Keltec PF-9 Review (brief)

[Morne]

For Sale Thread

So a little while ago I bought a Kel-Tec PF-9 from jmorman here on the forums (FS/T thread link above). This morning was so nice outside that I decided to finally try her out. To a degree I was concerned that I might not like it, as snubby semi-autos are not my normal cup of tea.

The ergonomics of this gun were really not as bad as I feared. With the zombie grip I could actually get a good hold of the gun, even with my meat mittens for hands.

The Galloway trigger (and reduced power hammer spring) were SWEEEEET! I was very accurate with it right from the get go. I don't know what the PF-9's stock trigger is like but this one was a dream. If anyone has a stock PF-9 and doesn't like the trigger I can heartily endorse this upgrade.

Yeah, there's some recoil to it. The trigger guard occasionally bashes your trigger finger. This isn't a gun to shoot 300 rounds through in a day, but for the 50 rounds I put through it the discomfort was minimal.

Only one FTF during the box of ammo, easily resolved by pulling the slide and releasing to get the round to seat. Seeing as how I was using cheapo Armscor LRN this is not a hanging offense. Before she might, MIGHT, ever go into the carry rotation she'll get thoroughly wrung out with some carry ammo.

Now I just need to find some more mags.

[Javelin Man]

I keep looking for the cylinder on that revolver...

[Tweed Ring]

Agree. Gun seems to be missing something cylindrical in nature, possibly hidden under the green thing?

[Morne]

Now, now, guys. I am STILL a revolver-only guy when it comes to carry. But I own and enjoy shooting quite a few semi-autos and used to carry them.

However, I find myself having to wear a suit (suspenders only, sans belt) more and more often these days. I like to put a snubby in each of my jacket pockets (so it is balanced) for such occasions. After doing the chrono work with Mr. Glock I find that the 9x19mm has a SLIGHT edge on the .38 Special in short barrels. Sure, I have a 9mm snubby revolver (Taurus 905) but the PF-9 is deliciously slender. So I am contemplating.

But as I said, this has not YET earned a spot in the rotation. As of today, my suit carry is a Ruger LCR in my right jacket pocket and the Taurus 905 in my left. When you see the moon turn blood red and frogs overrun the fields then come back and check to see if I have once again put a semi-auto in the carry safe.

[TunnelRat]

The Galloway trigger (and reduced power hammer spring) were SWEEEEET! I was very accurate with it right from the get go. I don't know what the PF-9's stock trigger is like but this one was a dream. If anyone has a stock PF-9 and doesn't like the trigger I can heartily endorse this upgrade.

The stock trigger is horrible. Not as bad as a P-64 (not nearly as heavy and gritty), but it is a lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ong trigger pull.

I got rid of mine for that very reason. I was not aware of the upgrade. I may have to look into this.

[evan price]

I always thought the PF9 trigger was way better than the P11 trigger. Might have to look into the Galloway parts if they are that good. I keep a few PF9s in the rotation myself.

[NavyChief]

Added to the range report index.

BTW folks, shoot me a PM when you do these reviews. I'm sort of the unofficial "keeper of the index" (here: Range Reports ) but I don't always catch new reviews/reports...

[mreising]

I used to own one but traded it for something shinier a couple of years ago. The only drawback as far as I was concerned was the admonition against dry-firing because the side of the firing pin can peen the end of the screw that holds the extractor. Seems like they could have made a little larger relieved area on the pin and eliminated that. I was looking at one the other day and thinking I might need to get one again. I had no problems shooting mine and the trigger did not seem horrendous.

[rouger10]

Would that be the RTK Short Stroke Trigger ? Did you do the install yourself ? If so, would you recommend it ? Looks like a worthwhile upgrade. I'll have to look into it more.

Thanks
Roger

p.s. Did you get the pink trigger ???

[NavyChief]

As soon as I've got a few extra bucks I'm sorely tempted to just "go down the option list" on Galloway's web site for my P3AT (exceptions: the grip overlay, as I have different plans for that, and the Versacarry - it's a pocket pistol, fer cryin' out loud). I dunno - does it make sense to throw a little over a hundred bucks (plus S&H) at an under three hundred buck pistol?

[Morne]

Would that be the RTK Short Stroke Trigger ? Did you do the install yourself ? If so, would you recommend it ? Looks like a worthwhile upgrade. I'll have to look into it more.

Thanks
Roger

p.s. Did you get the pink trigger ???

I didn't install it, previous owner did. Trigger is NOT pink, see picture.

[pleasantguywhopacks]

I have given serious consideration to buying a couple of these as car guns. I may have to after reading this.

[SMMAssociates]

Morne:

My daughter's got a semi-boyfriend (he'd swim the Mississippi for her, but she's not interested) who picked one of those up the other week. Bone stock. Not nearly as bad as my P3AT, although a little bigger ....

That trigger? Is it a little wider than stock? That's the problem with my P3. My chubby finger wraps around the trigger, and I get seriously pinched with every shot.

The P3 was a disaster from the first - besides the pinching, and the punishing recoil (sort of unavoidable in a small .380), the plastic mag release had to be replaced by an aftermarket metal one. Then, I trashed the trigger by trying to install their trigger shoe. Then the frame (the plastic part that holds the gun together) cracked just behind the metal goodies in the hammer area.

KT was nice enough to send me a new frame (they call it the "grip"), but working with the sear is a mess - utterly non-intuitive.

It's now gotten to the point that it'll finish a magazine (if I can stand it) without failing. Good enough for a BUG, I suppose.

The PF9 impressed me in that it seemed like most everything was correspondingly heavier or better designed. I wasn't able to check the mag release for material type, though.

WTH, enjoy it!

Regards,

[BobK]

I have given serious consideration to buying a couple of these as car guns. I may have to after reading this.

Why? If the gun is being carried in the car seems like carrying a full-size gun is the better choice. Not like it is too heavy to carry.

[TunnelRat]

I have given serious consideration to buying a couple of these as car guns. I may have to after reading this.

Why? If the gun is being carried in the car seems like carrying a full-size gun is the better choice. Not like it is too heavy to carry.

Good point, though I suspect the concept of a "car gun" implies a cheap model that can get beaten up and knocked around without causing too much personal anxiety (maybe this is where a High Point would shine... ).