I ordered a Kel-Tec PF-9 back in February at one of our local gun shops and it FINALLY arrived last week. With tax and an extra magazine, it set me back $363. Since I got a chance to take it to the gun range yesterday, I thought I'd post the results of the trip and my impressions of the gun.
First, this gun is essentially a P-11 that went on a diet. It's the overall size and is the same internally, only slightly thinner since it's a single stack pistol vs. double stack for the P-11. Actually, in a side by side comparison with my Bersa 380CC, they are almost identical in size and weight. The PF-9's fit and finish seem to be better than my P-3AT or the P-11's I've handled and the trigger is very smooth... a BIG surprise. I can't actually measure the trigger weight, but an educated guess would be 6-7 pounds with an even pull, clean break and almost no noticeable stacking. My gun is a newer model PF-9 with the modified (redesigned) barrel/feed ramp. Earlier guns used the P-11 barrel and there were many reported feed problems, especially with hollow point ammunition. The new feed ramp is longer and extends below the lip of the magazine. My only complaint on first cleaning the gun and getting a "feel" for it is the mag release button is very low profile and it takes some effort to engage. In a stress situation, it could cause a delay during magazine removal/reload or may not; it's hard to say at this point. Maybe the button will loosen up with more use, like the safety lever on many Bersa 380's.
As for the trip to the range, there were actually few surprises. The first few shots were a bit low and to the left of center a few inches at 15'. After a minor adjustment to the rear sight (and covering the target with the front sight) I was able to keep my shots consistently in the black, 3" center. I fired 100 rounds of CCI and WWB FMJ and there were no ammo related problems. The gun functioned well and accuracy was more than adequate, especially for a close range self-defense pistol. That being said, this is definitely not a range gun or target pistol. Its small size and weight also make it a pain (literally) to shoot after more than a magazine or two has been shot from the gun. While the pistol was not difficult to control, even wearing a shooters glove my hand became tired from the pounding by the time I'd fired the 100 rounds I took to the range. I predict this will become one of those guns most people will carry a lot but fire just enough to keep proficient. I fired single, aimed shots, double taps, full mags as fast as I could pull the trigger and all fired without a hitch except for one shot. I believe I didn't fully release the trigger so it could reset since it fired on the second pull. After I got home and broke the gun down, there was no obvious wear and after a good cleaning, it would be hard to tell the gun had ever been fired. I'll take it out to the range again next week and fire another 100 or so rounds through the gun. If it performs the same as it did yesterday, this little pistol will be a definate keeper!
My overall impression is this is going to be a big seller for people who want the most bang they can get in the smallest, most reasonably priced package they can find. For those of you who want a gun the size of a Bersa 380/Walther PPK that fires 9mm vs. 380, the PF-9 would be an obvious alternative.
If you want the power of a 9mm in a package the size of most 380's, K-T's PF-9 may just may up your alley.
