Last edited by SsevenN; 04-17-2017 at 10:27 AM.
"I'm checking out, somebody throw me in the trash"
t. Frank Reynolds - IASIP
I'm sort of down with the "more options are better" train of thought, but, at the same time, just don't get this one. I'm ASS-u-me-ing that FN is just trying to peddle this as a way to recoup costs inherent in producing it for the MHS trials.
I'm sure they'll sell some. Not to me, but someone will buy them.
Sadly we pulled that from line out of the manual and only let actual shooters write the manual, but who did not love that good dumpster fire? Lifecycle on the new spring is significantly higher than the 7,500 count.
I can help with any constructive questions for the next few days. Then it's back to the shadows...
Last edited by TomV; 04-17-2017 at 12:39 PM. Reason: Spelling
The FNS shoot well, good sights, good trigger and good grip / texture, however, here have been reliability and safety issues including LE agencies have reported malfunctions with WML attached, which go away when WML is removed and the ambi mag release causing mags to eject when carried concealed. The largest LE user I'm aware of, the Baltimore County, MD PD, has had several issues, most significant being an FNS L which discharged in the holster when the holstered gun struck a door jamb.
People don't know about FN handguns because they have never fully supported marketing and customer service for them.
Hopefully the 509 represents a turn around on both counts.
- Tested with all major weapon lights from Insight, Streamlight, and Surefire with all the hottest duty ammo. Commonly misunderstood fact, WML make guns run fast, so we shot a bunch of RA9TA and other hot duty ammo through guns with all the various lights and made sure reliability exceeded our goals, which greatly exceeded most requirements.
- Added guards around the mag catch to prevent things like seat belt buckles and other objects from hitting the "outside" mag catch. People who know me know I'm a fan of levers for full ambi catches. But this is America, and Americans like Bud and their push buttons, just ask HK. So the solution is to add a small guard that helps shield the button from bumping into things.
- Worked extensively, including a design change or two, with the major duty holster maker to ensure the gun would be good to go and reduce these holster growing pains. One day over whiskey, I can discuss why I am a huge fan of pushing the WML industry to smaller diameter bezels. And one day when I am king, we will drastically change all together how pistols and lights work together but that is a completely other story.
But yes HCM, hopefully this is a good opportunity for a fresh start for FN with pistols. I am a major proponent for raising the reliability bar, particular for those guns in a duty role. Hopefully this gun will help do that.
It's a precocked striker similar to a Glock in that you first depress the trigger safety, push up the striker block out of the way, and as you continue pushing rearward the sear is driven down via the disconnect cam and thus releasing the striker. Glock calls it Double Action so we kept with the nomenclature people are used to hearing.