Kel Tec PF9 Problems And Their Solutions

The Kel Tec PF9 pistol is popular among gun enthusiasts for its compact size, light weight, and ease of concealment.

Its sleek design and affordable price point also make it a popular choice for individuals looking for a reliable yet affordable firearm for personal protection.

Kel Tec PF9 Problems

However, as with any firearm, the Kel Tec PF9 is not immune to issues and malfunctions.

This article aims to identify common problems with the Kel Tec PF9: Feeding, Ejector, Trigger, Jamming, Extractor, Magazine, Trigger Pull, Firing pin breakage, and Slide not locking back on an empty magazine. And provide practical solutions for addressing these issues. 

By highlighting potential problems and providing solutions, we hope to help current and future Kel Tec PF9 owners keep their firearms in top condition and functioning reliably.

Common Kel Tec PF9 Problems And Their Solutions

1. Feeding Problems

As a user of the Kel Tec PF9, you may experience feeding problems while using the firearm. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand the causes of these issues and how to fix them.

First, let’s start by asking some questions to understand the possible causes of feeding problems better.

Have you experienced jams or failures to feed rounds into the chamber? Does this happen more frequently with certain types or brands of ammunition? Have you recently disassembled and cleaned your firearm?

A few factors can contribute to feeding problems, such as a dirty or worn magazine, improper lubrication, or an issue with the recoil spring.

Additionally, some ammunition may not be compatible with the PF9, causing feeding issues.

To fix feeding problems with the Kel Tec PF9, the first step is to thoroughly clean and lubricate the firearm.

This includes the magazine, which should be disassembled and cleaned with a soft-bristled brush. If the issue persists, try using a different brand or type of ammunition, as this may be the root of the problem.

If these steps do not solve the issue, it may be necessary to inspect the recoil spring and consider replacing it if necessary.

Finally, if you’re still experiencing feeding problems after trying these fixes, consider taking your firearm to a qualified gunsmith for further inspection and repair.

2. Ejector Problem

An ejector problem in the Kel Tec PF9 can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with the extractor, a worn or damaged ejector, or a failure to clean and maintain the firearm properly.

If the ejector is not functioning properly, it can lead to failure to eject or stovepiping, hindering the firearm’s reliability.

To fix the ejector problem, it is important first to examine the extractor and ensure that it is in good condition and functioning properly. If the extractor is damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced.

Next, check the ejector itself for any signs of damage or wear. If the ejector is damaged, it may also need to be replaced.

Finally, ensuring the firearm is properly cleaned and maintained is important. Keeping the gun clean and well-lubricated can help prevent issues with the ejector and other mechanisms.

3. Jamming Issues

Jamming issues are one of the most common issues that owners face with their Kel Tec PF9.

There are several causes of jams, including poor quality ammunition, improper cleaning and maintenance, poor magazine design, and weak extractor springs.

Jams can be frustrating and dangerous, especially in self-defense situations.

To address jamming issues with the Kel Tec PF9, owners can take a few steps to reduce the likelihood of jams.

Here are a few possible solutions:

1. Use Good Quality Ammunition

When using a Kel Tec PF9, it is essential to use good quality ammunition from reputable manufacturers.

Ammunition is a crucial factor that plays a significant role in jamming. Owners can experience frequent jams if they use poor quality or old ammunition. Thus, it is recommended to use a high-quality round of 9 mm Luger or NATO ammunition from reliable manufacturers.

2. Pay Attention to Cleaning and Maintenance

Improper cleaning and maintenance can also lead to jamming in the Kel Tec PF9. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the gun regularly by cleaning the barrel, the magazine, and the chamber.

Owners should clean the gun after every use and lubricate it to ensure all parts operate smoothly.

The manufacturer recommends field-stripping the gun after every 200 rounds, and thoroughly clean and lubricating it.

3. Check the Magazine Design

Kel Tec PF9 magazine design can also contribute to jamming. Magazines can generally get damaged over time, increasing the occurrence of jams.

One of the things that owners can do to reduce the likelihood of jamming issues with their kel Tec PF9 is to purchase a high-quality magazine.

Owners can also check the magazine to ensure that it is not damaged and cleaned properly before use.

4. Examine the Extractor Springs

Weak extractor springs can cause frequent jams in the Kel Tec PF9.

Owners can examine the extractor spring to ensure it is functioning correctly and replace the old spring with a more robust one.

It is also advisable to test-fire the gun, especially after replacing components or changing the gun.

4. Extractor Problems

If you are an owner of a Kel Tec PF9, you may experience some common issues such as extractor problems.

Extractor problems are one of gun owners’ most commonly reported issues. The extractor is a small and essential part of the firearm responsible for removing the spent casing from the gun’s chamber.

Some of the possible causes of extractor problems could be a dirty or damaged extractor, a weak extractor spring, or improperly lubricated components.

If you are experiencing extractor problems, you can take a few steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Firstly, thoroughly clean the extractor and surrounding components, including the barrel and chamber.

Ensuring that no debris or dirt is causing friction or hindering the extractor from functioning correctly is crucial.

If cleaning does not solve the issue, you may need to replace the extractor. It is important to note that the extractor is sensitive, and improper installation could lead to further issues with your gun.

Therefore, seeking assistance from a professional gunsmith or Kel Tec’s customer service is advisable.

In some instances, the extractor spring may be weak and require replacement. A weak spring can cause the extractor to lose tension, resulting in malfunctions.

Replacing the extractor spring requires minimal technical knowledge and can be done easily with the correct tools.

5. Magazine Issues

One issue that some owners have reported experiencing is magazine issues, which can negatively impact the overall performance and reliability of the firearm.

Possible causes of magazine issues may include a damaged or worn out magazine spring, improperly loaded or seated rounds, or a faulty magazine release mechanism.

It is important to note that magazine issues can also be caused by using low-quality or improperly sized ammunition, so always use high-quality ammunition recommended for use with your firearm.

Fortunately, there are several step-by-step solutions available to help resolve magazine issues.

First, check the magazine itself for any obvious signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or dents.

If the magazine appears to be in good condition, try replacing the magazine spring to improve feeding and reliability.

Additionally, ensure that rounds are properly loaded into the magazine and that the magazine is securely seated in the firearm before attempting to fire.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a qualified firearms technician to diagnose and repair the issue properly.

As always, it is important to handle firearms with care and follow all recommended safety procedures to avoid injury or damage to yourself or others.

6. Trigger Pull Problems

The trigger pull problems can occur for various reasons, including buildup of dirt and debris, worn-out springs and other mechanical parts, or improper alignment of the trigger components.

Rest assured that most of these issues are relatively simple to fix, and can be remedied with some basic maintenance and troubleshooting.

To help you resolve any trigger pull problems with your Kel Tec PF9, we have put together a step-by-step guide for each situation:

1. Trigger is too stiff or hard to pull:

Cause: Buildup of dirt and debris in the trigger mechanism.

Solution: Disassemble your PF9, and use a cleaning solvent or lubricant to clean the trigger mechanism. Reassemble your firearm, and test the trigger pull to see if it has improved.

2. Trigger is too loose or wobbly:

Cause: Worn-out springs or mechanical parts in the trigger mechanism.

Solution: Disassemble your PF9, and inspect the trigger mechanism for any parts that may be damaged or worn out. Replace any such parts with new ones, and test the trigger pull to see if it has improved.

3. Trigger is misaligned or not functioning properly:

Cause: Improper installation or assembly of the trigger components.

Solution: Disassemble your PF9, and carefully inspect the trigger mechanism to ensure that all the components are properly aligned and assembled. Reassemble your firearm, and test the trigger pull to see if it has improved.

6. Firing Pin Breakage

Some common issues that owners PF9 may experience include firing pin breakage. This can be a frustrating problem for gun owners and can affect the firearm’s performance

If you’re experiencing this issue, it’s essential to understand what causes the problem and how to solve it effectively.

Possible causes of firing pin breakage can include dry firing, improper ammunition, or a dirty firearm.

Dry firing can cause firing pin breakage, generating excessive pressure on the pin. Improper ammunition can also cause problems, as the ammunition may not be able to handle the pressure generated during firing.

Finally, a dirty firearm can cause issues as fouling can build up in the firing pin channel and cause the firing pin to become stuck.

We recommend the following step-by-step solutions to solve the firing pin breakage problem.

Firstly, ensure that you’re not dry-firing your firearm, as this can generate excessive pressure on the firing pin.

Next, verify that you’re using the correct ammunition for your firearm, as using improper ammunition can cause pressure on your firing pin and lead to breakage.

Lastly, ensure that your firearm is clean, as fouling can build up in the firing pin channel and cause the firing pin to become stuck.

7. Slide Not Locking Back on An Empty Magazine

Possible causes of the problem may vary depending on certain factors.

Firstly, it could be due to a weak magazine spring that has difficulty pushing the slide stop up.

Secondly, it could be caused by a malfunctioning slide stop or a slide that is not traveling fully to the back. Lastly, it could be due to a grip that is hindering the slide from locking back.

However, there are several ways to solve this issue step by step.

Firstly, you can try cleaning the magazine by removing any dust, dirt or debris that may be clogging it.

Secondly, you can try replacing the magazine spring with a stronger one that has enough force to push the slide stop up. Thirdly, you can sand down the grip of your firearm to enable smooth functioning of the slide.

Another solution you could explore is to adjust the slide stop. The slide stop should be able to contact the mag lip and function properly. It may also help if you disassemble your firearm and thoroughly clean it, ensuring that all parts function correctly.

What Do The User Think About Kel Tec PF9 

When it comes to the Kel Tec PF9, opinions are somewhat divided. While some people swear by this gun for its compact size and ease of use, others have raised concerns about certain issues they have experienced with it.

For those who advocate for the PF9, they appreciate the lightweight design that makes it easy to carry, particularly for concealed carry. Additionally, the gun’s trigger pull is relatively smooth, allowing for quick and accurate shots.

However, those who have experienced issues with the PF9 have noted that the gun can have a tendency to jam or misfire, which can lead to significant safety concerns.

Additionally, some users have commented that the PF9 can be difficult to disassemble and clean, which can be frustrating for gun owners who are looking for a low-maintenance option.

Overall, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the Kel Tec PF9 before making a purchasing decision.

While some users have had positive experiences with the gun, others have raised valid concerns that should be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is a Kel Tec PF9?

It comes with a chambered in 9mm Luger.

How many rounds can a Kel Tec PF9 hold?

It has a single-stack magazine that holds 7 rounds.

Is the Kel Tec PF9 reliable?

It has a reputation for being reliable, although like all firearms, it may require occasional maintenance.

Is the Kel Tec PF9 easy to conceal?

A: Yes, it is designed for concealed carry and is one of the smallest and lightest 9mm pistols on the market.

What is the weight of a Kel Tec PF9?

The PF9 weighs only 12.7 ounces, making it one of the lightest 9mm pistols available.

What is the barrel length of a Kel Tec PF9?

The barrel length is 3.1 inches.

Conclusion

So we have highlighted some common issues with the Kel Tec PF9 and provided solutions to address them. Despite its flaws, the PF9 is a reliable and accurate firearm popular for concealed carry.

It is important to note that the issues with the PF9 can easily be addressed with some simple modifications and maintenance.

These include replacing the extractor, using quality magazines, and properly cleaning and lubricating the firearm.

We encourage readers to share their own experiences with the PF9 in the comments section below.

By doing so, we can learn from each other and help further improve the reliability and performance of this popular firearm.

Related Posts: