Anyone own an FN? (Not traditional P35s)
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mattx109
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I own a first-generation (before the squared trigger guard) FN Five-SeveN and love it, except that ammunition is awfully expensive these days since they stopped importing the decent stuff. It works flawlessly, has very little recoil, and points well for me.
I looked at a couple FN Hi-Powers a while back before I bought my carry gun--a Browning HP. The shop owner tried his best to talk me into the SFS FN Hi-Power, but the fit and finish of the Browning seemed better and I like traditional SA. I've heard plenty of good things about the FN version, however, and even thought about buying one as a practice gun so I wouldn't have to put as much stress on my carry piece. Ultimately I think I'll buy a cheap FM HP instead, since it doesn't need to be anything special, just a trainer.
I looked at a couple FN Hi-Powers a while back before I bought my carry gun--a Browning HP. The shop owner tried his best to talk me into the SFS FN Hi-Power, but the fit and finish of the Browning seemed better and I like traditional SA. I've heard plenty of good things about the FN version, however, and even thought about buying one as a practice gun so I wouldn't have to put as much stress on my carry piece. Ultimately I think I'll buy a cheap FM HP instead, since it doesn't need to be anything special, just a trainer.
The Five-SeveN? Doesn't that thing shoot a rifle round, that is supposed to be able to punch through armour?....is it fun? 
I also thought about picking up a cheap FEG High Power (but I wanted to fit the SFS), and messing around with it for practical matches. But then because I am only ever buying to compete, I want to better my chances of winning, and so the 1911 will always win, as I shoot it better...lol.
For carry though, the HP still makes alot of sence. Though the Forty Nine is interesting with it's second strike capability (if you get the opportunity).
I also thought about picking up a cheap FEG High Power (but I wanted to fit the SFS), and messing around with it for practical matches. But then because I am only ever buying to compete, I want to better my chances of winning, and so the 1911 will always win, as I shoot it better...lol.
For carry though, the HP still makes alot of sence. Though the Forty Nine is interesting with it's second strike capability (if you get the opportunity).
Medusa
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Yeah, FiveseveN surely is fun, if to look aside the enormous expense of ammo 
. I happen to have the first-gen FiveseveN Tactical with 100 rounds stacked away. Yeah, normal rounds are hard to find and are costly, so it is now for home-defence only. Got to shot only 50 rounds for getting the hang of it :banghead:
. I happen to have the first-gen FiveseveN Tactical with 100 rounds stacked away. Yeah, normal rounds are hard to find and are costly, so it is now for home-defence only. Got to shot only 50 rounds for getting the hang of it :banghead:mattx109
Member
The 5.7x28 isn't really a rifle round. I believe it was designed for the P90 SMG first, then the 5-7 was designed as a companion piece.
There was a mess about it penetrating a level IIA vest in Florida, I think. IIRC the police arrested someone, confiscated the gun, and decided to "test" it. FN bowed to the pressure and stopped importing their "training" round, the SS192--a hollowpoint version of the main, armor-piercing (and always LEO/military only) SS190. I believe they now make another round, possibly called the SS196 or something similar. I think the plan was to make the round heavier and more prone to breaking up, thereby reducing penetration. I don't have any hard information about it, though.
I've been interested in seeing some of FNs other pistols, but no one around here ever has them.
There was a mess about it penetrating a level IIA vest in Florida, I think. IIRC the police arrested someone, confiscated the gun, and decided to "test" it. FN bowed to the pressure and stopped importing their "training" round, the SS192--a hollowpoint version of the main, armor-piercing (and always LEO/military only) SS190. I believe they now make another round, possibly called the SS196 or something similar. I think the plan was to make the round heavier and more prone to breaking up, thereby reducing penetration. I don't have any hard information about it, though.
I've been interested in seeing some of FNs other pistols, but no one around here ever has them.
hobbeeman
Member
I have an FN 49. I had some problems with the first few rounds, FTF mainly. Put a little oil on the rails and have not had any more problems. I have fed it reloads, cheap Blazer, new Remington, all grain sizes and configurations with no problems what-so-ever. The only complaint that I have is that if I shoot it before shooting my 1911, I can't hit a thing with the 1911!
This pistol shoots a pattern of 1.5" at 20yards routinely, and might do even better with a better shooter.
This pistol shoots a pattern of 1.5" at 20yards routinely, and might do even better with a better shooter.
Commissar Gribb
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isnt an FN 49 a rifle?
Medusa
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No it is not a rifle, it's a pistol indeed: http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg19-e.htm
49 means Forty-Nine as it is .40 caliber
hobbeeman
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My forty-nine is a 9mm
Pity they don't make them in .357sig That's an easy cartridge to like.
Are the triggers on the Forty Nines fairly decent (like a smooth revolver trigger), or is it worth giving up the second strike capability for a DA/SA, or SAO, or "safe action".
That's an easy cartridge to like.Are the triggers on the Forty Nines fairly decent (like a smooth revolver trigger), or is it worth giving up the second strike capability for a DA/SA, or SAO, or "safe action".
HogRider
Member
I had a FortyNine in 9mm and it was a great gun. Excellent handling and very accurate. The trigger pull was long and hard but I got used to it quickly. I never had a problem with it. Unfortunately traded it for a Ruger Vaquero when I had the "Cowboy Phase" after visiting the SASS Winter Range.
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hobbeeman
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What do you mean "giving up the second strike capability"? The 49 is a DAO, and you can strike the same dud all day long if you wish, by pulling the trigger over and over (no pulling of the slide or hammer to reset the trigger).
Ivy Mike
Member
I own both a Forty-Nine (in .40S&W) and an FNP-9 (in 9mm-duh)
The Forty-Nine was my first full power handgun. The ergonimcs were what swayed me to it and after the AWB died, the availability of full capacity magazines further sweetened the deal. The trigger is about 10lbs, but is fairly smooth and the pull is even. Easy to be accurate with IF you take your time. The gun is a finely finished piece although I'm none too hot on the plastic guide rod with captive spring. It hasn't been a problem in a few thousand rounds though. I have never had the gun fail on me. An ammo problem was the only malfunction this weapon has ever had and thats just because the primer didn't light. Recoil is sharp with the .40 but not uncontrollable. It has eaten everything I have fed it from reloads to Wolf to WWB and Speer Gold Dots. As long as it says .40S&W on it, this gun fires it, ejects it and grabs another one. Another thing is that the gun uses a modular design. The slide rails are replaceable by an FN armorer. When they start to wear and the gun feels loose, you can send it in and have the rails replaced. When that happens on a Sig that costs 2x as much, its time to throw it away.
The other weapon, the FNP-9 was actually purchased for my girlfriend. I get to spend the most time with it however. The thing I love about this weapon is that it is lighter and slightly smaller than a SIG P229, more ergonomic than a Glock 19 and sports a higher capacity than both in 9mm. 16 rounds of full power 9mm is a comforting thing at night. The standard rail, an improvement over the Forty-Nine, allows easy attachment of standard pieces. The weapon will fit most holsters for the HK USP Compact and weighs less. It is also slimmer than the HK. Recoil is soft with standard 9mm. The weapon is as accurate as I am. The weapon also has changeable backstraps. One is curved and the other flat. Easily adjustable from shooter to shooter. It actually sounds like the ultimate sidearm for police departments. Low purchase price, soft recoil, same swappable slide rails the Forty-Nine has, adjustable backstraps for officers, high capacity in 9mm or .40 (16 and 14 rounds respectively) If you want, you can also look at the Browning Pro-9 or Pro-40. These offer a magazine disconnect (I think) as well as a manual safety along with the decocker. (the FNP only has the decocker)
Cocked and locked with the ability to decock! Sounds like a winner to me!
I absolutley love mine. I have considered trading/selling the Forty-Nine though...for the FNP-40
As soon as I can find one, I may be bidding the Forty-Nine a teary farewell. The nice thing is that the magazines are interchangable.
I give both weapons a rousing two thumbs up and would recommend them to everyone who asks.
BTW, the FN-49 is a rifle. You'll notice I type out Forty-Nine to avoid confusion.
http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl09-e.htm <-- The Rifle which, BTW, evolved into the famous FAL.
The Forty-Nine was my first full power handgun. The ergonimcs were what swayed me to it and after the AWB died, the availability of full capacity magazines further sweetened the deal. The trigger is about 10lbs, but is fairly smooth and the pull is even. Easy to be accurate with IF you take your time. The gun is a finely finished piece although I'm none too hot on the plastic guide rod with captive spring. It hasn't been a problem in a few thousand rounds though. I have never had the gun fail on me. An ammo problem was the only malfunction this weapon has ever had and thats just because the primer didn't light. Recoil is sharp with the .40 but not uncontrollable. It has eaten everything I have fed it from reloads to Wolf to WWB and Speer Gold Dots. As long as it says .40S&W on it, this gun fires it, ejects it and grabs another one. Another thing is that the gun uses a modular design. The slide rails are replaceable by an FN armorer. When they start to wear and the gun feels loose, you can send it in and have the rails replaced. When that happens on a Sig that costs 2x as much, its time to throw it away.
The other weapon, the FNP-9 was actually purchased for my girlfriend. I get to spend the most time with it however. The thing I love about this weapon is that it is lighter and slightly smaller than a SIG P229, more ergonomic than a Glock 19 and sports a higher capacity than both in 9mm. 16 rounds of full power 9mm is a comforting thing at night. The standard rail, an improvement over the Forty-Nine, allows easy attachment of standard pieces. The weapon will fit most holsters for the HK USP Compact and weighs less. It is also slimmer than the HK. Recoil is soft with standard 9mm. The weapon is as accurate as I am. The weapon also has changeable backstraps. One is curved and the other flat. Easily adjustable from shooter to shooter. It actually sounds like the ultimate sidearm for police departments. Low purchase price, soft recoil, same swappable slide rails the Forty-Nine has, adjustable backstraps for officers, high capacity in 9mm or .40 (16 and 14 rounds respectively) If you want, you can also look at the Browning Pro-9 or Pro-40. These offer a magazine disconnect (I think) as well as a manual safety along with the decocker. (the FNP only has the decocker)
Cocked and locked with the ability to decock! Sounds like a winner to me!
I absolutley love mine. I have considered trading/selling the Forty-Nine though...for the FNP-40
As soon as I can find one, I may be bidding the Forty-Nine a teary farewell. The nice thing is that the magazines are interchangable.
I give both weapons a rousing two thumbs up and would recommend them to everyone who asks.
BTW, the FN-49 is a rifle. You'll notice I type out Forty-Nine to avoid confusion.
http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl09-e.htm <-- The Rifle which, BTW, evolved into the famous FAL.
I have an FN Forty-nine and am pleased with it. Like others said, the trigger is fairly heavy but easy to get used to. With a little practice you can be quite accurate with it.
It's a decent gun, I don't carry it because I'm a .45 guy, but I wouldn't be worried if I did.
It's a decent gun, I don't carry it because I'm a .45 guy, but I wouldn't be worried if I did.
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