Angdvl089
Member
I know that I want to stick with 9mm and I love the look of a hammer so it's definitely between these two. Which is the most reliable? I'd like to know of any good/bad experiences had with either gun.
First buy: SIG SP2022 vs. FN FNP-9
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rellascout
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Both are good pistols. It comes down to which one fits your hand better. In terms of reliability they are both way above avg.
I have owned both but ended up selling the FNP. I still have the SP2022 and use it as a house gun.
I found there were more options in terms of grips for the SP2022. I ended up with the new smaller grip modual and love it. The FN has replaceable straps but they do not alter the grip by much IMHO.
IIRC the FNP is slightly smaller than the SP2022.
I have owned both but ended up selling the FNP. I still have the SP2022 and use it as a house gun.
I found there were more options in terms of grips for the SP2022. I ended up with the new smaller grip modual and love it. The FN has replaceable straps but they do not alter the grip by much IMHO.
IIRC the FNP is slightly smaller than the SP2022.
JustinJ
Member
American made Sigs have earned/gotten a bad reputation. My 556 turned me off from them for good so i'd go with the FNP. Plus i do like the look and feel of the FNs although haven't had any range time.
Just curious, why is it between those two? I'd go with an HKP2000 or P30. Both meet your hammer requirement. Now for a .45 i'd consider the FNP45 tactical even over an HK bc that thing is sweet and packs 16 rounds off kick ass.
Just curious, why is it between those two? I'd go with an HKP2000 or P30. Both meet your hammer requirement. Now for a .45 i'd consider the FNP45 tactical even over an HK bc that thing is sweet and packs 16 rounds off kick ass.
rellascout
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My guess is its cost. Both the FNP and the SP2022 are sub $400 guns.
HKs are $600+
HKs are $600+
Smaug
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To me, the Sig grip is more comfortable. Probably the DA trigger is better too; Sig generally has about the best DA trigger in a stock combat gun.
So that's the answer to your original question. That said, you're crazy not to get a 22 for your first buy. Get the proper techniques down with lots of affordable practice before you throw expensive ammo into the mix.
I bet for a lot of us, a 22 is our most often-shot gun.
If it is going to be a carry gun, I guess 9mm is better, but those are both pretty big for carry guns.
So that's the answer to your original question. That said, you're crazy not to get a 22 for your first buy. Get the proper techniques down with lots of affordable practice before you throw expensive ammo into the mix.
I bet for a lot of us, a 22 is our most often-shot gun.
If it is going to be a carry gun, I guess 9mm is better, but those are both pretty big for carry guns.
JustinJ
Member
"That said, you're crazy not to get a 22 for your first buy."
If he is looking for a gun for occasional range shooting plus HD there is no need to get a .22. 9mm ammo is cheap enough to learn the basics. If he wants to make a real hobby of shooting and become more proficient "than good enough" then a .22 is not a bad idea.
If he is looking for a gun for occasional range shooting plus HD there is no need to get a .22. 9mm ammo is cheap enough to learn the basics. If he wants to make a real hobby of shooting and become more proficient "than good enough" then a .22 is not a bad idea.
harmon rabb
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I have a FNP. It's actually a much nicer handling and feeling gun than you would think for the price, and the trigger is MUCH nicer than you'd expect. It's easily on par with the trigger of my Sig 226.
One thing to note, whether it's good or bad: the FNP isn't as big as you think. It's G19 sized, it's not really a "full" sized. Held side by side with my Sig 226, my FNP is smaller in every dimension.
On the lower end of prices (under $500), the FNP is hard to beat, period, especially given that it comes with 3 mags.
I have no experience with a SP2022, so I can't comment on that, but I can't see anybody being anything but thrilled with a FNP for what you can get one for these days (low $400 range if you look around).
One thing to note, whether it's good or bad: the FNP isn't as big as you think. It's G19 sized, it's not really a "full" sized. Held side by side with my Sig 226, my FNP is smaller in every dimension.
On the lower end of prices (under $500), the FNP is hard to beat, period, especially given that it comes with 3 mags.
I have no experience with a SP2022, so I can't comment on that, but I can't see anybody being anything but thrilled with a FNP for what you can get one for these days (low $400 range if you look around).
Angdvl089
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I like the H&K P30 a lot but it's out of my price range and I don't believe you can get ten round mags for it (I live in Mass). The FN was originally what caught my eye then after some looking around I found the Sig was very similar. I'd rather a 9mm in case I need the gun for HD and I want to get a feel for a larger round in case I decide to go .40 or larger. I appreciate all the info guys, very quick replies.
harmon rabb
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Ok, if you're stuck in MA, why wouldn't you get a 45? 45acp is a very comfortable cartridge to shoot (quite unlike 40). If you're limited to 10 rounds, make them count as much as you can.
Angdvl089
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Harmon that's a good idea but besides 12ga birdshot, I haven't handled anything over .22 lr.
harmon rabb
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It doesn't matter. There is nothing uncomfortable or flinch inducing about shooting 45acp out of a full size polymer pistol. 40, on the other hand, could do that. 45 recoil feels like a slow push, not the sharp snap of 40.
JustinJ
Member
If i lived in a state where i was limited to 10 round mags i'd go with a .40 or .45. I believe the main advantage of a 9mm in full size (aside from slightly lighter recoil with standard ammo) is higher mag capacity but that won't apply to you.
FNP-9 all the way. Can't go wrong with the Sig, but the FNP is smaller in every dimension and has a less bulky grip. Also the triggers on both of those guns are superb, much better than you'd expect for a $400 gun.
Both will be excellent in reliability, accurate, tough, and very useable guns that would be a great first pistol. Personally I'd stick with the FNP-9, 9mm works well, nothing wrong with it at all when you're loading up current duty-intended ammunition, and it's a very compact pistol for what it is. It's trim, there's no excess bulk to it, though I'd be tempted to grind off the decocker protrusion on the right side and maybe streamline it a little on the left, since there is literally no situation where you need a decocker to be that high profile. If you've got time to decock, you've got time to take it slow and press down on a slightly smaller lever.
Also it would help keep you from accidentally decocking it during the firing process. And it's a little piece of sheet metal, so it's not like you'd be uglying it up or damaging some massively integral piece of the gun.
Both will be excellent in reliability, accurate, tough, and very useable guns that would be a great first pistol. Personally I'd stick with the FNP-9, 9mm works well, nothing wrong with it at all when you're loading up current duty-intended ammunition, and it's a very compact pistol for what it is. It's trim, there's no excess bulk to it, though I'd be tempted to grind off the decocker protrusion on the right side and maybe streamline it a little on the left, since there is literally no situation where you need a decocker to be that high profile. If you've got time to decock, you've got time to take it slow and press down on a slightly smaller lever.
Also it would help keep you from accidentally decocking it during the firing process. And it's a little piece of sheet metal, so it's not like you'd be uglying it up or damaging some massively integral piece of the gun.
.44 magnuholic
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FNP, hands down.
Siglike controls, decocker, hammer, etc and better grip options (2 backstraps I believe) and imho, a much better trigger than the SP series.
I've owned both, and having midsized hands, the Sig never really fit. They have a replacement grip, but it's only to make the grip larger. (ie - the stock grip is the "small")
Siglike controls, decocker, hammer, etc and better grip options (2 backstraps I believe) and imho, a much better trigger than the SP series.
I've owned both, and having midsized hands, the Sig never really fit. They have a replacement grip, but it's only to make the grip larger. (ie - the stock grip is the "small")
rellascout
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This is not necessarily true. It depends which vintage SP2022 you have. The new ones come with the "small" grip the older German guns did not.
When it comes to the SP2022 the issues which have been reported seem to be contained to the .357 Sig and 40 S&W versions.
mgmorden
Member
Agreed on all fronts. I have two .22 handguns, and I shoot more .22 than any other handgun round at the range, but realistically, if I had started with JUST a .22 I doubt I'd still be interested in handgun shooting as a leisure activity.
I don't shoot .22 because I enjoy it - I shoot .22 so that I can get better at shooting the centerfire guns. My first was a 9mm (Ruger P95) and I had that gun for 6-7 years before picking up a .22.
As to the original question - I can't really comment. I've shot neither. I've held both in a shop and the FN-P seems to feel better in my hand, but that's both subjective and not necessarily a good indicator of quality. The most naturally pointing best fitting shotgun I ever owned (a CZ-712) was also an unreliable piece of junk that I later sold
.Last year, I was contemplating between (among other models) an FNP-9 or SP2022.
What did I end up getting? A Walther P99AS. The fit & finish, time-proven reputation of the P99 model, and superior ergonomics made the decision for me.
No it does not meet your "hammer" requirement, but the AS (DA/SA) system of the Walther has the same functionality (though it sounds like you are more concrened with looks).
True, a $600 P99AS will cost a little more than the SP2022, but its only a few bucks more than what FN is asking for their pistol these days.
What did I end up getting? A Walther P99AS. The fit & finish, time-proven reputation of the P99 model, and superior ergonomics made the decision for me.
No it does not meet your "hammer" requirement, but the AS (DA/SA) system of the Walther has the same functionality (though it sounds like you are more concrened with looks).
True, a $600 P99AS will cost a little more than the SP2022, but its only a few bucks more than what FN is asking for their pistol these days.
mgmorden
Member
Fishbed: I think you'll find the Walther 99 a bit controversial on the ergonomics front - particularly their weird magazine release. In any event though, he wants a hammer gun. If we were opening up to striker fired guns there's a myriad of choices in that price range.
That said, Summit Gunbroker currently as police trade-in S&W99's (virtually the same gun as the Walther) in .40S&W for $295.
That said, Summit Gunbroker currently as police trade-in S&W99's (virtually the same gun as the Walther) in .40S&W for $295.
I own a German made SP2022. The grip is definitely wider than normal guns in its size and you should try it before you buy it. It doesn't bother me, but I could see it uncomfortable for people with smaller hands.
Btw, I personally don't believe that 45 has a more pleasant recoil than 40. I shoot both quite a bit and 45 has more recoil in the same way that 40 has more recoil to 9. Perhaps some people are comparing a full size metal 1911 45 to a poly frame 40.
Btw, I personally don't believe that 45 has a more pleasant recoil than 40. I shoot both quite a bit and 45 has more recoil in the same way that 40 has more recoil to 9. Perhaps some people are comparing a full size metal 1911 45 to a poly frame 40.
harmon rabb
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While recoil is a personal thing, I think the vast majority of shooters agree with me. While the actual recoil impulse of a 45acp may be greater than that of a 40s&w, the way in which it is delivered makes it much more pleasant, and I am comparing poly frame 45's to poly frame 40's. (I own a XD 45 and a FNP 40, for example). And, actually, for the record, my XD 45 is a softer shooter than either of my full size steel 1911's.
Angdvl089
Member
Again, I appreciate everyone's opinions. I'll have to make a visit to the local store tomorrow, see what they have and what they can get.
There's nothing weird about the release location - HK and other manufacturers use it as well (though the typical HK release is much shorter and sometimes tougher to operate). If anything, the P99's long ambi mag release (at least on the newer examples) allows various size hands to easily reach it, either with the thumb or index finger.
That can't be said for the 1911-style mag release on many guns, which for folks with shorter fingers can be tough to reach without adjusting one's grip.
Also, the actual contours (and adjustable nature) of the P9 grip means its ergonomics in those respects are second to none (explaining why the HK P30 has copied the shape, and just about every other manufacturer has copied the concept of replaceable backstraps).
I'm also quite aware that the OP said he liked the aesthetics of a hammer - I was letting him know that there are other options out there with the same functionality.
Angdvl089
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Just went to the local place today and found out FN guns aren't legal in the lovely state of Massachusetts...
simon_rook
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I picked up a NIB 2022 last week at the local shop. I ran 100 rounds through it before it even made it home. (I know , I know). Brought it home cleaned and lubed it, went out the next day and put 400 more through it. 115 gr federal fmj from wally world. Following day 150 hp, mixed HST, Golden Saber and Winchester supreme whatever they call it. Then hand loads, Rainier 124 gr hp, Berrys FNHB and XTP 90 grains, bottom line this thing eats whatever I feed it.
No FTF / FTE, no jams no problems accurate as can be. I also would like to mention it's the newest revision. All Exeter, frame, slide, I think the mag might have been German , the witness holes were like a Glock.
Great gun I wouldn't trade it for anything.
No FTF / FTE, no jams no problems accurate as can be. I also would like to mention it's the newest revision. All Exeter, frame, slide, I think the mag might have been German , the witness holes were like a Glock.
Great gun I wouldn't trade it for anything.
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