theorangeplanet 968 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Up front, first commandment: Thou shalt not turn thread into 9mm versus anything debate nor shall ye suggest glocks, sigs or sharp sticks instead. Now with that out of the way... I'm about to buy a new pistol, primarily for carry. I'm at a stalemate at choosing between a Kel Tec PF9 or a subcompact PX4 in 9mm. I already have a full size PX4, so with the sub compact I'd have pleasure of sharing magazines, holsters, and whatever other accessories in common for the most part. I'm not sold on its size, though... no doubt more concealable than a full size but its by no mean as small or thin as a PF9. I've handled and shot the PF9 and do like it quite a bit. Even with buying a couple of extra mags and new holsters I'd come out a little cheaper still with the PF9. Anyone else made a similar decision and care to weigh in on what you've experienced with either? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RED333 1,025 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 I like the idear of "like firearms", I have a pistol in a cal I like, Getting my Son one, same Manf, same cal, diff modle. We can share mags and ammo. I have 3 shotguns, all 12ga. My next rifle will be same cal as my first. My$0.02. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jdmakersmark 15 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 I agree with RED333. I use Glocks for that reason. I got started with them and have become very familiar with the operation. It becomes automatic after a while. I have other handguns, but choose to use the old standby for my ccw. I figure I don't need any suprises in a stressful situation. Plus the mag sharring and holster sharring capabilities are a real bonus. I have a Galco King-Tuck that will handle a compact, mid and fullsize Glock. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timy 1,185 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Just the opposite of Red, lol. I have a full size Beretta PX4 and a Kel-Tec PF9. Love em both, but the PX4 isn't ideal for CCW of course. I haven't actually handled a PX4 sub but have ran a XD sub which is similar in size. The PF9 is my carry choice over that hands down. I have a "Packin-Tee" tee shirt and the PF9 disappears in it. Compatibility is nice between weapons but "mission specific" lets you tailor to what works best in specific situations. Oh, and 9mm is an adequate bullet, it just needs a bit more powder behind it. That's why I JB Welded some 9s to 50 BMC cases. Now I'm having trouble finding a carry weapon chambered for them. Can anyone help me out? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mgconnor13 206 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 I like having common calibers and parts but I would go with the Keltec just because it's cheaper and I don't personally like berretas all that much Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jcx39 28 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 If I was in your place I would get the px4 sub compact for the simple reason that you said. Sharing and accessories and the simple fact that beretta rocks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
liberty -r- death 1,445 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 I'd go with the Berreta over the KEL-TEC. Most people report that KEL-TEC takes alot to break in, and function well. Berreta should be much higher quality. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
yakdung 2,926 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 (edited) I own a Keltec 9MM 1st generation and the trigger is horrible. I would suggest to shop around and dry fire as may 9MM pistols you are considering. Do not just shop on price, as your life may depend on it. Have you considered a Bersa? http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/bersa-bp9cc-9mm-review/ Good luck on your decision, Yakdung Edited February 23, 2012 by yakdung Quote Link to post Share on other sites
xICEMANx 13 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Px4 sub compact is my vote. I've owned the PF9 and wasn't all that impressed with it. Not a gun you shoot alot and the trigger is not the best. I have a full size M&P and just got the Sub Compact. Love it. Love I can share mags, feel is the same, etc. If you set on a single stack 9mm check out the Kahr CM9 or Berreta Nano. I own the Kahr and it's the same weight as the PF9 but actually a bit smaller. Trigger is 1000x times better and it's surprisingly accurate for a pocket gun. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
physicsnerd 139 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 I'd also vote for the Px4 Subcompact. I love my Px4 full size. Mag interchangeability is nice plus you're already familiar with the manual of arms. I would also agree with xICEMANx that if you're thinking single stack the CM9 (which I have) or the Nano (which I may trade for because I'm a Beretta nerd) is a good option for getting a more PF9 profile. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
preparehandbook 326 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 You should get a glock in .45 because all other guns explode on the first shot and then FTE and any caliber less than .451 has so little stopping power it actually makes your attacker stronger.... Seriously though, I'd get the subcompact PX4 to save money on accessories and time on training. Every full sized gun wants a younger sibling. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BuffetDestroyer 969 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 You should get a glock in .45 because all other guns explode on the first shot and then FTE and any caliber less than .451 has so little stopping power it actually makes your attacker stronger.... You must be referring to those new 9mm Hybrid Vitamin/Steroid/PCP Bullets coated in Adrenaline and Badger Milk! Remember, .449 Caliber will just make the perp angry and will bounce off of him like Nerf arrows! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
magsite20 1,664 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Shared mags and familiarity with the general gun platform would put me on the Glock (oops sorry) Beretta. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
22_Shooter 1,560 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 Glock 19 Now that that's out of the way................. I vote for the PX4 sub-compact. -You're already familiar with the controls. -Mag commonality. -Holster commonality. -Almost double the amount of rounds, compared to the PF9. About the only plusses I can see to the PF9 in this case, is that it's cheaper and smaller. Those 2 things wouldn't be enough to sway me away from the PX4. (......and really, the size issue is a huge trade-off, since the mag cap difference is so big) 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rs51085 136 Posted February 23, 2012 Report Share Posted February 23, 2012 I am a glock man so I know how nice being able to use the same mags and accsesories can be. That being said if you are looking for a small 9mm that is smaller than the subcompacts you may want to check out the diamond back 9mm. Also I heard that sig wil be making a 9mm that is just like their p238 380. I have shot one of those and I have a keltec 380 and I must say there is no comparison. The sig has a very nice light trigger and very well built. It was very accurate as well and could be used for target shooting if you wanted to. Don't get me wrong you can shoot a keltec 380 for target shooting but it is nowhere near as rewarding. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dayofruin 425 Posted February 24, 2012 Report Share Posted February 24, 2012 Nothing wrong with keeping comparability. I'd probably go with the px4 if I were in your position. I'm not a fan of the pf9. I don't like how it handles and Its not comfy in my big hands. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theorangeplanet 968 Posted February 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2012 I really appreciate everyone's input! I'm actually surprised how many folks actually have PX4's, I've always thought of them as somewhat obscure pistols. Anyway, right now what I'm leaning towards is actually picking up the PF9 first, then getting the sub compact PX4 as well later on in the summer. Why settle when you can have both? lol. One of the weak points of the PX4 are the sights and if I get the SC, I'll want to drop a hundred bucks on some trijicons night sights for it for certain. Plus I might just wait until they come out with the inox sub compacts as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
timy 1,185 Posted February 24, 2012 Report Share Posted February 24, 2012 I really appreciate everyone's input! I'm actually surprised how many folks actually have PX4's, I've always thought of them as somewhat obscure pistols. Anyway, right now what I'm leaning towards is actually picking up the PF9 first, then getting the sub compact PX4 as well later on in the summer. Why settle when you can have both? lol. One of the weak points of the PX4 are the sights and if I get the SC, I'll want to drop a hundred bucks on some trijicons night sights for it for certain. Plus I might just wait until they come out with the inox sub compacts as well. Same route I'll probably go since I already have the PX4 and PF9. I don't mind a slightly larger carry gun depending on temperature/weather conditions and do prefer the looks of the Beretta over the XD sub. Not to knock the XD, It's an excellent shooter. As to the Full size PX4, you're right. They are not as prevalent as other guns but that wouldn't stop me from getting one. Mine has had 4000 rounds through it with nary a glitch. My son used it when he took an ESI course and it drew a lot of curiosity and praise. His Sig 226 was, shall we say "in the shop" at the time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theorangeplanet 968 Posted February 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2012 Well, I just placed my order, should have the PF9 in hand sometime next week. Go figure, the regular blued/black just sold out so I just went ahead and upgraded myself to the hard chrome. Any thoughts on holsters? The clipless remora holsters seem interesting. I'm not planning on going with the belt clip, just don't seem kosher Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Arik 565 Posted February 25, 2012 Report Share Posted February 25, 2012 If you're in SE Pa I know a store that has 2 used ones for $150ea Quote Link to post Share on other sites
storm6490 2,768 Posted February 29, 2012 Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 the clip is kosher. good choice. my pf gets the shit kicked out of it and goes bang every time. takes all of five minutes to clean and holds a decent group in the range you will be using it to ward off zombies and druggies. try some win Nato 9MM rounds. nice and hot. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.