Kahr PM9 compared to Kel-Tec PF9

dollarguy · #1 12-13-2009, 06:13 AM

Over Thanksgiving week, I had the opportunity to compare my PM9 to the PF9 at a shooting range with my brother-in-law.

I have always been happy with my PM9 as it is much easier to conceal/carry compared to my larger XDM9. I find the recoil/flip of the PM9 very low and almost equal to the larger and heavier XDM9.

I was eager to compare my PM9 to the Kel-Tec until the first round nearly ripped the PF9 out of my grip. The recoil/flip was almost painful. The fourth or fifth round failed to load, jamming so tight that I was afraid to apply the force that my brother-in-law had to use to clear the round.

On the first round fired from the PM9 by my brother-in-law, he stated he was buying one for himself. We looked up the specifications and found Kel-Tec more than a little loose in their claims of small size and low weight.

Length Height Slide Width Weight Barrel
PM9 5.3” 4.0” .90” 14 Oz 3.0”
Pf9 5.85 4.3” .88” 12 Oz 3.1”

About the only valid claim the PF9 has is a cheap price for cheap performance.

Dietrich · #2 12-13-2009, 07:26 AM

One of my best friends ignored my suggestion and bought a KelTec.We went to the range together and by the time he had fired 100 rounds it had worn a blister on the web of his hand between his thumb and index finger.I said nothing but I could see the disappointment in his eyes.I could also hear the profanity coming out of his mouth.There just is no contest when you compare a Kahr and a KelTec. The Kahr is head and shoulders a better handgun.

mx5fan · #3 12-13-2009, 09:03 AM

I had a PF9 and hated it. It jammed constently and when it did shoot it was indeed painful. I traded it in for a Bersa .380 CC and while it was a better pistol (in my opinion) then the Kel-tec it too would stovepipe or fail to feed if there was the slightest movement in my wrist. I figured what good was that if I had to use it for defensive purposes? I sold it and now have a PM9 and just love it. The quality and the feel of this pistol is much better then either of the aforementioned pistols and after shooting another 120 rounds through it, yesterday I feel confident in carrying this little pistol for defensive purposes.

So far I've shot 240 rounds and not one failure or jam...It's a keeper and if one feels confident in a carry gun, then it is worth the price.

The saying goes "you get what you pay for" and I think that's true of the PM9.

Longitude Zero · #4 12-13-2009, 10:08 AM

The Kahr is several orders of magnitude better than the Kel Tec.

jocko · #5 12-13-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longitude Zero

The Kahr is several orers of magnitude better than the Kel Tec.

two different made , different quality, different price guns. Probalby should not even try to compare a kahr to a kel tec IMO..

I "USED" to own 3 kel tecs. enough said.

Arizona T · #6 12-13-2009, 01:03 PM

What????????????

TopDog · #7 12-13-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jocko

two different made , different quality, different price guns. Probalby should not even try to compare a kahr to a kel tec IMO..

I agree. The quality of the two should not be compared directly. The Kahr is a higher quality gun and was designed to be so. The Kel-Tec is an economy designed gun. Its not a fair compassion. The Kel-Tec while no Kahr for what it is at its price point it a good buy.

I own a Kahr PM45 and a Kel-Tec PF9 and the recoil with standard target ammo of the PM45 is less that the 9mm Kel-Tec. However I never experienced the drastic recoil some report from the PF9, not with standard ammo.

jocko · #8 12-13-2009, 03:03 PM

kt's today are far better than they were 2 years ago. They still call them a gun that one should shoot seldom and carry often over on the kt forum. Just never made any sense to me. My 24/7 carry is my PM9 and if I can't shoot it like I stole it then I don't want it. But for the money if u want a drawer gun or a glove box gun that is not going to be shot much, for the money the kt is in a class of it's own.

medezyner · #9 12-20-2009, 10:06 AM

Been very happy with my kel-tec P3AT, it’s eaten everything I’ve fed it over the past 2 years. BUT am I 100% comfortable with staking my life on that or a PF9, no way. That’s why I’m waiting for my PM9, it’s definitely in a different league.

Vinikahr · #10 12-29-2009, 03:32 PM

I have a PF9 but I won't swear by it. First trip to range the magazine follower broke and the slide did not hold open when the last round ejected, Kel-Tec sent me a new one and that corrected the issue. The gun is not meant for extensive shooting or use +p loads, so if you shoot a bit with it will be fine for the first 50 rounds and after that the gun is too dirty and won't shoot reliable. I carry the CW9 because it very reliable in comparison to the PF9( I will sell it sometime in the future). Some individuals or groups for that matter, swear by it ( if you go to www.ktog.org you will see what I am talking about). Anyhow the gun is good for those that cannot afford anything else. However, you have to admit that this gun sell very quick and sometimes at a premium (which that does not make any sense). I am looking forward for a PM9 as soon as the price come down a bit.