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I have and have been reasonably happy with a Kel-tec PF9 as my NVOC (not very often carry) weapon. My reason for selecting is that it is 7+1 in a very small size. It has never been what I would call 'fun' to shoot ... and in fact it can be painful as the trigger guard stings my trigger finger with each shot. The first few rounds hurt, then it is ok until I get to about 50 or so at which point I must stop.

Anyway, i have played with the LC9 in store and have not liked the trigger very much. The PF-9 trigger is long, but surprisingly smooth and even over the full range of travel. I find the LC9 trigger to be somewhat poor in contrast. It seems to have several binding spots with changing pressures.

But, my BIL brought his LC9 to the range with me and so I got to shoot it side by side with my PF-9 and, although I still don't like the trigger that much, other than that it shoots quite well (for a sub-compact 9). It doesn't sting my finger AT ALL!

They are essentially the same size and weight and have the same round count. So it has me wondering whether I should pick one up and consider switching. What is more important ... a nice smooth trigger or not being hurt while firing?

I can't really afford any of the Kahr models. Anyway, just thinking out loud really - and looking for input.

terryg wrote:... and looking for input.

Happy New Year Terry!

WildBill wrote:

terryg wrote:... and looking for input.

Happy New Year Terry!

Thanks for the input Bill!! Happy new year to you as well!

On the PF9 there are some solutions to the painful trigger. One is to put some heat shrink on the bottom half of the trigger. Others have carefully heated the trigger to reshape it slightly. Still others have carefully heated the trigger guard under the trigger and reshaped it just a little bit to make it a little more comfortable. And make sure that you lightly sand the seam line on the inside of the trigger guard to get a smooth feel . Also there is now available an aluminum trigger from an aftermarket supplier. http://www.northwoodcomp.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Reports from users are that it is much more comfortable to use. These are some things I have seen on a Kel-Tec forum. You will have to use your judgement on what you are capable of doing.

I am a newbie - only experienced w/ LC9 and XDM 3.8c 9mm. LC9 does have a long, yet consistent trigger pull - not so fun. XDM has better trigger and more fun to shoot.
Still, from never owning a gun to daily carrying - IMO, have a gun with you is better than not.
LC9 conceals well, even in a blue jean pocket - though difficult to quickly extract.
For what it is worth.

I scraped/sanded/buffed my trigger guard seam, and kept my PF9 due to weight, did the same with my PT709 and kept it due to thumb safety, next I'll get a DB9 with compensated barrel (Stainless ones coming soon, hopefully in various colors) and keep it because it's stainless orange ported barrel lightweight.

But those are just "around the house guns" for me, I'll still carry XD45 with 14 rounds, Glock 26 with 19-21 rounds and as pocket BUG the Keltec P11 with 13 rounds

Not sure if you were looking for advice on other potential carry guns or not, but here goes.

I've handled the LC9. Decent gun, but I'm a big guy so I can handle something slightly larger.

For carry, I have two guns that currently fit the bill. One is my EDC gun, my Kimber Ultra Carry. Its a 3in 1911 and it runs great. I had one hiccup during break-in, but after that, its great. I also just got a Springfield XDM 9 Compact that might become my new favorite. As soon as I get a holster for it, I'll put it into a rotation with my Kimber.

Now these guns run a little more, but what what you get for them, its worth the value you pay. I'm a Springfield Armory guy so I'll brag on them all day. I was a little skeptical of my Kimber when I got it. Honestly, I chose it because it was cheaper than the SA option. At first I was mad I didn't wait, save up, and get the SA Micro Compact, but not really anymore. I'll get that other gun someday, but for now, my Kimber is great.

I'd also look into the Ruger SR9c too. You can find them online for 398.00 and they are great carry guns too. They have a short mag for carry and a full-size mag for reload/range/home defense.

I hope that helps somewhat.

And when I'm feeling frisky, I'll carry my full-size XDM .45 during the winter months. Its easier to conceal that big ol' sucker.

Matto79 wrote:Not sure if you were looking for advice on other potential carry guns or not, but here goes.

I've handled the LC9. Decent gun, but I'm a big guy so I can handle something slightly larger.

For carry, I have two guns that currently fit the bill. One is my EDC gun, my Kimber Ultra Carry. Its a 3in 1911 and it runs great. I had one hiccup during break-in, but after that, its great. I also just got a Springfield XDM 9 Compact that might become my new favorite. As soon as I get a holster for it, I'll put it into a rotation with my Kimber.

Now these guns run a little more, but what what you get for them, its worth the value you pay. I'm a Springfield Armory guy so I'll brag on them all day. I was a little skeptical of my Kimber when I got it. Honestly, I chose it because it was cheaper than the SA option. At first I was mad I didn't wait, save up, and get the SA Micro Compact, but not really anymore. I'll get that other gun someday, but for now, my Kimber is great.

I'd also look into the Ruger SR9c too. You can find them online for 398.00 and they are great carry guns too. They have a short mag for carry and a full-size mag for reload/range/home defense.

I hope that helps somewhat.

Thanks. The SR9c *is* my EDC. I love that gun. It fits my hand just perfect, has been completely reliable. I can conceal it adequately 90 - 95% of the time.

The PF9 has been the gun that I carry when I can't quite conceal the SR9c - like when I am wearing a slightly tighter fitting t-shirt. That's why I referred to it as my NVOC (not very often carry).

Have you tried the similarly sized Taurus 709 Slim? Might solve both your concerns.

A-R wrote:Have you tried the similarly sized Taurus 709 Slim? Might solve both your concerns.

You know A-R, I looked at it in the beginning when I was trying to find an EDC. Other than low capacity, I don't remember if there was anything else I didn't like about it. Once I settled on the SR9c, I didn't think about it again.

It doesn't make the mousegunner chart, so it kinda dropped off of my radar when I was looking in this category.

Thanks ... I will look at it again.

I now remember one thing I didn't like about the 709 which was the long take up. Because of the SA/DA (second strike) trigger, in normal SA mode, 90% of the pull free air only getting to the actual trigger at the very end. But, its certainly worth looking at again ...

I recently had to decide, (well I didn't HAVE to) between the PF9 and the LC9.

Here's what I found.

I liked that the PF9 was lighter and thinner, and you have a choice on using the pinky extension or not. It came with a flat bottom mag and there was a pinky extension included in the box. I personally don't like the pinky extension on a gun I May pocket carry, it just makes it that much harder to conceal and retrieve. The sights are adequate and the mag release fuunctions well without being too touchy. My LCP had a habit of dropping the mag with a slight touch of the release.

I'm not impressed with the finish on the PF9, but it's a relatively cheap weapon so there ya go. The trigger pull is long but it is consistant.

The LC9 has a better finish, it also has a nice feel. I like having the thumb safety, problem is engaging the thumb safety causes you to have to change grip angle to push it straight up. I didn't care for the pinky extension as stated above. I also HATE that it has a magazine safety. Meaning it won't fire without the mag. It's thicker and heavier also.

I wouold have to shoot the LC9 just to compare that part, but I "almost" wish I had gotten it instead of the PF9 due to the finish however the other issues outway that for me. Besides, I have thought about putting a wild finish on it so that isn't really an issue.

I would say if you are never planning on pocket carry the LC9 may be a better choice, however I think the PF9 is the easier gun to pocket. YMMV

I have a LC9 and am looking for something different as a supplemental carry.
Nothing horrible about the LC9. I am just biased towards 45 ACP and 1911s.

If the LC9 that you handled didn't hurt your hand you must have been using different ammo than I do
There is, indeed, a lot of trigger creep in stock LC9s. This creep smooths out with use.
Still, the trigger is my least favorite part of the LC9. There are aftermarket parts available to change travel and resets.
On the positive side, you really have to want to pull the trigger in a stock LC9. That seems like a good attribute for a carry pistol.

I actually like the safeties, including the magazine safety.

of course y'all could all step up to the much better Walther PPS



but seriously, I went with PPS before LC9 and 709 hit the market. But I'd still buy it over those two today, despite it's higher price. The trigger is very Glock-like and smooths out to a very nice 6-pound pull after it's broken in. But what I like most about it is the way the grip is cut inward under the rear of the frame/slide. It's not a "beavertail", just an exaggerated cutout on back of grip for the webbing between thumb and trigger finger to fit. That gun just fits my hand like a glove.