Who CCWs a PF-9?

[Euclidean]

Yes I know, there are already many PF-9 threads, and I've read them. I've determined that while there are some drawbacks to contend with, this product addresses a niche need I have, so I've decided to go tell my local mom and pop gun shop to call me the instant a hard chromed model comes in. I should be getting a new gun that doesn't have the short throat. I'm actually pretty impressed with it, I've come to think of it as a flat 9mm revolver. The trigger is relatively good for what it is, and the sights are impressive.

There's a couple of things I'd like to ask existing PF-9 owners however. First, how do you carry it? I want it for something to bridge the gap between a pocket .38 snub and an IWB compact like a Glock 19/26. I understand some people do pocket carry this gun (even though it is a little big for that but it is feasible), but I'm curious where to find pocket and IWB holsters.

Second, how is Kel Tec on parts? Their rep seems to be excellent on factory service, and I'm getting it from a mom and pop shop where I will get support and help if I have to send it in for work, but it might be nice to be able to get some common parts just in case. I don't mean this to disparage the company or the gun, but it is a carry piece and not a rugged full sized pistol (although the blued one I looked at seemed pretty well made for its price).

Third, what do you load in it? I'm thinking a standard pressure JHP 115 or 124 grain load will probably be the most reliable and perform the best, plus as far as I'm concerned that's a perfectly adequate self defense load. I noticed the sights are (somewhat) adjustable and quite clear for such a small gun, so I assume there's a little bit of room for variance.

Locally I've met several people already who quite enjoy their PF-9s, and the biggest complaint is the mag release (which I can live with for my purposes) and the issue with the plastic mag follower wearing out sometimes, but I can contend with that. I already have 9mm snap caps too. It seems to have a small following, and it does what I want at a price I'm willing to pay.

Thanks in advance, and feel free to post pictures. Oh and FYI this is definitely the one I want, so let's hold our suggestions for alternative products for other threads, thanks.

 

[gbelleh]

I've been carrying my PF-9 all summer and it's been great. No malfunctions with around 500 rounds fired. I carry Golden Saber 124 gr +p in mine. It is accurate and reliable with this ammo. I carry it in a thin, suede IWB holster made for a Walther PPK.

I have not had any of the known problems with my pistol. The mag release works fine (I do always press it in while inserting a mag). The ejector pin has not moved, and the follower seems to be holding up fine.

I know some have had problems, but KT has great customer service if necessary. I've owned 3 Kel-Tecs and have never had problems with any of them. But I have used their customer service to buy accessories. They have parts available for purchase.

IMO, the PF-9 is an awesome carry piece. You get eight 9mm +ps in a package so thin and light, you won't even know it's there, IWB. I have larger caliber and higher capacity guns to carry in cooler weather, and guns that are more comfortable to shoot, but for easy carry under a T-shirt, the PF-9 is perfect.

 

[The Amigo]

Ive carry mine most of the times with a keltec belt clip with no holster. And in some rare instances in my pocket when wearing baggy of pants with big pockets. As far as parts their customer service is 5 stars ive only ordered parts like mag extensions, belt clips and once once wore my mag release and had one for free in 4 days no questions asked.

I dont know now but about a couple of months ago if you are willing to put the part in yourself they were willing to ship to you. Now remember I live in Puerto Rico so 4 days for me is pretty fast.

What to shoot in it? Remember the PF9 is +p rated i would shoot the el cheapo stuff for practice and for defense stock some of the latest Winchester ranger ammo HP or Corbon DPX.

As far as mag releases theres some kel tec forums guys already selling metal mag catches for the Pf9s but if you depress the mag release prior to inserting the magazine instead of slaming it in Rambo style it will last you way longer

I have a metal mag release done in my P3AT by myself with some left over aluminum pins I had and some files + patience their not that hard to make.

Will make one for my PF9 once wear starts to show. Ive tried all kinds of snubbys and somehow I just couldnt resist how counsealable and light this gun is compared to a bersa or even a walter.

Not to mention how darn accurate it is compared to my mod 64 S&W that tends to shoot high. Plus the 8 rounds vs 5 in a snubby Yes i know some people all they need is 5 but I like the extra insurance.


These 2 places have lots of info on these good luck

http://www.ktrange.com/phpbb2/index.php

http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/index.htm

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

 

[wally]

Can't speak to the PF-9 but Kel-Tec has been great sending me replacement parts for my P3AT.

Anyone else think a rail on a sub compact is just plain goofy? I mean you are looking for the smallest, lightest, most powerful gun you can afford so the rail is counter-productive to me.

I'd certainly pick one up for ~$250 but for the $325+ they have been asking around here, I think the Kahr CW9 or CW40 are better choices at around $380

When you are pushing the envelope in size, power, and light weight like this, you have to be willing to accept the gun might need a little final hand work to function reliably enough and is never going to hold up as well as a larger standard sized gun. Rule one of a gunfight is: "Have A Gun!" these little things help a lot in fulfilling it 100% of the time.

--wally.

 

[Babalouie]

Here's a pic of mine in my carry rig. I modified a Desantis that I bought for my Taurus PT-140 which is a double stack. I removed the rubber resistence washer that allows you to tighten the hold on the weapon. I removed the leather belt loops and added the leather piece so the front of the holster can't fall below the belt. The end result is it fits the PF-9 perfect. I added the clip and this rig really carries well. It fits my Tucker Texas Heritage perfect too. Oh yeah, I love the gun...I replaced the mag catch with a metal one I bought on KTOG.org since it was a known problem and I like to fiddle with guns. It shoots very well...stout recoil and after 100 rounds my hand hurts but I don't plan on shooting anyone a hundred times. Hopefully never but I like knowing I'm armed with a very capable weapon. I bought mine Hard Chromed for $299.


I bought this DeSantis "Tuck-This" not knowing I would be able to use the leather IWB holster I already owned. Its virtually brand new, I'll sell it to you for 30 bucks shipped if you are interested.

 

[TC-TX]

I do... love it.

 

[Glockafella]

I too love it...I carry it with a gould and goodrich belly band...its perfect and concealed

 

[Clipper]

I pocket carry mine in a DeSantis nemisis. However, it's a p-11 size holster. I don't own a P-11, so I don't know first-hand how they fit in this holster, but the PF-9 doesnt...I had to cut it down below the rear sight, so it wouldn't catch and drag the holster out with the pistol, and I trimmed it to the triggerguard so I could get both fingers around the grip. Now it fits like my P3AT's nemisis. I wear cargo pants mostly, so there's plenty of room for whatever I want to carry. It's more a matter of weight than bulk for me...

As to ammo, all my 9mm practice is with WWB 115gr, so since I only use Winchester silvertip HPs for social situations and hunting. I use the 115gr version instead of the 147gr, so that I get consistency in POI from both loads. The sights are nice, but I got spoiled on AO Big Dot sights on my old Kimber, and since there's enough meat to dovetail the front of the slide, I'll likely put this gun in the mill and adapt a set for it. I can see myself carrying this pistol the rest of my life, unless Kel-Tec comes out with a tiny .45ACP...

 

[Euclidean]

Oh that's just awesome, thanks everybody, I'll have to see about all these various options/info sources.

It seems the Nemesis or its successor model is a good pocket rig. I notice K&D can make a Dakota or Cochise Defender for the PF-9, that's a good start on an IWB holster.

I was hoping someone made a thin kydex IWB for it, but maybe that will come along in time.

 

[ak-kev]

Ive been carrying mine this summer alot too. Sometimes in the pocket, and sometimes in a belly band. It works out real good! The gun has been great so far, no issues at all. I took it out again Friday and ran another 50 rds through her, and it was just killing my hand!! I picked up some Speer 124gr+p, and it was just a handfull to shoot. I had to stop at around 40rds. Its just so lite, she kicks hard with +p stuff I suppose. I then took the pinky extension off the mag, and it felt so much better. That thing just hits the wrong part of my finger, it needs to be a tad longer for me.
Also their customer service has been just fantastic. I've called a few times ordering parts for my older Kel-Tecs and they shipped them to me for free.










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[cajun47]

i love my pf-9. carry it in my pocket. i load it with powerball +p. 700 rounds through it 0 malfunctions.

 

[flyboyldb]

I carry mine in a Comp-Tac MTAC or a Bushwacker shoulder band - the shoulder band looks like a belly band - but goes around the chest - the only place I have found these was at gun shows. He does not have a web site. It has anti slip material on the back & instead of canting forward like other shirt holsters or bands - his tilts back just slightly. This helps greatly with printing. I can wear it and no one is ever the wiser. I also pocket carry with a nemesis - but they have another pocket holster with a flap that reduces printing called super fly I think.

 

[Euclidean]

Not to derail my own thread, but ak-kev, is that a Colt Pocket Nine?

 

[ak-kev]

Yes sir, I just threw that in there for size comparison on another forum. I thought it might be appropriate for this discussion. The Pf9 is what I carry instead of the Colt. I just want her in the safe full time. I know........silly.

 

[Euclidean]

No it's not silly. It's an awesome machine that you can't replace (at least not easily or for a reasonable expense).

To be honest, it's one of my holy grails, but I wouldn't carry it either!