First Shots: FNX9 Pistol

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  • Stephen A. Camp

    Plinker
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Mar 18, 2010
    27
    1
    Texas
    Hello. I recently tried out two different FNX9 9mm pistols. FNX is the successor to Fabrique National's FNP-handgun series. This polymer-framed, double-action semiautomatic sports frame-mounted, ambidextrous thumb safety levers, which double as decockers, and the pistol does permit Condition One ("cocked-and-locked") Carry for those preferring that option. Unlike the Hi Power, the FNX-line is manufactured in the USA.

    The FNX9 has a stainless-steel slide-and-barrel assembly. On one pistol both were left "in the white" for a two-tone appearance. The slide/barrel assembly had been somehow coated black on the pistol. (Other than "looks", these pistols performed equivalently.)

    FNX9RangeTrip005.jpg

    Here is the dark version of the FNX9 semiautomatic pistol. The thumb safety ("on safe" in this picture) can be applied whether the hammer is at full-cock, in the "hammer drop position" (as shown in the photo) or fully foward. The hammer can also be cocked with the thumb safety applied and the slide can be hand-cycled as well. The only time that the pistol must be off-safety is to fire it! Certainly, it can be carried with the hammer down for a DA first-shot and the safety off, but for those preferring to do so, the safety can be applied and disengaged during presentation as is done by practicioners of the single-action autoloader. Barrel length is 4".

    FN advises that these pistols are sighted-in for a dead-on hold at 20 yards.

    FNX920yardtargetWin127P002.jpg

    This 15-shot group was fired in three series of 5-shots, the first of each being fired double-action. The two shots at 6 o'clock and one at eleven o' clock are those hits. The remaining twelve were fired single-action and are in about a 2" group. The three double-action shots spread the group to approximately 3 1/2" or so. Ammunition used was Winchester 127-gr. Ranger +P+.

    I have no doubt that the pistol is capable of better inherent mechanical accuracy and the spread is due to the "human factor"....mine!

    FNX9RangeTrip012-1.jpg

    Primer strikes were positive and reasonably well-centered. There were no failures to fire whatsoever in over 1000 shots fired in 5 separate range visits, including this one.

    Previous to todays shooting session, this particular FNX9 had digested roughly 700 shots of various commercial ammuntion. With today's 320 shots, that count is now over a thousand with no failures of any sort.

    In my opinion, the pistol has the potential as a viable choice for those desiring a reliable and lightweight polymer-framed autoloader for either home defense, concealed carry or both. (The pistol is larger than some expressly intended for clandestine carrying, but this pistol can be concealed with little effort and appropriate clothes selection.)

    There are features I really like with the FNX9, but it has some I find distasteful as well. For those interested in a more detail and lengthy report, follow the link below:

    Taking a Look at the FNX 9mm Pistol

    Best to all and good shooting.
     

    T-Mann

    Marksman
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Feb 11, 2011
    298
    18
    Michiana Area
    Thanks Stephen!

    I have about 1200rds through mine since I bought it in February (or was it late Jan?). It can be very accurate if I want it to be, however, 90% of the time I am practicing defensive shooting when I'm at the range (which is once or twice a week).

    I haven't had any failures, except for one FTE which was a squib load, knew it when the pin hit the primer. I've run everything from Winchester 124g FMJ, to 124g PDX1 +P, to dirty russian 115g FMJ stuff I pick up for $0.16-0.18 per round.

    I am not a "tupperware gun" person, but I have been pleased with the FNX-9 and am comfortable enough with its reliability and the ability of my wife to use it that when I'm out of town it is by the bedside in case she needs it.
     

    mammynun

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    10   0   0
    Oct 30, 2009
    3,380
    63
    New Albany
    Welcome back, sir! I've been considering one of these so that's for the review and link.

    There's also a certain "Coastie" around here that will appreciate it.

    Don't be a stranger...

    EDIT: I just read the link, and I agree that not being able to remove the safety lever(s) without destroying them is a HUGE no-go. Scratch the FNX from my "want" list. And thank you for pointing this "feature" out; you probably saved me some money!
     
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