Comparison: Ruger LC9 vs Kel-Tec PF9
I've heard lots of people say the new Ruger LC9 is a Kel-Tec killer. As luck would have it, I have one of each on hand for a side by side comparison.
The Ruger LC9 arrived today. Ruger's been a little late to the game in the small, single-stack, easliy concealable 9MM market. The Kel-Tec PF9 has been available for several years and, in my opinion, has proven itself a reliable, no-nonsense carry gun in a serious defensive caliber.
The Ruger -
The Kahr pistols in their various forms have been available even longer and also have a proven track record.
Regardless of the reasons for the late arrival, the Ruger is now on scene.
Initially, this comparison will look at the size, features, fit and finish of the guns. Shooting will come a bit later. I'll have more photos of the Ruger as it's the new kid on the block and most are familiar with the Kel-Tec.
Below you'll see the two guns in some side by side photos. Some observations that are apparent to me:
Price (MSRP) -
- Ruger LC9 = $443.00
- Kel-Tec PF9 = $333.00 (Blued Finish)
Size -
- Pretty much a draw. The Kel-Tec is a fraction of an inch shorter. They appear to be about the same width and height.
Weight -
- Ruger LC9 w/empty magazine = 17.2 ounces
- Kel-Tec PF9 w/empty magazine = 15 ounces
Finish -- The Ruger wins handily. The bluing on the slide is dark, consistent and without flaws. The polymer casting on the frame is also very clean and crisp. There is no heavy molding seam on the Ruger...you can see it, but you can't feel it.
- The Kel-Tec comes across as a no-nonsense gun. The bluing on the slide is thin, uneven and lacks the richness of the Ruger. There are also many places on the Kel-Tec slide where tool marks are readily visible. The seam that runs down the middle of the gun is raised and sharp. It's not something that affects the function but it speaks to the attention to detail shown in the manufacturing process of the Kel-Tec as opposed to the Ruger. It does cause some discomfort on my middle finger when gripping the Kel-Tec. Not an issue on the smoother Ruger. The polymer frame of the Kel-Tec has a rougher texture...not better or worse than the Ruger, just different. Other than the raised seam under the trigger guard, I actually prefer the texture of the Kel-Tec over the Ruger.
Fit -- The LC9 feels very solid. Slide to frame fit is fairly tight with an almost imperceptible amount of side to side movement at the rear of the slide only. There is an equally small amount of side to side movement of the barrel hood in lockup. The barrel does not move at all in the up/down direction. The Ruger really feels like a quality, piece...no rattles and no loose parts.
- The PF9's slide actually moves less side to side than the Ruger does. However, the entire slide does move up/down a tiny bit. The barrel does move a bit more under lockup than the Ruger but it's not much more. There is a bit of rattling when the Kel-Tec is shaken.
Sights -- The Ruger 3-dot sights are steel, very bright and easy to see. Both front and rear are dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight has a set screw for tightening. ***NOTE: As it came from the factory the front sight on the Ruger was pushed far to the right side and will probably require adjustment. This obviously should have been caught in QC but it wasn't.
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- The sights on the Kel-Tec are plastic and of the 3-dot style as well. The front sight is pinned in place, the rear sight is dovetailed. The rear sight also has the set-screw for extra security. There are also 5 hash marks on the front of the rear sight to aid in windage adjustment. The sights on the Kel-Tec are not quite as clean and sharp as the sights on the Ruger.
Trigger -- The DAO Ruger trigger is gritty, rough, long and fairly heavy. It stacks noticeably at the end of the pull. It's manageable, but barely. To be fair, this observation is in dry-firing only. I've also not disassembled the gun for cleaning so that might make a difference.
- The Kel-Tec also has a DAO trigger. It's much smoother, somewhat shorter and substantially lighter. The Kel-Tec trigger is superior to the Ruger's in every way.
- Both guns have a long reset that manifests itself after two audible and tactile "clicks" of the trigger mechanism. Don't be fooled after the first click into thinking the gun is ready to fire.
Magazine Release -
- Both guns have steel magazine release buttons. The Kel-Tec release is slightly larger but the Ruger's release button protrudes slightly further. Both are easy to operate and magazine ejection is very positive on both guns
Safeties -- Ruger went a little overboard on safety mechanisms on the LC9. Granted, the only one that's really an issue - since the others can be ignored - is the magazine disconnect. The Ruger has a thumb safety on the left, rear side of the frame. It's all but impossible to manipulate it into the "Safe" position (upward) with the thumb of the shooting hand (for right-handed shooters). The safety is almost too positive and it's odd because, unlike most safeties in this position on other guns, the safety on the Ruger swings upward from the back end instead of the forward end (like a 1911). The Ruger has two other obvious safety features and, personally, I'm not a fan of either (or the thumb safety for that matter):
- A magazine disconnect safety. The gun cannot be fired with the magazine removed.
- An integrated lock. Insert a key (2 are provided) into a small hole on the rear, right side and turn in order to disable the gun.
- The Kel-Tec has no manually operated safeties. I much prefer this setup over the Ruger.
Takedown/Disassembly -- Disassembly of the Ruger is somewhat awkward.
- Obviously, remove the magazine and confirm the chamber is empty.
- On the left side, just above the trigger, is the "takedown plate" (Ruger's nomenclature). Push down on this lever.
- Use one of the supplied locking keys or other small tool to push the takedown pin out of the gun from right to left via a small hole on the right side of the frame. What the Ruger manual fails to mention is that you'll need to retract the slide about a 1/16" in order to push the pin out. It becomes obvious when you look at the gun while trying to disassemble it the pin can't clear the slide unless it's retracted slightly.
- Remove the slide assembly forward and off the frame.
- The recoil guide rod with non-captive, double recoil springs lifts out easily. The barrel also lifts out like most other semi-autos through the bottom of the slide.
- Both the guide rod/spring assembly and barrel are easily replaced.
- Place the slide back on to the frame and re-insert the takedown pin - again, retracting the slide slightly to allow the pin to clear the slide (the instructions mention this step in the reassembly section).
- Push the takedown plate back to the up position.
- Disassembly of the Kel-Tec is easier.
- Remove the magazine and verify unloaded.
- Use the rim of a cartridge or other small tool to pull the takedown pin out of the frame.
- Move the slide assembly forward and off the frame.
- Recoil assembly (also non captive, double springs) and barrel are removed in the same way as the Ruger.
- To reassemble, place the barrel and recoil assembly back in the slide.
- Move the slide on to the frame and lock it to the rear.
- Slide the barrel all the way forward.
- Insert the takedown pin making certain it clicks into place over the small retaining spring.
Ammunition -
- Ruger specifically warns against using +P ammunition but then states the gun will handle an occasional loading of +P ammo. The manual goes on to state that a steady diet of +P ammo will accelerate wear on the gun. Ruger states +P+ ammunition should NEVER be used.
- Kel-Tec basically states that +P ammunition is acceptable on occasion. I didn't see anything regarding +P+ ammunition.
Other Observations -- Both guns are supplied with one magazine from the factory. The Ruger includes an extra floorplate with a finger rest that is quite handy.
- The LC9 has a large "Loaded Chamber" indicator on top of the slide that pops up and shows red when a round is in the chamber.
- The PF9 has a MIL-STD-1913 rail with a single slot on the underside of the dust cover. I have not tried to attach any accessories (such as a light) to this gun. The Ruger has no accessory rail.
- The Ruger looks to be of better quality.
- I prefer the Kel-Tec over the Ruger without a doubt, regardless of how much better the Ruger looks.
I have to say I'm a little disappointed in the Ruger. Granted, it's a new production gun and it may need a little polishing on the manufacturing process to work out a few bugs. Ruger is a reputable company and builds quality guns. However, the terrible trigger and the mis-aligned front sight are two items that are hard to overlook.
At this stage in the game, for a street price of about $260, I'll take the PF9 over the LC9 every time.
I'll take both guns out to the range soon and add the results of the shooting session here.
