KelTec P11 or PF-9

[Marlin60Man]

Both of these pistols are in the price range I'm looking at. I've read one horror story about someone dropping the P11 and it discharging--there's no mention of there being a hammer block on it on KelTec's website. The PF-9 on the other hand does mention a hammer block.

Any of you guys care to share how much either of these cost you when all was said and done? (FFL, taxes, etc.)

 

[todd_g]

I bought a PF-9. You can get an all black for roughly $270. I wanted a little more bling so I bought the silver slide at $299 plus the customery Michigan 6% tax, easy on the wallet. It's has been a flawless shooter with my 124 and 147gr reloads. It is definately not a range gun, your hand will take a beating but it does have a nice thin profile and with the right holster it makes the perfect CCW gun.

 

[needmorecowbell]

CDNN has the PF-9 for $230. Not sure though how much to ship, but probably no more than $20. Get this over the P11 which has a gawd awful trigger. Sold mine about a year ago because I hated to shoot it. If I can't practice with it I don't want to carry it.

http://site.cdnninvestments.com/CDNN2012-1/index.html

 

[CTGunner]

The pf9 has a nice trigger but is a handful to shoot imo. That said its thin enough to conceal easily. Mine also suffers from an ocassional light strike which doesnt inspire confidence. Even though it has its drawbacks, for the money its a good gun.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Of the 2 Kel-Tec's the OP mentions, I say the PF-9. However, if it were me I'd spend a little more and get a Ruger LC9 or Kahr CM9. I would trust these 2 more than a Kel-Tec. I've owned 2 Kel-Tec's, the P11 I mention in my previous post that I sold and a P3AT which I still have and use as a BUG pocket carry, but even that had FTE issues early on that I think are worked out now after about 300-400 round break-in, but I'm still not 100% confident in it.

 

[hardluk1]

I carried a pf-9 for 2 1/2 years fired around 2000 rounds thru it. Never had a problem. Very light weight and allows a good grip. Good CC gun and as other said not a range gun. It will show you quickly were soft skin is and tear it off with extended range time. The P-11,,, worse trigger ever, or close to it. But light still and has high capacity. Around here prices new are netween 240 and 250.

 

[almherdfan]

PF9 has a better trigger and is easier to pocket carry (if that matters). My P11 was more reliable, though. So, I carry a P3AT (good trigger, pocket carry, 100% reliable (so far). Downside, of course, is smaller, more expensive cartridge.

 

[tomwalshco]

Owned both of them. Liked the PF9 better (trigger). P11 more reliable, but PF9 eventually got there - but is susceptible to limp-wrist jams if not careful. KT is a good US company.

 

[Geneseo1911]

I paid $309 for my PF9 OTD, which is a little high. I love the gun (when it works); it has good trigger, and with the barrel that came on it originally, it was very accurate for such a tiny gun.

Unfortunately, it is currently on its second trip back to Florida. I really hope they actually get it fixed this time. I have a thread here detailing my problems here:http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=629926. After seeing the number of complaints about them, I would not recommend one at this time. Knowing what I know now, I would probably go for a Kahr CM9.

I haven't handled the P11, but they are supposed to be more reliable, albeit with a lousy trigger.

 

[bigfatdave]

between those two, I would buy the pf9

wait, that is what I did, because I like slim guns, the pf9 has a less awful trigger, and I don't mind losing the capacity

 

[MICHAEL T]

PF-9 on hip at present I don't find recoil all that bad . I have done 100 rounds in one sitting . It has replaced my Defender as most carried and my Bersa 9mm also. I give up a few rounds for the thiness and lite weight.

 

[MCgunner]

People who complain about 9x19 recoil in ANY weapon have never fired a 12 ounce magnum revolver.

 

[Pukindog12]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemListing.aspx?pagesize=1000&catid=3977

 

[Wes Mantooth]

I own a P11 that I carry sometimes, but stays in the truck most of the time. I do like the trigger pull because I don't have to worry about it going off accidentally when I carry it. But it is still makes a nice group at 7 yrds. Very reliable and have never had a problem with it. The reason I bought it is because dad has a P32. I think it's a great gun, but I had to go with the 9mm version. I got it new with 2 mags for $250.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

PF9. Better trigger, better grip, better (thinner) for carry. The trigger is long, but it is smooth and not to heavy. Certainly on par or better than many DAO revolvers. Reset does require letting all the way out though.

The recoil on the PF9 isn't that bad unless you are only comparing it to other (bigger) 9mm handguns. More muzzle rise and muzzle blast than anything. Still not a handgun for a beginner shooter though.

Mine has never had any feeding problems. The extractor spring screw did loosen up once and caused FTE's. Red loctite fixed that. Just shot a steel target shoot at my club yesterday. 100 targets took me 113 rounds and no failures on the guns part. Call me a happy owner!

 

[Mike1234567]

After I dropped my P11 and it discharged I quit carrying it with a round chambered. I now have a Ruger LC9 and am planning to buy a Ruger SR9c too. As much as I like the P11 otherwise I'll be selling it soon.

 

[Jim NE]

Haven't shot a PF9, but I think my P11 is an excellent choice for carry. More firepower tan the pF9 I just put it into my small zipped vest pocket for my daily walk today, no problem. and that's with the mag shoe extension. I would definitely recommend that shoe extension or an extended mag, because that extreme trigger pull they mentioned tends to pull your aim off; a longer grip will allow you to maintain accuracy. I thought my P11 was an inherently inaccurate gun till I lengthened the grip with the shoe. Now it's quite accurate.

Not a refined gun, the P11 often requires some extra work or parts to get it to where the owner is comfortable with it. Also, mine currently has the last-shot-slide-lock not functioning. Extremely reliable, though considering it's low price ($249) and lack of refinement. I never carry chambered rounds in any of my semi-autos, so the accidental discharge is more or less non-applicable to me.

What I'm saying is that I love mine, but it isn't as user friendly as other guns, so it may not be for everyone.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I prefer the pf-9 and it shoots very accurately. I can get all in a 4" circle at 15yds with it. I don't think the recoil is that bad.
Mine shoots to point of aim perfectly, I was lucky in that respect when I bought it. I've heard that alot of them don't.
Hornady's Critical Defence loads have about the mildest recoil of any I have tried yet. They are definately not made for a steady diet of heavy loads.

 

[TennJed]

After I dropped my P11 and it discharged I quit carrying it with a round chambered. I now have a Ruger LC9 and am planning to buy a Ruger SR9c too. As much as I like the P11 otherwise I'll be selling it soon.

Did you do any kind of modifications to your P11 or was it factory stock?

 

[elano]

I went with the p11. True the trigger sucks out the box, but after polishing, fluff n buff, and trigger stop, it's a very good shooter. I carry it almost every day.

Never heard of the droping discharge thing. I've dropped mine multiple times even hard on concrete on the back of the slide and no discharge. One time it was so bad I said, if that didn't discharge it nothing will. I'll have to do some research.

I have shot a pf9 and it is much more difficult to control than my p11. Plus no doublestrike capability and less firepower.

 

[marine 97-03]

You may want to look at the ruger LCP its in that price range.

 

[Mike1234567]

After I dropped my P11 and it discharged I quit carrying it with a round chambered. I now have a Ruger LC9 and am planning to buy a Ruger SR9c too. As much as I like the P11 otherwise I'll be selling it soon.

Did you do any kind of modifications to your P11 or was it factory stock?

Mine has a lightened trigger spring and, therefore, a lightened firing pin spring. BUT... tests have shown that factory stock P11's will discharged if dropped on the muzzle onto a hard surface... from less than 3 feet high. A discharge will only occur if dropped straight on the muzzle... or nearly so.

ETA: That is the only time I ever dropped a firearm, BTW.

 

[tomwalshco]

In defense of the P11 - any series 70 1911 will do the same thing if dropped in a similar fashion. Nothing to stop inertia from moving the firing pin into the primer.

 

[Geneseo1911]

I thought all handguns had to be "drop safe" nowadays....is that only certain states?

Doesn't Springfield use a titanium firing pin in their 1911 to pass the drop test? I wonder if that would work for the P11, as well as allow for a lighter hammer spring & trigger pull.

Might double the price of the gun, though!

 

[Mike1234567]

My posts were not in any way intended to slight the P11. I do like the gun. In fact, I bought two. However, since I like to keep a round chambered so I can have the gun at ready one-handed I do want a drop safety... and thumb safety. If I didn't want to keep a round chambered then it wouldn't matter. After my ND I just won't buy another handgun without drop and thumb safeties.