After reading Don Gammill, Jr’s PF-9 review, I was compelled to get my hands on a PF-9 for myself. What was the source of this compulsion? I can’t say precisely, but I’m sure it had something to do with the considerable bulk of my other 9mm (a full-size Ruger P-95) and the marginal caliber of my other carry gun, a .380 Makarov.
I’ve been looking for a small carry gun in a caliber that I already shoot and reload. Since I’m not a fan of subcompact .45 ACPs with small magazines and big recoil, this narrowed my choices to the .357 Magnum and 9mm Parabellum. I’ve shot some very small Kahr 9mms and came away impressed, and I’ve always liked Ruger’s SP-101 in .357 Magnum. I came within a hair (not really a hair, more like a hundred bucks) of buying a 3″ SP-101 last month, but I didn’t. It was beyond my modest budget. Just like a weekend in Vegas, it’s a good idea for me to know my limit before I go to a gun store, and to stick to it.
I checked out dozens of snubnoses and subcompacts at a gun show a few weeks ago, and then I read Don’s review of the Kel-Tec PF-9. Warts and all, his review sealed the deal for me. I sold the Makarov to free up some funds and some real estate in my gun safe, and I ordered the PF-9 from an online retailer for $259.
It arrived in the tiniest hard pistol case I’ve ever seen, and I was pleased to discover that I’d received a higher-priced Parkerized pistol for the bargain-basement price of the standard blued model. My next two impressions were “OMG, that’s f***ing tiny!” and “Don wasn’t kidding about that trigger reset.” But I remain amazed that $259 plus shipping and transfer fee actually gets you a ‘real gun’ in a major caliber. The PF9 has all the bits you expect in a real gun: visible and adjustable sights, a slide that stays open after the last shot, a magazine release where you expect to find it, and even an accessory rail.
But not all of these ‘real gun’ bits are not quite what they seem. The adjustable sights are snag-free and easy to see, but on my pistol they don’t have enough adjustment range. The slide release lever is only a ‘slide lock’ to hold the slide open after the last shot. Magazine retention is solid (no accidental drops) but the mags don’t drop free. The accessory rail is mil-spec, but it’s too short to accept most lights or lasers. In these details, the execution of the PF-9 falls a little bit short of its expectations.
Size and Weight:
Kel-Tec advertises the PF-9 as the ‘thinnest, lightest production 9mm in the world’ and I have no reason to doubt them. It is exactly half the weight of my Ruger P-95 9mm with exactly half the firepower as well.
It is amazingly flat and thin. It makes many compact .380s like Bersas and Walthers seem both cumbersome and portly by comparison. It’s shorter, thinner, and 10 ounces lighter than a Walther PPK which holds fewer rounds of a lesser caliber. My .380 Makarov, an ugly Soviet sister of the Walther PP, was an absolute pig by comparison.
The PF-9 conceals very easily; easier, in fact, than a J-Frame S&W, the gold standard of a deep-concealment handgun. In a low-slung belly band holster, it completely disappears under a pair of Levi’s and a t-shirt. When the weather gets hotter, I have few doubts that it will conceal perfectly well under cargo shorts and a tank top. This particular method of carry doesn’t allow for a very rapid presentation, but it demonstrates that you can carry the PF-9 anywhere the law allows.
Go ahead, take off your jacket! Reach for that can of soup on the top shelf, with your strong hand! Lean over and try to ‘print’ the PF-9 against your clothing! Trust me, nobody will notice.
Ergonomics:
I agreed with Don’s critique of the PF-9′s overly-aggressive grip texture, so before I left I fashioned my own Hogue-style grip wrap from a short section of bicycle inner-tube. The result is a soft, slightly grippy surface which softens the texture of the grip. It doesn’t bulk out the grip, and on my black-framed gun (no great beauty to begin with) it doesn’t even look too unsightly.
Even with my homemade Schwinn/Hogue grip wrap, however, the PF-9′s recoil is snappy. This should be no surprise from a 9mm that weighs barely a pound fully loaded, and is actually milder than I had expected. I’ve shot .40 and .45 subcompacts, much heavier than the 13-ounce PF-9, and positively hated their recoil. The PF-9 recoils much like a steel-framed .38 snubnose; it’s not a creampuff but it’s not a punisher. Well, not too much of a punisher.
The trigger pull is long and moderately heavy, but it’s fairly smooth and it only stacks slightly toward the end. Resetting the trigger requires you to release it *all* the way forward, just like a double-action revolver. I never encountered Don’s problem of ‘short-stroking’ the trigger, possibly because I spend a fair amount of time shooting double-action with my S&W Model 686. The hammer is partially cocked by the cycling of the slide, so there is no second-strike capacity if you encounter a misfire.
As noted above, the PF-9 has remarkably good sights for such a small pistol. The front sight features a large white dot which grabs your attention when you’re raising the gun up to the target. I like it a lot, and I wish the rear sight were a little bit wider to match it. The rear sight is a well rounded snag-free unit, made of a tough polymer. It can be adjusted for windage by loosening a small Allen screw, and Kel-Tec says it can be shimmed with aluminum foil to adjust for elevation.
Accuracy:
The good sights helped the PF-9 achieve accuracy that was more than acceptable for such a minuscule gun. In deliberate aimed fire, it gave me consistent 2″ and 3″ groups, with an occasional single flier. My best 7-shot group was 1.9″. In order to zero the sights to the point of impact, I had to drift the rear sight as far right as it could go. It still shoots an inch left at 7 yards, but I can live with ‘minute of beer can’ accuracy at real world gunfighting distances.
Rapid-fire with the PF-9 is a lot like rapid-fire with a .38 snubnose, except that the sights are a lot better and you’ve got eight shots to work with instead of five. It kept all eight shots in a paper-plate sized group, shooting as fast as I could. With so little trigger time on the gun, I was pretty happy with this performance.
Reliability:
This isn’t a range gun or a target pistol, so it damned well better go bang every time you pull the trigger. I shot through a box of Remington 115 grain FMJs, a box of Hornady 115 grain Critical Defense hollowpoints, and a bag of home-grown 124 grain FMJs. Feeding and ejection were 100% reliable with everything I shot. Ignition was 100% reliable with factory ammunition, but the PF-9 did not reliably ignite my 9mm handloads.
Spent cases showed fairly light primer strikes, and my reloads used CCI primers which are reported to be harder to ignite than other primer brands. In any event, Kel-Tec is sending me a new firing pin and spring which should solve the problem. For free. They also recommended that I clean out the firing pin channel, which I’ve done and which may have solved the problem already. It was, to put it politely, absolutely filthy.
But even if the handload problem never really resolves itself, I’ll always be completely satisfied with a defensive pistol that is 100% reliable with factory ammo. I’m favorably impressed with the overall reliability of this tiny pistol, even though I’m only halfway through the suggested break-in period of 250 rounds.
Conclusions:
The PF-9 is a lot more pistol (and, in its critical dimensions, a lot less pistol) than anything within $200 of its price point. It’s got every advantage over snubnose .38s: more bullets, easier concealment, better accuracy, and better ballistics. It’s not as tiny as the newest batch of ultra-compact .380s, but the marginal increase in size brings lots of benefits like better ballistics, more firepower, and usable combat sights. It’s not as feature-laden as larger 9mms, but it’s much more likely to be there on your hip (or in your pocket; it fits just about anywhere) when you really need it.
In the world of full-powered deep concealment pistols, its only real competition is the Kahr PM-9. If the PM-9 is as good as the other Kahr’s I’ve shot, and if money were no object, I’d probably pick the Kahr in a heartbeat. Money IS an object for most of us, however, and the Kahr is more than twice the price of the Kel-Tec.
The Kel-Tec PF-9 represents a lot of compromises between concealment, combat power, and handling. I respect Don’s opinion, and perhaps if I’d started with a Kel-Tec P3AT I wouldn’t be as impressed with the compromises that had to be made in up-sizing that gun to a larger caliber. As it is, I’m impressed with the features it provides at a simply amazing price. If it continues to be as accurate and reliable as it has been so far, I expect I will carry it for years to come.
Just recently purchased a PF-9. After I figured out why it kept dropping the magazine (I was holding it wrong) I keep getting FTFs. I’m not too recoil-sensitive; my primary CCW is an LCR .357. I have owned/carried a Taurus PT-1911 and a GLOCK 27. Never any reliability issues with either. Is it just my pistol, or am I doing something wrong here? Thank you.
@MrBill:
I had some failures to fire, which went away after Kel Tec sent me a new firing pin and spring. I also *gently* deburred and cleaned the firing pin channel in the slide.
Call their Customer Service, and you’ll have replacement parts in a few days.
Actually they’re failures to feed. It fires and ejects just fine. I tried polishing the feed ramp with a felt tip Dremel bit and buffing compound; didn’t seem to help. I emailed Kel-Tec about the issue. Haven’t heard back yet.
I’ve owned several Kel-Tecs over the years..I recently purchased a kel tec pf9…..I’ve put just over 250 rounds of Blazer FMJ ammo and 80+ rds of Remington 147 HP through the gun..I’ve had several stove pipes during the first 100 rds.. flawless since..I’m suprised at the guns accuracy…and its size (or like of size)..It takes a little while to get use to the trigger…but overall I’m pleased with the purchase
picked up PF-9 tonight at a local gun show…traded off the worst purchase of my life for it ( Taurus TCP 380–the gun was unreliable and the sights were hideous NEVER BUYING A TAURUS AGAIN EVER
impressed by the size and simplicity…cannot wait to hit the range Sunday with this little beauty–and thanks for the info on picking up Remington 115 FMJs to take along!!
I own a Taurus 24/7 9mm…had maybe 4 jams through the first 200 rounds. Never a jam since. Taurus for the most part makes good handguns. My 24/7 is accurate and has little recoil.
I too have owned several Tauruses (Tauri? Tauren?) and had no reliability problems EVER with either one. I believe I had premature slide lockback once on my 840 out of probably 1000 rounds, and I’ve had zero failures of any type with my 740 after about 250. Only reason I’m considering selling the 740 is the recoil is a bit too much for me to handle in such a small gun. You should have contacted Taurus customer support. My 840 broke about 6 months in and they got it up and running in less than a month.
But I very well may be selling my 740 and picking this up instead.
I recently purchase the PF9 from a friend on mine who is a dealer. He and I teach concealed carry here in Oklahoma. I had multiple FTE’s at the range (Behind my house) the first time out. I tried three different kinds of ammo. I called Kel Tec the following Monday and they sent me out a new extractor, spring, and screw. Received them on Wednesday, installed them in about ten minutes, and went out back again.
No failures whatsoever! Gun ate everything i gave it and is very accurate for such a small pistol. Customer service is excellent. Yes there are guns out there that will perform flawlessly out of the box for at least an additional 100.00 the Ruger LC9 comes to mind, but the trigger break on it is horrendous just as on my LCP.
I recently purchased a PF9,very accurate for such a small pistol.Haven’t got to shoot it that much but so far no FTF or FTE.Recoil is a little stout but manageable Will make an excellent concealed carry.
I owned a PF-9 for about two years, it is great for pocket carry but I found it a real paint to shoot. I understand that these are guns meant for carrying a lot and shooting little, but I also believe you need to practice with what you carry so when the time comes you will actually hit what you intend.
The PF-9 became very reliable after a fluf & buf, but it was never a fun gun to shoot. The recoil is very stout and the trigger is horendous. I traded for a Kahr PM9 and it is night and day. The PM9 is a little bigger than the PF-9 in all aspects (dimention and weight), but it is still very confortable to carry and best of all I can actually go to the range and put down 200 rounds and still have feeling in my hands. The trigger and recoil are lot better! Yes, it is almost 3 times more expensive, but for me it was worth it. The new CM9 should be just as good at about 1.5 times the PF-9 price. I may get one to stash somewhere for emergency!
You did say to take a dremel and smooth out the bottom of the rail. When I fire the last round drop the clip and insert another one, the slide release doesn’t work correctly? Is that normal for the pf-9? All my other handguns don’t have this issue.
I love this weapon. I had the .380 Kel Tec, and I was never very impressed with its reliability nor accuracy. Straight out of the box, with absolutely no tinkering, using Winchester Whitebox, Tul, Georgia Arms reloads, and Blazers, I have *never* had a malfunction, misfire, or problem with the PF9 in about 1000 rounds of practice. I carry inside the front pocket, strong side, using a Desantis Nemises holster, and I keep a spare mag in any other available pocket. For less than $300, this is my little hidden ace filled with Winchester Ranger XT a-hole repellant. I LOVE this weapon.
if you need to speed reload, you need a lot more than any pistol, much less a pocket pistol. Guys complain about weight, especially if carrying in a front pants pocket, and then complain about recoil. Well, you get more recoil when you cut the weight. You can always add weight in the form of lead inserts, to the grip panels.
I live in Arizona and have had a CCW permit for several years. I’ve owned a PF-9 for about three years. Prior to getting it, my other guns were so bulky, I only carried when I was going into an unfamiliar and in my mind dangerous situations. Out here a large fanny pack screams “Gun!”. Once I got the PF-9 it has been my constant companion. I had trouble initially with it feeding “social ammo”. I could get off about three shots and then a stove pipe. There was never a problem with FMJ ammo. After trying several brands I settled on the Hornady Self Defense round and have had no problems since. I own other guns that I would rather shoot, but none I would rather carry. Life is full of compromises. I work in an office so I use an appendix carry with a inexpensive holster that allows me to tuck my shirt with only the metal clip showing over the belt.
After a six month dry spell, I went to the range yesterday and ran through 100 rounds of Blazer FMJ without any problems. Being a cheap guy, I use silhouette targets that I have shrunk to be reproducible on an 8.5X11 piece of paper. The 7 ring is about 4.5″ X 6.5″. An advantage of this size target is that anywhere on the paper would probably neutralize a threat. I re-familiarized myself with the trigger pull, I did not consider it to be heavy or notice any loading at the end, just long. It had the sharp recoil I remembered, which is normal for a small gun. At 21 feet I was hitting a 2″ wide 5″ tall string about an inch to the right of the “X” if I used the sights. I moved the target in to 12′ (room size) and shot by looking at the target and not aiming as would probably happen in a self defense situation. I kept 13 out of 15 on the paper. My final 10 rounds were at 21 feet using the sites. Most were 9′s and 10′s with one 8 for a score of 93 on my reduced target. In summary, the PF-9 is not a tack driver, but it is an excellent carry piece that is light and concealable and uses readily available ammo that would neutralize a threat quicker than the smaller calibers. When the “Obama Ammo Rush” was in full swing, .380 ammo was scarce and expensive, but 9mm was always available at about 2/3 the price. I have had no problem with it feeding FMJ ammo, but had to experiment to find a brand of social ammo that would feed consistently.
I haven’t been to the range yet, however this is my first PF-9 by Kel Tech. I’m retired now and have carried for 38 years my colt 1911, and still do. had 380′s for back up, 32 cal etc. So I’m very pleased with the PF-9, it will become my new carry gun, anyway I’m by no means a fluff kind of a guy, but can somebody out there tell me how and the H–l do I get the seventh round into the mag. Please advise me by email. Thanks so much.
Don’t know if you received a reply yet. I was just browsing the internet and came across this post. Guys at the keltec owner site say the magazine spring is sometimes loaded upside -down, and a dissassemble and flip usually always fixes the 7th round dilemma…
bought a PF 9 yesterday, just got back from the boonies, shot factories, good & old crappy reloads–simply love the litte gun. Does hurt slighty to shoot, but it aint a target gun your going to shoot that much. Wear gloves-no problem. I am a retierd law man so I played with a few guns in my time. I usually cary a Tarus melinum in .45 ACP. It has a lot more punch than the .9mm, all things considered, I will have the little PF-9 with me ALL the time. It simply is so darn easy to hide, & shoots so great. What good is a gun in your safe when you might need it ? The best $300 I ever spent . Will shoot it more for breakin, but have all the confidence in the world that it would save my life. God bless Americ
What size inner tube did you use?
I own A PF- 9 also, the sights I did have a problem with ,So I purchased crimson trace laser sights for it , The sights fit to the trigger loop one half each side then has screws to clamp the sights together they made a world of difference on my aim, the on button is a natural grip when you squeese the handle to hold the gun in position. I now carry the PF-9 more then I do my colt 45 ultra light.
I’m torn between the concept of this PF9; smallest possible 9mm, not real easy to shoot, etc, and the other cc option; less caliber, easier to shoot well, MAYBE less potential problems which is a Bersa Thunder cc 380. Yes…380. The 380 is an expensive rnd to shoot but there are a lot of really good designs out there for the 380 cartridge. Just not sure which way to go.
So is it better to carry the 9mm in a gun which pushes the limits of the gun that carries the rnd, or get a lesser caliber more suited for the gun’s size?
i have owned my pf9 for 2 months now and have shot over 500 rounds of all kind of diff, ammo i have many smith wheel guns a glock,and a few others,[back to the kel tec] i was armed with my smith ,mod 19 357, 2and halfinch,but now i carry the kel tec every day all day everyplace i go, and i dont know what the other guys are talking about but i honestly shoot all bullseye within 12 yards,and i shot alot,my buddy has a p89 ruger and i took him shoting and my little kel tec embarresed him and those were his words,they are the BEST DEEP CONCELMENT HAND GUN OUT THERE FOR UNDER 600 BUCKS,[i know for 600 bucks we can have 2] i like the fact its a no frills good reliable gun, i wont get rid of my mod 27 glock becuse i love that gun also,but that stays in my breifcase while the keltec goes in and out of reseraunts, stores, shopping,banking, its always with me, thats just my opinion, and i have been CC for 27 years, i will follow keltec’s upcomming guns,
Have only put 100 rounds through my PF9 but love it so far. Comfort and handling are noticeably improved with the “bicycle tire tube” type of remedy. Best to order a very thin rubber grip cover on ebay made specifically for this gun; cost was about $6.95 and well worth it. By the way, the Makarov is noticeably more powerful than a 380. The 9×19 Makarov is a very “hot” round and closer ballistically to the 9mm parabellum. The Makarov is all steel and slightly heavy but inexpensive, reliable and accurate.
Which ones on ebay are paper thin? I’ve tried a bicycle inner tube on my P95. I cut it to the shape I wanted, it doesn’t have finger grooves, it costs $4, and I can make 10 more with the one inner tube. Is it the best solution? It’s not the best material, but it’s good to experiment with.
I love my PF9. For it’s intended purpose, it’s the best on the market. Easy to conceal and more power than a 32 or 380. I have had no problems with mine …. no FTL or FTE. I find it’s accuracy amazing for such a small gun. I did not find the recoil bad at all. I’m a but puzzled by people complaining about it.
I noticed several people mentioning Kahr. Look up who own Kahn…. they are not getting a dime of my money, no matter how good the gun is.