FN FNP-9 for CCW

[rockonman]

Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for your input and advice. Let me preface this question by saying that I when I was learning to shoot a hand gun, I was instructed in the "1911 .45 acp is God and nothing else comes close" school. Recently I've begun to question that philosophy, and as a result have been shopping around for my first modern 9mm. My future brother in law recently showed me his FNP-9 and I was very impressed by the feel of the gun, the sights, and the trigger (both da and sa). When I went to my favorite local gun store, however, the owner there (who I've come to believe is pretty knowledgeable) said that the da/sa trigger unnecessarily complicates things. He is a huge proponent of the S&W M&P9. While I like the way it feels as well there is just something about the FN that feels good. Thoughts? Opinions? I've checked out the threads I found using the search function, but wanted some direct input. Thanks again for your time.

[Grizzly16]

Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for your input and advice. Let me preface this question by saying that I when I was learning to shoot a hand gun, I was instructed in the "1911 .45 acp is God and nothing else comes close" school. Recently I've begun to question that philosophy, and as a result have been shopping around for my first modern 9mm. My future brother in law recently showed me his FNP-9 and I was very impressed by the feel of the gun, the sights, and the trigger (both da and sa). When I went to my favorite local gun store, however, the owner there (who I've come to believe is pretty knowledgeable) said that the da/sa trigger unnecessarily complicates things. He is a huge proponent of the S&W M&P9. While I like the way it feels as well there is just something about the FN that feels good. Thoughts? Opinions? I've checked out the threads I found using the search function, but wanted some direct input. Thanks again for your time.

Have you put time into shooting and learning both? If so which one do you shoot "best" and which can you conceal the most comfortably. That would mean much more to me than how someone else things a gun works unless there is a clear reliability issue with a pistol.

[Redbeardsong]

Both are good guns. If you like having a hammer and safety, and are willing to practice and learn to shoot the DA/SA trigger, go with the FNP. If you want a consistent trigger pull every time, or want a smaller gun go with the M&P9c.

Did the dealer have both in stock, or was he steering you toward what he had to sell? There are reasons why most people prefer a modem striker action gun, but that doesn't mean the DA/SA is wrong for you.

[rockonman]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

Grizzly:
Unfortunately my sister's wedding is the end of this month so there hasn't been time for me to shoot her fiance's FNP, and he is the only person I know that has one. I don't know anyone with an M&P, and we don't have any gun stores or ranges around here that do rentals. I'm just going off the over all feel of the gun and how the triggers feel dry firing.

Redbeard:
As I said I've been a 1911 guy since I started shooting, so a hammer and safety is all I really know, other than shooting a few glocks my friends have (didn't care for the grip angle). Also, the dealer is a S&W armorer, and carries them, but can order pretty much anything. Also if I was gonna get the M&P I'd go for the full size, my big goofy palms eat compacts. (I'm aware of the current issues with the full size, yes).

[Lincoln7]

With the recent retirement of Bob Ailes at FN their customer service quality has dropped dramatically. In a pond filled with good customer service companies I believe FN lost a strong foothold in the market.

On to the style of pistol, I am a fan of the DA/SA setup. I've trained and carry them decocked, safety off. I'm not saying that this is better than carrying condition 1 or with a DAO striker pistol. But I have become a much better shooter from learning the DA of a hammer pistol.

[rockonman]

Thanks Lincoln, I wasn't aware that their customer service had begun to drop. You know, another concern I had about the FNP-9 is the width, I'm not sure how effective it would be for CCW, I know I read something in one of the 'ask the SME' threads that it was better suited as a duty pistol than a CCW.

[richiecotite]

with the fnp 9 and CC, the biggest issues are the width of the grip/gun and the large floorplate on the magazine.

I CC mine (have 2) and don't have any real issues with staying concealed. (I'm also a fat ****, so it's relatively easy to conceal an AK on my person)

I have a little one at home, and prefer the slide safety, though i've found the ambi decocker safety a bit wide and prone to molving from safe position to fire (i.e. not the gun to carry 1911 style)

All in all, im happy with mine and am looking for a third one for cheap, as prices have quietly and slowly crept back up over the past year.

[F-Trooper05]

Personally I'd be more concerned about the lack of holsters, sights, mags, and spare parts then the DA/SA trigger.

[Defaultmp3]

Have you considered the FN FNS series? Basically a striker-fired FNP. Unfortunately, it is a rather new model with limited reliability data, but worth checking out, IMO, if you really like the FNP.

[Lincoln7]

Personally I'd be more concerned about the lack of holsters, sights, mags, and spare parts then the DA/SA trigger.

I have had no problems finding holsters, sights, or spare parts. Mags are sometimes tough to come by but they all ship with 3 so that's a decent start.

My biggest concern is the controls. As mentioned I find them too easy to manipulate and are often in the way. I have deactivated the safety position on my FNP9 and have removed the right side lever and thinned the left side lever on both my FNP9 and 45. Allows me to obtain a higher grip and reduces the likelyhood that I will accidentally decock the pistol during use. Something I found to be a problem before making these changes.