Is the FNX the New Sig?

[schmeky]

I had an FN FNP-45. I was the best machined and finished production semi-auto I have ever owned. I could not find a flaw anywhere. Unfortunately I no longer have it.

I have been checking out the newer 9mm and 40 FNX pistols, which are very similiar to the FNP-45. The FNX seems to share the build quality with the older FNP 9/40 and the FNP-45.

The FNX's are going for around $500.00 and seem to be of excellent quality for the money. I have also read FN's customer support is good.

Could these eventually give the Sig 9mm and 40 platforms a run for the money?

 

[benderx4]

I've got a FNP9 USG and swear by it. In fact, I think it's build quality is up there with HK. A VERY under-rated gun that still can be had at bargain prices. (Like CZs 5 years ago.)

As to the FNX, there are several threads out there describing how FN may have taken some short cuts with the "new" model. For example, several folks have had issues with the FNX mags falling out on their own.

Good luck.

 

[Prion]

No, they're polymer for one. The classic P-series appeals to metal frame fans.

 

[schmeky]

I understand the metal frame thing since this is my preference as well. But, the average NIB 226 is $800.00-$900.00.

FNX is $500.00-$550.00. As far as durability is concerned, the jury's still out on the FNX. But it would be difficult to argue the lifespan of a modern polymer frame vs an aluminum frame.

 

[ElrodCod]

The FNX is junk compared to anything else at that price point.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Got any reason behind that statement? Seems pretty bold to say that.

 

[Prion]

The FNX is junk compared to anything else at that price point

Please explain.

Making a bold, blanket statement while providing nothing to back it up doesn't hold any value at all.

Generally, statements like these are baseless opinions.

 

[Dionysusigma]

He's just trying to drive down popularity so he can get a couple more at a great price.

Haven't ever handled, much less seen one in person. No opinion either way.

 

[m500'92]

"But, the average NIB 226 is $800.00-$900.00."

But the Sig Pro or P250 goes for about 500-600, polymer frames save a lot of money.

 

[Kymasabe]

Sig Pro I can't speak of, bu I owned a Sig P226 and a Sig P250 and they're not even from the same planet. My P226 was flawless, excellent build quality and was the most accurate handgun I ever owned. Earlier this year I picked up a Sig P250 and was sorely disappointed with the current Sig quality. I've heard the most recent CEO came from Kimber and has been driving SIG down the toilet since he got there.

 

[GunTech]

I love the Sig ergonomics, but like any alloy frame pistol, they have a limited life compared to polymer guns. My wife's agency adopted the SIG early on - first 226s and then 229s. Frame life was about 25,000 round, and they were getting new guns every 5-6 years. They're are in the process of switching to GLOCKs.

I am interested to hear reports on the new FNX. Although I carry a G23 myself, I don't like the grip angle (being an old 1911 fan). I'm waiting for SA to bring out a true compact XDM, as well as investigating other possible replacements.

I like my FNP-45 - except for the fact that it was big. I'd like to see how the FNX rates.

 

[ichiban]

I have a FNP-9 and recently picked up an FNX-40. Both are excellent guns that have been trouble/jam free and are more accurate than I am. The FNX-40 is probably the softest shooting .40 S&W I have ever shot. I heartily recommend them to anyone looking for a great DA/SA automatic. With the thumb safety the FNX can be carried in condition one without any problem. I do believe that they are not the best choice for CCW as they are kind of thick but I do carry one IWB from time to time. The FN line is way overlooked and is an outstanding gun for their price range.

 

[Dobe]

Frame life was about 25,000 round, and they were getting new guns every 5-6 years.

I thought Sig's aluminium frames lasted much longer.

 

[ckone]

The FNX's are good guns but just so-so IMO. They're plagued with lots of squishy pre-travel in their triggers in SA (DA is average) and the ergos aren't real good in the era of the Gen4 Glock, M&P, and H&K P30. Also, the big thing I was hoping they would address is how flimsy the decocker/safety feels and how solidly it works, it's different from the FNP's but not really much better, no use in having the option of going cocked and locked when do to it not being positive enough in it's engagement, making it pretty much a given you'll knock the safety off accidentally.
I'm a big FNH fan, but IMO the FNX's become kind of underwhelming once you pick one up and dry-fire it a few times.

 

[Kingofthehill]

FNP and FNX are GREAT guns.

the Sigs are also great guns. IMO the FN's are better polymer guns over Sigs, although the SigPro is very close if not equal. the P250 is JUNK and it was sad to see SIG even release such a thing.

I don't think the FNX is better than say a P220 but its just as good as the p226 in my opinion.

The current market is SO competitive right now its GREAT for us consumers.

Its basically to the point now that all that really matters is:

1: Is it in my price range
2: Is it comfortable in my hands and can i shoot it accurately
3: Is it a reputable company to get this gun fixed if needed and are parts available.

JOe

 

[Steelshooter101]

I bought a FNX 9 about 8 weeks ago and the gun shoots fine. On some of them the magazine does not seem to lock positivly and may drop out which on the newest one's browning has solved. The double action is horrible but single lets off at about 4 1/2 pounds after 200 rounds. I have a problem shooting speed plates cocked and locked that when pushing the safety off I some times push to hard and decock the gun.

 

[showmebob]

Ckone

Your remarks are interesting since I own M&P's and am thinking the FNX fits me better and I like the trigger better than the M&P. The FNX comes up right on target and feels great. I'm not sure about quality, the jury is still out on this IMO.
Different strokes for different folks!

 

[JQP]

Just my .02, but I'd bet a lot of Special Ops in the U.S. Military would say 'no.'

I do realize that 'To Hell & Back" is a catchy marketing phrase, but then again, these things do seem to matter to some people.

The 226 is one of the legends.

HK, if anyone, is the over-rated party at this table. They Tacti-cool into a new realm of stupid.

 

[GlockFan]

Well if you are interested, I got this a few hours ago from J&G Sales. Looks like it might be time to pick one up. If I remember correctly, Buds had the dark earth 9mm model selling last year for under $400.

http://www.fnhusa.com/le/promos/1010vote.asp

 

[ElrodCod]

Got any reason behind that statement? Seems pretty bold to say that.

Please explain.

Making a bold, blanket statement while providing nothing to back it up doesn't hold any value at all.

Generally, statements like these are baseless opinions.

I bought a NIB FNX-9 & put 175 rounds through it & traded it off a week later.
I don't usually care for sa/da semi-auto pistols but the ability to carry the FNX cock w/ safety on seemed like a good idea.....it wasn't. There's not enough resistance on the decock part of the safety/decock lever; swiping the safety off resulted in decocking the gun unless I made a conscious effort to do it gently. In the stress of a real situation your gonna decock the gun.
The sa trigger pull had massive creep and the da pull was heavy with quite a bit of stack. Of the three magazines only one would snap in without slamming it. The only thing keeping the magazine in the gun is that very small bump on the front. It's less than an eigth of an inch wide and about .050" high. If you mash that bump when you drop a mag that's 50 bucks down the drain. I didn't care for the big sights either but that comes down to personal preference.
You'll have to break off the safety/decock lever if you want do do a trigger job. The catch-22 is only the factory can re-install it & the owner's manual says they'll restore the internals to the original condition if they've been tampered with.
The price point is $500-$550. For less than that you can get a S&W M&P, an XD, or a Glock. All of them vastly superior to the FNX.

Edited to add:
If you want a SIG, spend a little more and get a real one.

 

[Wishoot]

I bought a NIB FNX-9 & put 175 rounds through it & traded it off a week later.

I don't think the reasons you stated above would qualify a gun as being "Junk". Nor do I think that 175 rounds through the gun is enough to provide a fair assessment of it's mechanics. I would reserve judgement until I have at least 500-1000 rounds through the pipe.

 

[schmeky]

You'll have to break off the safety/decock lever if you want do do a trigger job.

Is this for real??

 

[ElrodCod]

Is this for real??

Yes it is. It's a pressed in part that only FN can replace at the factory. You can't disassemble the action without removing the safety & it has to be broken to be removed.

I don't think the reasons you stated above would qualify a gun as being "Junk". Nor do I think that 175 rounds through the gun is enough to provide a fair assessment of it's mechanics. I would reserve judgement until I have at least 500-1000 rounds through the pipe.

What I said was "The FNX is junk compared to anything else at that price point." I would be fine if it only cost $350. For $500-$550 there are better options out there.
As for the assessment of it's mechanics...........175 rounds was enough to find that the operation safety/decock lever was good magazine article copy but not so good in real life. It was enough to assess the creepy single action pull. The DA pull may smooth up some after 1000 rounds but creep doesn't go away with out some tuning & FN is trying their best to make it tune proof. Ammo is too expensive nowadays to waste it on a poorly executed design.

 

[Wishoot]

What I said was "The FNX is junk compared to anything else at that price point." I would be fine if it only cost $350. For $500-$550 there are better options out there.
As for the assessment of it's mechanics...........175 rounds was enough to find that the operation safety/decock lever was good magazine article copy but not so good in real life. It was enough to assess the creepy single action pull. The DA pull may smooth up some after 1000 rounds but creep doesn't go away with out some tuning & FN is trying their best to make it tune proof. Ammo is too expensive nowadays to waste it on a poorly executed design.

Thank you for expanding. I appreciate your explanation.

 

[RobMoore]

To expand on the poor design, I'm not a fan of the decocker/safety being aft of the slide release, unless said release is far enough forward to be easily engaged by the off-hand thumb while re-gripping, like it is with the 1911.