I have had real concerns about the reliability of the KTs given the poor appearence of their fit and finish.
After giving a friend's PM9 a thorough "ringing out" yesterday at the range, I'm convinced it is the gun I want. Had a KelTec-a P3AT-it was not reliable, even after the "fluff and buff" and the inside looked like an elephant had teethed on the gun. The only thing to watch is that topmost rounds in the spare mag will dislodge easily unless you are vigilant. I've been very happy with my Kahr P9-great gun, great customer service, at least in my experience. 'The meek will inherit the earth, but only after the last soldier has left it to them in his will' Trigger is long, and does require live or dry fire at least once a month. Reliability required one trip to factory do to blowing bottoms of cases-barrel too open at bottom. My KT has a nickle finish, and never a problem. If you can, I'd try a side-by-side comparison and see which fits your hand best, and which shoots best for you. It really is a personal decision, though, I know people who've been carrying their P11s for years and swear by them. With the PM9, you loose some capactity and some velocity, but get a more compact, easier to shoot pistol. Also, the trigger pull on the KTs is pretty awful - especially when compared to the smooth, relatively light trigger on the PM9. I've heard lots of horror stories about quality control problems and reliability issues with Kel Tecs - not something you'd want in a pistol you're carrying to defend your life. While the two pistols are very similar in size and weight, the quality of the Kahr is probably going to be much higher. But if I ever have to use the pocket gun, the situation will be truly desperate and I won't be interested in dealing with presentation, trigger control, and reliability compromises made for the sake of economics.Īssuming cost isn't a factor, I'd say the Kahr is a markedly better pistol for that application. The best I can say for the KT is that it is a decent gun for the money when it works. My KT would be for sale right now,except it needs another repair and I haven't gotten around to paying the shipping tariff (again) for a gun I don't like much. So I consider the long trigger pull of the KelTec to be borderline intolerable. Admittedly that opinion is purely subjective. I'm no fan of DAO triggers in autoloaders, believing that this trigger system negates one of the primary autoloader advantages. Especially when it competes with a Centennial snubby for pocket carry time. The pinky rest on the mag baseplate doesn't help in getting an already snug gun out of a pants pocket. It's OK for coat pocket carry, but marginal for pants. Nice and light to carry, but mine has ongoing reliability issues, despite a trip back to the factory. I understand the PM9 handles that problem. I've shot a couple and found them to be very nice, but heavy for their size. Have shot the Kel-Tec and couldn't get used to the extremely long and heavy trigger. I have owned an MK9 since they came out and even with the added weight over the PM9 it carries extremely well in the front pocket. I use Black Hills 124gr +p Gold Dots, they feed perfect! The PM9 is very accurate, and with the right ammo, very dependable.
It is a wonderful design, often carry as BUG in front pocket of Khakis. On the flip side, I do own a PM9 and truly enjoy the firearm. "The greatest thing a Father can do for his children is to love their Mother."Ĭan't speak about the P11, never had the pleasure of handling one. Maybe they have improved on it since.īaby Glock. Finish on mine also left a little to be desired as well. I really liked the compactness and light weight of the Keltec, but did not like the long heavy heavy trigger. Never owned a Khar, but did have a Keltec P11 some years back. I'm thinking of both as a BUG in pocket carry mode to my Ruger P97 with occassional use as a primary. I value the advice of the folks on this forum and I was wondering what your thoughts are on these 2 guns.