FNP9 Replacement recoil spring/parts

[getawaydriver]

Recently traded a 1911 Jam 0 Matic for an FNP9. I'm sort of on a budget, and sending .45 down range every weekend was too expensive. Anyway-
Will Browning Pro 9 mags and recoil springs work in the FNP? I want an extra recoil spring or two floating around, just in case. Leading to question #2
How durable are the recoil springs, and how long will they last? I don't run my gun hard, 100 rounds every week or every other week, and usually no rapid fire.
Will FN replace the part if it goes bad? Don't want to wait if this happens, I like shooting the FNP more than my other pistols!
I know some people who never replace their springs, with no problem. Some replace them every 3-5k as per manufacturer's specs, some don't. I've heard some guns have issues if the spring is weak, like Glock. Anyone have any info?

[forestranger]

Call FN at 800-635-1321 to get springs.

[djv38]

Browning Pro parts are the the same as FNP one's (accept the Browning Pro has a magazine disconnect safety). I got a recoil spring through midway for the Browning Pro for my FNP-9, but FN parts department is cheaper.

My gun has over 3600 rounds through it on the original recoil spring and I haven't had any issues, but thought I should have a recoil spring on hand just in case. I probably won't swap it out till at least 5000 rounds.

[getawaydriver]

Thanks, feedback on these guns is pretty hard to find since they aren't very prevalent. I contacted FN, who helped me place an order. The replacement recoil assembly is all metal, so it might be better than the original (plastic tip) part. I would like to find what the average life of the FNP is. The gun store I got it from has an all black FNP 45 (rental) that has been run pretty hard and keeps ticking

[djv38]

Life will probably be more rounds than what the majority of people will ever put through the gun. I have over 3600 rounds in 2 years, but will eventually be putting that many through it per year (I'm back in school, so maybe in 3 or 4 years) and I doubt I'll ever reach the life of the gun (especially when I start getting more guns).

[wd4ity]

I have a question about the FN-45 recoil spring. I've been shooting 45's for years and I reload my own ammo. I also shoot NRA Bullseye Competition and reload my own wadcutter ammo. I load a H & G 185 gr. SWC over 3.8 grains of Bullseye powder. My new FN-45 will not function with this load. If seem to feed them fine when manually operating the slide but function the gun.

Now, I know what the book says about the use of reloads in FN pistols. They say the use of reloads will void the warranty. Does anyone offer a lighter recoil spring so that I can shoot my wadcutter loads in this gun?

[djv38]

Not at this time.

The only recoil springs for any of the FNP's are only made by FN and are standard. I don't know if another pistols recoil spring/guide rod is similar enough to work.

[wd4ity]

Well, that's a shame as I like to shoot but I also like for it to be pleasureable, not getting my wrist slammed by recoil. My wife bought this gun for me and as such, basically I'm stuck with it. I am more of a 1911 fan myself. I have three of those that I can shoot but then the wife will ask "Don't you like the gun I bought you?". I'm certainly not going to tell her that I don't.

Being a combat veteran, I see a number of things about the FN-45 that, in my opinion, are not conducive to a self-defense weapon. The first thing is loading the magazines. FN should have included an magazine loader in the kit that came with the gun. The Incredible Hulk would have trouble loading the magazine to full capacity with the spring tension on the magazine.

The second major problem is the slide release. You know something is wrong when the takedown lever is larger than the slide release. Which do you do more often in a fire fight, reload your weapon or clean the barrel? In the case of having to make a reload under stressful conditions, one could easily miss the teeny weeny slide release. Look at the slide release on a 1911 or even a Glock. This is the type of slide release one would want in a self-defense situation. I guess that's why they designed the gun to hold 14 rounds in the mag, so you wouldn't have to reload. They undoubtedly figure that if you miss your target that many times, a reload ain't going to help you. I'm thinking of trading my brand new FN in on a good Colt Commander. I'm not impressed with the gun. Sorry.

[Lead Head]

I just Googled FNP 9 Recoil Spring and stumbled upon this forum thread so I thought I should sign up.

I found this article that indicates that FN is aware of the FN 9 recoil spring "problem" and is replacing the OE spring assembly with one with fewer coils in the spring. I just got back from the range having had a couple more jam ups which are frustrating since I, like many, am using the 9 in place of a 45 ACP to shoot steel targets so I meed reliability while saving a few bucks on ammunition.

I'm loading a 115 grain lead bullet (round nose) with 4.2 grains of Bullseye which functioned great in test fires of 25ish rounds. 4.2 grains of Bullseye is a start charge in the Speer #14 Manual so it's not a whoosie load like you might load for target so I don't expect the problem is the load especially after finding this article: http://www.gunreports.com/special_re...ions307-1.html

I'm glad to find a phone number for FN here to order a replacement but am open to anybodies input.

[jhs27275]

I'm glad to find a phone number for FN here to order a replacement but am open to anybodies input.

Give Bob a call, 703-288-1292 ext 122, and he should send you the part.