Why no mention of FN pistols?

[keithdog]

Just thought I would bring up something I have noticed in this forums and other gun forums. I see frequent mention of practically every pistol brand discussed frequently in the forums, but I never see anyone mention any pistols from FN Herstal. And I'm curious as to why. They have been made longer than most gun makers, have a stellar reputation from what I have read about them, and price wise seem right there with other guns of similar design. In fact, there is a post in here right now asking about the best 9mm pistol. A lot of guns are mentioned from many manufacturers, but not a single FN pistol is mentioned. I've been looking at them online, reading about them, and they seem like a very good firearm. Now, to be honest, I've never shot one, so I can't attest to their quality. But they are used world wide by many military and police units. Yet, they are the one gun maker I never hear mentioned.

[CDR_Glock]

Just thought I would bring up something I have noticed in this forums and other gun forums. I see frequent mention of practically every pistol brand discussed frequently in the forums, but I never see anyone mention any pistols from FN Herstal. And I'm curious as to why. They have been made longer than most gun makers, have a stellar reputation from what I have read about them, and price wise seem right there with other guns of similar design. In fact, there is a post in here right now asking about the best 9mm pistol. A lot of guns are mentioned from many manufacturers, but not a single FN pistol is mentioned. I've been looking at them online, reading about them, and they seem like a very good firearm. Now, to be honest, I've never shot one, so I can't attest to their quality. But they are used world wide by many military and police units. Yet, they are the one gun maker I never hear mentioned.



Most people go towards what they're most familiar or most common.

I recently acquired an FNP 45, the predecessor to the FNX. I love it. The double action feels a little odd but it's definitely workable. It's a solid feeling pistol, and the recoil is must less than other 45s I own/have owned such as 1911s, HK, Sig Sauer and Glock.

The pistol is definitely a keeper, but it's not necessarily a concealed carry option for me as I don't have an adequate holster for it.

Out of the box, I was hitting out to 25 and 50 yards without a problem. Mine has a threaded barrel and suppressor height Tritium sights. I'm very happy with mine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Spats McGee]

I hear good things about them, and I'd honestly like to have one. That said, I generally try to stick to guns that I actually know something about, from personal experience rather than what I've read on the internet.

As far as no mention . . .
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=585540
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=584413
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=582584
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572268
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572354
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571522
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=569872

That's just a sampling from the first page of hits I got running a search for "FN" on thread titles alone.

[keithdog]

Thanks Spats. I seem to have trouble finding what I am looking for using the search tool.

[jmhyer]

I have suggested the FNS9c in a number of posts. Mine has been flawless.

[Cosmodragoon]

I've had a chance to use the FNX 9, 40, and 45. I've got around 500 rounds each with the first two and closer to 2000 in the 45. I know that's not a ton of experience but it's enough to leave me with a very positive impression. They seem to be durable, reliable, and easy to use. The controls allow it to be carried in a variety of conditions and used by a variety of people.

I've seen a few new shooters stovepipe a round in the FNX 45 but I think that's a side effect of poor hold and inexperience on a gun that is very light for its gargantuan size. The 9mm and .40 S&W versions are scaled down to what I'd call normal duty size and feel better in my hand.

The grip texture is about the most aggressive of any polymer gun I've held. This provides excellent purchase when shooting and is nice with gloves. I have to wonder if anyone who carries one concealed has ever been chaffed by it.

Except for that last question, I've shared all this before on TFL. :)

[KMAX]

I owned a FNS40 for a while. What I didn't like about it was 40 cal and it had no safety. If it had a thumb safety and was 9mm I would still have it. In fact I am seriously thinking about buying just that.

[dontcatchmany]

I have the FNS 40, the FNX 40 and the FNX 45.

I use a 357 Sig barrel in either the FNS 40 or FNX 40.

I have put approximately 2000 rounds through each one and never a hiccup other than the first time I fired the FNX 45 all I could find at the time was AMMO One ammo and it was crap.

I purchased these when gun prices were a tad high, but stumbled on good prices. I got extra magazines for each.

I think they are all exceptional pistols. I have the FNX 45 by my bedside. The FNX 40 is in my home office and the FNS 40 (with 357 Sig barrel) rides in my truck.

They are a tad too big for me to conceal but during the winter I will carry them owb.

I think FNH has come out with more concealable pistols, but I have not researched them....I got too many pistols now....10. I might find a need (;) for another though.

[GuyM9]

I have the FNX 9, and think it is a great pistol. It's a little large for me to carry, except in the wintertime with heavy clothing. It's second only to my 1911's when it comes to plinking. I can shoot it accurately, it eats any ammo I've fed it, and I've never had any problems with it. What more can I say.

Guy

[FAS1]

They make a great accessory host out of the box.

http://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B01MRI3ljI9WUElZanJ2MmFYb0U

[Model12Win]

The FNX45 holds 15+1 in a flushy which I think is a tremendous capacity for a .45.

[cmdc]

I have several FNs. FNS 9c, 9 full size, 9 longslide and 9 FNX. I like'em all. All come with three stainless steel mags. The 9c is really cool. Comes with a 12 rd flush fit, 12 rd with pinky extension, and 17rd with adapter.

[Walt Sherrill]

Wny no mention? Because they're where CZ was, with regard to handguns, some years back. FNH has spent the bulk of their time and attention on military long guns over the past few decades, and they seem to almost dominate the market, there. If they make a big effort to make themselves known, they may surprise us all. They have a factory in South Carolina.

I traded into two FNS-40s, last year -- one a standard FNS-40 and the other a FNS-40L (long slide). They are the best-shooting .40s I've owned (with the possible exception of a CZ-40B that I had some years back.

(I traded away a Glock 35 and a S&W M&P Pro in .40, because I just couldn't shoot either one of them well Despite the fact that I loved a Glock 34 and still have an M&P PRo in 9mm -- both with a lot of aftermarket parts. The problem was me, not those guns, but the FNS-40s shoot well in my hands.)

I like the FNS a lot, and FNH has just introduced what looks to be an upgraded version of the FNS called the 509 (developed for the U.S. ARMY's MHS trials.) One of my two FNS-40 (the "Long Slide") has had trigger work done before I traded for it -- and it's hard to find someone to do that -- but there are now a number of YouTube videos showing how to do it yourself. I got an EFK Firedragon 9mm conversion barrel for the standard FNS-40, and with a 9mm mag (necessary if you want to shoot hollowpoint, but not for hardball), it's almost identical to the 9mm version (same size, etc.)

The FNS models are comparable to Glocks in many ways, but softer shooting, and I like the grip angle better.

Nice guns. After-market parts or parts from FNH Customer Service leaves something to be desired, but when SERVICE on the gun is needed, they seem to do it well and quickly.

The FNH warranty is lifetime, whether the weapon is new or used.

[dogtown tom]

keithdog Just thought I would bring up something I have noticed in this forums and other gun forums. I see frequent mention of practically every pistol brand discussed frequently in the forums, but I never see anyone mention any pistols from FN Herstal. ..... A lot of guns are mentioned from many manufacturers, but not a single FN pistol is mentioned.....
FN manufactures the Hi Power, one of the most beloved 9mm pistols ever manufactured.

Reread that thread on 9mm pistols.....the Hi Power is mentioned quite often.

[fl_rich]

I have two of them; an FNX 45 Tactical and a FiveSeven.

The 5.7 is stellar. Shoots like a laser beam, holds 20 in the standard magazine shoots at an insane 2000+ fps and is light fully loaded. I have honestly never considered trigger pull on it. Its just plain fun to shoot and incredibly accurate.

My FNX 45T sports a Vortex Venom holds 15+1. Its a range sweetheart, it shoots 45 Auto and at 20 yards can easily shoot large holes in the sweet spot on paper targets. A little big for cc but I have a different tool for that. Again a hoot to shoot!

[viciouskitty]

I have both a fnx 9 and a fns 40 long slide, both guns are great completely reliable and durable. The fnx has been shot in excess of 6,000 rounds the 40 only has like 1,500 thru it so far. The only issue is lack of aftermarket support, that and if you want more than 3 mags they are hideously expensive 45 bucks a piece. I think the reason they are not mentioned is because they're not advertised very much not many know of them and their good qualities.

[Martowski]

FNs and CZs generally seem to have a "shooter's pistol" mystique about them. Likely due to the fact they don't advertise as much as Glock, S&W, or Springfield (to name a few) and they aren't found in nearly as much quantity in the cases at the big box stores.

I own three FN pistols: my Hi Power Practical, an FNP-45, and an FNP-9. I bought the FNP-45 for a song ($399) at a local shop. It's used, but in excellent condition; it was obviously a safe queen, likely taken to the range once or twice. I thought about selling it and walked around at a local show with it in my hands. Got two offers of $600 and one for $550, but decided to hold on to it. It seemed to attract the attention of people as something unique. I will say it has the ergonomics of a 2x4; it's a very flat sided, straight lined grip.

The FNP-9 I bought on a whim for less than $300 and while it's still new to me, I love it. It's a great size and seems to have a nice low bore axis. Truth told, I think I like it more than my Sig SP2022, which is another of my favorite sleeper pistols.

Hickock45 did a Youtube review of the FNS; check it out. He was enamored with it enough and he said if he didn't carry his Glock 19, he's likely carry the FNS. That's saying something from a guy who reviews tons of pistols.

[pete2]

I've only fired one, a 9MM, it shot ok but nothing to make be want to buy one, kinda like a KP95 I onced owned, great pistol. One of the few I've owned that was totally reliable but not fun. Gimme a 1911 or a S&W revolver, even a 92FS and I'm happy.

[Siggy-06]

I bought an FNS-40 in stainless on sale. Light weight and good ergos, plus a nice striker fired trigger. The grip was a little aggressive with the stippling, but you certainly wouldn't drop it with sweaty hands.

FN makes a lot of military firearms, hence the lack of advertising in the civilian market. I'll see a banner or ad with them every now and then. I'd probably own a FN 5.7 if they weren't so pricey.

[Roland Thunder]

I was in a local range/gunstore about a year or so ago and the person working at the counter convinced me to try shooting an FNX 45 Tactical (they had one as rental gun). I tried and was really surprised at how well I shot it.

[dstryr]

In '12 I bought an FNP40 and another right after because I liked the first so well. Sold the first to buy a Sig a couple years later and now I have a second FNP40 again, plus another Sig. :rolleyes:

There are around 4000 rounds through the one FNP40 now, the other was used so I don't know. The Only ammo it doesn't like is American Eagle 165 grain, I had a bunch of failures to eject. Other than that, it has eaten everything else through it, Hunting Shack Munitions, Freedom Munitions and at least 12 other FMJ and JHP common 'name brands'.

The downside to owning one? Parts are generally not available. I'd like to buy a couple of recoil springs when I find a compatible replacement.

If you know where to get the spring please shoot me a message!

Thanks

[Walt Sherrill]

The downside to owning one? Parts are generally not available. I'd like to buy a couple of recoil springs when I find a compatible replacement.

In the case of the FNX and the FNS, the barrels, some magazines, and the recoil spring assemblies are the same (or so close as to be the same). The recoil spring assemblies are also almost identical to those used in Glocks with comparable slide sizes.

Glock factory guide rods and springs are captured assemblies like those used in the FNX and FNS (and maybe in the FNP), but some after-market vendors offer guide rods and separate springs (non-captured) that can be used in place of the factory Glock assemblies.

That approach might work for you. I would expect the recoil spring and guide rod for a Glock 19 might be very similar to the FNP guide rod.

If you have a friend with a Glock 19, you might compare the Glock guide rod assembly to the one in your FNP to see. They are almost drop-in interchangeable with the FNS 9 and 40s. (The biggest difference between these guns, as they move up in caliber, is that the larger caliber gun generally has a slightly larger (or heavier) slide. The strength of the recoil springs don't always change.

[armedleo]

I get what the OP is referring to. FN is not at the top of most people's list and not pushed by retailers. They surely take a backseat to Glock, SIG, and S&W when it comes to semi autos. But not in terms of quality or performance. But in terms of popularity. Anyone who's familiar with handguns knows the FN is a very respectable pistol. Maybe if they can round up a police department or two or three then they'll catch on.

[jmr40]

I tried to like them, and in a way still do. I had one of the hammer fired guns in 45 and another in 9mm a few years ago. I felt that they had all the features to make just about the perfect gun.

I've sorta settled on the Glock platform, not that I'm particularly crazy about them, but they just seem to work for me, the price is right and they are offered in 10mm which I really like.

I bought the FN's with the thought that if they worked out I might eventually sell the Glocks and change over to the FN design. But for whatever reason the 45 I had was less accurate and reliable than I'd hoped for. Probably just the rare lemon. The 9mm however was a very good gun, but after a while I decided to just stay with Glock, at least for now and sold it. I'm tempted to give them another try with one of the striker fired versions.

[smee78]

I agree they are not mentioned as much as Glock, Sig and others but are quality guns. I do wish they would catch on more so the aftermarket would pick up for support items. I own and shoot an FNX-45 and it pulls bedside protection so I do truly trust that gun. I would purchase another but they haven't made it yet an FNX-9 long slide. I also would like to add a 5.7 but they are to expensive.

[keithdog]

I'm very surprised at the responses I have read here to my post. For hearing so little about them, there appears to be plenty of folks who have owned an FN pistol. I had started thinking there must be reliability issues with them since I hardly ever heard anyone talk about them. I can see where getting parts or accessories would be an issue for concern. You guys have got me thinking now. ;)

[Martowski]

FNs are very much "sleeper" pistols due to their marketing (or lack thereof) to the civilian population. I guess when you make more small arms for the US Government than any other manufacturer you can afford to not buy glossy full page ads in every issue of Guns & Ammo. :)

[dontcatchmany]

I have been following this thread for several days.

I was flipping through channels last night and on SPIKE TV there was a FN commercial....on the new 509.

First commercial I have even seen for FN.

[Lexspeed]

The shiney new pistol models are getting much more attention and are sucking the oxygen out of the room. FN as a brand is not very "vocal" in advertisements or the media and the classy Browning Hi Power is not visibly as popular or as attention getting. Times and styles change.

BTW, I love my Belgium made FN BHP 1969C; one of the best guns I own.

[Nathan]

If they are giving away the FNS-40 again this fall, I will likely own one!

Might have to sell off my Glock 23 to make this happen as i STRONGLY prefer the manual safety!

[James K]

I have no special insider knowledge, but when a quality product fails to sell, the reason is usually a combination of the retail price and the dealer cost (e.g., the profit to be made on a sale.) Some customers will believe (rightly or not) that their favorite gun is so superior that it is worth hundreds more than any other gun on the market. But no dealer is going to buy and tout a gun, no matter how good, on which he makes $100 when he can sell a dozen guns on which he makes $200 each for only a little more effort (and probably hear a lot less BS from the customer about the "super" gun).

Jim

[Nathan]

James, I think I disagree or misunderstood you.

Price is where demand equals supply. If average customers are willing to pay 400, but the dealer breaks even at 500, very few guns will be sold and it will not be popular, except with rare case buyers.

FN pistols will sell at the going price $450-$550, but the marketing is so weak that I honestly think nobody on the consumer side knows much about it.

The FNS also has some small flaws. First the grip frame is long compared to the slide. Good for fighting, but not for CCW. Second, the trigger is rough and nobody is covering that part of the market. Last, there are just a lot of players in this market that are all good.

[hemiram]

I finally sold my FNS-40 a few days ago. I really only bought it because of it being on sale so cheap. I really hated the grip and a coworker said he would buy it at what I wanted for it, which basically got me even, so it was gone. I decided to get rid of my .40 S&W stuff, and that was one strike against it, but the real reason I sold it was I really really really hated the over aggressively textured grip. Yeah, I could have sanded the little points down, but doing that to a new, unfired gun was just crazy, IMHO. It looks like it's replacement has the same overdone grip texturing. Too bad.

[Pinky Carruthers]

I have an FNP-9 and FNP-45. Great guns.
Also have two Hi Powers.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I liked the FNX when I shot it, and the FNX-45 is a wonder - a double stack .45 that feels like a 9mm in the grip. If I had confidence they'd last like a Glock, I'd have bought one.

However, the anecdotal reports aren't leaning that way and it is still a big pistol compared to the Hi-Power.

[TunnelRat]

However, the anecdotal reports aren't leaning that way and it is still a big pistol compared to the Hi-Power.

Well yea. It's a double stack 45 holding 15+1 rds of 45 ACP compared to 13+1 rds of 9mm. To me that's like saying the pickup truck is bigger than the compact car. It kind of goes without saying.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I was thinking of the FNX-9 when I made that comment. It is about a half inch taller than a Hi-Power and the squared slide makes it look thicker/bigger even though it is a wee bit shorter.

[James K]

Hi, Nathan,

You said, "FN pistols will sell at the going price $450-$550..."

Apparently not. In my limited experience, customers are more likely to be influenced by 1) price and 2) dealer recommendation than by national ad campaigns or sites such as this one. Ads my get a customer into the store, but the product and the salesperson do the selling. The points you mention may seem minor, but can be deal breakers unless balanced by hefty discounts.

Jim

[shepsan]

As others have indicated, the focus of the company has mainly been on the Military and Police markets. That said, I chose the FN product because of my impression having tried a friend's FN pistol.

I have owned both the FNS-40 and FNX-40. Each in its own right was better than any other .40 pistol I have handled.

FN builds quality, well-built, reliable and accurate weapons. My .40 pistols are too large to carry concealed without a jacket. Nevertheless, I consider them to be the equal to any large size revolver or pistol I have owned for protection purposes.

[Walt Sherrill]

The FNS also has some small flaws. First the grip frame is long compared to the slide. Good for fighting, but not for CCW. Second, the trigger is rough and nobody is covering that part of the market. Last, there are just a lot of players in this market that are all good.

The new FNS-9c and FNS-40c seem to have addressed your long grip concern and owners feel the .40 recoil isn't much different than the 9mm model. Just about any gun that offers mags holding 14+ 9mm or .40 rounds tend to have long grips, so there's almost always a tradeoff with grip length vs. capacity.

There are several "do-it-yourself" videos on You Tube showing you how to smooth out the FNS trigger, and a guy on the FN Forum is working on an update that includes shortening the reset, too. I'm looking forward to it.

Apex is releasing a trigger kit for the new FN-509 (which is based on the FNS system, updated for the U.S. handgun competition -- which SIG won) and we are told that the same kit will work in the FNS-9 and FNS-40.

I have both an FNS-40 and FNS-40L and they are maybe the best-shooting .40s I've owned -- and I've owned a bunch of them over the years: Glock, SIG, CZ, S&W (both 3rd Gen and the Pro model), Steyr, Witness, etc.

[Road_Clam]

I recently purchased the FNX45T. Wish I had not waited so long. FN's are kind of a niche market and not as popular (and more expensive )than a comparable Glock. I also have a G22 and really don't care for the Glock. The FNX45T is an amazingly smooth shooting platform for a polymer 45 platform. Shoots and spits ANY type of ammo period. Very reliable action function over a wide span of velocities. My FNX45T is like the AK-47 of handguns....;)

[Walt Sherrill]

My FNX45T is like the AK-47 of handguns...

Except the FNX45Ts are supposed to be very accurate. That's never been claimed for an AK-47... :)

[sserdlihc]

I know that when I go into my LGS, finding accessories, sights, and holsters for Glock and Springfield are more plentiful than FN.

[propforce]

I believe in the last military handgun proposals where the Sig P320 won the contract, FN came in a close 2nd. This means they were very strong in functionality and reliability of the gun, but loss out in the final selection to Sig perhaps due to price.

[TunnelRat]

I believe in the last military handgun proposals where the Sig P320 won the contract, FN came in a close 2nd. This means they were very strong in functionality and reliability of the gun, but loss out in the final selection to Sig perhaps due to price.

I'm curious where you got that info, because I haven't seen anything so far from the test showing any comparison or even describing how they ended up in any kind of ranking.

[kozak6]

FN makes interesting pistols, and it seems like there's always some crazy sale somewhere.

$45 magazines are a real bummer, though.

[Cosmodragoon]

$45 magazines are a real bummer...

At least they come with three. That's a nice touch.

[propforce]

TunnelRat,

Apparently I was mistaken with the facts. Both Sig and Glocks were the finalists and Sig beated out Glocks to win the contract. FN and Berretta were eliminated just a month prior. Glock has filed a protest but this will not stop the Army from proceeding the contract with Sig.

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/01/19/army-picks-sig-sauer-replace-m9-service-pistol.html

This should teach me on doing my own research before posting, though I've heard the previous erroneous statement from whom I considered a knowledgeable friend. I apologize for posting the erroneous fact prior. Sorry to have confused you.

[Danoobie]

Some companies have to go about in the world, screaming
"LOOK AT US! We're P E R F E C T!"

Other companies, ones
which have survived a World War, or two, prefer to put
their quality where their mouth is.

FN is one of the latter. They don't have to brag. They
simply know they are the best. If you don't already know,
you'll figure it out.

My personal experience with them? A FNX45, Five seveN,
and an old GP35, and nary a hiccup, ever, from any of
them.

I was asking a lot, IMO, to expect a new acquisition,
fresh from the box, to fall into the role of new EDC
CCW for SD, when I purchased the FNX-45. But it
has filled that role, as expected, without even a
minor tweak.