Why aren't FN pistols more popular?
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I think they are getting more noticed, their tactical .45 made it in the latest call of duty game and I think it with a red dot and one of those slab sided silencers are sexy. Its like the new usp. I know I was looking at them for my first pistol, but it seems like da/sa and polymer just aren't all that popular (p07 and sig 2022 come to mind).
What I want to know is what is up with their pricing? Sure the fnp is reasonable but the the fiveseven s $1000+ and if u want the tactical .45 (threaded barrel and different sights) its a $400 premium.
What I want to know is what is up with their pricing? Sure the fnp is reasonable but the the fiveseven s $1000+ and if u want the tactical .45 (threaded barrel and different sights) its a $400 premium.
gbw
Member
FWIW, I have both the FNX-9 and a new Browning Hi Power.
I've been stunned by both -
The high quality of the FN FNX-9. Mine is a really excellent pistol (and came with 3 mags), one of the better deals I've come across over many many years.
The poor overall quality of the Hi Power which is a sorry gun in my book, especially for the cost, and a huge dissappointment. Certainly one my worst deals.
I've been stunned by both -
The high quality of the FN FNX-9. Mine is a really excellent pistol (and came with 3 mags), one of the better deals I've come across over many many years.
The poor overall quality of the Hi Power which is a sorry gun in my book, especially for the cost, and a huge dissappointment. Certainly one my worst deals.
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Texan Scott
Member
FN is a military supplier that will sell opportunistically to civillians
They don't put a lot of effort into civilian marketing. Their pistols (with the exception of the hipower which was designed by a great American, and sadly overpriced due to lack of competition) are fine and serviceable, but in no way stand out as superior or more desirable for any reason. They're ... mediocre.
They don't put a lot of effort into civilian marketing. Their pistols (with the exception of the hipower which was designed by a great American, and sadly overpriced due to lack of competition) are fine and serviceable, but in no way stand out as superior or more desirable for any reason. They're ... mediocre.
colorado_handgunner
Member
Because they are so very expensive.
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meanmrmustard
Member
Totally unrelated, but I've a chance at a BARELY used, literally like new FNP9 for $475. GTG, or pass?
Might be a tiny bit high. Some places (I think CDNN, for one) were blowing new ones out for less than that a couple of years ago when the FNX replaced the FNP. Still, if it fits you and it's in excellent condition that's probably not a bad price in today's market for a quality poly pistol with three mags.
gbw
Member
Nor have I. I've owned several and still do, and perhaps other won't agree with me. This one is a new adjustable sight high polish version. From a distance it's an absolute beauty. BUt only at a distance.
I'll get some photos up later if anyone's really interested.
Worst trigger on any pistol I've ever shot, that would be several hundred. It breaks halfway, and then breaks again. Gritty, grinding, inconsistent, 15+# letoff. I did clean it well. The mainspring is by far the stiffist I've ever run across on any SA auto, not just other Hi Powers.
The barrel is something to see - I'm sure this is intententional, it is funnel cut completely around the chamber mouth, and I mean a huge funnel. Probably doesn't hurt anything but it sure isn't reasurring.
Front sight stripe off center. Bots sights installed off center, slightly.
Grips do not fit - hang off the back of the pistol. An interesting note - I've tried 3 other sets of HP grips from other pistols on this one, and none will fit it. Screw hole will not align.
My biggest gripe is the finish. This is a $1000 pistol. The metal was not properly prepared befor it was polished, left very rough and then some gorilla leaned on a buffing wheel in a cheap attempt to compensate. The pin holes are badly dished and smeared, there are no sharp crisp corners or edges, lines polished away or to waveiness, they are not straight, etc. Slide rails on the frame are polished round - literally. It looks like a $200 Chinese mess.
Comparing it to the Belgian FN of 1950's vintage or Belgian beer can versions I have, it's a sad sight and there is no comparison. Chicken salad and chicken doodoo. Both chicken for sure, but they aren't the same.
Accuracy poor compared to any other 9mm I own - 8-12" groups @ 25 yds from a good rest - partly due to the unshootable trigger, but not entirely. For reference, I can consistently do less than 1.5" with the 1911s, admittedly match fitted guns with extremely good triggers. The point is I don't think it's all me.
I should not have accepted the gun, ordered and delivered effeciently by Buds. I gave it a quick look and said OK, I was busy that day. And anyhow it's a Browning - who wouldda thunk it. My fault. The older guns are starting to show some wear so I thought I'd try a new one, and I do like how they've done the rear sight.
If you get a chance to look at a current version I think you'll be amazed.
In fairness, I've not contacted Browning yet although I intend to. And the gun may shoot in and settle to better accuracy. Reliability so far is good.
Perhaps some will think the polish gripe is superficial, and I understand that point of view, but I don't.
If I ever buy another Browning it will be an old version in mint condition, or the cheapest one they currently make in the hope that they don't polish it, and then polish it myself, or have someone else refinish it who knows what they are doing. Browning no longer does. End of rant.
The FN FNX-9 I have is as good as the old Brownings, in it's own way. It's a modern gun. It shows excellent fit, finish, accuracy, smooth operaton, complete reliability and it feels good. These guns are very light and some may be surprised at the recoil, which is high for a service sized (but not service weight) gun.
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Bongoboy, you're wrong. They're not DAO, they're da/sa and very ergonomic IMO. I own a gen 4 glock 21, HK usp45 tac and fn fnp-45 and between all three the FN is hands down the best of the three in fit and price. They all function great. Plus the FN hold two more rounds than the glock.
I also have a FiveseveN which is a great pistol, very flat shooting and low recoil. Although it might not be mine long as im thinking of taking advantage of the prices FiveseveN's are selling for right now.
I also have a FiveseveN which is a great pistol, very flat shooting and low recoil. Although it might not be mine long as im thinking of taking advantage of the prices FiveseveN's are selling for right now.
meanmrmustard
Member
Locally, it's a $660 gun after taxes. I'm not seeing many used, so I can't compare price.
Fiveseven I believe is expensive because a reputable manufacturer making a 5.7x28mm pistol is pretty much exclusive to FN. I have a feeling that if more companies backed the round, like if we have a G40 in 5.7x28mm or a XDm 57, then the price of the FN gun would go down. I am ignoring the perceived or actual benefit of the round in this case, and just stating why the gun is expensive.
I like the way Wally said it. Their primary focus is military, secondary focus is LE, tertiary focus is civilians. If HK's memetic motto is "because you suck, and we hate you," then FNs motto to civilians is "if we don't think you need it, and you want it, you're wrong." I've seen letters that come back from their CS regarding things like selling a non-manual-safety model of the FNS to civilians, and it basically says that the customer doesn't know what he wants.
They might be good guns, but I'm going to go with a company that treats the customer better.
I like the way Wally said it. Their primary focus is military, secondary focus is LE, tertiary focus is civilians. If HK's memetic motto is "because you suck, and we hate you," then FNs motto to civilians is "if we don't think you need it, and you want it, you're wrong." I've seen letters that come back from their CS regarding things like selling a non-manual-safety model of the FNS to civilians, and it basically says that the customer doesn't know what he wants.
They might be good guns, but I'm going to go with a company that treats the customer better.
showmebob
Member
My thought is that more people just haven't shot them yet.
I have the Fnx 40 and it's more accurate than my MP 9 Pro. No quality problems either. Also have shot the FNS and loved it.
Now I'll admit maybe I'm a little strange because I can't stand to handle a Glock
I have the Fnx 40 and it's more accurate than my MP 9 Pro. No quality problems either. Also have shot the FNS and loved it.
Now I'll admit maybe I'm a little strange because I can't stand to handle a Glock
The factory hasn't shipped any new FNP-9 pistols in two years. The 9 and .40 was replaced by the FNX line, the only FNP model still being produced is the .45, Bud's is showing out of stock on all the FNP-9 and FNP-40 models but they're showing a most recent price of around $400 on the listings. Those sound like FNX prices.
meanmrmustard
Member
JohnBT
Member
"I should not have accepted the gun, ordered and delivered effeciently by Buds. I gave it a quick look and said OK"
I hope you saved a lot of money on the deal. I bought a MkIII 10 or 11 years ago and the trigger pull was 8.5# before I removed the mag safety and shot it a bunch and strengthened my trigger finger. It's a combat pistol with a combat trigger; it's highly accurate, but it's not a target pistol. Let us know what FN says about those 12" groups.
"They're not DAO, they're da/sa"
Fwiw, FN did make some FNP models in DAO.
I hope you saved a lot of money on the deal. I bought a MkIII 10 or 11 years ago and the trigger pull was 8.5# before I removed the mag safety and shot it a bunch and strengthened my trigger finger. It's a combat pistol with a combat trigger; it's highly accurate, but it's not a target pistol. Let us know what FN says about those 12" groups.
"They're not DAO, they're da/sa"
Fwiw, FN did make some FNP models in DAO.
It's very famous company. They made cars, motorcycles, assembled jet engines and perhaps even pots and pans. I can't think of any military from major world players carrying new FN pistol as sidearm.
balance 740
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Interestingly, not even the Belgium Federal Police.
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/smith-wesson-s&w-m-p-pistols/
gbw
Member
Huh?? Buying a new Hi Power ain't about saving money. I just like them, at least the older ones. In my rural area the locals cannot afford to stock them so one of them ordered it for me. Trigger pull is 15#++, very 'dirty'. Incredibly stiff mainspring. BTW, the mag safety need not add enough to matter to pull weight (unless there is a bad burr or something in the tube or tunnel, which I've never seen). It can add some roughness to the takeup & pull, easily polished away. I don't remove them.
Didn't mean to hijack, I'll quit about the HP now, maybe we can do a spearate thread if anyone's interested.
I still maintain the FNX-9 is a superior pistol. I'd guess armies etc. don't use it because of it's light wieght hence higher recoil. Their loss. To the poster that said the Sigs are 'better', objectively better how?
Pass.
My totally stock FN Browning Hi Power MKIII is my most accurate centerfire handgun. While the trigger may be a little heavy it has a clean, predictable break. I could lighten it by removing the mag disconnect and installing a lighter mainspring, but it is so good right now, I see no need, so I will keep it box stock.
Hi Powers can come with gritty triggers, often removing the mag disconnect will fix the issue. They are superb 9MM's, and still a relevant firearm in the world of polymer. It is ashame the politically correct now only want DA/SA or striker fired pistols they perceive as safer for their poorly trained personnel.
Hi Powers can come with gritty triggers, often removing the mag disconnect will fix the issue. They are superb 9MM's, and still a relevant firearm in the world of polymer. It is ashame the politically correct now only want DA/SA or striker fired pistols they perceive as safer for their poorly trained personnel.
bikerbill
Member
Always wanted a 5.7 ... wonder if they're still available?
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