If you want to scare someone buy a Kel-Tec otherwise look into this pistol. wwww.rohrbaughfirearms.com.
Mike G…. Dont buy your wife a Kel-Tec. Women need guns that are super reliable. I have fired over 300 rounds in my Kel-Tec and it will jam 15% of the time. Look at one out of the box and you can tell it was totally thrown together.
50 mike g says:
July 20th, 2008 at 12:59 am |
looking to get my m&p .40 back from my wife, is the pf-9 a reliable choice?
I just bought a Kel Tec PF9 with a laser sight.
I fired about 150 rounds without one misfire. The gun (with the laser sight) was highly accurate from distances between 25-100 feet. I was hitting the target almost dead on each time.
Trigger is “heavy” (it’s meant to be as part of the safety aspect of the gun), which I believe leads to what people perceive to be misfires.
I shot 150 rounds and my hand feels fine. And I’m a novice to boot!!
Quit complaining. I think it’s a good “conceal” pistol.
My one complaint with the PF9 is the design of the trigger. The point of the trigger digs into my finger on the pull and there is a gap between the top of the trigger at the pivot point and the frame that often pinches on trigger release. Any solution?
Frank, there is also precious little room in the trigger guard for your finger. I think Kel-tec should remedy this.
John, consider yourself lucky. You got one of the few that work the way they’re supposed to.
Great review. If they had reviews like this in G&A magazine, I wouldn’t have cancelled my subscription.
I’m wondering if you could comment on the comparison between the PF-9 and the Kel-Tec PF-11 and the Ruger LCP.
I carry my S&W j-frame most everywhere, but would like the ammo capacity of a small auto if I can scrape the cash together. I’m drawn to the G27, but the idea of a true pocket pistol is also appealing.
Tedd W wrote:
Great review. If they had reviews like this in G&A magazine, I wouldn’t have cancelled my subscription.
Agreed! ;)
_______________________________________________
So, anyway,… has anyone figured out the serial number for the “pre & post-problem” Kel-Tecs?
I had one of their little .380s years ago (actually, right after the Grendal switch. I used it until there was NO finish left on the slide), but I don’t remember any problems at all.
I’m “this close –><–” to buying a LNIB PF-9, but I’m wondering what the “secret serial number” is…
I just bought the PF9, sn RAW80. Following advice of folks online, I ground off the ridges on the backstrap and the front of the grip. I shot a box of FMJ wallmart value pack and was able to keep tight groupings at 25 feet, although my tack tack shooting needs practice. I did not have any stove pipe jams, but I did have one empty casing pushed back into the barrel by the next round. Not sure what caused that.
I expected the pistol to hurt my hand, but was surprised, any way. I was actually shaking in anticipation of the pain, so I stopped. I can’t imagine what it would be like to shoot +p rounds. I did not get a sore trigger finger, but my thumb felt like it had been slammed in a door. I did not get any abrasions, it was just bone shaking. Perhaps I held it too tightly anticipating stove pipes.
I love the way it conceals, but it certainly is not fun to shoot. I expect I will save a bundle on ammuntion not fired.
Does anybody know when the Crimson Trace sight will be released? That product is why I bought the PF9.
Jim K
I have a question for you. The things you said about your PF-9 is exactly how I would describe mine. I was wondering how roughly how many rounds you have shot through yours? And when you shoot at your range do you use a lighter less powerful ammo than you said is in it now. I know most all of us use a less potent practice round to save on gun wear and cost. The serial number on mine is fairly close to yours, and I have shot about 400 rounds from mine, with about 14 being 124gr. Federal Hyrra-Shock JHP. The reason I am writing is my slide has somewhat more movement or play than I would expect. Is yours like that also? I know what you are thinking about lack of cleaning. I would be be too. But the opposite is true. I am kind of a weird guy about that, and from before firing any firearm, I clean correctly and completely. I would appreciate any input on your firearm use, and the slide gap. The Kel-Tec website is a waste of anyone’s time. Thanks ahead of time, Rick Snell
First off, I want to say GREAT SITE. im in the market for a PF9 and i learned alot of info about the firearm. As a police officer glocks are just to damn big and bulky to carry off duty. Secondly, I dont understand why most people are crying about the firearm hurting their hands. All of my family carries and have a range from the keltec 380, S+W J frames, Kahr PM9’s, and the baby glocks. They all hurt. these guns are not made for comfort. if you want comfort get a full sized gun. The importance of the baby guns is to save your life when you find yourself a victim of a robbery, shooting, stabbing, etc. Most of the time once you take that first shot, wheather you hit him or not, their not exactly sticking around to see how many more rounds you can throw at him. Its all about finding the biggest bullet in the littlest package. In my own personal opinion, I try not to carry anything under a 9mm, the keltec .380 was nice to carry but i felt it didnt have enough “umphf” to take care of business. thats whyim looking into the PF9.
This review is right on the money!
I liked my first PF-9 so much I bought a second as a back-up. I have a P32 and P3AT as well, and this PF-9 conceals as well as the smaller two for 90% of pocket carry. It’s plenty small and light, and the 9mm is more effective than .32 or .380. It’s really a great pistol for LE backup or off-duty, or regular carry for the not-really-high-risk folks.
It is not a pistol for heavy-duty range use; you should have a different gun for regular practice. To alleviate much of the shooting discomfort, I’d avoid +P loads and bullets heavier than 115 grains. WW 115 STHP and the FC 115 JHP work great in my guns.
Well done, Dr. I’ve scoured the net since yesterday’s gun show and amd still have a question. My dad purchased a single stack P11 (7+1) yesterday for $249. It has no accessory rail. I cannot find ANY reference online to a single stack p11. All I see are double stack 10+1 models? This single stack p11 does exist…so what then is the difference between that and Pf9, other than the acc. rail? [confused] I didn’t particularly care for the long and heavy DAO trigger pull.
I didn’t see any Pf9’s, although having now researched KTs I like the accessory rail for a laser, double strike capability, and lighter trigger pull.
Thanks in advance!
Lots of good feedback here. I’ve been considering a PF9 for a while. An issue with concealed carry in FL is that it’s t-shirt weather most of the year, hard to hide a big piece. (And inside the waistband is subjected to a lot of sweat.)
A couple of sections of an old mountain bike tube on my P3AT cover up the ridges on the grip pretty well. I like the mag extension for better grip. I stoned the feed ramp with a ceramic knife sharpening rod; it was too ugly to ignore.
I also like the Bersa Thunder 380 CC, 8+1 in a small package, nice quality (relative to a K-T).
Neil in Ashville:
I’ve never heard of the single stack P11, however, having fired both guns, the P11 is a true Double Action only, the firing pin will continue to strike, even if the slide is not cycled. The PF9 is more like the light DOA that Kimber has, it will only strike once, then you have to rack the slide to reset the trigger.
I’ve fired about 150 rounds of roundball through my PF9 with no problems. Last night I tried a couple of clips of Remington 115gr JHP rounds. I had one light strike and one failure to return to battery, I think it was just bad shooting form. I was distracted by the aggressive case removal, it was going so high in the air it was hitting the roof of the shooting shelter. I’ll shoot another couple of boxes and see if it gets better.
My pally has a Pf9 and one gripe I have with it is the magazine just won’t go in if you slam it in the grip. You have to manually hold the mag release button in and then slide the mag in the rest of the way, then you can let go of the button and click the mag in all the way. Don’t know if his is plastic or metal, but its only a few months old so I’d suspect the latter.
As for feed ramp polishing, I had to do that on my Springfield Government .45 and now it shoots like a champ, even with a no-name 11rd extended magazine.
Hey Recon — that’s odd about the mag release button if it’s new. There is a site where you can look up the production date of your friend’s PF-9. Even though he bought it recently, it could have an old mag release.
What you are describing is definitely not normal.
Thanks for the great review. I just purchased a PF-9 a few days ago and I’ve shot 50 rounds of $9 a box Blazer Brass from Walmart through it without any FTFs or FTEs. I was going to shoot another 50 rounds today, but the local range was booked (it’s small.) This is my first handgun and I love it! I think that it is a tremendous value; got mine for $279 plus tax. I did have to use some emery cloth on the grip, trigger and trigger guard, but having done that, it is very comfortable to hold. I’m not a very big guy and I probably have smaller than average hands and wrists and I did not find the recoil to be unpleasant at all; nor did the trigger give me any kind of discomfort when resetting after firing. I just took my concealed carry class and I’m going to turn my paperwork in on Monday. As far as holsters go, I’m considering something from Don Hume, High Noon, or Uncle Mike’s for IWB and the DeSantis Nemesis for pocket carry.
Raleigh, I use a Uncle Mikes sidekick IWB size 15 holster. I originally bought it for my Glock 22 but, in my opinion, it’s better suited for the pf9. the gun slips deep inside it but all it takes is hooking your pinky on the grip (with the extended “pinky hook” mag base) to pull it out. The gun doesn’t snag at all and the extra material above the belt keeps it from digging into you when you sit down.
Advise on ammo just for plinking purpose. What ups and downs would one experience by using Wold Brand 9MM FMJ with an Kel Teck PF9?
Non brass case, will this cause early wear to the receiver.
so are you saying in this review that you would advise the Kel-Tec over a glock 27?. I’m a huge glock fan, so call me biasis but I’ve never had good luck with kel-tec. I bought a keltec model 1911 and it jammed every 4 round without fail.
Hi Nate, I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear: I carry both at the same time. It isn’t an either/or situation.
If I am wearing clothes that don’t allow me to take the G27, I just take the PF-9.
I didn’t know Kel-tec produced a 1911. What model number is it?
I have carried a kel-tek PF-9 for about 3 months now. as far as differences between the original and the upgrades it looks like they strengthened the recoil spring, lengthened the feeding trough, and replaced the magazine catch with metal. also the extractor is double-layered metal now too. i too have feed issues with winchester 115 grain whitebox, and i have fired 1238 rounds through it to date. (its my only 9mm so its easy to keep track). no problems so far except a bit of wear in the slide. I use corbon DPX ammo for self defense and it is great except for the kick that +P ammo gives this puppy.
I just ordered the Crimson Trace laser for the PF-9. It looks like a neat package and the price was right ($152.00). I use a CT laser on my S&W J Frame and am very satisfied.
Anybody get one yet? I will report back as soon as it’s installed.
Also, could anybody advise the process to change the magazine release catch once I buy the new metal one? Thanks………….
Well, that Bear Basin supply is right on the money. Got my Crimson Trace today,just about one week from call to door. Installation is a snap, literally, snap. Looks and functions just as advertised. Needed a little alignment, took two minutes. Nice.
Also got my metal mag release, and spring, from Kel-Tec, also a no brainer. Simple install and loads of peace of mind. Had already changed the guide rod to metal some time ago.
Hey, I’m a happy guy.
(Just need to find an acceptable belt scabbard, if anyone has such advice)
JoeP: I too received my CT today for the PF-9. Nice little birthday surprise, too! Same sentiments as you. Randy at Bear Basis was great to deal with. Easy, for sure. He said I’d have it w/in 2 weeks, and received it in 1. Can’t wait to get to the range.
As for the holster…I EXHAUSTED every option. Kevin at K&D Holsters impressed my most and indicated he is able to accommodate the CT. I’m carrying the MTAC from Comp-Tac now and I’m almost certain I can bust out the heat gun and reshape some of the Kydex to fit the laser. Let me know if you have any more questions. nspencer at charter dot net.
Neil, glad to hear you got yours also. Must have came from the same order Randy was expecting. These things have started flying off the shelves.
As for the holster, all I want is a simple open top jit slide or scabbard. And I expect it will not be too long before we see them. In the mean time I too will be breaking out the tool box and will modify one of the many holsters I have collecting dust, some for weapons I have long ago replaced. I will post any success I have……………………
Take care……………….
Took me 10 minutes with a heat gun and I now have a perfect fitting MTAC. Had to remove the retention bushing/screw closest to the trigger guard in order to accommodate the laser, but some remolding of the kydex snugged it all up. Very pleased.
Used a hobby blade to cut several inside stitches at the trigger guard of a JIT Slide, used a heat gun to soften and stretch the leather just a bit, and there we have it. Looks and fits like it was made for a PF-9 W/CT!! And it still carries my Kimber Ultra Carry .45
Joe
Mother-Daughter purchase- I bought the Kel Tec PF-9 for myself, and my daughter also bought one. First time I practiced with it I was very unhappy, but now I love it. The long trigger pull and the feeling that it was going to jump out of my hand did not please me. The PF-9 is so darn cute, it is a little bit of a shock to shoot it and see how powerful it really is. This little gun packs a lot of punch, so be ready. Getting the sights aligned correctly took a lot of work. I also had to learn how to hold it correctly, which seems to be even more important because the gun is so small; and I had to learn to not worry about the long trigger pull. It is a great gun now that I have learned to use it correctly. It is a absolute winner as a small, but very powerful, self defense firearm. My 23 year old daughter loved it from the get-go, but she is more adaptable than I am!
Howdy, all. I just got my PF9 a few weeks ago and have only put 1 box of Win 115 gr FMJ through it. the only problem I had with it was the “limp wrist syndrome”. once I corrected that – no problems. This will be my carry.
The serial No. is RB925
Shopping for a pocket holster.
Hi Claude, please see my DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster review for a good start. I use it just about every day.
Hi All,
Great review, lots of great comments. I’ve been carrying a LCP now for about two months in a pocket holster from pocketholsters.com. I had to send it back to Ruger for recall work, took 8 days. I decided I NEED a second CC piece and have decided on the PF-9. Again, thanks for all the information.
For those of you looking for holsters, check out pocketholsters.com. They have a PF9 model. Pricy, but extremely well made. My LCP fits totally in my Arizona jeans back pocket. The only way for someone to notice I’m carrying is to recognize I have two “wallets”.
David
I really enjoy my kel tec. Don’t have any jams, only 2 problems. 1st, the mag. release is horrible, needs to be metal. 2nd, the kick is painful after 50 rounds or so, but the gun is not made for target practice, its made for protection. When it comes to protection, my Kel Tec is as reliable as any other pocket pistol and as long as I’m alive when its all over then thats all that matters.
howdy, folks. One thing I’d like to point out. Many, if not all of you are concerned about how the PF-9 works over several hundred rounds. My concern is the first two rounds. I want 100% performance. After that, I won’t be sticking around to see what happened. =:o)…Mine works very well, if it didn’t, it would be gone.
Be safe, guys (and gals.)
Great review, very well written. Really appreciate your honesty and tell-it-like-it-is approach to all of your reviews.
I just bought the PF9 two days ago – before I read this website or these reviews anyway…. I bought mine because my son qualified last weekend for his CHL shooting his p11. I was there and I was surprised. Even at 21 yards, which is the longest distance in the Texas CHL, he still did pretty good and kept all shots in the black. I was amazed. I had put my name in at the local gun shop for another one about a month ago. The P11 didn’t come in, but when the PF9 did – they were kind enough to call me, and I felt obliged to buy it, since they are both about as rare as hens teeth right now. I haven’t been able to shoot mine yet, but I hope it is as good as my sons. He has cycled about 350 rounds through his now with NO misfires, FTF or FTE.
Have owned my PF-9 for about 6 months. Have cycled more than 300 rounds, no misfeeds, no misfires, no issues. I find it comfortable, well balanced, and VERY easy to conceal. I use a SmartCarry holster, and it is TOTALLY undetectable. It is just a great gun.
Hi Todd! Thanks for your comment — please feel free to add any tips on my recent SmartCarry post.
I just picked up a PF-9 yesterday and shot 100 Blazer Brass 115 gr this morning. As everyone has indicated, it has a kick and the trigger bothers my finger. However, I kept tight groups at 25 ft and have not had to adjust the sight. No FTF’s or any problems at all. I will buy a grip sleeve, do some work on the trigger and put three or four hundred rounds through it to get familiar with it. That should be all that I have to do and I will have an excellent concealed carry.
I’m going to pick my PF9 up right now at my local FFL dealer. I got the OD green for $286 shipped, and the dealer wants another $30. I got the extension grip and Kel-Tec hat at their website and I got 3 xtra magazines for $68 shipped.
Point; I looked all the way on page 18 on a google seach. And this dealer just put 2 up that morning he got at a gun show. And the first one was gone already. I consider myself lucky.
Oh and Bulldog has the shoulder harnesses I like most, Model 30 I think. Some time in May 09 Kel-Tec expects to ship, that’s what all the problem is.
[...] Kel-tec PF-9 handgun review By drfaulken [...]
i’ve had nothing
but problems thus far. stove pipes, mis fires, double feeds, mag drops, slide locks. pretty much everything that could go wrong has. i have only fired it twice. for an award winning marksman with my dept. this gun is either very hard to fire correctly or it is malfunctioning. will cont.to see what happens. new buyers beware.
Hi Digstown,
Sorry you’ve had problems with your PF-9. Mine continues to work flawlessly and without incident after about 2000 rounds. I have never encountered any of the problems you’ve mentioned, although some shooters that accompany me limp-wrist the handgun and that sometimes results in one of the symptoms you mentioned.
If you’ve only fired it twice, you should have a qualified gunsmith look at it, or send it back to Kel-tec. I would also make sure what year your pistol was made; the mag release was problematic early in the pistol’s run and you may have one of the early duds.
Is your handgun new or used?
Sorry you’re having problems.
I also say that you should send it back and make them fix your gun.
Some very nice points you added in the journal drfaulken. I was fascinated to read someone who has about the same kind of predicament I have. Glock 27 has been my CCW for quite some time now, and I’ve give n up my right to bare arms many times due to the lack of concealment. Albeit at a park with my niece and nephew by leaving it in the truck, or it being blistering hot outside, and not wanting to get looks as if I’m the guy going to go nuts or not. It does usually come down to It being too hot to wear normal concealment clothes, and the fact that the Glock 27 is still too big for many Tennessee summer days. I have been thinking about getting PF-9 as a replacement for summer concealment carry. I have seen some with some type of rubber grip that had been added. Does anyone know what grip this is? I’ve had several Hogue Universal Rubber Grips, but the frame is too small on the PF-9 to use it. Anyways, it is starting to get too warm in Tennessee to carry the G27, and i’m in the process of getting a PF-9 in the next few days-week. I’ll come back and give my .02 about how it feels and shoots for myself. Thanks for the info and feedback on your life in dealing with concealment carry.
Matthew,
If you’re going to get a PF-9, you’ll want to know about http://www.thektog.org. It’s a Keltec bulletin board about all thinks KT. It has an excellent page about the PF-9 that I’ve used to learn a lot about the gun. The PF-9 is a real bear to shoot (IMO). I bought one back in December based in part on DrFaulken’s review above and, even after 400 rounds, still have trouble “limp wristing” it when trying to shoot slow and measured. http://www.ktaddons.com/products.htm has a set of rubber grips and pads that fit the PF-9. I don’t have any yet, but have read that they can help a lot for those that have issues shooting the PF-9. Like you, I live in the deep South where shorts is the primary attire most of the year when not at work. I carry my PF-9 in my back pocket when I wear slacks. It’s a little big for pocket carry in my jeans and shorts (and there’s too much me in there for in-the-waist-band carrying, too). For jeans and shorts, I carry a Ruger LCP, again in my back pocket. So far, I’ve never been “outted”.
Good luck.
David
Hi, all. Just an up-date on my relationship with the PF9. I had some feed/ejection problems as many of you had. Because of the cost of sending it back to the factory, for what may be my problem, rather than the gun’s, I decided to tinker. I did the usual polishing and cleaning and recommended oiling and then I decided to check into what it likes as far as ammo. I started hand-loading. I found that my gun likes a bit hotter load that most factory loads, not as hot as a +P load. I have not had the time to do a lot of shooting with it yet, but preliminary rounds looked good to me. I made up 200 specials that i’ll run through the gun as soon as i can and will post results.
Concealed carry is no problen here in northern Michigan in the winter,as we normally wear six inches of clothing. You can hide anything.
claude
Come on folks…we’re talking Kel-Tec. At the critical moment, you will ALL want a firearm that you know will function regardless of your grip, your ammo, etc.
I’ve literally seen Kel-Tec’s completely fly apart on the range. Save up that extra 3 months and buy yourself a Kimber or a Sig232 or if you want a reasonably priced, dependable, deep concealment, buy the BERSA Thunder CC.
If you end up in the moment where you have to draw your weapon, and you assume the threat has a weapon, how confident are you going to be pulling out your Kel-Tec? It’s not worth it…buy a premium, dependable brand or an old snub nosed .38 revolver.
bfree…..
Now you know you can go to hell for lying same as for stealing…. correct…… you can’t tell me you have seen Kel-Teks “fly apart on the shooting range…. I don’t believe that for a minute… please describe in detail….. remember put your hand on the bible when telling your story…what happened on the range when the Kel-Tek “flew apart… what part….etc……
..On the first shot, the back of the cartridge peeled apart like a grape. The magazine blew out the bottom of the pistol, the slide bent and blew off the top, the frame split on the left side and every rivet blew out. The gun collapsed into a pile of debris. TRUTH…what do you expect for a couple hundred bucks. Kel-Tec’s are toys..eventually they break.
What kind of ammo was being. fired… over charged hand load I’ll bet…. the Kel-Tek for sure… is not the BEST gun by any means…. BUT mine has shot 200 rounds (first 100 did indeed have a stove pipe are two) BUT the second 100 rounds HAS NEVER MISS FIRED AND I WOULD USE IT IN A “SHOOT OUT ANY DAY..” I carry +P (and it says in the instructions- “not to use as a daily feeding”)… I also agree… if one goes in a place where there are daily shootouts… yes… a bigger gun would be best….
I agree 100% with Maddog. I’ve put over 300 rounds through my PF-9. I’ve had some FTF with old gunshow reloads and some issues on a cold day with limp wristing (the gun is a handful, especially with hot loads), but with good Hydrashok ammo it is has been flawless. I daily carry it without any qualms.
Sorry, all you who less than trust your Kel-Tec’s. Regarding my PF-9, I have shot at least 600 rounds (maybe more) through mine…at least 6 brands, standard load, +P, FMJ, HP, steel case, brass, even some CCI 9mm shot, and have not had one misfeed, not one stovepipe, not one ejection problem… nothing. I would trust that gun ANYTIME.
You will have some Kel-Tec’s that function flawlessly with the right type of ammo. Then you will have more than your share that will misfire, misfeed with good ammo and some that will explode with hot ammo. If you’re plinking, that’s fine, no damage done but you won’t find me carrying a Kel-Tec as a back up. To each their own. Personally, if I needed a pocket gun, I’d go with the Bersa Thunder CC..it has a great reputation reliability, unlike the KT’s, it’s accurate at 10yards and it’s very reliable (Bersa has military heritage).
Why not just buy a gun that will fire any type of ammo, anytime. Glock’s, Sig’s, CZ’s, Kimber’s, Browning High-Power….these are all brands that have a strong reputation for reliability and have been “chosen” by the most elite military in the world (Seals use Sig’s, Spetnaz, until recently, preferred the CZ 75’s.
People can defend their choice of firearm to their graves and with a Kel-Tec that may be exactly what you end up doing.
Maddog..it was off the shelf p+ ammo. With higher quality metallurgy and polymers the gun would not have exploded. Kel-Tec cannot use the higher quality stuff and still sell at their price points. So there is a trade off, for many, that is tolerating a weapon that has shorter barrel life, poor accuracy, poor ergonomics,above average missfeeds and missfires.
Most people live a pretty docile life. The odds of a self defense encounter is extremely rare, and the chance the weapon will also missfire during that instance might also be rare.
But what if it does? I’d rather have a weapon that has very high quality assurance standards. AND has been through and passed some type of military testing. You’ll pay the extra $300 bucks but isn’t your life or your friend or family’s life worth that money?
How are you going to feel if you are in that circumstance, you whip out your Kel-Tec and it doesn’t get the job done. You’ll have to live with the fact that you knowingly purchased a low quality, price point weapon so you could save a few hundred dollars.
Of course, maybe you’ll be able to collect on the insurance.
I just bought a PF9 and went to the range today, hearing about the limp wrist made me hold the gun very tightly. Well the clip popped out after every shot and did not cycle the next round. Very frustrated, I checked to make sure the magazine was all the way in and locked and tried again. Same thing several times!!! I went home and called Kel Tec they suggested since I have big hands I may be hitting the mag release button on accident. I unloaded my PF9 and observed my hold, sure enough when holding it really tight my left thumb was on top of my right thumb forceing it down on the mag release at every shot. I adjusted my grip so my right thumb is now on top od my left thumb insted of the opposite! Problem solved. I did not even know I was doing it, no gun problem OPERATOR PROBLEM!! I will say the accuracy is awesome and I really like the size and power for a conceal carry weapon. I had the P32 and loved it but wanted something biggeer, very happy PF9 owner.
Brad….. good going…. just keep it cleaned and don’t pay any attention to Bfree…..so you get a bad on in a 1000….. the PF-9 is a good dun and I would stake my life on it…. however limp wrist is a problem…. I had several of these a few days ago…. I’d like to blame the gun but I know better…you may want to go to Ebay and look up CTC laser grips… you can get one for about $158.xx… I did and they are great… and I would also depend on it in a gun fight any time…. DON’T DRY FIRE IT….. it’s against the rules…..- page 13….GOOD LUCK
maddog
That’s “GUN” not dun….! I went to Alton High…@
Hey, All- Relatively new CC owner here. Picked up the Beretta Px4 Storm(9mm) as my first handgun early this year, then followed-up with the Kel-Tec PF-9. Couldn’t be happier with both, and for entirely different reasons. The PF-9 does kick, but has about 1500 rounds of all different types ammo through it, mostly target 115 grain cheap stuff, and it just seems to get smoother operating and more accurate as the casings pile up. No significant maint. or firing issues out of this(s/n REYxx) up-graded model. Would consider other offerings from both Beretta and Kel-Tec, as i am very satisfied with both.
Just wanted to say, good review. Thanks!
Have carried my Pf9 as my Briefcase Gun for quite a while. I only practice with it every couple of months. I gave it a fluff and buff which provides flawless function with hot corbon ammo. It is my “last ditch” gun just in case the G20,G23,G27, and Rohrbaugh R9 (ankle) all fail or can’t be reached. It hides away like Bin Laden, and is almost as light as the Rohrbaugh 9mm. I do not recommend it as a main gun though. It would be hell to win a gunfight with. But as a “get off me” gun, I think it will do just fine. Anyone considering one, I recommend an extra mag, as well as a polish job by a good gunsmith. I’ve had several KelTecs and they all seem to prefer very hot ammo. Just my .02
Be Safe and carry a Glock at all times.
Thanks for the review, it’s nice not to have it sugar-coated.
I don’t know what you’re talking about with not being able to pocket-carry a G27. I have a G26 in my pocket every single day. I’m 5′10″ 180 lbs.
Of course I don’t like tight pants, and I rely on the fact that nobody ever stops and asks “what’s in your pocket”.
I use the Desantis Nemesis and it works OK but is really hampered by not having a clip on it. If it was possible for me to have the grip up out of my pocket while I’m in stores & stuff but I could shove it all the way down when I’m at work, then it’d be just about perfect.
Hi, I have no experience with guns, but living in a suburb of Houston, I realize that I need one! I’m looking for an easy-to-use gun that I can keep in my purse–and at my bed-side. The Kel-Tec PF-9 sounds interesting, but is that the best gun for defense for someone like me who has no experience with guns, is probably not a good shot, and may have trouble loading, etc.?? I do intend to get training (plenty of friends own guns who will help me), but for now I’m looking for EASY. Suggestions?
Thanks.
Nicky, although many people really like the Kel-Tec’s, but they are a price point weapon. Personally, I highly recommend you stay away from them.
I would recommend a smith and wesson 340pd..but use .38 p++ ammo in the handgun.
Why?
1. Very small and lightweight (only 12oz unloaded,,,you’ll forget it’s in your purse)
2. IDIOT PROOF (no offense)…this gun has no hammer, you just pull the trigger, and it will go off every time…no worries about loading magazines, magazines not fully inserted, misfeeds (kel-tec is notorious for this) or other issues with a semi-auto.
3. Very safe…it’s a revolver, it has no hammer and the trigger pull is fairly heavy so it’s extremely safe weapon.
4. It’s a Smith and Wesson…it’s the highest quality revolver brand in the world…six months from now you’ll be able to sell it basically what you bought it for…buy a used one on gunsamerica.com
The downside…..
This is .357 magnum and although I recommend shooting .38p++ ammot out of it, if you shoot .357 it will not be a gun you will want to shoot anymore than you have to…the upside is that if you do shoot someone with a .357 magnum, it’s unlikely they will bother you again.
Good luck..
Hi Nicky,
Thanks for your post. Unfortunately there are a lot of factors that should go into deciding a firearm, such as your physical build, housing situation, number and age of occupants in the home, etc. Finding an appropriate answer to your question is further complicated by lots of conflicting opinions from non-professionals.
Without knowing more about your individual situation and needs, I don’t think an Internet blog is the best place to ask for home defense firearm advice.
I would recommend many other handguns over the PF-9 for home defense, but I wouldn’t recommend a single handgun by anyone or of any type over a pump shotgun. Talk about idiot proof and effective.
Also, don’t fall into the common trap of being pushed into a revolver because they are “easy” to handle or figure out. That’s a last bastion of male chauvinism in the firearm world, and a woman can handle a semi-automatic pistol or a shotgun just as well as a man. Choose what’s right for you, and if it winds up being a .38 revolver, so be it. Most carry revolvers are very harsh with recoil and they are the last thing I’d recommend for a novice shooter. My niece weighs about 95lbs and had no difficulty with my shotgun or any of the handguns I have taught her how to use.
Here’s a piece I wrote awhile ago about how women are talked down to in the gun world. You are smart enough to take on your safety as your own responsibility; you deserve to be treated the same as anyone else.
You may want to attend a firearm safety course first, and then ask the instructor for their personal opinion. Just keep in mind, however, that it’s an opinion, and your friends may also play a role in helping you decide.
Shoot as many types of firearms as you can before making your choice. Most gun owners are happy to share their firearms with new shooters, and a local range may offer rentals.
Good luck, and please feel free to email me if you have further questions.
Nicky, here’s my advice. Don’t over analyze all this b.s. This is a personal defense weapon that you want to use as a last resort in an up close and personal situation. You’ll be so close it won’t matter if you even go to the range with a Smith and Wesson 340pd. Just buy it, have someone show you how to take the safety off, then load it, stick it in your purse and if you have to use it, point it and pull the trigger that simple. It’s not rocket science, a dumb chimpanzee can do it. Don’t bother with anything else, this will do the trick in a pinch….
Frankly that’s the most dangerous advice I’ve ever read. Suggesting to anyone, sight unseen, that one particular firearm is a best for them is bad enough advice. Telling them they don’t need to go to the range to practice is grossly irresponsible.
I find it interesting that bfree recommends the S&W 340PD as the #1 Google search result for S&W 340PD is this article about a defective revolver. Doing further research on the 340PD reveals that S&W themselves caution against using magnum ammunition in the revolver and that some owners have reported cracks in the frames after firing as little as fifty rounds.
bfree, the 340PD doesn’t have a safety, so what did you mean by having someone show her how to take the safety off?
This is a classic example of why you shouldn’t take random advice from some random dude on the Internet.
Nicky, please go to an NRA accredited safety course taught by an NRA-certified instructor and find the right self-defense option for you.
In the meantime, I’d like to remind everyone to keep comments on this page about the Kel-Tec PF-9.
I bought a PF9 for my girlfriend who has a Carry License in Tennessee.. It fits her perfectly.. I feel Kel Tec gives you a good bang for the buck.. I carry a P-11 and have an A2000 for plinking.. MT Taurus PT-111 Pro 9mm feels good at the range & I wear it at work; but it’s not a very concealable gun.. My P-11 is just a little smaller; but still not fully concealable.. I’ll probably buy a PF9 for myself to carry concealed..
I have fitted my PF9 with CTC laser sites…. great stuff…. hope one one steps in from of them that shouldn’t////
What are these things going for now?
At the last gunshow I attended (Indy 1500), I noticed AR lowers, uppers, LPK’s, and most Glocks, Springfields, etc. seem to have topped off from the “big election panic”, and are actually starting to return to (kinda) reasonable prices.
I didn’t notice many Kel-tecs though (no PF-9’s at all).
Nicky.. you might want to look at a S&W Mod. 368 with CTC laser sites. It kicks a bit but it will go off very time with a nice steady pull. You can even get a used one and the laser sites on eBay…you only have 5 shots so make um good
NickyOPS… that’s a model 638… I went nuts..
I just bought a PF-9 in Anchorage against the recomendation of my fellow Alaskan gun-toting friends. They claim the 9mm is underpowered and won’t protect me. I calmly explained to them that I can carry it where my .44 mag won’t go. I love the size of the PF-9 and the 9mm caliber. Sure, there may be other handguns that could be better, but I am comfortable with my choice and especially with the size and price of the PF-9. I love revolvers, and they are great, but for deep concealed carry, I prefer the PF-9 every time.
9mm is underpowered? Come on that is stupid as hell. A 9mm will most definitely stop a person. If your that worried about it then pick up some jacketed hollow points anyways.
Next time you see your friends ask them to stand in front of your target and see if they are so sure its underpowered and wont protect you.
A .22 will stop a person. 9mm is better than any caliber smaller than it, but less effective than larger calibers. As a deep CCW, the PF9 is fine, and better than nothing. However, the FBI concluded the 9mm cartridge was insufficient after two agents were killed in a Miami shootout in 1986 and that is why most law enforcement agencies across the country have switched to .40 or .45.
http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf
So pick the 9mm if the other options are .380 or smaller. The benefit vs .38 will be size and ammo capacity but carry the largest caliber possible (.357, .40 or .45).
As for Chris’ friends who favor the .44 mag – what is their intended target? For a human, the .44 mag is far more than necessary and the trade off of weight, ammo capacity and recoil make it not worth it. But if you’re fending off angry grizzlies it’s a must because 9mm will just tick them off even more.
Tim’s got it right… Hitler’s boys killed a bunch of Americans with 9mm….there are reports that 9mm is a better load than the .45 in some cases…. 9mm is a far better for shooting into auto’s than a .40 or .45….
Wow, the comments here are almost as entertaining as the review itself! I’m shopping for my first carry gun, and came across the pf-9 at a local gun shop. I fell in love with the size and price (250 used). I noticed a comment earlier that the earlier production models may have more FTF/FTE/mag issues than recent models. Is there much to this theory? I have yet to fire a pf-9, but plan on calling local ranges that rent to see if any are available to try. I’m a smaller woman with fairly tiny hands. Are there any similarly-sized guns that anyone would recommend? I’m not afraid of a little kick.
Personally… I wouldn’t buy a used PF9…. you have issues with the ejection button and clip issues.. If you need a smaller gun… I would look a buying a new one, which you could probably get somewhere around $279. The clip release button is metal. The PF9 is also nice because you can get a CTC laser site on eBay for about $219.00
By the way… I does kick but in a gun fight… you’ll not notice it…
Hey guys, I too have a PF9 and have put almost 2k rounds through it and I could count on one hand if I have ever had a misfeed. This is the BEST concealment gun out there BAR NONE when you factor everything that goes into a concealment gun, I had an EMP 9mm with a 4-5lb. trigger pull which scared me a little because if I ever need to use it then I would rather have the creep of my PF9 trigger then an accidental discharge from the EMP,also the EMP is awful at cycling almost any type of ammo. Now, unlike Ike my hands have never been hurting after putting a couple hundred rounds through it, I do have large hands but I did put a trigger shoe on it and let me tell you, it makes all the difference. I also put the belt clip on and mag extension to conform to my large hands but make no mistake about it, the PF9 is the best all around everyday carry gun. Just keep in mind, as long as you have the right set up for the gun AND the right ammo, you will not need anything else for a deep concealment gun.
Stay safe and support your NRA…
Justin