FNS 9MM compact

1

1hogfan83

New member
I'm wanting something for summer carry. I love my P-01 but it's a heavy weight. Does anyone own a FNS 9 compact? It looks kinda handy and has some great features.
 
27.2ounces equal 2lbs, hmm, things must have changed since I was in 8th grade. I've held the first model pps, I love the paddle mag release but the stippling left something to desire. I guess it wouldn't hurt to handle one. I've heard they shoot like they have a 5" barrel. I do like the look of the new grip.
 
1hogfan83 said:
27.2ounces equal 2lbs, hmm, things must have changed since I was in 8th grade.
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The FN website says 25.2 oz; perhaps 27.2 is a typo. That being said, the gun should weigh 31± oz loaded, depending on the ammo; 9mm typically weighs 0.4-0.5 oz per round depending on the load, so 12+1rds would add 5.2-6.5 oz.
Viper99 said:
Try a walther PPS.
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I don't think a single-stack gun is a fair comparison to a double-stack gun. The FNS 9 is IMHO best compared to the M&P9c, which is almost exactly the same size and weight.

OTOH I do like the current gaggle of single-stack 9mm pistols like the PPS, M&P Shield, G43, etc. better for carry than most double-stacks.

Lastly—although I have not shot an FNS—one topic that often comes up when discussing this gun is the mag release buttons, which are very low-profile and unusually heavy. The good news is that you're extremely unlikely to drop a mag by accident, or have the mag inadvertently pop out in the holster. The bad news is that you may need some mental adjustment and dedicated training to perform quick mag changes with the gun. YMMV.
 
I have one and it seems to be a good gun so far. I bought the model without a manual safety so it is very comparable in size and function to a Glock 26.

I bought mine from the FN store in Columbia, and it had night sights pre-installed.

The grip checkering is a lot more aggressive than on my Glocks and M&P 40. So you may or may not like that. It also includes a 17 round mag with a grip sleeve in addition to two twelve round mags.
 
carguychris said:
The FN website says 25.2 oz; perhaps 27.2 is a typo. That being said, the gun should weigh 31± oz loaded, depending on the ammo; 9mm typically weighs 0.4-0.5 oz per round depending on the load, so 12+1rds would add 5.2-6.5 oz.
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The P-01 weighs 27.2 ounces; he wants to switch to the FNS-9c, which weighs 23.4 ounces empty - and I think 5 ounces is significant enough to make a difference in carrying comfort.

The issue for me is that the FNS9c is kind of a hybrid between a compact & subcompact size, and ends up with the worst of both worlds. It's meant for concealed carry, but the longer grip prints more than most subcompacts while still having less capacity and a shorter sight radius than the usual compact.

But, I'm smaller than most people, so that little extra bit of grip seems rather noticeable on my frame. I'd echo TunnelRat and say the M&P9C seems better for concealed carry (and weighs in slightly less at 21.7 ounces empty).
 
I've owned the M&P compact and the trigger left something to be desired. From what I've read, the FNS C has the best trigger second to the Walther PPQ. FWIW, anyone who has carried the difference of 5 ounces, knows it adds up by the end of the day.
 
I'm not by any means going to replace my CZ, this is just a interest in another double stack gun and a reason to buy one. Maybe 90/10 by my wife's knowledge.
 
If you want to try one out rock on. I do think they're nice guns. It was just in my experience there's more overtravel than an M&P and it lead to a noticeably longer reset. This was me comparing a newer production M&P with the changes they're made over time.
 
If you read the thread I linked I do a pretty in depth first impressions. The short answer is yes. I couldn't reliably get the magazine to drop one handed. I often had to use my other hand to get enough leverage to push in the mag release far enough for the mags to drop. I get where FN was going with the low profile idea, but honestly in 70 something pistols I have never had issues with factory magazine releases on other pistols accidentally dropping mags. The only times I've seen it become an issue is on large extended mag release options installed after the fact. I think FN went overboard. It's worth noting that not everyone that owns the pistol has this problem, so if you can try before you buy you might find it isn't a problem for you.
 
I found a FNS Compact at the local Cabelas. Its only short comings were the .40 caliber chambering and the mag release, and of course the price but they have to pay for that beautiful store . They had it set up with the extended mag release, the biggest one, I don't know the round count since i'm not interested in .40. I did have to yank the mag out a few times but the gun seems like the perfect size. Lightweight even with the big mag, a little wide but doable. The stippling wasn't as aggressive as I thought it would be. They didn't have the PPS M2, depending on price, that would be the decision maker. Except for a pair of sunglasses and a pair of candy bars for the wife and I, it will have to wait another day.
 
FN makes great pistols, except their magazines are curiously expensive.

FNS 9c magazines are $45. Pick up two or three spare mags, and it adds up real quick.
 
It was the difference in triggers which led me to sell the FNS-9C and buy the Ruger SR9C and the Walther P99AS Compact.

It remains to be seen if I'll keep both of those, but they both have a better factory trigger than the FN gun.

Bart Noir
 
I have one and find it to be extremely accurate. Being left handed I and happy with the ambidextrous slide release and mag release. I have the model without the safety. Night sights are adequate.
 
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