Kel-Tec PF-9

There are few guns I would say I would not want to own, but if I had to make a list, this one would go on top.

Why so much disdain for one gun? This thing is designed to be hated. When the engineers sat down and said let’s really screw with the gun owners of this country, they vomited out this gem. It is small and weighs 12 ounces, shoots 9 mm bullets, and it feels like you might as well be squeezing off .45s. The recoil on this thing is a brute.

It is specifically designed to be a concealed carry piece, and they got that part right, but it is also where the problem is. Being so small, I find it barely fits into my hand. And if dare I say I am attacked and need this handgun I better get the shot down on the first try because the way it floats after firing is crazy. I should start by aiming at the feet and work my way up their body.

Whenever this little dog makes it to the range with me I can’t help but to shoot it, so yes, it does get some use, but dammit it makes me so mad every time.

PRO TIP: The recoil tends to bite the trigger finger, so if you’re going to shoot more than a few rounds, I suggest wearing a glove.

Another one of my gripes with this gun is that it has no safety. Once the round has been chambered it is good to go, well, except for the very long trigger pull. When I say long, I have time to get the groceries out of the car and put them away kind of long.

OK, I have shredded this gun, but let’s not say it is all doom and gloom. It is reliable:  I have never had a jam or a misfire. It is inexpensive and can be concealed very well. The single stack magazine helps make this gun very slim. If there is an issue, Kel-Tec is there and they have always been very attentive. This is the epitome of a self-defense weapon. No more, no less.

Pros

• Price
• Great for concealment
• Light

Cons

• Recoil
• Small

Recommendation
The heavy recoil is the dealbreaker on this. Any redeeming features this gun has is not enough for me to say this is a good purchase unless you have small hands and arms like Popeye. Granted the price is cheap, but for this gun you get what you pay for. Stay away.