Kel-Tec PF9 Gun Review

Am Shooting Journal | 2/15/2019 | J Dickson

[w1n1]

Small, lightweight polymer-framed pistols that have only a double-action trigger for a safety have become popular, and I consider the Kel-Tec PF9 to be among the best. It is smaller and lighter than a Walther PPK but more powerful, as it shoots the 9mm Luger cartridge. At 14.5 ounces and .880 inch thick by 5¾ inches long and 4¼ inches high, this gun is a true pocket pistol.
It rides easily inside the pocket of an El Paso Saddlery “Pocket Max” holster, which keeps it in a constant position for fast draw from the pocket, as well as breaks up the outline of the gun and protects it from the dirt and lint that accumulate in pockets. It is noticeably smaller and lighter than the old Colt and Savage pocket pistols that set the standard for pocket automatic pistols in the first part of the 20th Century.

The PF9 was designed by George Kelgren, president and owner of the company. He did a good job creating a gun that is just the right size and weight for pocket carry. Smaller guns tend to get lost in the pocket, while bigger and heavier guns show their outline more, as the weight also makes that pocket want to swing a bit noticeably.

Of course at this size and weight it does have a sharp recoil, but not excessive. My wife Betty had no complaints or problems firing it and I don’t think anyone ever will have a valid one. Guns like this are meant to be fired at muzzle ranges out to about 20 feet.
While this gun gave good results fired off sandbags at 25 yards, the average gunfight is normally within a few yards and this gun is intended to place all its shots in an attacker’s vitals at close range, not make tight groups in paper targets. Read the rest of this Kel Tec PF9 Review.

[TheZMan]

I’ve been carrying one of these IWB for years. Only downside is you gotta hold onto it tight when you start firing as it has a tendency to jam otherwise.

[Candor7]

http://americanshootingjournal.com/kel-tec-pf9-review/

[Travis McGee]

I have great admiration for Kelgren, who is not afraid to go in original directions, starting with a clean sheet of paper. Not all of his designs have been spectacular hits, but there is no denying his creativity.

Now, before all the haters jump in, the PMR-30s built in the last couple years do not have the problems associated with the earlier output. And you can’t shoot 30-grain 22WMR. Otherwise, they run great today.

Watch this video, 90 rounds in 25 seconds from a PMR-30.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2KZMI-qNvY

[Celerity]

I had a PF9 for awhile and I HATED it. Couldn’t sell it fast enough. Same with my p11. I had a P3AT but got the LCP only 3 days later and that got sold too.

Keltec makes garbage - but it’s garbage with a purpose. If Keltec wasn’t hanging it out there everyday with risky designs we wouldn’t have any real new developments in design and manufacture. That takes risk.

I still have my KSG and too is garbage. But it’s so fun, so versatile and so “cool” that I can’t get rid of it. No need to anymore. I’m not selling anymore guns EVER. I’m only buying.

[Moonman62]

Only downside is you gotta hold onto it tight when you start firing as it has a tendency to jam otherwise.

...

I guess that’s the downside to being lightweight.

[TheZMan]

I figured on the short slide and tight spring. If there’s any slack in your grip, it can’t completely open the port.

[yarddog]

Impressive.

That gun has got to make it to the movies before too long. A real normal looking gun that you can shoot 30 times in a row unlike the S&W model 36 which I saw fire 10 without reloading in an episode of “Smallville”.

I actually saw Roy Rogers and Dale Evans say on their show that they did not intentionally shoot 15 times without reloading. It was usually the result of editing and splicing film without really being careful.

He said they were really turning them out fast (movies that is) not ammo.

[Lurker]

For later.

L

[Delta 21]

That alone is cause enough to scrap it a emergency go to weapon.

[bk1000]

Really?

I bought one several years ago. I excitedly took my new weapon to the range. First two shots went “Bang”, third shot went “click”.... I struggled with several more rounds. Some would shoot, some would not. The dealer said my ammo, Sellier & Bellot,(which he sold me) must have hard primers. I tried another brand, which seemed to work fine, but the snake has bitten. I would have to put hundreds of rounds downrange to begin to have any confidence in that pistol. I can’t sell it, because I know there is an issue, weather its the gun’s fault or not, so I have a rather oily and expensive paperweight. Too bad. They have other products I find interesting, but I can’t buy another Kel-tec. No way.

[Travis McGee]

There is a lightweight carbine that shares the same 30 round 22WMR magazine.

KelTec CMR-30 carbine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WemCucJZg7A

[Cold Heart]

The price on the PMR-30 has come down to very reasonable. A farm store over the pass from me always has a couple on display for sale. There used to be a waiting list.

[ChuteTheMall]

The Pf9 saved George Zimmerman’s life when he was attacked by Trayvon Martin.
Only one shot was needed, and the pistol was light enough and compact enough to be available and concealed.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

“I have great admiration for Kelgren, who is not afraid to go in original directions, starting with a clean sheet of paper. Not all of his designs have been spectacular hits, but there is no denying his creativity.”

I know a guy who got a tour of one of his personal SUV’s a few years ago. Armor, tires, and...an automated belt fed minigun that pops out of the roof.

For real.

He’s one guy you don’t ever want to mess with.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

Strongly disagree. I’ve had a P3AT been carrying for years. Has never failed on the range, once I learned not to limp wrist it, and lean in to the shot. Deadly as hell.

They are a great company.

[Celerity]

Magazine release was my biggest issue, then the 60 grit trigger pull. Then came finish complaints.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

Key is to really squeeze hard with your bottom fingers, lock your wrist straight, and leave your trigger finger relaxed. Then lean in, slightly hunched. Once you feel it, you got it. Then the P series work great.

With my P3AT, I can go through 3 mags fast, all in CM, 15 feet, in maybe 15 seconds. No jams, no regrets lol.

[allwrong57]

It’s called ‘limp wristing’ a pistol. They are recoil operated, so you have to lock your wrist, not hold onto the gun tightly.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Darn. First thought this would be about music Compilations. K-Tel.