Type Semi-automatic pistol Used by See Users Manufacturer FNH USA | Place of origin United States Designed 2011 Produced 2011-Present | |
The FN FNS pistol is a series of semi-automatic, polymer-framed pistols manufactured in Columbia, SC, by FNH USA, a division of Fabrique Nationale d'Herstal. The pistol is chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum and .40 S&W cartridges.
Contents
Design details
The FNS pistol was based upon the FN FNX. The FNS has similar ergonomics to the FNX but introduces a double-action, striker-fired functionality.
Operating mechanism
Like other FN pistols, the FNS is a short-recoil-operated pistol. It is a pre-set striker fired semi-automatic pistol, meaning the trigger system is of the hammerless short double-action-only type. The trigger pull is between 25 N (5.6 lbf) and 35 N (7.9 lbf).
All variations also include a hammer-forged stainless steel barrel, Picatinny rail, fixed three-dot combat sights (standard or night sights), and a loaded chamber indicator on the right side.
Standard features
The FNS series of the pistols all include ambidextrous magazine releases, and slide stop release levers.
Safety
The FNS has 4 standard safety features:
- A trigger safety, similar to that seen on a Glock, which prevents the weapon from discharging without pressure on the trigger.
- A firing pin safety which prevents the striker from hitting the primer without the trigger being pulled.
- A drop safety which prevents the sear from rotating to release the striker unless the trigger is pulled.
- An out-of-battery safety which prevents the sear from releasing the striker if the slide is not fully forward.
As a fifth safety feature the FNS pistols can also have an optional manual safety.
Variants
A "long slide" version, known as the FNS-9LS and FNS-40LS, was introduced in 2012.
A compact version, known as the FNS-9C and FNS-40C, was introduced in 2015. The compact version comes with two short magazines. One has a "pinkie rest" baseplate while the other has a flat baseplate. Magazine capacity for the 9mm version is 12 rounds and for the .40 S&W version is 10 rounds. The compact versions can also use full size magazines with the addition of a removable grip sleeve.
All versions are available in two finishes: a standard black finish featuring a dark colored/nitrided slide and matte black frame or a two-tone finish featuring a silver colored stainless steel slide and matte black frame.