Sometimes innovation comes from the most unexpected sources. A relative newcomer to the firearms community, Kel-Tec CNC Industries began in the early 1990s as a CNC machine shop and began producing firearms in mid-1995. In the years since, the company has developed some of the market’s more innovative self-defense style pistols. Combining simple operation, tiny size, modern materials and manufacturing, and surprisingly reasonable price points, Kel-Tec pistols have reshaped the pocket pistol market.
One of the more recent offerings from the company is the PF-9, a 9mm pistol that fills a niche in the company’s line, offering one of the smallest and lightest pistols in this chambering available. In fact, the PF-9 (pistol flat 9mm), fits neatly in the company’s line between its P-11 and P-3AT pistols, even borrowing elements from both of the designs.
A bit larger than the PF-9, the P-11 is one of Kel-Tec’s earlier offerings. It is a polymer-framed, 9mm pistol that features a double-column, high-capacity magazine that holds 10 rounds. Although an extremely capable self-defense pistol, the DAO (double-action-only) pistol’s 1-inch thickness made it not quite suited for carrying inside a pants pocket.
Smaller than the PF-9 is the P-3AT, an astoundingly tiny .380 ACP pistol. As with all Kel-Tec pistols, it features a polymer frame and DAO operation. The 6 + 1 capacity, single-stack pistol weighs in at 8.3 ounces and fits easily into a pants pocket for legal concealed carry.
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