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Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:34 am
by Tallinthesaddle
Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?
I purchased a Bursa 380 concealed carry two weeks ago for a CC gun. After putting nearly 175 rounds through it, using three kinds of ammo, and a second factory magazine, it still jammed on on every magazine. I took it back to the dealer and got a credit. He had a Kel Tec PF9 that I looked at and read a review or two on. I have to have something that is dependable and reliable. Is this a good CC gun? I have a three full size 9mms and a Colt Cobra, but I was looking for something smaller.
Help would be appreciated.

Re: Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:46 am
by propellerhead
I got one used and it had one of the common issues talked about on the KTOG forum -- ejector pin walking. I sent it back to the factory and they replaced the entire frame without any issues. +1 for their Customer Service. When I got it back, I shot maybe 150 rounds through it and had one light primer strike. I probably shot 100 before sending it in. No issues that I can remember.

I don't trust it enough to be a primary carry gun. Have all the kinks been worked out? I don't know. There's an ongoing list of issues and fixes on KTOG forum. Find your serial number and see where you stand. Also, at 7+1 you don't have much room to tap-rack-bang. Keltec guns are rated at around 6,000 round lifespan. It's posted on their website. I believe in being proficient with your carry gun. I shoot my carry gear every so often. I'm not one of those shoot a couple of hundred and carry it guys. If something is expected to wear out in 6,000 rounds, that means parts of it will be failing much sooner than a pistol built for long term use. When will it fail?

I seemed to shoot it better one handed than two. With two hands, it seemed like my hands were fighting each other for some pistol grip. The pistol is pretty flat and light. Concealment is pretty easy. If I don't get rid of mine, I'll keep it as a car carry BUG.

Re: Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 9:15 am
by Tallinthesaddle
Tallinthesaddle wrote:Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?
I purchased a Bursa 380 concealed carry two weeks ago for a CC gun. After putting nearly 175 rounds through it, using three kinds of ammo, and a second factory magazine, it still jammed on on every magazine. I took it back to the dealer and got a credit. He had a Kel Tec PF9 that I looked at and read a review or two on. I have to have something that is dependable and reliable. Is this a good CC gun? I have a three full size 9mms and a Colt Cobra, but I was looking for something smaller.
Help would be appreciated.
That is enough said about the Kel Tec for me. Thanks for that info. Am I wrong, but does it seem that when you drop into the smaller catagory of pistols that the workmanship/quality drops? What about a recommendation for a smaller class of pistol that is reliable?

Re: Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 9:33 am
by Keith B
I have a Kahr PM9 that I love and is my main carry. It is VERY reliable and well constructed. Never had a FTF (unless I limp- wristed it) with any ammo. However, you will be paying twice the price for a PM9 than a PF9.

Re: Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 11:03 am
by Emmett
I carry a S&W M&P compact 9mm, it is very reliable. I have put several hundred rounds through it with out a single hickup. Easy to canseal with an IWB Hoslster.

Image

Re: Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 5:53 pm
by mr.72
+1 Kahr PM9, but it's like 2-3x the cost of the Kel-Tec.

A step larger and considerably cheaper is a Kahr CW9 ... PM9 is about the size of a Kel-Tec PF9 or a little smaller, and the CW9 is just a little bigger and IMHO much more comfortable to shoot.

Re: Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 6:54 pm
by texasag93
I have a PF9 with about 500 rounds through it.

It was the first one I I could find when they first came out, so it was one of the first ones out a little over a year ago.

No problems. I have it every day in the console of my truck.

My primary is a SA 1911 or an XD45, depending on the temperature.

texasag

Re: Kel Tec PF9 - How reliable?

Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:42 pm
by MegaWatt
I have a PF9 and have had no problems with it. I had a P11 before that but when the PF9 came out I sold the P11. I've shot 500-600 rounds through it. Mostly reloads but some factory. The first 50+ rounds through it I had one jam but can't recall any more. It's my primary carry along with a spare mag.