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Kel-Tec PF-9 Trigger

rhmc24
Does anyone know of a way to improve the trigger pull?

The PF-9 is a DAO, neat, flat, light piece for CCW but has world's worst trigger. Long pull, when it feels like it should fire it doesn't, so pull some more and about when I'm about to give up, it fires. For any shooting but as a derringer it's AWOL as far as I'm concerned.

I carry it and shoot it some. Yesterday out in the woods at about 15 yards, fairly rapid fire about all I could do was do a buckshot pattern of about 20". Same with my 1911 about 6", except with the 191l is a lot more rapid fire rate.

Any thoughts about PF9 trigger improvement, appreciated.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • beantownshootah
    "World's worst trigger"? I don't think so. Go try the double-action mode in a Polish P64 or even an ordinary Walther PPK. Heck, go try a Rossi or Charter Arms revolver double-action.

    The PF-9 trigger is probably about 7 lbs. No, that's not light, especially if you're comparing to a single-action gun like a 1911, but its lighter than the pull on most double-action snubnose .38s and really not any longer. Like the DA-revolver, the heavy trigger pull basically *IS* the safety, and like a DA-revolver it takes a LOT of practice to learn to work the trigger right to get good accuracy.

    Note that you likely won't be able to use the same kind of trigger pull on the smaller gun as a full sized one. I find that for my 3at, I need to use the TIP of my trigger finger to get enough leverage and "throw" to run the trigger. If I use the first JOINT of the finger (as is typical practice with most full-sized guns), I just can't get a good pull. Try varying what part of your index finger you use to pull the trigger, and you may find a technique that works better for you.

    In terms of trigger roughness, that will smooth up just by shooting the gun a bunch, or alternatively dry firing it WITH SNAP CAPS. (PF-9 design is one of the ones probably NOT suitable for dry fire without them).

    You might be able to get the trigger a little bit lighter with judicious replacement/alteration of springs, but too much of that and you'll compromise reliability. (Personally, I wouldn't even try this). You probably are NOT going to be able to reduce the trigger pull length.

    If you really hate the trigger, honestly, your best bet may be to get rid of the gun and get something else.

    Edit: On "worst" trigger pull, I deliberately picked comparison guns intended for concealed carry.

    As another relevant example, a Glock with the "New York" trigger is supposed to have an 8lb pull similar in weight to the Kel-Tec, though the Glock pull is probably shorter in length, and definitely faster to reset for multiple shots.

    If you really want to open it up to "world's worst" I'd say the 1895 Russian Nagant revolver in double action is probably a contender. These typically have stock pulls around or exceeding 20 lbs, in part because the design requires the trigger pull to cam the cylinder forward to seal the cartridge neck.

    Of course, like any gun there are tricks to reduce the pull, though I'd imagine it would be pretty tricky to get the pull down to even the weight of a PF-1!
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  • rufe-snow
    I don't mean to Hi-Jack your thread, but in reference to Beaners post, the pistol with the worst trigger pull that I have fired and measured was the H & K VP 70Z. It came in at 17+ pounds, and required two fingers to cycle through a full magazine.
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  • rhmc24
    I guess I should have labeled 'world's worst' as s figure of speech. Actually the worst of my three DA or DAO automatics, A P-38 and a Kel-Tek .380. I have several old DA revolvers with long heavy pulls but somooth, S&W .44 DA topbreaks, TLs, New Services, etc. Later S&W DAs have lighter pulls, Nightguard & 629.

    Thanks for replying. I think I have solved my problem. Back to the shop this morning & I'm trading it in for the new Ruger LC-9. It has a rather long pull but seems lighter and is a lot smoother.

    Other comments welcome.

    Later Went out again and fired my Son's new Sig-Sauer .45ACP, DAO. Same long, almost endless, pull but very smooth and not too heavy. I found it best to have my finger tip joint on the trigger for best control. Great gun for the price $379.
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  • kc5gxc
    I like my PF-9 and the trigger pull also......that's the safety on it and I want to know I gotta work to make it shoot. Wouldn't feel comfortable carrying around a touchy gun. I am very happy with it and it is easy to carry and shoots mighty good.
    Pete
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  • rhmc24
    The point about safety is a good one. You have to really try -- to make the PF-9 fire. The Ruger LC9, same dimensions as the Kel-Tec also has a long pull trigger much the same but much smoother and somewhat lighter -- with little, if any, less safety factor. Glock, for example, has a very light and shorter stroke trigger and I know of two sad events because of it.
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  • kc5gxc
    If I didn't already have my PF-9, I wud be shopping for the little Ruger 9mm. I like Rugers. Like 9's too. Heck, like 'em all.
    Pete
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  • Maalox
    Go to KTOG.org they have a number of how to articles on improving your PF-9. BTW I have a PF-9 and am fine with the trigger. It's not like the trigger in my TRP but then it only cost $275 [:D]
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