Just got my FNX-9 yesterday..had some problems firing

[alseg]

I just fired my new FNX9 for the first time today. Immediately I had problems with the slide not staying open, with a jam (FTE) inside upon opening. I would have been very disconcerted, however, I am having similar problems with a Kahr CM9 (my CCW). I think the problem could be PMC ammo, although another poster had no problem with that brand.

I brought along and began using Remington Express (115 gr.like the PMC)and an AE heavier load (I think 147 or so).....immediately both guns performed like champs.
I hope that this is the only problem, since I opted for the FNH instead of a Sig.226

[djv38]

Both guns just need to get broken in from the sounds of it. Once the recoil springs loosen up, the lower powered stuff should run fine

[jathtech]

I just fired my new FNX9 for the first time today. Immediately I had problems with the slide not staying open, with a jam (FTE) inside upon opening. I would have been very disconcerted, however, I am having similar problems with a Kahr CM9 (my CCW). I think the problem could be PMC ammo, although another poster had no problem with that brand.

I brought along and began using Remington Express (115 gr.like the PMC)and an AE heavier load (I think 147 or so).....immediately both guns performed like champs.
I hope that this is the only problem, since I opted for the FNH instead of a Sig.226

that's right. A brand new gun running weak ammo is going to do exactly that... Not lock open. The springs are stiff. Read the above posts to see what to do about it.

[spoonduke714]

Another idea... Make sure your feed ramp is nice and smooth. If its not, try polishing it. Also I had a tough time with a slide on another gun and I did some of the breaking by hand. Load all your mags up and cycle each round by racking.g the slide and letting it go. Takes a while, not as fun as actualy shooting it and it will ably the mess out of your wife if you do it while she's watching tv, but every little bit of action on the slide helps, its cheaper than actually shooting and your wife won't say much if your sitting there with a loaded gun. One more recomendation... keep your finger clear of the trigger of you

[MrOiroc]

All my issues are gone now. It was just a break in period. The weaker ammo with stiff springs don't want to work well. Just loosen those springs up and use whatever ammo works until it's all broken in. I would suggest buying a couple different brands and grains everytime you go shoot for the first couple times, that way you know which ammo not to use. Also leaving the mags half loaded and the slide open for a week or 2 really helped for me. So for you guys that recently bought and have slide or failure to feed problems, just do all the things these guys have been saying and it will turn out to be a fantastic weapon. Thanks a ton to everyone for your .02!

[Vulcan71]

I would not use ammunition in any weapon that has a steel case or a steel based case (plated by NI, CU, brass, etc) because steel cases damage firearms. In order for the steel cases to feed correctly they need to be plated or coated and most are coated by lacquer or a special polymer that gums up chamberes and causes jams.

Additionally, steel does not relax as much as brass, when the pressure drops, so there tends to be more breech friction with steel. Finally the steel case causes additional wear on the extractor. I have seen many broken extractors. In closing if steel cases are good products then why use brass at all. FYI, many ranges do not allow steel case ammunition. I would not take my word for it call the weapon manufacture and let them give you information on steel ammunition.

I hope this helps.

[jathtech]

Is it ressurrection day or something? wow

I've never recommended steel cases for any weapon save the ones made in Russia. The only two reasons I would ever use steel cases for is #1, to make sure it worked reliably in my gun (only the first 2 magazines in mine, and the weapon got super dirty.) and the other is to defend myself in a life or death situation when all I had at my disposal was steel cases left. And then I would only use two magazines as I'm running away with a pocket of CLP a brush, and hopefully a different weapon.

[Buffman]

I have seen many broken extractors. In closing if steel cases are good products then why use brass at all. FYI, many ranges do not allow steel case ammunition.

Please cite and show proof of broken extractors from firing streel cased ammunition. The steel is a heck of a lot softer than you think. Ranges don't allow steel cased ammunition because they can't take it from you and reload it....

[Vulcan71]

Range Report for the FNX-9 SS Break-In First Range Session

Ammunition: Speer Lawman Clean Fire 147 GR TMJ CF #53826
Specs: 985 fps and 317 ft-lbs.

Cleaning products used on pistol: Tetra grease used on wear-points, Tetra oil in barrel and M-Pro 7 gun oil LPX on other gun parts. I removed the factory lubrication with Remington solvent.

I left the slide open for a week, the magazines fully loaded for a week and I cleaned the gun and lubricated it prior to first use. I had zero problems at the range and I found the pistol a pleasure to fire and very accurate too. I fired 100 rounds and used a Hoppe’s bore snake during the range session.

I did notice an issue with the FNX-9 9mm 17 round magazines during loading. If you do not put the correct number of rounds in the magazine the follower will cant/tilt and this will cause some of the rounds to move freely. I also noticed if you do not hold the magazine with a slight angle tilting up while pushing the rounds to the back some of the rounds will not seat at the rear of the magazine. The loose round issue did not happen at a low round count. I do not consider this a major issue just something to be aware of.

If you plan on firing several hundred rounds during a range session I do recommend a magazine loader as your hands/finger may become sore. This was never an issue with my USP but the magazine does not have the capacity and has a larger opening for rounds.

Enjoy.

[maddog57ful]

I have had the same problem with my FNX-9 and am an experienced shooter, here's what i've found so far. Thoroughly clean and lube the weapon then load the mags. with about 8 rounds and leave for 24 hours or so. Lock the slide in "open" position for the same amount of time. Of course with an empty magazine! Also in my situation i found a very small imperfection or "ding" at the entry point of the barrel. The feed ramp was very slick and required no attention. I polished the imperfection, at one time did porting and polish jobs on 1911's with great success. This did not require any use of dremel and jewelers rouge. Of all things used a nail buffing tool. Yes it was that slight but enough. Also if you use WWB or the low pressure UMC, in a "new firearm" may not have enough pressure until the gun is "broke in" thus the suggestion of loading half mags and locking the slide back for awhile. Also this gun requires a "firm grip". You may not think your limp wristing but sometimes it can happen. It happened to me and i've fired thousands of rounds. The day i took my FNH-9 to the range i was not feeling up to par. Once i realized my grip was alittle off the FTF's and FTE's virtually stopped. Actually fired some 124gr.+P and problems stopped so attributed my problems to #1. WWB and UMC low pressure ammo. This is reason for locking the slide open for a period of time. Again due to past exp. it has worked. Also break in those new mags, loading them about half way. Concentrate on your grip. Once i had a co-worker brag about his Glock would not malfunction. I intentionally "limp wristed" his Glock and it started the FTF and FTE's. He said i can't believe it? A firm grip is required. Just a few suggestions. Hope it helps. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!