FN Fourty Nine

IM_Lugger · August 28, 2004, 07:39 PM

Hi,
I saw the gun in a magazine, and I kinda like the look of it. (The grip look comfortable too). I asked about it in my local gun store, the guy didn’t seem to know much about it. (he didn’t have it ether, said it was a rare gun)

Is anyone here has/had or used one, and what do you think of it?
Accuracy? Reliability?

Thanks

http://www.fnmfg.com/products/49/fortynine.htm

TN-popo · August 29, 2004, 07:54 AM

I've shot them.
Extremely ergonomic, shot well, and never saw/had one malfunction.
My one complaint (and it's a biggie) was the terrible trigger pulls on them.

They're going pretty cheap ($300ish)...saw those adds in Shotgun New awhile back.
Best

**Tamara** · August 29, 2004, 08:57 AM

What he said. ^

It has a true DAO trigger, and the pull and feel make a Glock trigger feel like a Hammerli free pistol.

Other than that, it's a nice pistol. Accessories would, of course, be scarce.

Te Anau · August 29, 2004, 12:46 PM

Is FN even making these any more?They were a resounding flop in the market even though they were top quality guns.The one I experienced had a 12lb trigger.Thats too much for a range/fun gun.

**Tamara** · August 29, 2004, 12:53 PM

Quote:

They were a resounding flop in the market even though they were top quality guns.

FN was way late to the plastic cop gun dance, and that (combined with almost non-existant marketing) doomed the pistol from the jump-off.

Smith66 · August 29, 2004, 03:11 PM

A friend of mine bought the 9mm version a couple months back and let me shoot it a couple times. I share in not liking the trigger pull; way too heavy, not smooth at all. The trigger pull on my revolver is lighter and much smoother. However, the 49 is very easy to dis/re-assemble and clean. doesn't weigh much, the 3 dot made a good sight picture. it's supposed to have a striker system where you can re-strike a round if need be. He picked it up for $269 I think. Not what I would've bought, but not a bad gun for the money.

IM_Lugger · August 29, 2004, 05:41 PM

I'm sure they still make it, (the gun was in 2004 handgun buyers guide). And was lister at just over $500. Nobody said anything about them being unreliable. I guess that means they're better then Sigmas?!

zpo · September 3, 2004, 05:42 AM

Is the trigger gunsmithable, or do you just have to live with it?

soundguy63 · September 3, 2004, 09:33 AM

I just bought one the other day in 9mm. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but the trigger on mine is very smooth. Yes it's a bit heavy, but I think it's right in line with a design intended for a duty gun.
Hopefully full capacity mags will soon be available because it really is one of the larger pistols of this type. Great ergonomics and probably better for people with larger hands than the slightly smaller Steyr M9. I also bought the M9 within the last week. It will be interesting to compare them on the range. At least the Forty-Nine has a metallic recoil spring guide.

IM_Lugger · September 3, 2004, 10:25 AM

when you get to shoot it let us know what do you think of it. Also did you buy it new or used. If new, can you say how much it was (I'm not sure what they're going for).

Thanks

soundguy63 · September 3, 2004, 03:39 PM

I bought it new for $300 plus tax with the standard kit of two 10-round stainless mags with finger extensions, a hard case and cable lock.
I got the last black one they had. The store had the stainless slide for $320.
For a large, stocking gunstore I guess these prices are middle of the road.
I'll definitely let you know my impressions. That is if I ever get the chance to go to the range between now and October!!
I'd suggest getting one in a store where you can dry fire a few examples if you're worried about the trigger. I only tried the one I bought, so I can't say the others were worse or better but it seems their triggers don't have a good rep. Mine is smooth and hardly stacks at all. I'd say it's actually better than my Browning BDM. Certainly it's a shorter pull and less likely to pinch your finger behind the trigger.

Handy · September 3, 2004, 05:38 PM

The one I examined didn't have a light trigger by any means, but I thought the trigger was decent for a traditional DA.

Not to be cruel, but this is the perfect gun for the non-enthusiast. Simple, robust, workable but fumble resistant trigger, cheap. Security guard, home defense, etc. Kind of a big Kahr P9 (but the Kahr has a nicer trigger).

Bytor94 · September 3, 2004, 07:06 PM

I bought one a couple of months ago, it shoots extremely well and will feed anything. The store I bought it from had 14 of them from a private security company that had lost it's contract. I was able to check each of the guns and found that the ones with the most wear and tear had the best feeling trigger. I guess they improve a little with use.

Overall it is a very good gun and I am satisfied with how it works. I bought it more because it is different, it's not a frequently seen gun. I will be carrying it occasionally for work, but it will not replace my 1911's.

IM_Lugger · September 3, 2004, 09:59 PM

I agree with Bytor94, the Forty-Nine is kinda different from other guns. That’s what attracted me to it in the first place.
I’m not a big Glock fan, but I think they have a lot in common with the Forty-Nine

Handy wrote:

Quote:

Not to be cruel, but this is the perfect gun for the non-enthusiast. Simple, robust, workable but fumble resistant trigger, cheap. Security guard, home defense, etc. Kind of a big Kahr P9 (but the Kahr has a nicer trigger).

Would you say the same thing about a Glock?

soundguy63 · September 4, 2004, 09:30 AM

I'd say it's even easier (safer) than a Glock because the trigger is always reset. There's not even a choice of set or tripped to think about while handling the gun. Plus it doesn't have the trigger-face safety, but instead has a longer pull. It's dead simple. Insert a loaded magazine, rack the slide, pull the trigger the same every time. There are no other controls to manipulate even if you wanted to until it's time to hit the mag release or depress the slide stop.
Take down is easier too because you don't dry-fire. You hold the trigger to the rear after locking the slide back and flipping down the single take-down lever which stays down.
I'm a little worried that the mag release on mine might be a hair too easy. It's certainly a nice sized button in the perfect spot. It is slightly protected too, but it releases almost exactly when the protection begins. It is reversable, unlike my Steyr M9.
You can clearly tell the Steyr has a lower bore-axis to the grip. This might be more important when shooting hot .40's but I don't think it will mean much with 9mm since the FN has a good hand-filling grip. The trigger on the FN is much longer and slightly heavier than the Steyr or my Glock 19 (even with the NY trigger). I think that will make a bigger difference in shooting at speed.
Of all the polymer framed guns I think the FN has the most pleasing looks from a traditional standpoint. I love modern engineering and effective designs too, but the FN has a pleasing traditional appearance. You can certainly see the FN/Browing heritage in the lines of the frame and the curved top of the slide.
Hopefully I'll feel just as pleased after shooting it.

Handy · September 4, 2004, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Would you say the same thing about a Glock?

Absolutely not. The Glock trigger is about the least tolerant design of incorrect handling.

Richard · September 7, 2004, 02:15 PM

Sorry for being late for dinner. The FN49 is one of the few handguns I regret buying. The trigger on a Glock is far superior to the one on my FN49. I wanted to like the FN49 but I just can't. My distaste for the FN49 is so great I will not even use it for a car gun. Regards, Richard

Zundfolge · September 7, 2004, 04:07 PM

I've handled (but not shot) the FN-Fourtynine side by side with their newer FNP-9. If I had to choose I'd go for the FNP as its DA/SA and has a much nicer DA trigger (at least based on dry firing).

Tom2 · September 7, 2004, 06:54 PM

TWo years ago I got a good deal on an FN in .40 that had been used by a cop for a very short time. Even threw in a custom leather holster molded to that gun, pretty rare accessory? Trigger pull felt OK dry firing at home, but it feels a lot heavier on target, at the 25 yd. range. The accuracy was dismal with any kind of .40 ammo I could put in it. And I would not call it the best DA trigger pull either. ALso, I found that FN does not seem to be interested in supporting this gun in the civvie market. Apparently they were after gov't and police sales. Found website not all that informative. And no data in the press at that time, either. Figured I had an unwanted orphan of a gun, plus it's faults, so I dumped it quickly. Maybe the Browning version in 9MM with the exposed hammer would be better, I think it is DA/SA equivalent of the FN 49. Plus maybe you would get some support, emails answered, and advice if there is a problem. Good luck with that FN if you need help?

Handy · September 7, 2004, 06:58 PM

The DA/SA FN is a completely different gun. The FN 49 was made in 9mm as well and looks the same as the .40 version (.40 + 9mm = 49).

**Tamara** · September 7, 2004, 08:04 PM

Quote:

The FN 49 was made in 9mm as well...

To pick nits, the FN-49 (nee SAFN) was offered in calibers such as 8x57mm, 7x57mm, and .30-'06, while the FN FortyNine was offered in 9x19mm and .40 S&W.

IM_Lugger · September 18, 2004, 11:11 AM

OK the trigger is a little heavy, but is it possible to have it adjusted by a gunsmith?

(I know I should’ve asked this a week ago

)

Te Anau · September 18, 2004, 02:24 PM

E-mailing FN with a question or two is a complete waste of time.They are the only gun company ive e-mailed who completely blew me off.Even Springfield got back to me eventually and thats not saying much.FN is not civilian friendly.

August 28, 2004, 07:39 PM	#1
IM_Lugger Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 1,909	FN Fourty Nine Hi, I saw the gun in a magazine, and I kinda like the look of it. (The grip look comfortable too). I asked about it in my local gun store, the guy didn’t seem to know much about it. (he didn’t have it ether, said it was a rare gun) Is anyone here has/had or used one, and what do you think of it? Accuracy? Reliability? Thanks http://www.fnmfg.com/products/49/fortynine.htm __________________ "I feel the Beretta is a great character, it's so strong and elegant. The other guns look dumb to me." - John Woo

August 29, 2004, 08:57 AM	#3
Tamara Staff Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 15,527	What he said. ^ It has a true DAO trigger, and the pull and feel make a Glock trigger feel like a Hammerli free pistol. Other than that, it's a nice pistol. Accessories would, of course, be scarce. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

August 29, 2004, 05:41 PM	#7
IM_Lugger Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 1,909	I'm sure they still make it, (the gun was in 2004 handgun buyers guide). And was lister at just over $500. Nobody said anything about them being unreliable. I guess that means they're better then Sigmas?! __________________ "I feel the Beretta is a great character, it's so strong and elegant. The other guns look dumb to me." - John Woo

September 3, 2004, 05:42 AM	#8
zpo Member Join Date: January 5, 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 82	Is the trigger gunsmithable, or do you just have to live with it? __________________ I remember here... Any person who has to ask the definition of the word "subtle" might just bring along a hatchet and take a few swings. -stolen from Cordex (Ben Swenson)

September 3, 2004, 10:25 AM	#10
IM_Lugger Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 1,909	when you get to shoot it let us know what do you think of it. Also did you buy it new or used. If new, can you say how much it was (I'm not sure what they're going for). Thanks __________________ "I feel the Beretta is a great character, it's so strong and elegant. The other guns look dumb to me." - John Woo

August 29, 2004, 07:54 AM	#2
TN-popo Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2000 Posts: 154	I've shot them. Extremely ergonomic, shot well, and never saw/had one malfunction. My one complaint (and it's a biggie) was the terrible trigger pulls on them. They're going pretty cheap ($300ish)...saw those adds in Shotgun New awhile back. Best

August 29, 2004, 12:46 PM	#4
Te Anau Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2004 Location: Somewhere south of the North pole Posts: 3,142	Is FN even making these any more?They were a resounding flop in the market even though they were top quality guns.The one I experienced had a 12lb trigger.Thats too much for a range/fun gun.

August 29, 2004, 03:11 PM	#6
Smith66 Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2004 Location: South Dakota Posts: 171	A friend of mine bought the 9mm version a couple months back and let me shoot it a couple times. I share in not liking the trigger pull; way too heavy, not smooth at all. The trigger pull on my revolver is lighter and much smoother. However, the 49 is very easy to dis/re-assemble and clean. doesn't weigh much, the 3 dot made a good sight picture. it's supposed to have a striker system where you can re-strike a round if need be. He picked it up for $269 I think. Not what I would've bought, but not a bad gun for the money.

September 3, 2004, 09:33 AM	#9
soundguy63 Junior Member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 13	I just bought one the other day in 9mm. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but the trigger on mine is very smooth. Yes it's a bit heavy, but I think it's right in line with a design intended for a duty gun. Hopefully full capacity mags will soon be available because it really is one of the larger pistols of this type. Great ergonomics and probably better for people with larger hands than the slightly smaller Steyr M9. I also bought the M9 within the last week. It will be interesting to compare them on the range. At least the Forty-Nine has a metallic recoil spring guide.

September 3, 2004, 03:39 PM	#11
soundguy63 Junior Member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 13	I bought it new for $300 plus tax with the standard kit of two 10-round stainless mags with finger extensions, a hard case and cable lock. I got the last black one they had. The store had the stainless slide for $320. For a large, stocking gunstore I guess these prices are middle of the road. I'll definitely let you know my impressions. That is if I ever get the chance to go to the range between now and October!! I'd suggest getting one in a store where you can dry fire a few examples if you're worried about the trigger. I only tried the one I bought, so I can't say the others were worse or better but it seems their triggers don't have a good rep. Mine is smooth and hardly stacks at all. I'd say it's actually better than my Browning BDM. Certainly it's a shorter pull and less likely to pinch your finger behind the trigger.

September 3, 2004, 05:38 PM	#12
Handy Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2001 Posts: 8,793	The one I examined didn't have a light trigger by any means, but I thought the trigger was decent for a traditional DA. Not to be cruel, but this is the perfect gun for the non-enthusiast. Simple, robust, workable but fumble resistant trigger, cheap. Security guard, home defense, etc. Kind of a big Kahr P9 (but the Kahr has a nicer trigger).

September 3, 2004, 07:06 PM	#13
Bytor94 Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 49	I bought one a couple of months ago, it shoots extremely well and will feed anything. The store I bought it from had 14 of them from a private security company that had lost it's contract. I was able to check each of the guns and found that the ones with the most wear and tear had the best feeling trigger. I guess they improve a little with use. Overall it is a very good gun and I am satisfied with how it works. I bought it more because it is different, it's not a frequently seen gun. I will be carrying it occasionally for work, but it will not replace my 1911's.

September 4, 2004, 09:30 AM	#15
soundguy63 Junior Member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 13	I'd say it's even easier (safer) than a Glock because the trigger is always reset. There's not even a choice of set or tripped to think about while handling the gun. Plus it doesn't have the trigger-face safety, but instead has a longer pull. It's dead simple. Insert a loaded magazine, rack the slide, pull the trigger the same every time. There are no other controls to manipulate even if you wanted to until it's time to hit the mag release or depress the slide stop. Take down is easier too because you don't dry-fire. You hold the trigger to the rear after locking the slide back and flipping down the single take-down lever which stays down. I'm a little worried that the mag release on mine might be a hair too easy. It's certainly a nice sized button in the perfect spot. It is slightly protected too, but it releases almost exactly when the protection begins. It is reversable, unlike my Steyr M9. You can clearly tell the Steyr has a lower bore-axis to the grip. This might be more important when shooting hot .40's but I don't think it will mean much with 9mm since the FN has a good hand-filling grip. The trigger on the FN is much longer and slightly heavier than the Steyr or my Glock 19 (even with the NY trigger). I think that will make a bigger difference in shooting at speed. Of all the polymer framed guns I think the FN has the most pleasing looks from a traditional standpoint. I love modern engineering and effective designs too, but the FN has a pleasing traditional appearance. You can certainly see the FN/Browing heritage in the lines of the frame and the curved top of the slide. Hopefully I'll feel just as pleased after shooting it. Last edited by soundguy63; September 4, 2004 at 11:10 AM.

September 7, 2004, 02:15 PM	#17
Richard Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 1998 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 1,303	Sorry for being late for dinner. The FN49 is one of the few handguns I regret buying. The trigger on a Glock is far superior to the one on my FN49. I wanted to like the FN49 but I just can't. My distaste for the FN49 is so great I will not even use it for a car gun. Regards, Richard

September 7, 2004, 04:07 PM	#18
Zundfolge Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2001 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,751	I've handled (but not shot) the FN-Fourtynine side by side with their newer FNP-9. If I had to choose I'd go for the FNP as its DA/SA and has a much nicer DA trigger (at least based on dry firing). __________________ "There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws...you create a nation of law-breakers â€“ and then you cash in on guilt." Ayn Rand

September 7, 2004, 06:54 PM	#19
Tom2 Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,554	Had That One Too. TWo years ago I got a good deal on an FN in .40 that had been used by a cop for a very short time. Even threw in a custom leather holster molded to that gun, pretty rare accessory? Trigger pull felt OK dry firing at home, but it feels a lot heavier on target, at the 25 yd. range. The accuracy was dismal with any kind of .40 ammo I could put in it. And I would not call it the best DA trigger pull either. ALso, I found that FN does not seem to be interested in supporting this gun in the civvie market. Apparently they were after gov't and police sales. Found website not all that informative. And no data in the press at that time, either. Figured I had an unwanted orphan of a gun, plus it's faults, so I dumped it quickly. Maybe the Browning version in 9MM with the exposed hammer would be better, I think it is DA/SA equivalent of the FN 49. Plus maybe you would get some support, emails answered, and advice if there is a problem. Good luck with that FN if you need help?

September 7, 2004, 06:58 PM	#20
Handy Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2001 Posts: 8,793	The DA/SA FN is a completely different gun. The FN 49 was made in 9mm as well and looks the same as the .40 version (.40 + 9mm = 49).

September 18, 2004, 11:11 AM	#22
IM_Lugger Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 1,909	OK the trigger is a little heavy, but is it possible to have it adjusted by a gunsmith? (I know I should’ve asked this a week ago ) __________________ "I feel the Beretta is a great character, it's so strong and elegant. The other guns look dumb to me." - John Woo

September 18, 2004, 02:24 PM	#23
Te Anau Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2004 Location: Somewhere south of the North pole Posts: 3,142	E-mailing FN with a question or two is a complete waste of time.They are the only gun company ive e-mailed who completely blew me off.Even Springfield got back to me eventually and thats not saying much.FN is not civilian friendly.