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Kel-Tec questions

hxm1982hxm1982 Member Posts: 65 ✭✭
edited November 2010 in Ask the Experts
Looks like I can get a decent 9mm in the Kel Tec for less than $300.00. Now, how accurate, versatle and durable is this kind of pistol?
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Comments

  • hxm1982hxm1982 Member Posts: 65 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    It looks like the PF9 is a good choice. Is it?
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  • fordsixfordsix Member Posts: 8,554 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i do..[^]at the intended self defence range great 5 tested guns not a problem yet
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  • MaaloxMaalox Member Posts: 5,155 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a PF9 and have been completely satisfied with it. You get what you pay for so don't expect the fit and finish of a Sig or Walther for the price of the Kel-Tec. The PF-9 is fine to shoot but it is not a range gun. After 20-30 shots I am ready to put it away until the next trip. It does take some time to get used to the heavy trigger pull.

    Check out KTOG.org for more info on Kel-Tecs
    Regards, MAALOX
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  • lcdrdanrlcdrdanr Member Posts: 439 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I prefer the P11 because of the versatility and, well, I'm just more used to it. I have two P11's and don't see any difference in them, both have acceptable accuracy and triggers. I did send them off to be nickel plated and have "fluffed and buffed" and tinkered with them. However, despite my preferences, the PF9 is probably a better carry piece being thinner and lighter.

    However, the P11 can be converted to a P40 using a conversion slide and barrel and I also like the .40 S&W round. It's not a wimpy round and it's not for anyone prone to limpwristing but, then, if you are prone to limp wristing you shouldn't be shooting any of the light weight guns. Mine has been ported and its still a handful. Furthermore, I was able to pick up a .357 Sig barrel (long out of production but they turn up occasionally) and am able to use the same platform for 3 different calibers.

    Keltec customer service is one of the best in the business, they work hard to keep their owners satisfied.

    Dan R
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  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    First of all, there are PLENTY of other good 9mms out there in the used market for $300, arguably better than this one in many ways.

    The main reason to get the Kel-Tec PF-9 is because its so SMALL and light. When you look at the super small 9mms, the Kel-Tec is amongst the smallest and lightest on the market, yet it only costs about $300.

    In terms of accuracy. . .who cares? If you want a match gun to shoot targets with go buy one. This isn't it. This gun is purely for self-defense at relatively close range. Accuracy is mostly irrelevant here, though I should point out that the sights on the PF-9 actually aren't bad. They're a lot better than the "afterthought" sights on a lot of pocket pistols.

    Double-action only pull on the PF-9 is also pretty good, I'd say, lighter than the pull on most comparably sized snubnose .38 double action revolvers.

    Durability. . .don't really know. Again, this isn't really a gun intended to be shot with tens of thousands of rounds, and its not really a gun intended for competition or rapid fire. I think its strong enough to hold up to at least a few thousand rounds, and Kel-Tec does offer excellent customer service if anything were to go wrong.

    Versatile? Again, PF-9 is intended as as small concealed carry gun, period. For THAT role, its excellent. For anything else, look elsewhere.


    Edit: I thought this question was about the PF-9, not the P11, but I'll make a few comments on the P11 based on my experience. The trigger pull on the P11 is heavier, and the grip is more boxy and less ergonomic. PF-9 has better sights AND the rear one is adjustable. Obviously, PF-9 is also slimmer and lighter. The only advantages to the P11 I can see are that it holds more ammo and uses Smith and Wesson pistol mags.

    That could be an advantage if you're using it as a backup pistol to a Smith auto, or have Smith auto mags around for some other reason.

    I've shot the P40, which is the .40SW version of the P-11, and not only did I find the pistol to be highly unreliable (and I was using a death-like grip to avoid "limp wristing"), but it also offers the most unpleasant recoil I've ever experienced from a small auto pistol.

    Basically you're firing something only slightly less powerful than a .357 magnum from a small boxy gun with rough checkering weighing about 16 ounces. One mag, and not only am I done shooting that gun, I'm done shooting ANY gun accurately for the day.

    Even if you can find one or a .40SW upper conversion for sale (they were only offered for 1-2 years, and are somewhat scarce), I couldn't advise actually buying it.

    In comparison the PF-9's recoil isn't "light" but its a lot better than the P40 especially due to better ergonomics.

    Edit #2, For healthy12 below:
    See above about my thoughts on the Kel-Tec P40.

    I'd say a reasonable price for one of these is probably about $250 giver or take depending on condition, etc, but again, these guns are NOT for novices, and if you're looking for a small compact auto in a medium caliber, I'd suggest taking a look at the PF-9 instead. There is a reason Kel-Tec only made these for a short period of time.
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  • bluecaddbluecadd Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    New to the forum, but not to Kel-Tec's. I own three different models- PF-9, P-11 and a P3AT. I have owned the PF-9 3 years now without a single problem with around 3000 rds thru it. I say no problems, other than my reloads on occasion or such. The 380 about a year, it was a rough going until I had 500 or so rds thru it,great now, and I just picked up a P-11. Don't have 500 thru the P-11 yet. They need to be broke in for sure, but you will find they are very good pistols for the money. I carry my PF-9 on a daily basis using their belt clip. Disappears in my waistband, very light. Trigger pulls are heavy compared to others, but with no safety or holster, that's a good thing, and they do get better. If you are looking for a dependable carry in a 9mm, PF-9 is a great choice. Just my opinion.
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  • healthy26healthy26 Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi

    I saw a Kel Tec P40 for auction at www.proxibid.com is this a good gun? I don't see it on the Kel Tec web site is this a rare gun? What can you tell me about this gun and how much do you think I should bid on it?

    Thanks
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  • lcdrdanrlcdrdanr Member Posts: 439 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I won't argue with anyone about the recoil on a P40 (or a P11 with the .40 conversion slide and barrel, same thing), mine is ported which helps considerably. And, yes the P11 is somewhat "boxier" but that fits my hand better so I don't consider it a drawback.

    I wouldn't recommend actually buying a P40 without actually shooting it, though, there are too many people who just can't handle the recoil and if you really want a 9mm then why buy a .40? That being said, you can buy a P40 and probably sell it for what you pay for it, they are a niche demand market.

    Typically, I've seen P40's going for anywhere from $300 up depending on condition,accessories, plating, etc. If it's ported it's a better deal. If it comes with the .357 sig barrel it's an easy $125 add on, they have sold for $200 by themselves, just the barrel.

    For a straight forward carry gun, 9mm, you are probably better off with the PF9. More exotic and flexible, the P11/P40

    Dan R
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