I own both, I carry the 709 due to the "slim" feature. The KelTec has a better trigger in my opinion but once you are familiar with the Taurus long hard pull it is a great little gun. i would trust my life to either one, have had no problems with either pistol.
I do not own a PF-9, but it is what I started out to buy. I've handled a number of them, but not fired any. My local gun shop had just gotten a PT-709 when I went to take another look at the PF-9. Once I handled 709, I quit looking at the PF-9. It just felt better in my hand than the PF-9, and was more comfortable. I like the manual safety, and I like the 'second strike' trigger that the PF-9 doesn't have.
I have put over a thousand rounds of many, many types of FMJ and JHP through my 709 without significant issues. I trust it as well as I trust any of my handguns, and it is my daily carry. Accurate, manageable recoil, and reliable. You can't ask for much more than that. It does demand to be kept squeaky clean, but this isn't an issue for me as I clean after every range trip anyway.
Bottom line, I don't think there's anything wrong with the PF-9. I just prefer my 709.
i agree, it is just personal prefference. both are nice guns and i would trust my life to either of them. for me personally i like the feel of the taurus 709 better in my hand, but i do still like the keltec.
I have the 709, I liked the manual safety and the grip is great. I tried the kel tec but didnt care for it. +1 on keeping it clean and oiled though, it does not like dirt.
I don't own either but I have shot the PF-9 and hated it, it felt like a toy. I then shot the 709 and liked a little better. They both have long, rough trigger pulls but, with practice I'm sure you could get use to either of them. The 709 wins in my opinion it just felt a little better in my hands.
I don't know about the Taurus but I keep checking prices for PF9s. I would not pay more than 230ish for the blued slide versions and not more than 250ish for the chrome slide versions. YMMV!
I have been watching the 709 for a couple months. It sold for about $360 when it first came out, but it gradually increased. Recently, Gander Mountain Fort Wayne has been offering it for $440. I got a used one, maybe 500 rounds, for $300.