Range Report: Glock 26 & Kel-Tec PF9

[techres]

Got the chance to run off to the range today while the kids were at religious school. Wanted to get a few things accomplished before playing (as if it is not all playing) and one of those things was taking my "new to me" Glock 26 out for a system check. The other was to continue the evaluation of my PF9.

For those that have not seen my other posts, I have downgraded from a .38 BUG and a Glock 23 (.40) combo to a 9mm pairing of a Glock 26 and a PF9. Part of the intent was simplicity of ammo, but mostly it was to get a reduced level of recoil that might make my wife more likely to shoot. If the two worked out, then in the future she would get a 17. Or, that is the plan.

For anyone who has not seen a Glock 26 (are there any?), is it basically the ultra compact form of the 9mm model. I have the 10 round original mags for it, but prefer to use a Glock 19 mag and an adapter (which I got with the purchase) to create a better grip:

As I get better mag extensions, I will post about those. But this is what I had with me today.

Let's start with the Kel-tec PF9. The first time I took it to the range, it had two stoppages where the trigger did not reset fully. I wanted to see if that continued and find the source of the problem. I also wanted to test a new pocket holster I bought for it to see how well it worked.

So, run number one:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1bsqxyfcmA]YouTube - goodpf9[/ame]

Good!

Now, run number two (this time from the pocket holster):

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXF_yIKjp50]YouTube - badpf9[/ame]

Bad! Let us count the errors:

1. Pocket holster came out of pocket still attached to pistol and had to be removed. Fixed in draw (I felt it happen).
2. Trigger reset failed and had to be cleared wasting time and one round of ammo. Fixed, but slow.
3. I miscounted by one round and stopped firing before ammo depleted. I go the last round off anyways!

Hmmm... Let's try a third run (again from the pocket holster):

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCid_auWZNs]YouTube - goodpf92[/ame]

That time was just fine. I used a thumb push off on the holster which I should not need to do, but it worked. I got all the rounds off without failure. Perhaps some one handed shooting could help diagnose?

So a fourth string with off hand shots:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBQCoudY5qs]YouTube - pf9offhand[/ame]

So ran fine with right, failed reset with left. Recoil seems to be the issue. Time to work on hand strength I guess!

I put a total of 100 rounds through the PF9 and these were the only stoppages. That makes 2%, but I really want that near .2%! Will work on it.

Next came the Glock which is well worn, but untested in my hands. I wanted to see (1) reliability, (2) recoil, and (3) accuracy in that order.

Here we go with string one (one 26 mag followed by the 19 mag):

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD1aQ-fUxbA]YouTube - g26a[/ame]

Very nice. Note that I stopped at 7 shots because the kel-tec practice has programmed me to stop at 7, big mistake as I have far more! Also note, that the Glock is far reduced in recoil and with the second mag is pleasant to shoot! Now let's see just how fast we can empty the mag while still hitting the target.

String 2 (just the 19 mag):

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QosNdGR6qNM]YouTube - g26d[/ame]

Very nice. You can see on my face that I am happy. Umm... yeah, that is my happy face - go figure.

What about accuracy?

Here is 14 shots fired from 7 yards at a 1" square:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYLrpipIEWM]YouTube - g26accuracy[/ame]

That will do!

Now let's try some draw and fire from an OWB holster that has a retention strap:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPObah76egc]YouTube - g26holster1[/ame]

I know many do not like retention straps, but with kids in the house, it brings me a bit of peace of mind. So far it has not slowed me down much in the draw:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gks9Ma4GzM]YouTube - g26holster2[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCqXeGssM3k]YouTube - g26holster3[/ame]

Soon I was out of time and ammo (rationed myself to 250 rounds for the morning) and had not had a single problem with the glock. I did not take the chance to do offhand testing, but bet the glock would pass.

In any event, I left the pistol bays with the following information:

1. The Kel-Tec is fast and accurate, but needs to have the 2% fail rate fixed. Problem may be the shooter, will continue testing.
2. The Glock rocks. If it were not so fat, I would carry it anywhere.
3. Holsters mounted on belts beat pocket holsters.
4. I bet I could pocket carry a Glock!
5. Shooting is fun.



oh, and...

6. I really need to hit the exercise bike! Video taping yourself really brings that home...

 

[NateIU10]

Nice report, and even cooler blanket

 

[lovemywoods]

Nice range report. Stresses the need to trust your gun and take the time to work out any kinks.

It must have been during your Zen-like shooting state of mind that you started projecting your thoughts my way! (See my recently posted range report...at the bottom.)

 

[wtfd661]

As usual another great range report. As far as the pocket holster for the Kel Tec goes, here is a link to a great pocket holster that I have bought and used for a Walther PPK/S and a Glock 26 that is a fantastic holster. It has a leather flap that helps open the pocket when you reach in and draw and the gun comes out smooth as snot. They advertise for back pockets but I used them in my front pocket with great results.

Kel-Tec Pocket/Wallet Holster

 

[Joe Williams]

Great range report!

I do not think hand strength is your problem with the trigger reset with the Keltec. If it's cycling a round into the chamber, the trigger should have reset. It's not a gun I'd trust until the issue is corrected.

Just looking at the video, you seemed to have much better control with the little Glock, it's certainly plenty accurate for you. Looked like a much better fit! You looked simply ecstatic... I think LOL.

 

[techres]

As usual another great range report. As far as the pocket holster for the Kel Tec goes, here is a link to a great pocket holster that I have bought and used for a Walther PPK/S and a Glock 26 that is a fantastic holster. It has a leather flap that helps open the pocket when you reach in and draw and the gun comes out smooth as snot. They advertise for back pockets but I used them in my front pocket with great results.

Kel-Tec Pocket/Wallet Holster

It is a great holster, and it is the exact same brand as the one I am throwing on the ground in the movie!



The one for my 640 and P3AT worked better. I think the leather is too tight. I am using a different holster until I can get the leather looser.

 

[wtfd661]

It is a great holster, and it is the exact same brand as the one I am throwing on the ground in the movie!



The one for my 640 and P3AT worked better. I think the leather is too tight. I am using a different holster until I can get the leather looser.

That is funny, I've never had a problem with it coming out when I'm drawing. I wonder if it might be the pants also. I don't know how large the pockets are on your pants, but I've always used mine wearing jeans. Not sure if that would really matter or not.

 

[lewisjt]

Thanks for the report, I am considering a PF9 myself. This helps!

 

[IndyGunworks]

if i might suggest one thing to add to your training regiment thats "moving off the X" when you reload.... as in take a step to the side... if you run out of ammo and the Bad Guy can still shoot why stand their and make yourself an easy target? if you step the the side EVERY time you reload regardless of whether you are just loading to plink or actually training, when you are in a situation you will be moving out of your opponents line of fire without even realizing you are doing it....

 

[dcary7]

Great range report. Good to see another confirmation of the quality of the glock. I agree you look more comfortable shooting it in the video compared to the pf9. 2% in error seems too much to be trusting of also.

Thanks for posting it up though. Good info.