Anyone use/carry a KEL-TEC PF-9

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warthog97

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I'm curious about any real world experience owning/using a PF9. Read about it in Guns and Ammo and Gun Tests, both publications had great things to say about it. Read some on-line reviews, and there are less glowing comments, but most seem to be issues that can be addressed carefully with sandpaper, a dremel tool (addressing sees, sharp edges, etc), or Uncle Mike's wrap around grip.

The price seems crazy cheap and the value seems unbeatable. Not looking to add anything to the CCW stable, but...
 
I have a buddy that carries one and he absolutely loves it and burns through ammo like crazy.

I've fired one and it was ok, not the best and damn sure not the worst I've ever fired. I doubt I'd ever give up my 10mm Glock or .40 XD to carry one but if it was all I had I'd carry it vs nothing.
 
I carry one everyday in a Galco Horsehide Pocket Holster. I started a few Summers ago when hiking shorts and a T shirt became my official attire after I retired. I've never done any work on it. Right now I use either Speer Gold Dots or Cor Bon ammo. Every week or so I'll draw it out at the range and take 3 or 4 shots just to make sure all is well and to rotate some ammo. It always fires and functions and holes appear right where I want them to. It isn't the easiest or most pleasant gun to shoot, but it is my smallest and thinnest 9mm. With a spare mag in the other pocket I do not feel the least bit under gunned.
 
I have had a Keltec PF9 for about a week and I have about 60 rounds through it. Will have to fire more before I trust it as a carry weapon. It is not a fun gun to fire a lot of ammo, but that is not what it is intended to do. I can carry OWB with almost any shirt I have and not print. So far it has not had any problems feeding any ammo. I tried both fmj and jhp.
 
I've found the PF9 to be an effective, accurate, and inexpensive pocket gun. Even my highly skeptical buddy was pleasantly surprised when he shot mine. I had to raise my thumb on my shooting hand to a slightly higher position on the pistol to accommodate the placing of the mag release (otherwise accidental mag drops could be a problem) but other than that I've had no issues.
 
It seems that "Your Mileage May Vary" applies to Kel-Tec moreso than other makers. The price is great, but a more robust qc process might change that.

But... I carry a PF-9 daily, and it's been a wonderful pistol. The gun is of a simple, basic design- which is what I want in a ccw weapon.
I have around 550 rounds through mine and it's much smoother now than when new. Mine is reliable: I tried one day to make it jam- shot tons of dirty ammo through it and it never failed- I had to stop 'cause my hand was a bit sore. I added a Hogue Handall Jr. and it feels much better.
It's definitely not an easy shooting range toy. But it does pack a punch.
I'm looking at a trigger upgrade; the trigger is my least favorite part. It has a strange curve and it's plastic, but the plastic keeps costs down.
Not too many holster options but I made a kydex so I'm good to go.
Mine's been easy to conceal, reliable, and inexpensive. YMMV.
 
Have about 1000-1500 rounds through mine, carry it all the time, but don't fire it much. Crushed my trigger finger forty years ago and it's a bit sensitive still. Every time I fire a couple of mags through it my finger hurts for several days, but the gun works well. I installed an aftermarket machined aluminum trigger, which helped some.

Mine HATES Winchester White Box. Jams every 2-3 rounds, but runs everything else just fine. During break-in, with about 150-200 rounds through it, it started jamming on everything. Called Kel-Tec and they offered to give it a free round trip back to the factory for service, but I declined and had them ship me a new extractor & spring (had it in three days) and it's been fine ever since.
 
This is my CC gun. Fits great in my pocket and has never had a lick of trouble. Not a gun you'll take to the range and shoot for fun but it works great for it's intended use. Really easy to break down and clean and I've never had a jam or misfire.
 
I normally OC a full size 1911, but I do have a PF9 for when I need to deep conceal. I put a Houge grip wrap, trigger shoe, and the mag extender on to make it a bit more comfortable. It was actually my first gun. I think for the price you can't go wrong. Finding anything made by Kel-Tec can be a challenge.
 
For me, I had one and would never have another one. I had a the PF-9. It was the first gun I had before I got my license. I had shot 300 rds thru it before the CCL test. When I did my qual for the license, I had so many FTF and FTE issues and I have 3 xtra mags. I ended up using anther persons gun after his qualified.

I ended up after getting my CCL, giving away the pf-9. after over 1000 rds of fmj of various brands, I always had an issue completing a shooting session.

I contacted the place where I got the PF-9, and they suggested that I contact the factory of which I did. I sent it back to the factory and recived it back in about 3 weeks. The invoice said the did a " fluff and buff " to it.

I found out after fact the this was a common occurrence with the PF-9 and apparently with some others.

For me There was no way that after 1000 rds of ammo shoot and I still could not get thru a session with out issues, I would not trust my life on it.

With that said, I do know there are others out there that swear by them. Some have had different issues and others never reported any issues. But my experience tells me ' not again '

Good luck on what ever you decide. :)
 
The PF9 was in the running when I was looking for a summer carry smaller & lighter than my SIG P245. I finally settled on the KAHR CM-9. It is not at all unpleasant to shoot and along with glowing reviews has not given me a lick of trouble. Problem is that my daughter needed a carry gun & I relinquished it to her, along with the CT laser I had on it! Good excuse to replace it with the XDS - another lucky and positive choice - light, small AND a 45!
 
Have had my PF-9 for a year now...shoots well, starting to loosen up a bit and becoming more comfortable, also have a Hoag Jr grip which helps the hand, bought my IWB holster from The Holster Store and fist perfectly...wore it to a gun show and after 10 minutes forgot I was wearing it until I returned home...all in all, a good carry gun.
 
It worked for (or against) George Zimmerman...:) I had one for a while and liked it, but I traded it and some money for a 1911 style 9mm because it is more fun to shoot. For deep CC, I still have my LCP.
 
Not for me

I got a new one that had FTF problems. I returned it to Kel-Tec. It did the same thing when it came back. I could not depend on it on a life saving situation so I sold it. My Glocks NEVER fail me.
 
Ive had one for a year

warthog97 said:
I'm curious about any real world experience owning/using a PF9. Its a nice conceal weapon, light weight, keep forgetting Im wearing it..Also wear it open carry dosnt bring alot of attention like my 45 cal:cool:..Even wore it in a parade...a Kilt and my 9mm..LOL its lighter than my Claymore (Scottish sword)
Click to expand...
 
I Carry A PF-9 Most Of The Time...IWB...I Use Hollow Points And I Have A Crimson Trace Trigger Guard Red Laser On It...Always Have One In The Chamber...I Pull It Out Point And It Always Works...But You Have To Break It In First Before Being Totally Dependent On It...Great Conceal Carry...!!! But You Need To Practice Your Gun Presentation...Use Dry Fire First...Works For Me...!!!
 
I use a Kel Tec PF 9 and I have had no problems with it, it's a great gun for my backup or to use off duty. The holster of my choice for the Kel Tec PF 9 is the Fubus Holster. It's a paddle holster and its molded for the PF9.
 
There are some very honest posts in this thread.
I found the PF9 to not be a fun gun to shoot. The trigger was just not for me and the recoil was crazy for a 9mm.
I also agree 100% that it is a dream to conceal. I don't think anyone in almost any situation would guess that you had a 9mm on you.
Also noted was that the gun is not for everyday shooting. Hunters know when they fire on their chosen target in the heat of the moment, the noise and recoil are almost unnoticed. I'm guessing, and its only a guess, if you had to use the PF9 in a critical situation the recoil would not be noticed.
 
I have owned one for about 10 years, Cheaply made gun and looks like it. I have fired, guessing about 1000 rounds through the years. Not a fun gun to shoot, and I do not use it as a daily carry piece. I do not trust it!
I also have the .380 P3AT. That I purchased before the PF9. Don't care for that one either. Cheap gun that hurts my hand when fired. Purchased the Ruger LPC when it cane out and love it. Much more refined. Mostly use the LCP as a carry piece, with shorts here in Vegas! I have a Sig P238 that I also carry, a little larger than the LPC, and cost a lot more! Going to replace the Kel-tec with a sig P938 or a Kimber Solo!
 
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