SADJ 7#3

features of the FNS 9 handgun are totaled
we find a credible service pistol with much
to recommend.
SHOTS FIRED
For the firing evaluation we collected
a number of loadings, including full metal
jacketed or ball ammunition, jacketed hollow
point 115 grain weight, jacketed hollow
point 124 grain weight, and +P variations
on the JHP. The choices included the Black
Hills 115 grain ‘Blue Box’ remanufactured
load, the Black Hills 115 grain JHP or EXP
loading, the Black Hills 115 grain +P, the
Black Hills 124 grain JHP and the Black
Hills 124 grain JHP +P. This wide variety
of loads clocked 1,050 to 1,300 fps over
the Shooting Chrony chronograph. In
with the ‘wrong’ hand. It is not uncommon
to see students allow the support hand
thumb to contact the slide lock during
firing exercise. This will not happen with
the FNS. FN has designed a slight but noticeable
guard around the slide stop that
prevents inadvertent manipulation. The
magazine release is well designed and
offers brilliantly fast magazine changes.
Coupled with a tapered high capacity magazine
that aids in rapid insertion in high
speed drills, the magazine release makes
for a handgun that is very fast during high
speed drills. The FNS features the requisite
firing pin or drop safety. This firing pin
block locks the striker until the trigger is
fully pressed to the rear. The trigger face is
a two part design. The FNS will not fire due
to lateral pressure on the trigger but will
only fire if the trigger is pressed to the rear.
The barrel is four inches long, and manufactured
from stainless steel.
The sights are good examples of service
grade handgun sights. These sights
may be adjusted by drifting with a brass
punch if need be. The three dot configuration
with white outline is a good design for
rapid acquisition during combat drills. The
sights offer real precision to 25 yards or so
in practiced hands. The pistol is supplied
with two changeable frame inserts, which
may be described as flat and arched. The
frame features a standard rail for use with
combat lights or laser accessories. The
frame is aggressively stippled and pebbled
for abrasion. Adhesion when gripping the
handgun is excellent. Finally the trigger
guard is well designed with sufficient clearance
for gloved hand use. When all of the
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