The FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by FN Herstal, a Belgian firearms company. It is a variant of the FNS series, featuring a longer barrel and slide compared to the standard FNS-9 model. The pistol is chambered in 9mm and is designed for use by both law enforcement and civilians.
Key features of the FNS-9 Long Slide include:
1. Improved accuracy due to the longer sight radius
2. Enhanced recoil control from the increased weight of the longer slide
3.
Versatility for self-defense, target shooting, and competitive use
4. Durable construction for reliability
The longer barrel and slide configuration provides better balance and handling characteristics compared to the standard model. This design also allows for increased muzzle velocity and potentially improved accuracy at longer distances.
The FNS-9 Long Slide incorporates modern pistol features such as a polymer frame, striker-fired mechanism, and modular design. It typically comes with a high-capacity magazine and ambidextrous controls, making it suitable for both right and left-handed shooters. As with other FN Herstal products, the FNS-9 Long Slide is known for its quality construction and attention to detail in manufacturing.
These factors contribute to its popularity among firearms enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize performance and reliability in their handguns.
Features and specifications of the FNS-9 Long Slide
Exceptional Accuracy and Durability
The FNS-9 Long Slide boasts a 5-inch cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel, which contributes to its exceptional accuracy and durability. The longer slide provides an increased sight radius, allowing for better precision when aiming.
Efficient Operation and Ambidextrous Design
The slide is equipped with front and rear cocking serrations, making it easy to manipulate for quick and efficient reloading. The pistol features a striker-fired operation, ensuring a consistent trigger pull and reliable ignition. Additionally, it has a fully ambidextrous slide stop lever and magazine release, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters.
Safety Features and Versatility
The frame of the handgun is constructed from a durable polymer material, providing a lightweight yet sturdy platform for shooting. The FNS-9 Long Slide comes with a passive trigger safety and a loaded chamber indicator, giving users peace of mind when handling the firearm. It also features a MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail, allowing for the attachment of lights, lasers, or other tactical accessories.
Ample Firepower and Capacity
With its 17-round magazine capacity, the FNS-9 Long Slide offers ample firepower for various shooting applications.
Performance and accuracy of the FNS-9 Long Slide
When it comes to performance and accuracy, the FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide does not disappoint. The longer barrel and slide contribute to reduced muzzle flip and improved sight radius, resulting in enhanced accuracy at longer distances. The cold hammer-forged barrel ensures consistent bullet trajectory and tight groupings, making the FNS-9 Long Slide a reliable choice for target shooting and competition use.
The striker-fired operation of the FNS-9 Long Slide provides a smooth and consistent trigger pull, allowing for quick follow-up shots and precise shot placement. The pistol’s ergonomics also play a significant role in its performance, with its textured grip providing a secure hold and comfortable shooting experience. The fully ambidextrous controls make it easy to operate the handgun regardless of hand dominance, further enhancing its usability.
In terms of reliability, the FNS-9 Long Slide has proven itself to be a dependable firearm, capable of cycling various types of ammunition without any issues. Its robust construction and high-quality components ensure that it can withstand rigorous use without compromising performance. Whether used for self-defense or recreational shooting, the FNS-9 Long Slide delivers consistent and reliable performance that instills confidence in its users.
Ergonomics and handling of the FNS-9 Long Slide
The FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide is designed with ergonomics in mind, offering a comfortable and intuitive shooting experience. The pistol features a textured grip with interchangeable backstraps, allowing users to customize the grip size to fit their hand perfectly. This ensures a secure hold and optimal control over the firearm, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
The fully ambidextrous controls of the FNS-9 Long Slide contribute to its user-friendly design, making it accessible to shooters of all hand dominance. The slide stop lever and magazine release are easily accessible from both sides of the pistol, allowing for efficient manipulation without having to adjust grip or hand position. This ambidextrous design makes the handgun suitable for a wide range of users, regardless of their shooting preferences.
The pistol’s low bore axis helps mitigate muzzle rise during recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots and improved control over the firearm. The trigger guard is undercut to provide a higher grip on the pistol, further enhancing stability and reducing felt recoil. These ergonomic features make the FNS-9 Long Slide a pleasure to handle and shoot, ensuring that users can maintain accuracy and control in various shooting scenarios.
Pros and cons of the FNS-9 Long Slide
The FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide offers several advantages that make it a standout choice among handguns in its category. Its longer barrel and slide contribute to improved accuracy and reduced muzzle flip, making it an excellent option for precision shooting. The fully ambidextrous controls and customizable grip enhance its usability for a wide range of shooters, regardless of hand dominance or preference.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider when evaluating the FNS-9 Long Slide. Its larger size may make it less suitable for concealed carry compared to compact or subcompact handguns. Additionally, some users may find the trigger pull weight to be heavier than desired, although this can be subjective based on individual preferences.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the FNS-9 Long Slide offers exceptional performance and reliability that make it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality handgun.
Comparison with other similar handguns
Improved Accuracy and Control
When compared to other similar handguns on the market, the FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide stands out for its combination of features, performance, and reliability. Its longer barrel and slide provide improved accuracy and reduced muzzle flip compared to standard-sized handguns in its class. The fully ambidextrous controls give it an edge over other pistols that may cater only to right-handed shooters.
Ergonomic Excellence
In terms of ergonomics, the customizable grip of the FNS-9 Long Slide sets it apart from many other handguns, allowing users to tailor the grip size to their hand for optimal comfort and control.
Optimal Performance Over Concealability
While some compact or subcompact handguns may be more suitable for concealed carry due to their smaller size, the FNS-9 Long Slide excels in applications where accuracy and firepower are prioritized over concealability. Overall, the FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide offers a compelling package that sets it apart from other handguns in its category, making it a top choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performance firearm.
Conclusion and final thoughts on the FNS-9 Long Slide
In conclusion, the FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide is a standout handgun that delivers exceptional performance, reliability, and ergonomics. Its longer barrel and slide contribute to improved accuracy and reduced muzzle flip, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting and competition use. The fully ambidextrous controls and customizable grip enhance its usability for a wide range of shooters, regardless of hand dominance or preference.
While there are some minor drawbacks to consider, such as its larger size compared to compact handguns, the FNS-9 Long Slide offers an impressive package that makes it a top contender in its category. Whether used for self-defense, target shooting, or competition use, this handgun delivers consistent and reliable performance that instills confidence in its users. With its durable construction and advanced features, the FN Herstal FNS-9 Long Slide is a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality firearm that excels in both performance and ergonomics.
If you’re interested in the legal aspects of owning and using firearms for self-defense, you may want to check out this article on the role of firearms in self-defense law cases. It provides valuable insights into the legal implications of using firearms in self-defense situations.
