Tag Archives: FNH

Weapons

Armchair Quarterbacking: FNH Part 3, the Rifles

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The 3rd and Final segment of Armchair Quarterbacking on FNH.  Part 1, I went through the pistols.  Part 2 was Shotguns, and now we’re on the Rifles.  I will not AQ on the Less Lethal, Machine Guns, and other things FNH produces, because they are not the normal fodder for the American Gun Owner.
So, let’s start out by opening your 2015 FNH Catalog to page 30…

The SPR rifles.

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Out of the 3 variants of the SPR, only one has a threaded barrel with a thread protector.   Each variant of SPR should have a TB as standard fare.  More rifles need to be Suppressor Friendly as Suppressors are becoming more common and ever more popular.  Or just for the easy addition of any number of muzzle devices.  Use a common threading profile and you’ll be golden.  This might add a few bucks to each gun, but it’s worth it.
All SPR rifles are simply .308 Bolt Action rifles… but none of them are simple rifles.  You have a variety of 3 different SPR’s, but pretty much they all look the same.  The A5M does have a Fluted TB Barrel and a detachable box magazine, but honestly, its still not distinctive.
Where’s a version with a  wood stock?  A nice simple laminated wood stock would go a long way.    And would it be a bad thing to offer some Iron Sights on that wood stocked version?   As a Dealer, rifles with Iron Sights are still popular.  The Ruger Gunsight Scout is an example.  The new Canadian C-19 is another.  Some people still like that.  I’m one of those people.
Now let’s talk caliber.  .308 is a solid option but a lot of guys, especially out west, are looking at 6.5 Creedmore rifles for precision long range shooting.   Which means they are not looking at FNH rifles.

The FNAR.  

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Yeah, I know it’s FN’s version of the Browning BAR, so I get the naming convention you are using… but behind the Gun Counter, we’ve got customers that look at that and pronounce it like a “Funaarrhh”.  Sounds like a dinner special in a Fantasy Cafe.  Roast Fnar Sandwiches on special!  This is just not good.  A name is important.

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The FNAR is an outstanding rifle… and 4 years ago or so, I got to spend some time behind the trigger on one.  Running from 100 to 1000 yards with the FNAR was a lot of fun.  But now you only offer the Competition version.  In your new Pro Shop, I saw several… and the FNAR is just as good as I remember them to be.  But it has a wart on it’s nose.  Why does it need a rail section out on the muzzle?   It doesn’t.  Anything you hang on it would just alter the barrel harmonics… so don’t.  Don’t put anything on the muzzle.  I understand you want to make it different from a Browning BAR, I get that.  So how about a pair of Sling Swivel Studs like you put on the SPR rifles?  And how about we throw a TB on there as well, for good measure.  I think those two features would be more well received than a rail section, and still keep the FNAR distinct from a BAR.

Was there any thought to a FNAR Magnum?  Say, a .300 Win Mag version that sported maybe a nice muzzle brake?    Or a .300 WSM version?  Magnums are becoming popular with the longer range crowds.    Speaking of Magnums… an SPR Magnum would go a long way.  (No, I’m not talking about the Ballista here… not yet.  I’m talking about a more traditional rifle type, not a chassis type rifle.  Savage has built a nice rep for long range shooting with their magnum tactical styled rifles.   Where is FNH on this?  Nowhere?  Why not?  Seriously.    FNH is losing ground here.  You have a nice little section of .308’s but everyone building rifles are building .308’s and many of them are using the same stocks or similar.  You really need to set these guns apart instead of being a Me Too Maker here.

The Ballista.  

Ballista_product_pgimage
Okay, now I’m talking about the Ballista.  Actually, no, I’m not. Because I’ve never handled one in person, never shot one, so I’m not going to remark on it.  But it looks freaking awesome and over the top.  I love that.  I want one.  I’ll take mine in .300 Win Mag.  Thanks.

FN15 series.
Okay, you have a lot of great AR rifles here and the DMR edition gives me AR-Lust.  Which is something I’ve not felt in a very long time.    I don’t have much to say on these, other than you guys are missing a few popular configurations.
You have no SBR’s and no PDW versions.  There’s no FN Honey Badgers.  Or just an SBR Upper that people could order from you after getting their SBR Paperwork approved.  I know it’s not a huge market, but it’s there and the guys buying SBR’s might want an option with Cold Hammer Forged Quality.   And maybe I missed it, but no .300 Blackout?
I’d also like to a version of an FN15 that has the free floating hand guards going out to the barrel threads.

SCARS.

FN_SCAR-H_(Standard)

They are perfect and beautiful.  I’ve nothing to suggest on them… Okay, well… just one thing though… Where’s an OD Green version?  Black and Tan is great for Cities and Deserts… But what about the woods around South Carolina?  Awful green around here.  And around other potential conflict zones.  OD Green will one day be the new Desert Tan.   Think about it.

PS90.

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I’d already have one… if it was in a different caliber.  I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard someone at the Gun Counter say “If this was a 9mm, I’d buy two.”  Yeah, 9mm would be cool, but it might cause problems with that magazine pattern and short cartridges.  Maybe a longer one would work as advertised… like say… 10mm.  If there was a “PS10” in 10mm… I kid you not I’d buy 2 for me and 1 for each of my 6 Sons.
The only other thing I’d like to see in the PS90’s… No… That’s it.  I want a 10mm version.  Thanks.
Okay, no.  That’s not it.  Because there is something about the PS90 that irritates me.  The really weird grip angles.  Yeah, I see what you guys were trying to do, but to be honest – and if you were honest with yourselves, you’d agree with me – the round grips just make the gun awkward and uncomfortable and unnatural to use.  Give us a version that has a regular Pistol Grip on it.  Magpul-PTS-Personal-Defense-Rifle-PDR-PDW-News-Update-Pyramyd-Airsoft-Blog-Tom-Harris-Media-Tominator

Like that.  But without the bridge between grip and magwell.
BTW – Speaking of that.  Buy that and Build That.  Please SOMEONE DO THAT!  Someone that’s not Remington.

Back to the PS90… Stretch out the Chasis a bit and put an AFG or VFG on it like a normal PDW.  Now, don’t think that this would take away from the unique nature of the gun… Because you would still have that.  But for all those guys that have been turned off by the cramped ergos – you would pick up a lot of sales with a more traditional layout on that chassis.

PS90Painted06

Maybe something more like that…  but not quite so far out.  Delete the bagel forgrip and push a VFG out a few more inches and that would be awesome, especially if that was in 10mm.   You could do this and still keep parts compatibility.  Same trigger.  Just different grips and a bit more space between them.   With a civilian 16″ requirement, there’s plenty of room to work with here.

Weapons

ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACKING: FNH PART 2

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The FNH SLP / SLP Tacticalfnh_3088929010

The FN SLP is one of the very best Self Loading shotguns on the market.  It plays second fiddle only the Benelli M4, only because the Marines selected the M4.  For those of us who have to buy our own guns – 2,000 dollars on a Shotgun is just not wise.  The SLP can be hand from 1,000 to 1,200 at retail which makes it far more realistic.  But are you really giving anything up from not having an M4?   No, not really.  You have a rugged and reliable action.  You have awesome sights which are similar to the M4’s.  And you even have a greater capacity.  So when it comes to a serious use shotgun – the SLP is every bit as awesome.
The Benelli M4 has something the SLP Tactical doesn’t have… I’ll get to that in a moment.  Working the gun counter at the best gun store in the region, I sold a lot of shotguns…. A lot of those shotguns came through my Tactical Shotgun Courses.  So I saw those guns get used.  Used hard like a fresh faced redhead girl just off the bus in LA looking to become the next hollywood star.   In selling these guns, a lot of them were to Law Enforcement.   And their choices came down to the M4 or the SLP Tactical.  One or the other.   They most often picked the M4.   Why?   Because that one thing the SLP doesn’t have. A good pistol griped stock.   FNH’s Pistol Grip Stock is a little lacking.  The stock its self is great.  I like the modules that allow changes in the stock’s length of pull and comb… but it’s the pistol grip its self.
The pistol grip on the M4 is spectacular.  It’s thick and meaty… cushioning…  It’s the best on the market, now or ever.  It’s the best the Industry has ever created for shotguns.  Take a good hard look at the M4’s pistol grip – and do that.  Just do that.   Don’t argue about it.  Don’t point fingers… just do it.  The SLP Tactical’s grip doesn’t compare.  It just doesn’t.  And when you go Side by Side with the Benelli M4 – you’ll see what I mean.
One more thing.  Give me the option of a factory Cerakote.  I’m big on color options because colors sell.  But only coat the metal.  None of the furniture.   FDE, OD, and give me a Burnt Bronze option – because I want that and it would be the tits.    Nothing else.  No special markings or titles or logos… simple.  Understated.  But bronzed out.

The SLP MK I / MK I Tactical
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Now the MK1 is really intended for an optic… but they mostly never get any optics mounted on them.  Which leaves you with a set of iron sighs and an empty rail that looks a bit daft.  If this rail could be removed – that would be great.  But my beef with the MK1 is in one small detail.  That rear sight.  This small, cheap blade that looks like you took if off a Ruger 10/22.   This rear sight needs to be adjustable. This gun is perfect for launching slugs.  Different slugs have different points of impact and the gun needs to be zeroed POA-POI for max effectiveness – something FNH is all about.  To do that, I need an adjustable rear sight.   Sure, I could just put on a Red Dot and zero that – but why?  When the gun could have a good rear sight from the factory?  Come on.  This gun is world class, but that rear sight is a wort.    I can’t be the only guy that’s ever said this.   This shouldn’t be a new idea to you.  Someone at FNH has to have said that to you guys before.   You guys should have listened.   I actually had the chance to buy one of these real cheap.  I passed.  Why?  The Rear Sight.  Where was this at?  Last Tuesday at your new brand new Pro-Shop in Columbia.  I wanted to like it – but the rear sight just killed it for me.

So for the MKI – Adjustable Rear Sight.  That’s all I’m asking.

The SLP Competition.
Good to Go.

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I really have no comment about Over-Unders.  O-U’s are for a richer man’s sport than what I play in… But from the guns I’ve tried they all shoot very well and do exactly what they are supposed to.  And they cool cool.  Now – I know you guys have some close relations with Browning.   Browning had an Over Under that I almost bought.  Came very close I liked it that much…
Browning-Cynergy-Sporting-Composite-with-Adjustable-Comb-013296-259l

FN doesn’t have this type of O-U.  A light weight synthetic.  Maybe you don’t need it in your line up.  But – just saying – I did sell a lot of Bownings and that Sporting Composite, we couldn’t keep on the shelf.     Think about it.

The FN P-12
FNH-P-12-couertesy-outdoorhub.com_
Understand something.  Pump Shotguns are my THING.  I have a passion for them.  I really want to like the P-12.  But something is holding me back.  I think that something is the same issue I have with the SLP MK1.  That Rear Right.  And that Cantilever Rail. So two things.  See… I like pump shotguns for their simplicity and purity of purpose… and their violence of action.   And the P-12 is almost there.  I don’t need my pump action shotgun to have a Railed Comb-Over.  But I do like the OPTION of being able to easily add a rail if I want to.  Ditch the Comb over and drill and tap the receiver for rail attachment, and give me a short rail section in the box.   Give me that adjustable rear sight.    And one more thing. Push that Magazine Feed Tube out to the length of the muzzle for just 1 more round of capacity – but just flat out better looking results.  Because the P-12 is looking like a murdered out Ithaca, with a comb-over.
You guys fix that – and I’d do something I can’t even believe I’m saying… You fix that  P-12 like I said… and I’ll trade you one of my favorite and most beloved Remington 870’s for it.  Yeah.  I would.

Weapons

Armchair Quarterbacking: FNH Part 1.

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This is a long time coming.  I’ve wanted to Armchair Quarterback FNH for a good long time – but have always put it off because I knew this was going to be a massive AQB Session.   Because I’ve got a lot of notes to go through here.  Buckle Up.

The only question here is how do we go about this one?  Let’s make it easy for you guys to follow along.  Go grab a 2015 FNH Catalog from your stack/file of manufacturer’s catalogs… or stop by your local dealer to get one.   Let’s just go through this page by page.

3-0252060Page 13… Notice that it takes you 13 pages in their product catalog to get to their catalog.   The prior 12 pages establish that, yes, FNH is awesome.  They’ve take the Banner of the Builders of Badass away from Colt and away from HK.  Impressive feat.  You should change your logo now.  Gloss Black background with gold lettering.  Where was I?  Ah – Page 13.  We see a great photo of an FNS-9C.    That’s an outstanding pistol.   Recently there came the addition of the .40 caliber version – which is outstanding.   But where is the FNS-45C?  That’s a hole right in the middle of the lineup.  There are a lot of shooters that still like .45 Auto.  I myself would rather a .45 than a 9mm.
Another hole in this line up of Compacts – is a compact FNX.  A hammer fired version.  I know Strikers are all the Rage, and coming out with a Striker compact first was a good move, yes.  However I’m waiting on the X version.  I want a hammer.  Not only that, I want that compact hammer-fired pistol in .45.  I’m a traditionalist… I have gray in my beard… I’ve earned my opinion.
Now let’s talk about the FNS-C pistols specifically.  Making them a straight up chopped version of the full sized guns is good – but you kind of missed the point on this.  Compacts like these are meant for covert carry.  Concealed carry.  Under Cover, close to the body, under the shirt and inside the waistband carry.   The problem is that the FNS-C’s have some bloody sharp edges on it where there shouldn’t be.
Give the “Little C” pistols a melt job.  Just have a guy hit them with a belt sander a little bit before sending the slide to get finished.  Hit some of that grip frame as well.  In fact, if you could… Take that grip frame and just sand that frame rail right off the bottom.   No rails.

NO RAILS!!!
NO RAILS!!!

The idea here is to keep the FNS-9C as small as possible and as comfortable as possible for concealed carry.  Don’t think that would work?  Look at the SIG M-11, it has no rails and SIG is selling the hell out of them.  Oh, would you look at that – it also has a hammer. Just sayin.

Pages 15-17.  The FNS and FNX series as shown.  Solid guns.  I really like them.  But turn real quick to page 18.  What do you see?  The FNX-45 Tactical.
Are you following me here?   Yeah… I’m going to say it.  Where are the FNX-9 Tacticals?  And the FNX-40 Tacticals?  With the extended threaded barrels, suppressor sights, and slides cut for Micro-Red Dots?   S&W has this with the CORE pistols – hugely popular.  In fact, when I was with a certain tactical holster company – that was one of the #1 questions about the M&P holsters – would they fit the CORE.  Glock has the MOS series of pistols out now – all pre-cut for RMR sights.  What – does FNH think only guys wanting that are shooting .45 Autos?
While we are talking Tactical editions… Where is an FNS Tactical?  Because the CORE and the MOS pistols just happen to be strikers.  FNH, you need to bring balance to these forces.

Let’s talk colors.  Page 18 and page 19, I’m seeing Tan frames.  Where are the Tan frames on the other pistols?  I mean, obviously, you guys have the capability to do tan frames… but you’ve chosen not to.   Let me tell ya something.  Glock pistols in the alternate Tan color – always sell out before the regular black pistols do.   And a Tan gun in the Compact lines actually make a lot more sense as they will be less noticeable than a black gun.  That and folks just like different color options.  I’m not saying pull out a rainbow… But FDE and ODG would not go amiss here.

Speaking of a miss here… The long slide guns… Some factory installed adjustable sights with a high-vis front sight post would be ideal.

Know what would also be idea?  An FNX Tactical in 10mm.  Yes, I’m suggesting that.  Interest in 10mm is on the upswing and more options in 10mm would really help.  Working with dealers who sell FNH – I have heard many many times “If this was in 10mm…”
Come on – just a special edition run of them at least.  That would be legendary.

309920dfb0Page 19.  The Five-Seven.  You know what else I’ve heard a lot of wishes about?  A Compact version of the Five-Seven for concealed carry.  Guys that are into it wish they could pack these concealed.
Shorter mags down to 20 rounds – chop the barrel a 3/4 an inch, melt job, and no rails.   The 57C. Seriously… that would be awesome.  Also, it needs the Tactical Treatment as well.  Extended threaded, RMR cut.  Do it.  People ask for it.FNH FN57C

FNH FN57C. Compact package with a 15 round magazine. Threaded Barrel Available.

I’m not even all that much of a Five-Seven Fan – but that’s hot.  I’d buy that.  A 15 round Compact?  Hell yeah I would.  That’s awesome.

One last thing on the FN Handguns:
PLEASE BRING BACK THE HI-POWER.
Do so with modern sights, contoured controls, and without the magazine disconnect safety.  Thank you.

To Be Continued.

Weapons

Which one?

21 Comments

20150708_133331

The FNH FNX 45 is one of the top contenders in the debate about what the new military pistol should be.   20150708_133345 It’s big, accurate, has a high capacity, and as reliable as the sunrise.   It would be a great sidearm for any of our nation’s warriors.20150708_133404

Unless that warrior had small hands.  Even with the replaceable backstraps… it’s still a large pistol to hold on to for a lot of people. 20150708_133522  Many would not be able to operate it as efficiently as would be ideal.   20150708_133537

The HK HK45 on the other hand, is far more ergonomic and doesn’t feel as large.  It’s as accurate and reliable as the FNX, but it doesn’t have the capacity.  12 instead of 15.   So it’s a trade of.  A few less rounds, but more comfortable and more people can shoot it easier.  And… it’s a sexier looking pistol.  Given the pros and cons… it’s a touch choice.  What do you guys think?  Pick one.
(My normal response of “Both” is of course already noted.  But if you had to pick just one… pick one.)  20150708_133623

Uncategorized

FNH shows some Leadership

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Congratulations to FNH for showing some serious leadership in the SHOT Industry.  Something EVERY company that’s involved in the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade industry.
Partnering with TREAD LIGHTLY!.

994325_10201226366874642_910207755_n (1)This sends the right message.   To everyone.  From our fellow shooters, to everyone that enjoys the outdoors for all reasons.  My brother in law Sage Wheeler taught me to appreciate our lands more than I had thought about.  I’m not an Environmentalist by any means, but I am one that is concerned.  I’ve spend many hours in the desert filling up the back of my Chevy 4×4 and my Ford Bronco full of garbage and crap to take to the landfill.  Couches, Appliances, Chairs, TV’s, Computers… All of them… Everything… riddled with bullet holes.  Sure, I made my share of holes… But then I came back and cleaned up what I could.  Because the #1 reason our shooting areas are getting closed off – is because we tolerate those that use those areas as a dumping ground.   That has to stop.  If it doesn’t, we’re going to lose all of it.

Thanks, Sage.  And thank you, FNH.

Weapons

FNH SCAR 17

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I finally got my hands on a FNH SCAR 17, or SCAR Heavy as it’s also called.  Retailing for 2899.99, it’s not a cheap rifle… it’s not the most expensive one out there, but is it worth the asking price?

It’s a “Nice” rifle. But it’s not almost 3 Grand worth of nice. It’s freaking Injection Molded Plastic with some Stamped parts and a Mediocre Barrel… with Proprietary Expensive Magazines. If it has anything about it that is an actual tangible advantage to other 7.62mm Weapons – is that the SCAR is a very lightweight gun for it’s size…. because it’s plastic.  Since when did plastic become worth as much as Titanium?  Is it the notoriety of SOCOM affiliation?  No, really, is it?  Because there is another FNH .308 semi auto rifles that are also used by SOCOM in even more limited secret squirrel numbers… The FNH FNAR.  More accurate.  Less money.  And in my opinion a better rifle… but that’s another topic.

I like the SCAR 17 though.  It’s cool and different, and would make for a great mountain assault rifle.  If I was asked to patrol the mountains on foot with a small team, the SCAR 17 might be a great option for that.  But this gun isn’t worth almost 3 Large… Not even close. This is an 800 Dollar gun with 2000 Dollars worth of Gee Wizz. The trigger sucks, the sights suck, the action is about as smooth as an out of the box WASR-10, and the reported accuracy is average for a DPMS Carbine.  Not something I’d personally spend my money on…. not that much money.  I’d rather have Joe at Crusader Weaponry build me a custom SR-25 rifle, light weight, 16″ barrel, with accuracy like a laser pointer.  But that’s just me.  Now, if FNH was more reasonable on the price… say 1499.99, that would be a much better price level and I could get behind the SCAR.

There is one more thing about the SCAR 17 though.  It’s rare and exclusive, giving it an air of superiority based on that fact alone.  Like early iPod or iPhone adopters, they could be snobbish about it… but now everyone has iPods and iPhones and it’s cooler now to own a Droid phone.  (argue that in another thread I’ll start in a moment)   That isn’t going to happen anytime soon with the SCAR 17.  It’s going to always remain a rare find and highly sought after.

You know what… screw it… if I had a spare wad of cash and already had a Crusader Broadsword – I’d freaking have a SCAR 17 in a heartbeat.  Wouldn’t even have to think about it.  I’d have Joe trick it out, sure, but I’d still get one in an instant.  Who am I kidding?  Why?  Because it really is freaking cool.  It’s sexy looking and it’s full of potential violence… and that is just what I want to send my money on – Sex and Violence.  Ultimately, all true red-blooded American Males do to.