First Shots: FNX9 Pistol

[Stephen A. Camp]

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.)


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.


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!


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:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/taking_a_look_at_the_fnx_9mm_pistol.htm

Best to all and good shooting.

[Ichiban]

I'm a big fan of the FNs.  I was so happy with my FNP-9 that I bought a FNX-40.  Both are great guns that are often overlooked for some reason.  FWIW, here's my mini-revue of my FNX-40.
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=13868.0

P.S.  I did finally cut the left hand de-cocker lever off the FNP-9 and I am even happier with the gun now.

[kilopaparomeo]

Good to hear from you Stephen.  I've enjoyed your writings over the years.

I'm a big fan of FN products.  I own several...



I was only mildly interested in the FNP / FNX series because I assumed it was a traditional DA/SA.  I HATE the transition between the two modes and iether want SA all the time or a DAO.  I completely missed that it could be carried cocked and locked.  That definitelly puts it back in the running for me.

I especially like that big tactical FN .45 ACP of theirs. 

[bafsu92]

Does the FNX and FNP use the same magazine? If I could use my FNP magazines I may try out a FNX since I've got around a dozen or so mags. I love my FNP in the USG configuration, it's my favorite 9mm. It's like the love child of a Glock and a 1911.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello.  No, sadly, they do not use the same magazines.

Best.

[Sponsor]

[RTFM]

Stephen - Good to see you!
I did not realize you are over here also. That's great!

I've long been a fan of your reviews - all the way back to when I was looking at my first Hi Power.
Thank you (as always) for the excellent review.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello and thanks very much.  I'm glad it was of interest.

Best.

[sledgemeister]

Nice review. Would love to get my hands on one to try out. Being a traditionalist I cant see myself getting a glock anytime soon but these look good. Especially with the aussie dollar atm.

Thanks for the review!

[Rastus]

Hello.  No, sadly, they do not use the same magazines.

Best.

Dang. 

[twyacht]

Dang. 

That was a big "bummer",....however, my FNP-9, has been nothing but reliable. I often carry mine and have never had an issue, with any ammo.

Question:

Wouldn't +P+ tend to be harder on the pistol and/or the shooter? I tend to stick with 124/147 gr standard JHP ammo for carry.

But how big is the dif between +P and +P+?

Thanks