The Kel-Tec Range

[Dannyabear]

I just bought a new PF9 and have run about 150 rounds thru it with no problem, it eats any kind of ammo I feed it. But, I do reload and save as many empty cases as I can find. I did notice that all of them have what I would consider a 'light primer strike', the primer is not dented as much as any of my other pistols do. But it went bang every time I pulled the trigger.
Is this something I should be concerned about, or is that just the way they are?

[pocketgun]

Is it a light primer, or a primer that has been flattened out after a normal strike? Post a pic if you can.

[Dannyabear]

It definenity is light primer strikes, the primers still have a nice radius to them on the OD.

[pocketgun]

If it persists, the way to solve it is to remove the extractor bolt, firing pin , and fp spring, then clean the firing pin channel and check it for burrs. I like to use a Q-Tip to check for burrs as the cotton will easily snag on any rough edges.

Things to keep in mind:

-The extractor screw is held in with Blue Loctite, and is hard to get out. Use heat to help break the bond, and a top quality allen wrench to get it out. It is not a bad idea to call KT and order a spare extractor screw in case you damage the current one getting it out.

-When the extractor screw is backed out far enough, the firing pin will shoot out due to the spring tension. Take steps to avoid injury to your face and eyes, and to prevent losing parts. Some disassemble inside a plastic baggie - poke a hole for the wrench.

-An appropriately-sized drill bit will make short work of burrs in the firing pin channel. Just spin it with your fingers, no power is needed or advised.

Let us know how it goes!

[pocketgun]

And don't forget some Loctite for the reassembly! I think the slightly weaker Purple formulation is a better way to go. Just a tiny dab at the top of the threads is all you need - don't go overboard. Check the firing pin spring for damage while you are in there. Get a spare from KT when you get the extractor screw.

[Dannyabear]

Thanks for the info, I have several different sizes of drill indexs at work so should not be a problem to find the correct size. I'll let you know if it helps

[pocketgun]

It could just be crud in the firing pin channel - lets hope so as that is the easiest fix.

[Dannyabear]

OK, today I did as you said, removed the firing pin and used a drill bit by hand to clean out the channel, I didn't feel a burr, but it did have 2 or 3 small shavings in the firing pin spring; I cleaned it all out with spray cleaner and put a small drop of oil on the firing pin. Went shoot again after work today. 2 of 7 rounds did not get hit hard enough to fire the first time.Got home and tore it down again to check everything; my first thought was the firing pin is about .020 -.025" too short or the slide is not machined deep enough for the hammer to push the firing pin far enough. If I used a screwdriver to push the firing pin flush with the back of the firing pin channel, the end that hits the primer sticks out about .020-.025", that would be enough to fully dent the primer about the amount that all of my other pistols dent there respactive primers. So now I'm thinking that it is a headspace problem, allowing the cartridge to seat too deep in the chamber.
This is a new model, only bought last month, it has the metal mag release and the Ser. # is RGY0x. Any other suggestions, or does it need to go 'home"?

[Dannyabear]

I called KT this morning and spoke to Bill in Customer service; He said that I should just send it in and it will be repaired as good as new in only 8 weeks; That is unacceptable to me; to have to wait 8 weeks for a warranty repair to a pistol less than a month old and with less than 150 rounds thru it.
Is this standard for KT?

[banana380]

its always worse when you have to send the whole gun in... a barrel replacement on the other hand only took 6 days for me last fall... ask them if there's some part you could send instead, like maybe the whole slide assembly or something. I think they prefer to replace than troubleshoot

[pocketgun]

Ask them if they can send you a new barrel on a core exchange basis. I think your assessment of a barrel headspace problem is as good an explanation as any I can think of.

Bill is the manager IIRC, and he may be telling people 8 weeks just to overstate the time. I have heard they are slow right now due to all the pistols they have been churning out, so that could be part of the long repair estimate.

[Dannyabear]

Thanks for all of the info guys.
Maybe I need to change the question to - Does the primers in cartigidges fired from a PF9 look like primers fired in any other pictol?

I went back today and fired some of the same rounds that give mme trouble in the KT in a couple of other 9s that I own and the primers all look like what i consider normal, a round impression about in the center of the primer about .030 -.045" deep. With no smear marks.

[mr surveyor]

why not ask for new firing pin and spring before you take the drastic measure of shipping the gun. They will normally have replacement parts to you within 5-6 working days, and rarely will they ask for any payment. Might be worth a try.


surv

edit to add: I was also wondering about your assessment of the length of the firing pin and the method of holding the pin in with a flat object at the back of the slide. I was under the impression that the pin would NOT adequately protrude through the breach face by this method anyway. Doesn't an inertial firing pin system require an impact on the rear of the pin to cause it to travel sufficiently forward to strike the primer.... i.e. a greater distance than you would notice by depressing the pin flat against the rear of the slide. Just something else to think about.

[TGinAZ]

[banana380]

Good to have you TGinAz, if you would, please make the mandatory post in the welcome thread.

Good point on the brass shrinking, that could definitely be a problem... Though in the case of the Taurus I would definitely suspect the gun