I’ve had the FNS since last November of last year and have been putting a good bit of rounds through it to date and here’s what I’ve found.
Pros:
-100% reliable thus far
-Comes with 3x 17 round magazines
-I like the night sights with the wide “u” notch rear
-It’s more accurate than I am
-Reasonably priced vs. its’ competitors
-Low bore axis
-Cold hammer forged barrel
-Standard 1913 rail
-Ambi mag release and slide lock
-Great ergos
-Forward and rear cocking serrations
-Ease of maintenance
-Comes with interchangeable flat and arched backstraps
-Extractor doubles as a loaded chamber indicator like a Glock
Cons:
-I think the trigger’s a little heavy (breaks between 6-7 pounds)
-FN seems to have fixed the initial trigger locking issues but the gun took a hit to its’ reputation when it was released from this for sure
-The standard model has an external safety. The LE restricted model doesn’t. I’d like to see them offer both to everyone as many folks do not want an external safety.
-Aftermarket magazine availability is an issue compared to its’ competitors
Here’s a video with a little shooting, a demonstration of how to break the gun down, a size comparison with a G17/1911 for those unfamiliar with it, and a discussion of the features of the gun:
Good to see someone with a long term eval of the FNS. What type of accuracy are you seeing (at 10, 15, 25 yds)? Also, the external safety isn’t a total turnoff to me. Not that I see a need; however, not a deal breaker either way. I would like to see the safety be a bit bigger so one can positively disengage it. Have you seen any issues with this? Trouble disengaging with sweaty hands? While wearing gloves? Are you able to “ride” the safety like that of a 1911 when firing or do you find it so small that the shooting thumb comes off of it during recoil?
To expound upon this I would like to add that the backstraps change the feel of the pistol considerably. One of them makes it ride like a 1911 in my hand and the other feels “normal”.
Would also like to add that the stipling or grip texturing is very aggresive. I love it because you can get an excellent grip even wet, but it may not be for everyone. After 200 rounds you will probably have some hot spots on your hands.
I only have about 400 rounds through mine, but also flawless reliability.
My FNS 40 has been stellar through about 1500 rounds. Mine seems to have less recoil than most other 40 designs out there, in fact when one of my co workers who shoots Glock 9’s exclusively shot my FNS he was surprised at the lack of recoil and asked if it was a 9.
I test-fired one of these briefly a few weeks ago. Very impressive piece of kit, but the trigger pull could be lighter. I’d bet that spring kits are just a few months away…
Nice review, have you had any trouble with the slide not locking back on the last round? I’ve had it happen with four different magazines, four different ammo types (all factory), and four different grips. Very random and just when I think it is not going to happen again it crops back up again.
Guess I need to find a gunsmith and see if something needs adjusting, but just wondering about your thoughts.
Good review !! Don’t know what the heck I have been up to,I just saw this !! I have had a FNS 9 since early Summer & love it !!! I am fast approaching my first 1k rds through it. Gun has been great,like stated,very accurate & reliable !! I have a total of 5 FN mags and rotate them equally. I have had a few issues,but I say its ammo related,everything I shoot are reloads from a Dillon 650,mixed brass,lead bullets. It is very accurate with my loads,but get a bad piece of brass now & then,but over all,the pistol has been great !! I agree Mags are a WTF issue,how can any manufacture,put out pistols and NOT make 3 times as many mags as they do pistols,come on guys !!! I can live with there price,$40 plus,but ya gotta find them to buy them !! Anyways,its my main pistol for now,giving my 1911s a rest for awhile,LOL I need a good holster for it & will be getting one in the next few weeks,there are some decent choices out there. Well,I’ll keep tabs on this thread and report anything out of the ordinary if it comes up,but so far,its all good !!!
It’s got a nice feel to it. Honestly though, the safety is about as uncomfortable and difficult to use as a Hi-Point safety. Considering that it already has the standard striker fired trigger safety, I don’t think I would ever feel the need to have it engaged if I carried the FNS. The nice thing is that it’s small enough that it can be ignored (unlike, say, the M&P’s thumb safety).
Also, the trigger is a bit heavy and is not as crisp as it could be. However, I’ve only handled it brand new and not with any number of rounds through it. If this gun gets really popular, I’m sure we’ll see something from Apex or someone for it.
Yea,I hear ya on the Safety,but being a 1911 guy,its pretty second nature for me to flick it off,but I have been leaving it Off at times depending on what I’m doing !! My trigger is getting better for sure,so that good !! I saw/read something on here about Apex “maybe” doing something for the FNS line,so we will hope and see I guess !!!
I can live with there price,$40 plus,but ya gotta find them to buy them !! Anyways,its my main pistol for now,giving my 1911s a rest for awhile,LOL I need a good holster for it & will be getting one in the next few weeks,there are some decent choices out there. Well,I’ll keep tabs on this thread and report anything out of the ordinary if it comes up,but so far,its all good !!!