Jack Murphy shooting the FNS-9
Bill Janson and myself recently got the chance to try out FN’s new FNS-9 pistol while out at the range day with the Kit Up team prior to SHOT. I was more than just a little impressed with this pistol, and if I wasn’t living in Mayor Bloomberg’s personal fiefdom this would be my new carry gun.
The FNS-9 almost seems to have the frame of a Glock with a 1911 slide, encompassing the best of both worlds. Slimline and compact, it also fires like a champ with a very crisp and smooth trigger. I could never adjust to the over travel on an HK USP trigger, the reset always kicked my ass, but I think FN hit it just right with the FNS-9. They also threw a marginal thumb safety on the gun, more to satisfy potential military customers more than anything. In the meantime, we were told that a .45 version is also in the works. I’ll be keeping my eyes on this project as this will almost certainly be my next pistol when I move back to America.
Kit Up! demo's the FN FNS-9
{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
he is talking about moving back to America! love it!
Welcome home in advance Jack!
Good. We can use more taxpayers here.
I pay taxes in New York brother, believe that. I think we have the highest in the country.
Yeah but your taxes go to cleaning up after and monitoring occupiers. We still got room for more down here in Texas.
Joking aside, i heard some people move just because of the taxes there.
Not just some…a lot. People are leaving the city in record numbers.
As soon as they have a .45 version……..ill buy it!
Looks good. .45 will be good to see!
So whats the difference with this and the FNP-9? It looks the same. I have a FNP-45 tactical with an osprey can, Trijicon RMR on top also a FNX-9 which is exactly the same as the FNP-45 both are different to all the other FNP’s as they have a good saftey/decocker. Ive put a couple thousnad rounds through them. both are awsome guns. The FNP-45 tac is a combat pistol that thinks its a target gun at times. The photo looks like a standard FNP-9.
If you look closely, you’ll see that its striker fired.
One of the big differences, thanks CTO.
Got it, still cant see what you did CTO. Thought the hammer was just in shadow and under the slide. Different strokes for different folks. I prefer the hammer fired.
Six months ago I bought a FN P 45 (FDE), and for the money and what you get, it is one of the finest pistols out there. Im definitely going to get the striker-fired FNS when it comes out because the only gripe i have about my pistol is my large hands sometimes engage the safety.
I’ve put 1,000 rounds through it so far and im curious how it compares long term to Glocks or USPs. Im not overly concerned however.
Do they use cheap 1911 mags that would make them worth it, despite all the plastic.
This was the 9mm version, they are still working on the .45 but even than I doubt that it will use 1911 mags.
I fail to understand why you would want any pistol, outside of a 1911, to use 1911 mags. I understand the price, but they’re not THAT cheap.
why would you buy a huge double stack gun to put a single stack mag in it? that would be idiotic.
Hi Mr. Murphy,
I was curious if there was any chance that you had some spare time where I could contact you (possibly by e-mail?) about the Special Forces Community, Special Forces selection, etc. I’m attending The Citadel next year and I am extremely interested in Special Forces and would thoroughly appreciate having the chance to hear from you. -Thank you. – L.Builder
P.S. forgive me for posting in the comment section and great article, as always!
You can always feel free to contact me but we are preparing to launch a website that is geared specifically to your interests and answering your questions. It should be going live next month and we will announce it then. In the meantime, I will try to help how I can. Shoot me a e-mail sometime.
okay, thanks so much.
You could always try professionalsoldiers.com
Will that website be part of the military.com empire?
Why? So you could get the bulk of a polymer framed gun and the low mag capacity if a 1911? Sounds like a terrible idea.
That was supposed to be responding to lance but this comments software sucks balls.
The FNP 45 Tactical holds 15 rds, while this holds 17. I imagine it will be the same for the .45 version that’s in progress.
But I won’t blame you if you still want the 2 extra rds, though they be smaller.
I used to have a FNP=9 and I loved it. However, it was hard to find accessories (holsters, sights, etc.)…so I switched to Glock.
I may have to check this one out! Please post more details if you have them…
I know I love my FNP 45 Tactical… 15+1 of .45, threaded barell, and mounting points for optics can’t be beat
If only the magazines didn’t have issues.
Yeah until they get gear manufacturers to make accessories for their pistols I’m staying away. I used to own a FNP-9 for a few months until I realized there’s nothing out there for it. AWESOME pistol, just crap out there for them. So I’ve stuck with Glock.
Boys, looks like we’ve found a geardo who needs to be tacti-cool. That’s ok, we’re here for you. We’ve been through this before, so we can help you. ;)
Geardo…right. You have no clue what I do, who I am, or what profession I am in. Screw off
Agreed. Glocks get the job done, and there’s plenty of holsters at various price points for that meet the need. The “best pistol” is of little use if you can’t carry it safely. Not everybody can afford custom made holsters.
I’d choose the best pistol because it’s the best pistol in my opinion. Not because of the gear / options available for the pistol. Their are plenty of manufactures out there that make great custom gear. Just have to research about it.
Agreed, Jack.
If you can’t find any mass produced holsters, make your own! Kydex ain’t that hard to work with. All you really need is an oven and a set of punches to knock out a pretty good holster, just like you want it. Then, take the leftovers and make a mag carrier! XD
I actually just got the fnp-9. I have no intentions to sell it yet, in just curious as to what the major differences are?
The FNP/FNX-9 is a Double-Single hammer fired pistol. The FNS-9 is a Striker fired pistol, similar to the glock.
.357 Sig?
Nice little write-up, looks like a good pistol, may have to check it out. More interested in the .45 though.
I recently purchased a FNP-40 and I am really, really impressed by it. Very solid, completely reliable…while a tad large, its my CCW gun at the moment.
BUrtonB: I do with you there (being a bit large). There are a lot of other “slim” line hangguns out there. But to me, reliability is more important. I need to know that I can deploy it efficently and it will go bang each time.
The FNX 40 is great as well. Thousands of rounds through and no issues. I almost call it the “poor man’s” HK. It’s interesting that they made a striker version for this series. They are probably targeting the market where people want a striker fired side arm with a MANUAL safety. Yes, the only issues is finding the right holsters. (Unlike Glock, where every holster company makes a Glock version) I did end up using a Crossbreed IWB holster ($80, took a month and a half to get it) which has been working out. The cheapest I found OEM mags are for $38. But it came with 3 mags total which is enough for me right now.
Brandon, any timeline on when you’ll be able to post a review of your new Glock 19 Gen 4 yet?
I second that. There has been a lot of discussion out there on G19 Gen 3 vs Gen 4. Some love their Gen4 while others issues…..extraction, fail to feed, & magazines. I am at a point right now trying to decide which version to get (Gen 3 or Gen 4). Right now, Gen 3 are still available. So debating if I should get the Gen3 now while it’s still available or wait. Brandon: would love to see your feedback and opinion.
Same here, I’m actually switching from the FNP to the glock platform and have the same question, although reports after ejector and RSA changes on problematic 9mms have been promising.
I think if your budget and time is tight, then go with a Generation 3, because of the potential issues with the Gen 4 (however isolated, it never hurts to plan ahead). I have had a Gen 4 Glock 17 since last year and ive had zero issues with it.
GoNavy, I also went with a CrossBreed Supertuck IWB…its been wonderful.
BUrtonB: Cool. I have to say Crossbreed is more comfortable than the standard Kydex holster. Mine has been good so far. It was one of the few companies that made holster for the FN series pistols. The holster also works with Springfield XD9 (4″) as well. As I said, the only downside was the wait time of month and a half. But they are made in USA and made as they are ordered and not mass produced at some foreign country.
I’m curious how this stacks up against the g19. Thanks!