newbie help Keltec PF9

[jayb]

I am looking very hard at a rohrbaugh but just saw the Keltec PF9 looks at little bigger and less quality in the gun.  Does someone have knowledge about a comparison between the the two

[Chief-USN]

 Kel-Tec is a good way to go if you are looking for reasonable quality at a cheap price and are will to live with the slightly larger size and less concealable shape.  Rohrbaugh is good if you set no limits and do not want to sacrifice concealabilty nor quality of construction/design.

 The cost is roughly 4 times as much though. So you are facing a decision all Rohrbaugh owners must face.

I would also look at the Kahr PM9 if you are looking for an alternative to Rohrbaugh. But again, they are not exactly apples and oranges when comparing, but more like oranges and tangerines. Alot in common, but both are differant.

 Hope this helped a little. Also Keltec is cheaper for a reason, where did they save money?

  Allen

[bob110011]

Very good advice.

[Richard S]

jayb:

First of all, welcome to the Forum!

I try to avoid criticising any firearm produced by a reputable gun manufacturer. (I hasten to note that such does not apply to any of those so-called "Saturday Night Specials" which were issued by the interlocking and now defunct group of west-coast companies once known as the "Ring of Fire" and their one or two remaining successors in interest.) As for your question, permit me simply to state that in my opinion the R9 stands alone as the finest pocket pistol yet produced. It has no equal and may never be surpassed as a masterpiece of form and function.

[kjtrains]

jayb.  Welcome to the forum.  Richard said it well.

[Chief-USN]

Due to it's cost and limited availabilty Rohrbaughs are not for everybody , but if you can do it, you will not be disappointed.

Chief

[tracker]

The PF-9 is a plowman's gun and the R9 is a gentleman's weapon. Other than superior materials and craftsmanship of the R9 it is difficult to compare the two. I have had some reliability issues with both guns but prefer to carry the R9 because it  now functions perfectly and just looks better and feels better. I had to change an extractor on the PF-9, covered by warranty, but it is very reliable now also.  
The bottom line is that a Rolls-Royce is not immune from mechanical malfunction but has a cachet, luxury, and comfort that commands a substantial premium. Do you want to ride first class or coach? They both arrive at the same time.

[jayb]

Thanks for the info.  I now just have to select and purchase the model of choice

[tracker]

You are welcome and you posed a very thought provoking question.

[tracker]

The PF-9 will accept +P but not on a regular basis, as recommended by Kel-Tec.

[Chief-USN]

And I must reiterate , while you are shopping for small 9mm make sure you take a good look at the Kahr PM9. It is the gun most compared to Rohrbaugh.  I looked at it and went with Rohrbagh but it is a personal decision based on many factors.

 Chief

[jayb]

I already have the PM9 and it is to big for me to be a pocket gun

[metalman64]

being that you are already considering an R9, you are not going to be happy with anything else, if money is the issue just save up for it,believe me it's worth the wait

[tracker]

Besides all of the good advice here and maybe someone mentioned it but the R9 has considerably more finger room forward of the trigger than the PF-9.
Beyond any other consideration, this would tip the balance in favor of the R9 for self-defense purposes. In a stress situation it would be hard to find the trigger on the PF-9.