Kel-tec 9mm
Looking for some advice both pros and cons on thr 9mm Kel-Tec,either the PF-9 or PF-11.I like the fact they are small and flat enough to carry in a pocket or jacket without the tell tale bulge.I already have a 380 and while I'm not a great fan or the 9mm, with the right ammo it can be a formidable cartridge.I always value the opinions I get from the experts on this site. Thanks ( always a 45 fan)
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Their good value for the money. I carried one as a CCW for years, and put over a thousand rounds through it. Over the 8 years and 1000+ rounds I put through mine only 2 things went wrong. The hammer axis pin and slide stops broke. I called up KelTec and they sent me replacements in the mail, which I had no problem changing out myself. They are easy pistols to work on.
Understand that they are a up close and personal type of pistol because of their hellacious double action only trigger pull. I specially liked their 12 round magazines. I never even bothered carrying a extra mag.
Be sure to put at least 200 rounds through it with your carry mags. If you buy one new, to make sure it's broken in and reliable.0 -
I've shot both, and IMO the newer single-stack PF-9 is a lot better.
The gun is slimmer, making it easier to conceal, and the grip is more friendly to the hand (the P-11 is pretty "boxy"). Also, the trigger pull on the newer single-stack PF-9 was based on the later 3AT trigger design, and is a good bit lighter. IIRC PF-9 also has drift adjustable sights (though that's not a huge advantage).
Recoil on both is kind of harsh, but nothing an experienced shooter can't handle. Added grip sleeve isn't a bad idea.
There are only two real advantages to the older double-stack gun: It has higher capacity, and takes standard Smith and Wesson 9mm mags. The latter is only really an advantage if you are carrying it as a backup to your Smith Auto (as many police used to do when this thing was originally introduced).
In terms of ballistics, 9mm luger beats .380 ACP hands down. 9mm luger ammo is also cheaper and much easier to find.
The only advantage to a .380 in this context is that the guns are a bit smaller, so you can squeeze them into tighter pockets.
Now, if Kel-Tec would come out with something like this in .45ACP, THAT would be something! (I doubt they will. . .their version of the P-11 in .40SW was a disaster and quickly discontinued).0 -
I've had each, and they worked just fine. Few customers had lemons of the PF9, but KelTec took care of them very quickly. Recoil is a bit much because they are a small, lightweight gun. Only person i heard of having trouble with them was limp wristing the gun, of course, she could not shoot Glocks, Sigs, even a Browning HP and a 1911 would jam in her hands! Just something to keep in mind depending on who will be using the gun. 0 -
I had a Kel-tec .40 and it was nice to carry, not so much to shoot. I could tell it would batter itself apart eventually, it just felt out-of-sorts when fired. I can't explain it. I have shot the 9mm but haven't owned it. I have carried the P3AT every day (even while carrying my other CCW guns) since about a month after they came out and has been 100% flawless, not a single FTE, FTF, etc.
I wouldn't be afraid of the Kel-tec 9mm whatsoever. For about the same size, but maybe slightly more money, you might also look at the Kahr's. Most people I have found that like one like the other. Not trying to talk you out of Kel-tec, just suggesting another alternative.0 -
Beantown pretty well covered it. I have had both the 9mms and the .380. I traded in the first 9mm for the slimmer one. Never had any problem with any of them. I usually carry the .380. 0 -
I have a P3AT and a P11 and haven't carried the P11 recently because it needs a holster.
I also have a 357SIG conversion kit for the P11 that's a blast to shoot.
I've fired +P+ in the 9mm barrel and get 1185 fps against 1285 for the SIG.
Shooting these loads isn't for the faint hearted but considering a 40
cal center of mass shot didn't slow Simmons down, it might be smart to carry as much gun as you can handle and plan on taking multiple shots.0 -
I have had a PF-9 for a couple years now and been very happy with it. Slim profile and a good value. A bit of a handful but as stated earlier nothing an experienced shooter can't handle. Trigger takes a bit to get used.
Mine was an early model but I did not have any problems with it. It took about 100 rounds and it was feeding smoothly and reliably.0 -
i had a p11 other than the long trigger pull it functioned flawlessly
and they take s&w 59 magazines as well0
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