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Although this is a review for the FNH FNS-9 pistol, I’m going to start with the Glock 19.
I have referred to the Glock 19 as a “Goldilocks Gun.”
Its size allows it to easily be concealed for daily carry but it’s not so small that it’s uncomfortable to shoot.
There’s a good reason why the Glock 19 is Glock’s most popular model if not one of the more popular guns on the market. It’s no wonder that just about every company makes a striker fired handgun in a similar shape, size, and frame.
Smith & Wesson has the M&P 9c, Springfield has the XDm 3.8 and, of course, FNH has the FNS-9 pistol.
See how I brought that back around?
$580
at Cabela’s
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
-
25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
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FNS-9 Vs. Glock 19
Ease to Breakdown
By the Numbers
Maintenance 4/5
The nice thing about striker fired guns is that they’re quite simple. In the grand scheme of things, there isn’t much to them. As I’ve always said, things get a bit dicey when it comes to fully break it down and cleaning that striker. Also, with a slightly smaller footprint than a full sized pistol, there are some crevices that you’ll have to break out the Q-tips for. In the end, we’re looking at a 4 for this one. Right on par with the Glock 19, here.Reliability 5/5
It handed my cheap ammo as well as a few different types of defense ammo I had with me. It ate it like I eat a package of Oreos. Modern pistols really do a great job of working with all kinds of different stuff. 5 out of 5Safety 5/5
The FNS-9 has the same kinds of internal safeties as a Glock 19: trigger safety, firing pin safety and drop safety. It also has a manual safety switch. The thing about the switch is that it’s not in the way. It’s stiff to engage and can be disengaged easily with a swipe of the thumb. In theory, you could use this gun without ever engaging the safety and not have any problems because it would work just like a Glock at that point. It’s almost optional. Still, practice disengaging it on the draw just in case. Beyond that, the extra feature nudges it ahead of the Glock here. 5 out of 5Poor Technique 5/5
I tried to kill this gun. I tried everything. I did my uber-limp shooting with my left hand even trying to get it to jam or misfeed or bite me. Let’s put it this one: the most common problem I get when doing my poor technique tests is that, in times of extreme limp wristing, the slide won’t lock back on an empty magazine. This gun didn’t even have that problem. Slide locked back every single time. It says something about a gun when it actually annoys you that it works so well. Gimme something to criticize, will ya!? 5 out of 5Starter Kit 3.5/5
You get a very nice case, a cable lock, and 3 magazines. That’s 1 magazine more than the Glock but that’s about it. Not bad but not the best. Magazines tend to be the first thing I buy with any gun and I consider 3 magazines to be the bare minimum. I never used the mag loader that came with the Glock but I did have to buy a mag right off the bat there.
All things considered, I’ll call this one even: 3.5 out of 5. I still haven’t found anything that matches the XDm’s gold standard starter kit.
Accessories/Upgrades 2/5
Here’s the chink in the FNS-9’s armor: toys. While it has a Picatinny rail, which means you can pull all kinds of lights and lasers on it, there isn’t much out there that’s made specifically for this gun. I wasn’t able to find any trigger upgrade kits, just replacement triggers (not that you’d need an upgrade, mind you, the trigger is awesome). The magazines are also expensive. The average price I’m seeing is $44 and I don’t see any third party manufacturers jumping in to make any cheaper ones. Even Pro-Mag doesn’t have any! It’s still a relatively new gun on the market and I’d like to think that it will get some more toys eventually. In the meantime, I have to give it a 2 out of 5 here.Final Word
In terms of beginner guns, this is just as good of a first gun as the Glock 19. If you’re an intermediate or even well-experienced shooter, you can’t go wrong with this one either. The FNS-9 is a heck of a gun here. In the interest of full disclosure, this was a T&E gun sent to me by FNH. Don’t think the glowing review was because of that. I’d rather risk a relationship with a manufacturer than to risk my integrity. Truth be told, I was actually planning on buying this gun for my next pistol when FNH offered to send it to me so it was a happy stroke of luck. Final score: 4.5 out of 5
$580
at Cabela’s
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Available Coupons
-
25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
16 Leave a Reply
Guns are good. FN is terrible at producing extra mags for people to purchase. Their 15 round for 509c has been out of stock for several months. Can buy from other retailers but not the 15 rd. Ridiculous. Emailed FN and they said hard to keep up with demand. Other manufacturers like SIG can pump them out like nothing. Disappointed in FN. Something to keep in mind if you are purchasing an FN.
I just picked one up took it out to my range and put one mag through it love the gun. Easy to control esay to aim if you find one buy it
I've yet to fire one but after picking it up at the gun store...
1) A best in class grip IMHO
2) Excellent Trigger stock
3) Generally exceptional ergos and looks.
4) Great price
Your review is just as good as my FNS 9 accuracy, superb! Spot on in all areas. My only issue with the FNS 9 is more with FN in general, the cost of replacement mags. FN designs a series of pistols which clearly outperform the market leader (Glock) in all areas and promptly stifle sales by pricing magazines in the stratosphere, go figure. Oh well..
Thanks Jake and yup...the do cost a pretty penny!
I am a Sig snob, and realize that engineering a DA/SA hammer fired action that works that nicely costs money. I don't hate Glocks by any means, but the first thing any Glock needs is upgrading, so that kind of kills that "Glock Perfection" claim. FN, CZ, H&K, Walther, Springfield Armory, and even the lowly Canik is giving Glock a run for it's money, and at $200-$300 less in price. Walther, Sig's striker fired guns, FN, Canik, all have better triggers than Glock. So what did Glock offer? A gen 4 package with a captive double recoil spring guide rod, that failed, an extra magazine, and a $2 mag loader. I bought a Glock 43 to pocket while I am buying gas at 2:00 AM in a strange town, but I will probably swap it for a Sig 928, SA mini 1911, or maybe just dig out my old Kahr PM9 again. Glock has been riding high on hype for 35 years, with help from movies, television, and Glock fan boys. They still are like the 1992 Honda Civic of handguns. Reliable almost to a fault, and able to keep up with a Ferrari, unless the person driving the Ferrari actually knows how to drive, and then it is nothing more than extremely adequate. Eventually you may even catch up with the broken down Ferrari, and pass it. That pretty much sums up Glock, but they are charging way too much for what you get out of the box, now. Glock's patents have expired and the better gun makers are, well.........making better guns. What did you think would happen?
Yea. For one glock don't need upgrades to be perfect rite out of the box because they are already perfect and at l6they don't fire without pulling the trigger and Glock and Browning is the only two manufacturers that don't kiss the government's ass and Glock is superior to every brand out there and I could go on and on degrading them but I don't have time. I'm a collector and I love and collect all brands so don't come on here with this bs... Do your research first...
I carried a 19 for years but the FN is light years better, even if it was JUST the trigger that would be enough but I can not say enough about the trigger on this gun. It actually helps you shoot better. I have the FNS 9C which is slightly smaller not a great concealed carry gun in the summer but plenty small enough for a coat in the winter.
Thanks Daniel!
Great article. Love the; no BS assessment! I would have to agree with you on all aspects. Although, mine is a FNS 9c.
Thanks!!
I own the hammer fired FNX .40 and I love it. FNH makes a great product that is sexy, well built, truly ambidextrous, and accurate. And then they give you 3 mags! I look forward to adding a FNS 9 to my collection.
FNs just feel good in the hand too! Glocks, never felt good to me, but I was firing Browning Hi Powers at age 10, back in 1977. Glock was still making curtain rods back then. The grip angle on a Glock is an easy adjustment, just angle your wrist forward like you have some old fart's German Luger battle field pick up souvenir from WWII. Glock started giving out a 3rd magazine in their Gen 4 packages, along with a $2 mag loader. Too bad the recoil spring assembly in the Gen 4 was junk, and had to be recalled. Glock refuses to say why, but they requested we send in the old assembly and exchange it for a new one. I don't know about you, but when I buy a gun, I buy it to have it ready for use, not waiting for parts.
Had glock 19 goin on 9 yrs. Bought fns 9 two weeks ago. Took range, steadly proped, 30 ft.. Out of 18 rds 14 tore one ragged hole.FREAKIN AWSOME PISTOL!
That's awesome!
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