Thinking of upgrading pocket pistols...

[12smile]

Just went from carrying the Kel-Tec .380 to the Kel-Tec pf9.

Recoil from the .380 is tame.
Recoil from the pf9 'smarts'.....but it's not a range gun...I'll fire it enough to maintain proficiency and reliability. I now know it's going to smack my hand during practice.

But I am now carrying the power of 9mm in a pistol that's only slightly bigger than the .380.

I pocket carry in the right rear pocket of jeans and slacks....and I think it's the perfect compromise.

I now need to work on controlling muzzle flip which is DRAMATICALLY more severe than the smaller gun.

For $275 it's a steal. Both guns have the Crimson Trace Laser Guard laser which is designed well and a good value.
I'm going to buy a second pf9 asap.

[Daddyo]

Just went from carrying the Kel-Tec .380 to the Kel-Tec pf9.

Recoil from the .380 is tame.
Recoil from the pf9 'smarts'.....but it's not a range gun...I'll fire it enough to maintain proficiency and reliability. I now know it's going to smack my hand during practice.

This is why I say you really need to try one. I don't find the recoil any worse than my P89 Ruger. Seems to be very individual. My wife hates the PF9, says it kicks more than my .357 Mag.

Shoot me a PM Phat, maybe we can hook up for you to check it out.

[Rem700]

I dont see any trips to the Iron Range in my immediate future.

[yuppiejr]

Any reason not to look at one of the .38 +P snubbies out there (S&W 642, etc..) while you're changing things up? While not as sexy as a pocket semi-auto in 9mm they are lightweight, powerful (compared to a 380), easy to conceal and insanely reliable. A good 158 grain +P cartridge in .38 spc is a pretty potent load in a small package for short range SD situations.

[Daddyo]

Any reason not to look at one of the .38 +P snubbies out there (S&W 642, etc..) while you're changing things up? While not as sexy as a pocket semi-auto in 9mm they are lightweight, powerful (compared to a 380), easy to conceal and insanely reliable. A good 158 grain +P cartridge in .38 spc is a pretty potent load in a small package for short range SD situations.

That's actually how I wound up with the PF9. I had bought a 642 for my wife. Went to the range and loaded up some Independence brand 158gr loads. I managed to gut it out through a full cylinder, but it felt like I had a fistful of bees. My wife only fired two rounds and has had a flinch ever since. I sold the Airweight to a buddy and used the money to buy a Keltec P32 for the wife and the PF9 for myself. I know some folks swear by the 642, but for me it just sat in the drawer. Guess it all comes to personal preference.