Firing the FNP9...

Status
Not open for further replies.

Stephen A. Camp

Moderator In Memoriam
Joined
Dec 24, 2002
Messages
2,430
Hello. Today I fired the FNP9 for the first time. I had heard and read pretty good things about these pistols and decided to find out for myself.

FNP9righttile1.jpg
Though reportedly available in other than the conventional DA/SA that my gun is, I have not seen one. My pistol is double-action for the first shot with subsequent shots being fired single-action.

The gun has a polymer frame with all steel parts being stainless. It is my understanding that the pistol is also available with a dark finish covering the stainless. I have not seen one and have no idea how well the dark finish does or doesn't hold up.

It is my understanding that Browning is also marketing this pistol as the Browning Pro-9.

I fired the pistol at 7, 10, and 15 yards today and over 450 shots were fired. There were no malfunctions whatsoever.

FNP910ydtarg1.jpg
This 10-yard group was fired from a standing position using a two-hand hold and in single-action slow-fire. Ammunition was Fiocchi 115-gr. FMJ. POA was nicely regulated to POI.

The pistol was also fired at 15 yards for group using Federal 115-gr. JHP. For this, I was seated and my wrists were braced. It is the best way that I have to try and gauge the gun's mechanical accuracy.

For a more "practical" test, the pistol was fired quickly, starting from a low ready at 7 yards. The first shot was fired double-action and failure-to-stop drills were practiced. Ammunition used was Winchester 127-gr. Ranger +P+. It was chosen for a couple of reasons: It has a bit more recoil than other rounds fired today and it is a favorite "serious" load that I trust. The gun was fired with both FMJ and JHP ammunition ranging from 115 to 147-gr. in bullet weight.

The pistol showed no readily apparent favoritism to any of the loads tried today...at least not in my hands. It grouped nicely with all.

There were no malfunctions at all. Extraction and ejection were positive. Feeding was flawless and "slick" with all of the ammunition
shot. Each 16-shot magazine worked fine and there were no failures of the slide to lock back after the last shot was fired. Neither was there any premature slide-lock while rounds were still in the magazine.

Though I remain pretty well wedded to the single-action automatic, I do believe that the FNP9 is a very fine example of the polymer-framed DA/SA genre of handguns and that folks interested in such a pistol might be well advised to take a hard look at the FNP9.

The price was a bit over $400 and the gun came with three 16-shot magazines, including the one in the pistol. In other words, it came with two spares! (I have read that the Browning version comes with one extra magazine.)

For those interested in a more detailed report including chronograph results, it can be found here:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/taking_a_look_at_the_fnp9_pistol.htm

Best.
 
I wish to graciously thank you for your continued contributions both on the different forum sites and your own site; I did own an FNP-9 for a while, but felt that I wanted a 'smaller' 9mm for CCW (Beretta 9000S); as usual, it was an impulsive decision as I have not waivered from CCW with my S&W 642-2; now I wish I had kept the FNP-9; I don't dislike my Beretta, but it has been finicky with factory Winchester brass with a few FTE's and the FNP-9 ran flawlessly with whatever I fed it, including aluminum-cased and steel-cased ammunition;

I will always fall back on my revolvers for ultimate reliability and I also enjoy your support and testing of the .38 snub platform; my current ammo choice for the snub revo platform is rather unorthodox compared to most folks...Hornady XTP 125 grain .38 spl (non +p); here's my logic...

I used to frequent a shop that employs former LEO's and from their experience they felt that +p in a snub (especially lightweight) only created problems with increased muzzle flash, increased muzzle flip, increased audible report, and slower acquisition for followup shots;

in lieu of the highly prized (out-of-production) Federal Nyclad 125 grain .38 spl (non +p), they felt that Hornady offered similar results; I also used the testing results from this article since I was seeking a non +p that was heavier than the ill-fated 110 grain loads:

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/pocket_dynomite/index.html

***these tests were done before the advent of the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain load and the CorBon DPX 110 grain load...I haven't tested either one to compare to the Hornady load***

Thank you for continued testing and insights
 
Mr. Camp, I would also like to thank you for your informative handgun reviews. Your information was a big help when I decided to look into purchasing a Hi-Power. The Hi-Power is my favorite pistol for target shooting. About a year ago I purchased an FNP-9 to use in USPSA competition (just local, once a month, for fun). I have put over 3000 rounds through it without a single failure. I had my gunsmith measure the trigger pull, DA was 8.5 lbs., and SA was 4 lbs. I have found it to be an excellent tactical shooter.

I have the black finish.
fnp9-12.jpg


I practice 2 or 3 times a week with many draw and dry-fire repetitions per sessions. The gun has been in and out of a leather holster many thousands of times. Upon close examination, there is no wear on the finish. The matte finish might be slightly shiny on the sharp edges, but really, it looks like new.
muzzlel1.jpg


I don’t know any specifics about the materials or process used for the finish, but I think they got it right.

I am looking forward to seeing the 45 that will be coming out soon. If it is anything like the 9, it will be my next pistol.:)
 
Hello and thanks for the kind words. Thank you also for your informative post on your pistol as it has been fired considerably more than mine at this time.

Best.
 
I'm an H&K guy, but I think that the FNP might be the best polymer-framed pistol on the market. In my experience, you just can't make these guns stop working, and the SA trigger is among the best out there.

I just wish I could find leather for it.
 
I got a bit off track and forgot to mention some 'aesthetic' observations vs 'hands-on' realization...

when I first handled the FNP-9 that I eventually purchased, I was thrown by the overall lightness of the weapon and flexibility of the polymer in the grip...it seemed 'fragile' to me...

this is the complete opposite of the truth...I had learned that Belgin police forces had chosen the FNP-9M variant as their sidearm and I took another look and then dived in...the gun is robust where it counts and yet still offers an overall lightweight that I haven't found in any other polymer frame gun (as I stated, I highly regret that I let mine go);

the interchangable backstraps and 3 factory hi-cap magazines (robust design and execution for maximum reliability) was a defininte bonus; the trigger characteristics felt similar to a Sig Sauer to me and felt smoother the more I shot the gun;

Thank you for indulging me with another posting. Later!
 
The FNP has actually turned out to be one of our best selling pistols. The only handgun we sell more of is the XD.

Of all of those, we've only had one with any problem. It ejects some back into the shooter's face about once every magazine. The owner sent it back to FN, and you can see where the made some mods to the ejector. But it is still doing it.

I'm going to take it back and see if I can do something with it.

Other than that one though, they've been great guns.
 
MMMike, the finish on your FNP looks incredible for the round count. Would you mind telling us how much time does it spend in a holster, and what type of holster?

Thanks,
-Uga
 
I purchased an FNP9 for a former girlfriend (well, she wasnt former at the time) after she really enjoyed shooting my FN Forty-Nine and CZ75B. She prefered the ergonomics of the Forty-Nine, but the sharp .40S&W kick was a bit much for her. She immediately took a liking to the feel of the FNP9 and the deal was done.

We bought some mil-surp 9mm at a gun show and went shooting the next day. She actually wanted me to shoot first and I was happy to oblige. The gun felt very natural in the hand, recoil was on par with most other plastic 9mm weapons I've fired. No feed and no ejection problems. Double tap drills are a joy with this gun.
I don't have the targets anymore, but at 7 and 10 yards, it wasn't difficult at all to keep them in the head of an evil silhouette target.

What really impressed me is how comfortable my ex was with the gun. She immediately took to it, all the controls were within easy reach for her. The recoil was soft enough that she didn't complain and was able to be accurate on torso shots. A great gun overall. I'd purchase it over any other poly-framed semi-compact currently on the market.
In fact, I'm considering trading my current FN Forty-Nine in on one since deciding to standardize on 9mm.

FN-49.jpg

Mine is the black slide in .40 and I think I want to trade it in for this.
fn_hg_fnp9m.gif
 
I saw the FNP-40 for the first time yesterday and I nearly walked out the door with it. They had the stainless model in SA (safety lever only, no decock), and the black model in DA/SA (decock lever only, no safety). The black one may be my next purchase. I don't _need_ another .40 (I have a USP Compact), but I just loved the way this one looked and felt.
 
ugaarguy,

The holster I use is a Blackhawk CQC Leather Slide Holster. The FNP is very close in size to the Sig229, just slightly longer. Most holsters for the 229 will work very well for the FNP-9.

fnp9inholster2.jpg
[/IMG]

As far as how much time it spends in the holster, it lives in it. The FNP doubles as my HD gun and I rigged some clips that hold the holster in back of the nightstand.

And Mr. Camp,

Right click on this link and do a "save target as" for an exploded view. pro9-40parts.pdf I got this from the Browning site in the 2005 parts catalouge. I can't figure out how to remove the firing pin either. It may just take force once you push the pin in all the way, but I'm not willing to find out.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the review!

I really like the fact that it comes with 3 mags! Wish others would do that.

Also, like the fact that it's priced so well. I don't understand why an established polymer pistol should run into the $600 price range.

I'll have to look into the FN more.
 
I've been giveing the XD-45's some thought, but I can see FNH is worth a look. I have a Makarov and like all the functions except the mag release. I really like the interchangable backstrap idea :) Glock must be envious, this was one reason I sold my Glock, as it pointed way high, and the lack safe modes made me nervous :eek: and leary of the XD, it would'nt be such a issue if this were my only type of handgun.
Thanks Mr Camp for your review.
 
To remove the striker:
If you look at the underside of the slide you will see a slot that the striker lug sticks out of. In front of the lug you can see a spring and a piece of plastic. Push the plastic part towards the front of the slide and while holding it there, lift the tail cap from the end of the slide and remove the striker.
To replace the striker, reverse the steps.

Rick
 
Lawson4,

I don't have the gun in front of me now, but I'm quite sure that there are no plastic parts or visible springs in the slide. You are talking about the FNPs, aren't you?

If I'm missing something, could you post a pic?

Thanks
 
I don't have the means to post a picture,:( but I will try to find a link, later.

The FNP family of pistols are all hammer guns. On the Forty_Nine, the slide has an opening on the underside for the striker to engage the sear. The spring I refer to is the striker return spring; its wire dia is very small. Also, at the raduis end of the slot is a black piece of plastic; its the striker guide. When you push the guide forward you are compressing the striker spring, so there is some resistance. By compressing the spring you relieve the force holding the back plate in the back of the guide.
I'll try to find additional info.

lawson4
 
Ive had mine since april and i love it! Only a 1000 rds or so through it, but not a single malf! Not to mention its just so damn sexy...
 
response to 'weight' comment...

TOUCHE!!!

I'll have to take your word for it since Glocks and I don't mesh well because of the 'unnatural' grip angle on Glock frames (Gens I, II, III) and I haven't paid attention to such details about Glocks;

me disclaimer follows==>

***grip angle is 'unnatural' to me since I wheened into the shooting sports utilizing 1911's, medium-framed DA revolvers, Beretta 92's, and Ruger semiautos...all have the 'Browning" grip angle***
 
FNP-9 handles great, but mine has performance issues

Hi all,

I picked up an FN FNP-9 recently after reading great reviews in various magazines and websites (and Bass Pro had an awesome sale on it). I've put 100 rounds worth of Remington/UMC 115gr. FMJ ammo and had consistent malfunctions with the last couple of rounds (14-16 when I used fully charged magazines). The malfunctions were failure to feed/chamber (rounds would get stuck half chambered up the feed ramp). This happened with all three magazines. Also, ejection was pretty much straight back into my face (it wasn't too bad, but it was annoying). Has anyone else had this issue? I'm taking it out tomorrow and will try other ammo as well. Should I contact FN to ask for replacement mags?

Despite these problems, the FNP is definitely a shooter! Crazy accurate and no real recoil (I'm a .45 shooter so shooting 9mm feels like a bb gun).

Thanks for any help you guys and gals can provide!

--Desmond
 
Hello. I'd try it with some other ammunition just to be sure before getting new magazines. Perhaps it is just the ammo. Of late, I've read several reports of folks having problems with Remington UMC 9mm ammo. I've not shot any of the newer lots of it so I cannot say first-hand on this.

It should not kick the fired cases back in your face. Mine ejects to right and drops cases pretty consistently in the same area.

Best and good luck.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top