In today’s world of uncertainty, becoming a target is ubiquitous. Full sized pistols, and even some “compact” pistols, can lead to unwanted attention; As a result, concealed firearms (with good judgement and awareness) are the ideal tools help prevent you from becoming a victim.
Bridging the gap of sub-compact and a pocket pistol size, the Kel Tec PF-9 is the ideal pistol to fit the bill.
The Kel Tec PF-9’s stainless steel slide and polymer frame allows this line of pistols to be the flattest and lightest 9x19mm Parabellum in mass-production. Along with a 7+1 single stacked magazine capacity, Kel Tec’s PF-9 outclasses all the other mass-produced pistols in the same category.
While consistently concealed carrying a PF-9 for well-over six months, I have came up with a proper assessment. Some of the key points that stood out and appealed to me was that the dimensions of the pistol, it’s very compact and fit my hand perfectly (your results may vary) which made me pretty confident while conceal carrying it.
The main positives of the PF-9
• The three dot sight system, was quick and simple to acquire while shooting.
• Chambered in 9mm with a 7+1 capacity makes it surpass other “same sized” pistoles with only a 6+1 capacity and chambered in .380.
• The price tag of less than $300 after tax and background.
•The pistol grip is comfortable and thin, the magazine extension insures your pinky doesn’t hang below the pistol.
One key point worth special attention to note was that the trigger pull is quite long, however I see this as a “safety” measure considering there is no actual safety mechanism.
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Weight unloaded: 12.7 oz.
Length: 5.85″
Height: 4.3″
Width: 0.88″
Barrel length: 3.1″
Capacity: 7+1
Trigger pull: 5lbs.
Conclusion
The Kel Tec PF-9 is a comfortable and concealable pistol with a formidable 9mm bite. With a bit of practice, the trigger system became a lot more comfortable to use. I strongly recommend this pistol for concealed carry, as a back-up pistol, or for “smaller” framed shooters. The affordable price tag, under $300, makes personal safety affordable and readily available.
Check out all of our past reviews at our Reviews Page.
EDIT: We stated it was chambered in 9×18, when it’s in face 9×19. Thanks to those who emailed us, wouldn’t a model in 9×18 be pretty sweet though?
I was having feed and extraction problems. Tried different ammo and mags. Still had problems. Did a little research and came across a guy that said to check the screw on extractor spring. It was loose tightened it problem solved. If you call keltec they will send you a new spring and screw. You don’t have to be a gun smith to replace it. He posted pictures and directions on how to do it. I haven’t called for one yet. I might try a drop of lock tight first. Not recommending it to you its your choice. You can call the company and ask if that would to ok. That’s what I’ll do if I have the same problem. Since I tightened it it hasn’t come loose again. I’ll see how it goes. He said the new screw had some kind of lock tight on it.
I bought one of these Kel-Tec PF9’s for CCW and I cant take it to the range without have a jam. I sent it back to the company since it was under warranty and after 2 1/2 months got it back and still the same problem. After several attempts to contact them I had to go to the BBB for help. The 1st chance I get I am getting rid of this gun for a Kahr CW9.
I’d keep bugging them about it, take it to Facebook and Twitter if you have to. The BBB can’t/won’t do much, they’re pretty much a scam and they don’t really have the back of the consumers.
don’t be so sure you will not have problems with the kahr when you get it I just got a new cm9 and had to send it in for repairs after the first day, got it back now and works great but you can have problems with any of them, I have 2 pf9’s and they have both been trouble free out of the box
I have a friend who has this gun and his came with a clip that mounts where the two pins are for clipping to a pocket etc.
My PF-9 has yet to have any FTF/FTE even with hallow points and about 600 rounds through it. I have to have this gun on me at all times, and I also feel naked with out it. I jokingly call it my “pocket protector”.
Had to send my PF-9 in for warranty service once due to a hare magazine release (which caused it to drop the mag while firing). Since getting it back, however, it’s been incredibly reliable with Speer Gold Dot 124gr. Fits my hand beautifully and nice to look at too. (Fit & finish is not-so-great, but not worse than you’d expect for a $280 piece.) I use the flat baseplate (which offers the same capacity) and let my pinky curl under the magazine. I carry it everyday in a minimalist leather IWB holster and feel naked without it.
I’ve been carrying a PF-9 for a little over 2 years and I can’t really say enough good things about it. As far as concealment, it is hard to beat, at less than an inch thick and only 13oz. This gun is not very much bigger than my Ruger LCP, but it packs a 9mm which is my preferred carry caliber.
I’ve probably put about 7-800 rounds through my PF-9 at the range and have yet to have a malfunction of any kind, which gives me great confidence in this gun’s reliability.
Whit this 9mm being so small, I’ve found that recoil can be difficult to manage when firing multiple shots. I put a Hogue Handall Jr. slip on grip on mine and this has helped with the recoil management considerably.
Of the small 9mm pistols that I’ve tried, this one is my favorite for concealed carry, and I’m glad to see it get some attention here. Great review.