Looking for opinions on a Kel-Tec PF

[Dakotaranger]

I've been looking at a Kel-Tec PF in 9MM.  Does anyone have any experience with Kel-tec?

[fightingquaker13]

I've been looking at a Kel-Tec PF in 9MM.  Does anyone have any experience with Kel-tec?

Had my choice of the pf-9 vs P-11 on a trade. Like an idiot, I took the the P-11, more bullets = better right? Call it the Glock disease . Anyway, I got rid of it quickly. Here is my limited perspective. A) It was uncomfortable to fire. My finger hurt and my hand was unhappy after 50 rounds. To me this is a non-issue as its not a range gun, but just something to offer. B) The accuracy was ok out to 10 yards, not up to my G-26, but good enough. C) It was a bit finicky with Federal Hydra-shock, but fed ball flawlessly. This might just have been my gun as others have reported zero problems and when I called their CS, they said to send it in no charge and they would make it right.D) The Deal breaker. THE TRIGGER! This thing is an abombination on the p-11 (8 pounds, I don't know about the PF-9). It was heavy, long and there was no "break point", like on a Glock, so you couldn't take up the slack and then know when it would go bang. I was almost always surprised by when it actually went off. This is something I would have gotten used to I suppose. I just chose not to.
All in all, I would say you get what you pay for with Kel-tec and then some. I would trust my life to one, loaded with FMJ, I would just prefer not to. I would rate it a C+/B- gun at a C- minus price. Just my .02.
FQ13
 

[Dakotaranger]

The main reason I'm looking at it is I want a slim line pistol that if I had to carry in a shoulder holster (I've got a couple things coming up this summer that are almost manditory to carry that way) It doesn't look like I've got a tank under my arm like w/ my 1911's or XD's. 

[kilopaparomeo]

I have a PF9 that is my main carry gun in the summer and when clothes dictate a smaller gun. Overall I'd call it an A-/B+ gun.

It is definitely small, light and slim.  Many times I forget it is there in my IWB holster.  It has convinced me that for my body build, slim is very important.

It is reliable.  I've put several hundred rounds of reloads (FMJ and cast) and premium self defense (Hornady Critical Defense and Federal Hydrashocks) through it and it has never once bobbled. That is probably the most important quality a self defense gun can have.

The trigger is OK...smooth and not too heavy or creepy.  Sights are relatively large and crisp for a gun of this size.  It is accurate enough...I can knock over bowling pins at 7 yards at roughly the same regularity as with larger pistols.

The polymer frame has aggressive gripping surface that doesn't abrade the skin but does provide a positive grip.

Here are the negatives.    

It is ugly...this isn't a gun that you will show off at a BBQ...then again, pretty is as pretty does.  The quality of the finish on the slide is poor...not a deep rich blue by any means.  I'm always afraid that it will rust but so far no problem.  I'd get the stainless or parkerized version if I could do it again.  You can't dry fire the pistol...I believe the firing pin is not rated for that but the issue can be solved if you use a snap cap.  Finally, the biggest issue is that the followers in the factory mags are plastic and the little shelf that actuates the slide stop gets buggered up over time.  When that happens, the slide stops locking back every time.  I had heard there was a guy making steel followers but I've not found them.  

All in all, it is a good gun.  I carry it often because it is so small and I'm confident in it because it is reliable.  Today's 9mm self defense loads are very good...definitely not the 9mm of yesterday so you have quite a little powerhouse in the pistol.    Size, reliability and power...3 pretty important qualities in a carry gun in my poorly informed opinion.

[ericire12]

Here is your source for the best info on the PF9 (and all things Kel-Tec)

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=newpistol

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