Kel Tec PF-9 or P11?? other?

[Guest HunterH]

Hi guys,

I am looking to get a solid pocket gun. Something even smaller than my G27. I do not want to go smaller than 9mm or .38 in a caliber so I was thinking that I would consider the Kel Tec PF-9 or P11. A MUST is that the gun is super reliable or I won't trust it. I carry a Glock or XD daily for that very reason. I might consider a revolver like the S&W 442 or 368 or 360. They may be too wide and I perfer more than 5 shots if possible. But sell me on a revolver and I will get one of them.

What is the word on these three options (pf-9 p11 and airweight revolver?) I am looking for feedback from people who have experience with them mostly. I know the revolver is reliable, but what is the word on the Kel Tecs??? Pros and cons of the three?? Thanks in advance for the feedback!!

Hunter

Edited August 26, 2008 by HunterH
poll added

[mousegunner]

There are three Kel-Tecs that are possibilities for pocket carry. I presently own and carry a 1st generation p3at (.380 caliber), and it has been 100% reliable since coming back from Kel-Tec two years ago.

The PF-9 and P-11 are both excellent guns. The PF-9 is flatter and lighter, and better for front pocket carry. The P-11 holds more rounds, but is thicker and heavier. In my judgment, the P-11 is just a bit too much for pocket carry, but excellent for an iwb holster. Also, the P-11 trigger is quite a bit tougher than that of the PF-9.

Both the PF-9 and P-11 can be reliable (or not). If you get one that is giving trouble, Kel-Tec is famous for good and fast repair work. The only semi-auto pistol I know of that is "super reliable" is a GLOCK.

You might check out these links:

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal.htm and

http://www.mouseguns.com/pf9rev/pf9rev.htm and

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal2.htm

Good luck in your choice!

[Guest HunterH]

Thanks for the good advice. Any other openions out there?

Anyone have problems with their kel tec? anyone feel they are super reliable?? Any other gun of that size in 9mm that I should consider?

I am leaning towards the PF-9, but will wait until I feel better informed before making the buy.

Hope everyone has a great Monday.

Hunter

[TGO David]

Smith & Wesson J-Frame.

[Guest Brian@GunDepot]

I would look at a Kahr CW9.

They are a 'little' bit more in price, but I like them better than the pf9 & p11 (personal opinion).

J frame Taurus (mdl 85) or S&W are excellent choices as well.

[Oh Shoot]

I would look at a Kahr CW9.

They are a 'little' bit more in price,...

Kahr PM9, of course.

They are significantly more in price, but quite a pistol.

- OS

[Guest HunterH]

Kahr PM9, of course.

They are significantly more in price, but quite a pistol.

- OS

is the PM9 of comperable size and weight to the PF-9 / LCP type pistol??

[Guest HunterH]

is the PM9 of comperable size and weight to the PF-9 / LCP type pistol??

ok, just looked up price on PM9. can not afford at the moment, but thank you for the suggestion.

I have ruled out the P11. I need to decide between the PF-9 and a j-frame revolver. the PF-9 has a good price over the j-frame, and I think it is wider, but am still considering it.

PF-9 is about $260. (able ammo)

S&W M360 is about $400. (buds)

any lovers or haters of the PF-9 going to chime in?

[Guest OZZ]

HunterH,

You might try the Kel Tec owners group. I bought a PF 9 about 2 weeks ago, but have only put about 50 rounds through it. It performed well, but I haven't made a decision yet as to as to keeping it or not.

The owners group will probably have biased opinions, but it may be worth a try. I bought mine on a spur of the moment decision. The owners group is at

http://www.ktog.org/

[graycrait]

I had a PF9 for awhile. Pretty good pistol and works. However, it is handful to use weak-hand one-handed trying to get good follow up shots. My idea of a pocket gun is it is the gun of last resort, I'll probably have to use it one-handed weak-hand very fast with multiple hits on target. There are not a lot of guns that work will under those criteria. I traded my PF9 for something else, can't even remember now. The PF9 may work for you but I know of no serious CCW people who carry one. I know plenty of people who carry the P3AT or the P32. If you get the hard chromed version of either the .380 or .32 KelTec you will likely be happy for it.

Craig in Clarksville

[Guest HunterH]

I added a poll. The safety of my family is in YOUR hands!!!

[TnShooter83]

Well since you said it was a pocket gun.

Then I guess this means you are going to trust your life to it.

So I chose a revolver. It is "Super reliable" and the failure rate will

be little to none. As for the other 2 options, they are far more likely to have a failure

than the revolver.

[Guest HunterH]

Well since you said it was a pocket gun.

Then I guess this means you are going to trust your life to it.

So I chose a revolver. It is "Super reliable" and the failure rate will

be little to none. As for the other 2 options, they are far more likely to have a failure

than the revolver.

that is exactly right. I am going to use it as my primary when carrying my others is not really practical. so I need to know it will go bang every time I pull the trigger. I have that faith in my G27, XD and M&P, but did not know much about the kel tec or LCP to know if I could ever have that level of faith in it. That is the main issue I want to get feedback on. can I trust my life to a kel tec or is the revolver the only way to go.

also, is a j-frame small enought to fit in my pocket if the pockets are not huge?? I do not want to risk printing.

[-boatman-]

I trust my PF9 completely. It has never once malfunctioned in any way. I did send it back for the new frame but it worked fine before that. The potential is there with any semi auto to malfunction before a revolver. I only carry it when the way I am dressed keeps me from carrying my M&P40C on my belt. Then I pocket carry and I pick the PF9 because of the flatness. It's just more comfortable in the pocket. Is it better than a revolver? No. DOes it work? Yes. And it holds more rounds and is very light.

[Shima]

J frame has my vote. I like my little airweight revolver. I had a KelTec and didn't like the long trigger pull. Try both. I'm sure one of these guys that trust their life to the Kel Tec would bring one to the shoot and let you try it out. I know there are some J frame guys that will let you try them out. If the Kel Tecs can't be found, maybe that tells you something. Try both and see what feels natural to you. You alone have to live with it, not all these poll opinion guys. (myself included) I've already made my choice and never second guessed it.

[Guest HunterH]

J frame has my vote. I like my little airweight revolver. I had a KelTec and didn't like the long trigger pull. Try both. I'm sure one of these guys that trust their life to the Kel Tec would bring one to the shoot and let you try it out. I know there are some J frame guys that will let you try them out. If the Kel Tecs can't be found, maybe that tells you something. Try both and see what feels natural to you. You alone have to live with it, not all these poll opinion guys. (myself included) I've already made my choice and never second guessed it.

My only hesitation about the revolver is the size. How does it compare to a kel tec? can it be carried in a medium sized pocket without printing? (using a good poket holster btw).

You are the man Shima!

[Shima]

Hunter,

I don't have a pocket carry holster for my J frame, so I can't say much about printing through pockets from personal experience. I only have OWB rigs for mine.

[HanSolo]

Hunter,

If you want to try the Kel-Tec P-3AT, you can shoot mine. It is hard to beat it as a pocket gun for size and reliability.

Steve

[Guest Southron Boy]

I pocket carry an early version of the Taurus 605 .357. It's essentially their J frame. It's a little heavier and a little bulkier than I want, although a better holster would probably help.

I'm studying on a PF-9 myself. I want something with at least the punch of a .38, so I don't see myself with the P3AT/LCP or P32.

[Guest Tom@GunDepot]

+1 on kahr cw9 very under rated gun and very good price right now!

[Guest HunterH]

Thanks to all of you who voted and posted feedback. After thinking about it and doing my homework, I have decided on a J-frame. THe realiablity is just second to none and that is key for my mental confidence. You HAVE to trust the gun you carry. AS this is a primary on the days I carry it, it need to be perfect. And it was every bit as easy to carry as any other option. It is smaller than the PF-9 as best as I can tell.

The specific gun I bought is a good ole american S&W 638. It has a shrowded hammer and is smooth as silk. I love it!! I think I now have a group of handguns that can cover any occasion.