FNS-9 Compact Range Report (Picture Heavy)

[Parrothead]

I posted a few weeks ago regarding the release of the FNS-9 Compact. After owning a FNS-9 full size for several years, i knew i would have to give this a try. I got several PM's and text messages inquiring about the gun so i have reluctantly written this post. *Please note, i am not a writer or a photographer. I don't review guns. I just take them to the range and shoot. What i shoot (relatively) well, i carry.*

Out of the box: Gun shipped with a nice hard-shell case. You get a total of three mags. One 12 round magazine with a flat base plate (pictured). One 12 round magazine with a pinky extension. Also included, one 17 rounds magazine AND the sleeve to give you the grip of a duty size weapon.



Size Comparison: Below, you will see a photo of the compact compared to the full size. Considering the full size FNS is not a "main stream" firearm, i have pictured the majority of the size comparison with my daily carry--a Glock 30 SF.









At the range: I put roughly 300 rounds through the gun today. I did not have any FTF's. However, the slide did fail to lock back after the 2nd full magazine. I'm chalking this up to standard break-in.

100 rounds of WWB 115gr FMJ.
50 rounds of Remington UMC 115gr FMJ
50 rounds of Hyrda-shok 135gr JHP
50 rounds of Winchester Silvertip 1115gr JHP
25 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 115gr FTX
~25 rounds of loose FMJ

For me, the gun shot well. After shooting it next to my "seasoned" full size, the trigger still needs some more rounds to be broken in. Reset was good but not as positive as a typical glock. I will say--the texture of the grip provides a very secure grip. After my range session, the palm of my hand was somewhat aggravated. This is much better than a slick grip but i think i will get some rubber talon grips.

Please excuse my "flyer" rounds. I have no doubt this gun can out-shoot me. However, i didn't shoot off a bench or pistol rest. To me, this is a defensive pistol and it needs to be reliable and provide realistic accuracy.



Conclusion/Bias: I have to admit, I'm a Glock guy but i'm still in denial. If i didn't own a FNS, i would be asking "what does this do that a Glock 26 can't." For me, the grip angle is much better. Capacity is two rounds better. Reliability is equal at this point but i think we must note; the glock is proven--the FNS has been on the market for less than 30 days.

Personally, i will add this to the carry rotation when i can get a quality holster. But--up to this point, the FNS' biggest failure has been attracting aftermarket support. I hope this changes with the introduction of the compact. I think it a great gun for guys that can't fall in love with the grip angle of a Glock 26 and don't like the grip safety on the XD. And, for what its worth--i think it looks much better than both!

--Ben

Edited January 26, 2015 by Parrothead

[hipower]

Very nice report. Thanks.

And good shooting.

[peejman]

Nice!  Can you get all 4 fingers on the grip?

[Parrothead]

Nice! Can you get all 4 fingers on the grip?

With the flat baseplate I cannot. But, I'm not a small guy so that could be my problem haha. With the magazine with the pinky extension I can easily get a full grip.

[nightrunner]

Very nice!

I know that striker fired is all the rage right now, but I'd really like to see them apply this to the FNX line as well. The things I would do for FNX-45 Tactical Compact...

[JohnC]

That's a very nice gun! I think I'm going to have to go look at this one at the LGS! :)

[Tuffus]

Thanks for the Glock 30 comparison. I have become a big fan of FNH. My Fnp 45 and FNX 9 are amazing. I like the grip angle and they just don't jam on any ammo I've tried. I'm sure the FNX compact is in my near future.

[hornett22]

I second the need for an FNX Compact. I'm just not a stricker fire guy.