http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8TtAyF6YA
The boss’s mouse gun malevolence notwithstanding, I’m still a fan of petite pistols and reserved revolvers. In fact, I was so impressed with Kel-Tec’s .380 P3AT that I just plunked down $239 of my own cabbage for one. Boy, has it been a dandy, reliably (and accurately) chomping its way through an inaugural 250 rounds of FMJs, JHPs, and assorted plastic-bagged reloads. All is good in my mouse gun paradise save one slightly-disturbing detail: those .380 bullets sure look small. For folks more bothered by this than me, the Kel-Tec Calvary has responded. Enter the 9mm Kel-Tec PF-9.
Introduced in 2006, the PF-9 is a semi-automatic, double-action-only, locked-breech pistol chambered in that archetype of ubiquity, the 9mm Luger (or 9mm Parabellum, or 9 X 19, etc.). Quickly and dirtily: it’s a larger and more feature-laden version of the P3AT chambered in a more powerful caliber. (“More feature-laden” here means that it has a slide stop, an accessory rail, and usable sights.) You may be familiar with Kel-Tec’s other small nine, the P11. Imagine a lighter, more up-to-date P-11 with a thinner grip due to a single-stack magazine and bingo! You’ve got the 12.7-ounce, 0.88-inch-thick Kel-Tec PF-by-God-9.
Aesthetically, you will not be awed by the PF-9. A thing of beauty may well and truly be a joy forever, but you’ll never find such a thing in Kel-Tec’s catalog. Although the PF-9 looks less like a toy than the P3AT (its blockish silhouette is thankfully less Goldilocks and more GoldiGlocks), it’s simply not pretty. Maybe “efficient-looking” is an apt description. Regardless, the dinosaur-spot texture on the grip surface doesn’t help.
Nor do these dinosaur spots help make the PF-9 comfortable to handle. The harsh checkering molded into the other Kel-Tec pistols’ DuPont ST-8018 feels more immediately natural than do these 20 big plastic squares. The rest of the gun feels ergonomically compromised, too. This depends largely on one’s perspective. In my pocket, it seemed a little too heavy for the capability it offered. But the thinner grip made possible by the single-stack, seven-round mag was a welcome print-reducer compared to most other small nines (nearly all of which are over an inch thick).
There’s one thing about the PF-9 that’s not up for debate: anybody who fires it will agree that it has a ridiculously long double-action trigger pull. (The re-set stinks, too; watch the video above and you’ll see why this kept my attempted second shot from happening.) Contrary to popular belief, the trigger doesn’t have a tremendous amount of take-up, it doesn’t stack all that much, and the break is fairly clean. However, when a trigger has to go forward and backward through multiple ZIP codes, you simply can’t compare it to the best guns in its class. Or even the decent ones.
To be such a small, light gun, the PF-9 sends rounds down range well—enough once you’ve learned to tolerate the trying trigger. Recoil and muzzle flip, while significant, are better managed than the P3AT (probably because more of your hand can grip the larger/heavier PF-9). Also, it’s amazing what having real sights can do for you in the target acquisition department. On the reliability front, the PF-9 never hiccuped, even after being limp-wristed, rapid-fired, and fed bargain-bin reloads. This example could be an anomaly, though. Re-learn the definition of “growing pains” by visiting the PF-9 section of the Kel-Tec Owners Group bulletin board.
If your troubled-triggered temptress isn’t enticing enough right out of the box, do feel free to accessorize. Crimson Trace offers a slightly larger version of its novel P3AT/P32 trigger guard-mounted laser for the PF-9, and the grip-frame-integral accessory rail will accommodate several tactical lights. Some owners have even had their slides/barrels ported. Holster options are myriad.
Coming away from my experience with the PF-9, two things stood out in my mind, First, as an individual gun—forget size for a minute—the PF-9 leaves a lot to be desired, mostly because of its trigger. Second, as a concept—-a small pocket pistol marginally upsized from .380 ACP to 9mm—it’s even worse. Numerous other tiny nines offer an overall better package, even if they are compromised in their own way.
Economically, the PF-9 does have a decided advantage over its competition, regularly selling for less than three bills brand new. But we learn in economics that everything happens at the margin. Compared to the P3AT from which it came—by being marginally bigger, heavier, more complex, and more expensive—the PF-9 just drifts too far out from the shore of real value to be saved by its brawny 9mm lifeguard.
Bottom line: Whether you like mouse guns or not, the P3AT is absolutely the real deal. Unfortunately, amongst a crowded field of pocket nines, the PF-9 is merely a pretender.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Kel-Tec PF-9
Action type: Double Action Only
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Capacity: 7-round magazine
Barrel length: 3.1″
Overall length: 5.85″
Weight: 12.7 oz. unloaded; 18.2 oz. loaded
Grips: Polymer; integral with frame
Sights: Adjustable rear (for windage and elevation) and fixed front blade
Slide Finish: Blued, Parkerized, or Hard Chrome
Frame Finish: Polymer; various colors available
Current Value: $249+ at Brownells, depending on options
RATINGS
(Out of five stars)
Style * *
More gun-looking than the P3AT but still no beauty pageant winner.
Ergonomics (carry) * * * * *
World’s flattest 9mm. Lightest, too.
Ergonomics (firing) * *
An unbelievably long trigger pull (and similarly-long reset) spoil all the fun. Couple this with the uncomfortable grip texture and a good time at the range is had by no one.
Reliability * *
Read the Kel-Tec Owner’s Group online bulletin board – for several years – before purchasing.
Customize This * * * *
Lots of stuff here; lasers, lights, porting, mag extensions, etc.
OVERALL RATING * *
There are simply too many good (and even decent) small nines on the market to recommend this one.
I too made my way to the AVN show, and was surprised to find quite a few gunnies there. For what its worth, anyone there for SHOT that knew of AVN is lying if they said they didn’t stop by the hard rock…even for a drink or 12.
The grip looks less like dino spots and more like one of those peanut-shaped peanut butter cookies.
Oh and nice review, thank you.
What kinds of groups did it give you? I checked these out at a gun show last weekend, and by the time I got home I was scheming how to trade my .380 toward one of these. Now I’m not so eager.
Did you experience any malfunctions with your test gun? Even if you didn’t, your reference to the owners group has me thinking very carefully about this now. I would love a super-svelte 9mm, especially for under $300, but rotten triggers (Rhino, anybody?) are deal-killers. And jam-a-matics are just plain killers.
Accuracy-wise, I wasn't impressed, especially compared to the .380 P3AT. The first time out with my P3AT (once I got used to it), I was able to get five out of six shots within less than 1.5" at 21 feet. With this PF-9, I wasn't capable of anything close to that – more along the lines 3" to 3.5" groups at 21 feet.
Reliability-wise, I want to be fair to Kel-Tec: These are extremely small, light-weight handguns that really push the edge of the feasibility envelope from a materials and engineering point of view. And Kel-Tec is a relatively small company. And, let's be honest, these pistols don't cost an arm and a leg.
The PF-9 I fired for this review never had a problem – it functioned flawlessly all afternoon. And any negative stuff you'll read about the PF-9 on the KTOG message boards…well, you'll read the same stuff on the P3AT boards, as well. (And I've heard that Ruger LCP owners are experiencing a lot of the same stuff, too.)
In my opinion, you have to spend some time with a given firearm before trusting it, and the owner of this PF-9 has done just that, and, as a result, he trusts it completely. My issue is that I'm not sure I would trust myself (or many other people) to be able to effectively fire it in a stressful situation due to its seriously-sub-par trigger.
Another alternative to consider: I've yet to fire one, but for the last five or six years, I've heard owner after owner extol the virtues of the Kel-Tec P11, which is basically the double-stack-mag forerunner to the PF-9 (but without the accessory rail or the weird grip texture). I doubt the trigger is much different, but I would definitely check that one out before buying a PF-9.
Sold!
I found a blued PF-9 online last week for $259 and bought it instantly; as a bonus they sent me the more costly Parkerized model for the same price. When the weather clears and I can head to the hills for some testing, I'll send El Jefe a second opinion review.
Without even shooting it yet, I know we already agree about the dinosaur grip checkering and the sharp grooves on the front and backstrap. My grip is already covered by a custom-fitted section of bicycle inner tube, possibly "The World's Thinnest and Lightest Hogue Grip Wrap".
I have owned both and the p11 trigger is much heavier while being
about the same length of pull. Northwood components makes a great
aluminum trigger that decreases perceived pressure as well as over
and under travel. Lastly it eliminates the trigger pinch some folks
get when firing either weapons.
Personal experience with this gun has been far more accurate that expressed here. It could be the grip that was show in the video. There is a lot of upward recoil shown and this is directly related to the grip used. When firing these pocket pistols I have found it is best to place the left pointer finger on the trigger guard. This helps reduce flip and maintains a better grip. Once you know the gun is going to stay in your hands there is less fear of the recoil. The trigger's "long" pull is the "safety" and with proper techniques will not affect how accurately you shoot the gun, however if you are anticipating recoil and jerk when you expect the trigger to break you will have terrible groupings. The jerk I speak of can be seen around 12 seconds where the shooter held the trigger back and it didn't reset. you can see a jerk when he expects the gun to fire.
The P11 trigger is far worse than pf9. I own both. The pf9 has a hammer block (similar to the p32 and p3at) that "pre stages" the trigger making it shorter. if you think the pf9 pull is long the p11 is beyond unbearably long.
finally all guns have issues, ruger hasn't released a gun recently without a recall. keltec mass produces these guns at an extremely low price point made possible by in part by the limited hands on approach to fit and finish.
Like I said in an earlier post I purchased a used Kel-Tec PF-9 this past weekend and I finally got to try out this weapon today , I am most impressed , very accurate , no feeding or extraction problems , very good weapon to use for self-defence as it is so light weight , I fired some Walmart ammo at a small 3×3 inch target 20 paces away and I was able to put all the bullets into the target ! The Kel-Tec PF-9 is a far cry from the older pistols of a by-gone era , large heavy automatics like the Colt model 1903 that fired under powered rounds such as the .32ACP or the .380ACP !
I have a Kel-Tec PF-9 and I love it! Easy to conceal, light to carry!
Oh by the way it is always on target!
( If you dont shoot well don’t blame the weapon!)
I have a kel tec p3at and p32. The trigger pinches the bottom of my finger and long pull. Regardless,i pick up the 3at and how about the 32 for back up? I sure hope you can do something for me,PLEASE,i like the kel tec line. BE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON. HUGH ROOK
Could not disagree more with this review. My PF9 is a good shooter, accurate and not uncomfortable to shoot. Never had any problems with it.
Kel-Tec PF9 is a great gun. If you want more, carry a Glock 22, but you will notice the difference (as in twice the weight and tons more spacial volumn).
I went to the NYT link, and I’ve read the interview and it’s curious how Dan Baum fails to mention the Constitution or the 2nd amendment as a defense against this NYT Joe Q. Know-Less-Than-nothing. Joe has been citified. He’s hive. He doesn’t get it, and worse, he doesn’t want to get it. Dan has approached the gun issue as either a point of some cultural misunderstanding, or a lack of responsibility by gun owners. This is called muddying the waters. His only job is to Divert the conversation away from the Constitutional protections of the 2nd amendment, and change the topic to a more pedestrian discussion of securing guns and more “gun guy” responsibility.
Dan isn’t a gun guy, and he isn’t here to represent gun guys, not honestly anyway. He’s a sheep in wolfs clothing. “Hey, I’m one of you guys, help me explain it to the anti-gun guys who don’t know you.” Duh, that’s why we have a Constitution. It’s so you don’t have to know someone, or why he wants to own an AR with a 30 round magazine, because it’s his right to have them if he wants them, not because some legislator wants to amend the Constitution through legislative action. That’s not how the Constitution is amended. No, Dan is no supporter of the Constitution or the 2A, and he’s definitely not our friend.
I think we are still far from the armed resistance. The political system still allows us to punish anti gunners at the polls. We wont sweep all of them, but the worst should be targeted for defeat, even if they are replaced by similar ilk. At least some will feel the personal agony of defeat and their contemporaries will note the price to be paid.
For a State to not allow its county Sheriff’s to be independent is unconscionable and would lead, sooner than later to a federalized local police. THIS WE DO NOT NEED!
Well, of course!
You didn’t expect Bloomberg to get rich by giving all of his money to Go Daddy for his own domain space, did you?
The biggest problem with the PX4 is that the 92FS already exists.
Why buy a polymer frame Beretta when they make a metal model with a superior aftermarket, better trigger, and better design?
NAA makes pretty good mini-revolvers. I have carried one as my pocket pistol for over a decade. I started with a 22LR model, now I carry a NAA Pug in 22WMR. The leather pocket holster I have keeps it well concealed and holds an extra 5 rounds. Surprisingly accurate and 22 mag is a decent round for deep concealment.
Thiss design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between yoyr wit and your videos, I wwas almost moved to start my own blo (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than
that, how yoou presented it. Too cool!
Respect your opinion and agree on the fact that it’s not a comfortable gun to fire, but it’s not a range gun it’s meant to defend your life. I have found mine to be superbly reliable and after a fair amount of time with it learning to stage the trigger properly very accurate. I own a a Sig P238, P226, G19, and a smattering of John Moses masterpieces and have moved on from numerous other Glocks, Smiths, and Rugers but when the weather gets warm here in South Carolina and my clothes get thinner I always find it’s the PF9 that goes with me. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Sigs and have spent a lot of time with the 238 and 938 but the size and weight of the PF9 and the fact that I spent the time to learn to utilize it effectively makes it a great carry option that I never worry about scratching up. To sum up, if you take the time to learn the little beast it’s a fine gun that you’ll not leave in the truck or on the nightstand because it’s too damned heavy or bulky and still packs a much better punch than a 380 for about the same weight and size.
I have 2….. it is a quality ,simple cary pistol …completly reliable ! As a man made product can be. Long triger pull for its safety ! Sissies should stay from this pistol ! ….. some of the expensive cary pistols have more problems ! Some of you guys just like to complain ….. very little expertise included. It is not a target pistol….. get an XDM, GLOCK, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT then some of you guys can complain about them …… they do what they are supposed to do also !The company is great to deal with. I am proud of owning this pistol. If you do have any problems with pistol….. they will custom tune it & send it back to you..
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I love my PF9 and use only the belt clip. To each his own but its like a really good woman: 100% reliable and always there when you need her.
It strikes me how much emphasis is put on drawing speed everywhere i look. It usually degrades into some macho contest on who has the “fastest draw in the West” argument. Seriously? That’s because in every mass shooting I’ve seen, by the time you see the shooter he is already possibly pointing the gun at you and pulling the trigger- no one can draw faster than a bullet that i know of. The only time you can be of use in any situation is if he is a really bad aim, or shooting at someone else when you spot him, i.e., Gabby Gifford, the people closest to the theatre shooters, the people in the center/back of the crowd in Riverside (or in the restroom), many bystanders at the various mall and other shootings. Obviously, 3 cops sitting at McDonalds, with Glocks and nice holsters and rapid drawing skills, still did not get off one shot, or even draw possibly, before he killed all 3 in California. Put that in your gun and smoke it. (See my comment on facing the entrance door below!)
So, if you are not the immediate target, it probably doesn’t matter if you have a retention or non retention, IWB, paddle, belt slide, or even ankle holster, because they all should allow drawing in 5 sec at most and reduce fatalities at any of these except the McDonalds. All of the convenience store and fast food robberies I know of were prevented by someone who the robber’s barrel was not pointing at, at that moment, giving them time to draw and position their weapon. You can talk about how good is the shooter’s aim too, but that is largely an unknown, although reports of the shooter’s gun jamming at the critical moment are NOT uncommon.
Most of all, home invasions, statistically more likely for all of us than being the immediate target of a mass shooter. One should have time to get out of bed, retrieve your gun, and take a tactical/advantageous stance before the robber encounters you. I really don’t understand all the emphasis on speed. Do you walk down dark alleys or high crime neighborhoods often? You probably should have your gun drawn already if that’s the case. Even if I were to inadvertently drive through a bad neighborhood, which I have done more than once thanks to my wonderful on board computer navigation that doesn’t care where the gangs hang out, I have my gun in my shooting hand, resting on my lap already. I’m sure there could be a billion comments/criticisms on my droll, but for me, even having my little 380ACP in an ankle holster (heaven forbid!), is way better than nothing, and could have made a difference at most of these mass shootings.
There are other factors at least as important as whether you have a Kydex or leather holster. I always sit in the most tactical seat in a restaurant I can get, always facing the entrance, and always knowing exactly where my gun is. Often, I even put it on the seat next to me and eliminate the holster/clothes/drawing issues altogether! My home piece is next to my bed, cocked and loaded, bullet in the chamber (JHP), with a second magazine next to it, both positioned for my left handed reach and grab. Even Ron Goldman (God bless him), would have had a fighting chance with any gun anywhere on his body. In a recent Pizza delivery woman armed robbery attempt in Atlanta, though the robber had already wrestled her to the ground, she was able to retrieve her handgun and shoot him point blank. He must not be from Georgia, where even pizza delivery women carry! Lol If more responsible citizens just had CCW period, the world would be a safer place. Liberals don’t even waste your breath, there’s no evidence to support a “Wild West” scenario. But there is evidence that cities that have the MOST STRICTEST gun BANS, the shooting have increased! Hmmm, Chicago comes to mind for one. Thanks for proving our point, Rom! Fortunately, the number of CCWs are growing every day. My NRA gun class of 6 students had 3 women, none of whom had ever shot a gun (school teacher, single parent, and housewife)! And one man was the husband of a Middle East-deployed military wife and had never held a gun!!
If you still want to be Russell Crowe in “3:10 to Yuma”, I only hope you have also had sufficient tactical training (my next course), to avoid shooting the wrong person in the wrong location or the wrong situation and end up in prison. That’s meant to be advise, not sarcasm, my friend.
I owned a Browning 380 that would not hit the floor if you dropped it. Beautiful, big, inaccurate.
I owned a Colt Mustang +2. I`m surprised it never broke with that junk recoil spring and it was to expensive to carry. I never wanted to get any wear showing on it. The PF 9 Is a better pistol than either of those better names. Its not pretty but as they say in the hot rod world “Chrome don`t get ya home”.
I burned a dead chicken, and it stunk to high hell.