Is your FX9 Reliable?
- Thread starter TrevorF
- Start date
I don't own one yet but the one I played with for an afternoon reliably fed from all magazines we tried, Glock brand 17, 19, and 26 mags all functioned well, KCI G-17 (S. Korea manufacture) functioned well, Magpul G-17 mags functioned well.
One thing that the owner mentioned was that he had quite a few issues in the beginning with PMC 9mm but that it cycled American Eagle fine. Now that he has around 500 rounds through it the rifle has been working well with all ammo. Maybe PMC is a little lighter, I'm not sure. We were having too much fun to bother pulling out the chronograph.
The afternoon he came out we went through around 300 rounds in the FX-9 and probably about 200 through my Vector. He had a couple failures to lock open after last round witch is a magazine issue not a rifle issue and other than that I can only remember one or two other stoppages that were easily cleared. The Vector was 100% other than one failure to lock open and again that was a bad magazine not a fault of the rifle.
To the guys having issues, try different ammo and if that doesn't work try a different magazine. Once it has a couple hundred rounds through it and it still isn't functioning right call Wolverine and let them take care of you. We want to hear about your problems here as well but only Wolverine can fix your rifle for you, calling it a jam-o-matic POS is not going to help get it fixed. They have a warranty, don't be afraid to use it.
One thing that the owner mentioned was that he had quite a few issues in the beginning with PMC 9mm but that it cycled American Eagle fine. Now that he has around 500 rounds through it the rifle has been working well with all ammo. Maybe PMC is a little lighter, I'm not sure. We were having too much fun to bother pulling out the chronograph.
The afternoon he came out we went through around 300 rounds in the FX-9 and probably about 200 through my Vector. He had a couple failures to lock open after last round witch is a magazine issue not a rifle issue and other than that I can only remember one or two other stoppages that were easily cleared. The Vector was 100% other than one failure to lock open and again that was a bad magazine not a fault of the rifle.
To the guys having issues, try different ammo and if that doesn't work try a different magazine. Once it has a couple hundred rounds through it and it still isn't functioning right call Wolverine and let them take care of you. We want to hear about your problems here as well but only Wolverine can fix your rifle for you, calling it a jam-o-matic POS is not going to help get it fixed. They have a warranty, don't be afraid to use it.
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- Location
- Medicine Hat, AB
Put another 200 rounds through mine today (300 total now). I guess the magical break-in hasn’t happened yet.
4 types of ammo, 4 different mags SGM, Glock 10/33, Glock 19 10rd, and 2 different Glock 17 10rd. Rifle was clean and well lubricated. Wasn’t counting all the failures the whole time but the last box I put through it was 7/50 failure to eject. IMI 124gr also had trouble feeding as well as ejecting. Cheap SGM mag that it comes with is the worst of them all it seemed. Bolt hold open works about 50% of the time when it’s not already held halfway open with empty brass halfway through a mag. Last mag of the day Glock 10/33 ran flawlessly though so maybe 290rds is when the reliability fairies show up and do their thing.
Overall though this gun is still great fun to shoot when it’s actually working. As it sits though I wouldn’t run it in a match. I learned that lesson with a Turkish 12 gauge semi. Going to try some 147gr next time out and see if that helps. Also might try some different buffer weight/ spring combinations because I really want this thing to function. If after that it’s still the same it will be going back for warranty.
4 types of ammo, 4 different mags SGM, Glock 10/33, Glock 19 10rd, and 2 different Glock 17 10rd. Rifle was clean and well lubricated. Wasn’t counting all the failures the whole time but the last box I put through it was 7/50 failure to eject. IMI 124gr also had trouble feeding as well as ejecting. Cheap SGM mag that it comes with is the worst of them all it seemed. Bolt hold open works about 50% of the time when it’s not already held halfway open with empty brass halfway through a mag. Last mag of the day Glock 10/33 ran flawlessly though so maybe 290rds is when the reliability fairies show up and do their thing.
Overall though this gun is still great fun to shoot when it’s actually working. As it sits though I wouldn’t run it in a match. I learned that lesson with a Turkish 12 gauge semi. Going to try some 147gr next time out and see if that helps. Also might try some different buffer weight/ spring combinations because I really want this thing to function. If after that it’s still the same it will be going back for warranty.
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
I cleaned and lubed mine with g96 and put a flawless 60 rounds through it today. Zero issues. Fed fine with the supplies mag and 2 g17 pmags. Glad the pmags ars cheap.
Yes my FX-9 has been very reliable. I’ve read just about every thread here on CGN on the topic and have come to the following personal conclusions: YMMV
MOST reported issues do not seem to be manufacturer oriented. Lack of appropriate lubrication , mag compatibility , ammo choices , failure to follow distributors and manufacturers recommendations and last but far from least, a factor that I have seen repeated over and over again on the wonderful World Wide Web and that is the social media slide. When people read comments from the various posters experiencing issues due to any of the above reasons, yet still don’t recognize that their own results are from one or more of those and then post up as well. Now you get members that don’t even own one of these beaking off , as well as ones who were not sure whether or not to buy one jumping on the bash wagon coupled with plain ‘ol human jealousy ( didn’t get one because they just couldn’t commit to the purchase ) and VIOLA ... you’ve got the social media slide.
Ahhhh the wonderful World Wide Web ... ya gotta love it. Unless of course you are a distributor , manufacturer or god forbid a retailer trying to earn a living herding the masses through the goal posts of life towards the uprights of common sense.
MOST reported issues do not seem to be manufacturer oriented. Lack of appropriate lubrication , mag compatibility , ammo choices , failure to follow distributors and manufacturers recommendations and last but far from least, a factor that I have seen repeated over and over again on the wonderful World Wide Web and that is the social media slide. When people read comments from the various posters experiencing issues due to any of the above reasons, yet still don’t recognize that their own results are from one or more of those and then post up as well. Now you get members that don’t even own one of these beaking off , as well as ones who were not sure whether or not to buy one jumping on the bash wagon coupled with plain ‘ol human jealousy ( didn’t get one because they just couldn’t commit to the purchase ) and VIOLA ... you’ve got the social media slide.
Ahhhh the wonderful World Wide Web ... ya gotta love it. Unless of course you are a distributor , manufacturer or god forbid a retailer trying to earn a living herding the masses through the goal posts of life towards the uprights of common sense.
It's Mostly Reliable
I will comment with, 'it is mostly reliable, but did need a trip to Wolverines for some warranty work.'
I had 2 issues, 1 of which was fixed, 1 wasn't. Details follow.
1st issue, is the FTE that ends up looking like a double feed but one of the cartriges is spent so it must be a Fail To Eject.
Attached pic shows what it looks like. Also shows the spent casing and the damage to the jammed round.
I had two of these in 200 rounds.
So, my example of the FX-9 is definitely not the worst.
Wolverine's gunsmith did resolve this issue, but it looks like it was just a break-in period.
I think the buffer spring needs to loosen up a bit.
Also, I think running this firearm pretty wet helps with function.
i.e. less drag on the bolt and buffer when cycling should help things work better
2nd issue, is that there was a small hole in the bolt from the ejector channel into the firing pin pocket.
In the attached pick you can see the tip of a knife inserted into said hole.
This issue isn't causing any real issues.
And the manufacturer says this issue is within spec.
A little disconcerting but I can live with it.
Manufacturer Response:
“The design has a very thin wall (.007”) which can be cut through even when the parts are to spec.
The cut into the firing pin pocket is not a problem and will not cause any problems with the function of the firing pin.
It may require the user to take down and clean the firing pin pocket approximately every 10,000 rounds or so which should be done more often than that with regular maintenance.”
Wolverine's Response:
"Test fired and confirmed that there was some feeding and ejection issues.
It was determined that feeding issues were from the magazines having the feed lips to wide at the front.
This let the round flip up nose high causing the feeding jam.
Ejection issues disappeared after the rifle had a few magazines shot through it.
Our gunsmith can no longer replicate this issue."
Side Note, After they returned the firearm, I used the same magazines as before and they have worked for 200 discharges without issue.
FYI, these were PMAG 17s. (I've also used SGMs)
Both work with last round bolt hold open.
I don't think either brand was contributing to the issues.
Other Note
As I dislike the twangy sound of the included buffer spring I replaced mine with a Strike Industries Flat Wire Carbine Spring.
Since then I've had 1 FTE/double feed in 100 rounds.
I'm hoping it will be 100% reliable again within a couple hundred rounds more.
I truly believe most of the issues can be resolved by working in the buffer spring.
EDIT: I put the original buffer spring back in as it was going to take too much ammo to break in the Strike Industries Flat Wire Carbine Spring.
At least with 9mm, unlike 5.56mm, you're not using up 10% of the barrel's life by breaking-in other parts.
End Note,
I think the FX-9 is a very fun carbine.
As I don't own any ARs having a carbine with AR-like controls is pretty cool and fun to play with.
For mag dumps and quick reloads it is really nice.
But, I'm not yet 100% trusting in it (I'm 99.8% as this point).
If I wanted a 9mm Carbine for: Home Defense, Go To War or $hit Hits the Fan scenarios;
I would stick to my Thureon Defense, which has been solid from day one (but also costs a chunk more)
Maybe over time this will change (and I'm hoping it does) as I'm not yet a FX-9 hater
I will comment with, 'it is mostly reliable, but did need a trip to Wolverines for some warranty work.'
I had 2 issues, 1 of which was fixed, 1 wasn't. Details follow.
1st issue, is the FTE that ends up looking like a double feed but one of the cartriges is spent so it must be a Fail To Eject.
Attached pic shows what it looks like. Also shows the spent casing and the damage to the jammed round.
I had two of these in 200 rounds.
So, my example of the FX-9 is definitely not the worst.
Wolverine's gunsmith did resolve this issue, but it looks like it was just a break-in period.
I think the buffer spring needs to loosen up a bit.
Also, I think running this firearm pretty wet helps with function.
i.e. less drag on the bolt and buffer when cycling should help things work better
2nd issue, is that there was a small hole in the bolt from the ejector channel into the firing pin pocket.
In the attached pick you can see the tip of a knife inserted into said hole.
This issue isn't causing any real issues.
And the manufacturer says this issue is within spec.
A little disconcerting but I can live with it.
Manufacturer Response:
“The design has a very thin wall (.007”) which can be cut through even when the parts are to spec.
The cut into the firing pin pocket is not a problem and will not cause any problems with the function of the firing pin.
It may require the user to take down and clean the firing pin pocket approximately every 10,000 rounds or so which should be done more often than that with regular maintenance.”
Wolverine's Response:
"Test fired and confirmed that there was some feeding and ejection issues.
It was determined that feeding issues were from the magazines having the feed lips to wide at the front.
This let the round flip up nose high causing the feeding jam.
Ejection issues disappeared after the rifle had a few magazines shot through it.
Our gunsmith can no longer replicate this issue."
Side Note, After they returned the firearm, I used the same magazines as before and they have worked for 200 discharges without issue.
FYI, these were PMAG 17s. (I've also used SGMs)
Both work with last round bolt hold open.
I don't think either brand was contributing to the issues.
Other Note
As I dislike the twangy sound of the included buffer spring I replaced mine with a Strike Industries Flat Wire Carbine Spring.
Since then I've had 1 FTE/double feed in 100 rounds.
I'm hoping it will be 100% reliable again within a couple hundred rounds more.
I truly believe most of the issues can be resolved by working in the buffer spring.
EDIT: I put the original buffer spring back in as it was going to take too much ammo to break in the Strike Industries Flat Wire Carbine Spring.
At least with 9mm, unlike 5.56mm, you're not using up 10% of the barrel's life by breaking-in other parts.
End Note,
I think the FX-9 is a very fun carbine.
As I don't own any ARs having a carbine with AR-like controls is pretty cool and fun to play with.
For mag dumps and quick reloads it is really nice.
But, I'm not yet 100% trusting in it (I'm 99.8% as this point).
If I wanted a 9mm Carbine for: Home Defense, Go To War or $hit Hits the Fan scenarios;
I would stick to my Thureon Defense, which has been solid from day one (but also costs a chunk more)
Maybe over time this will change (and I'm hoping it does) as I'm not yet a FX-9 hater
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My FX9 hates 115gr UMC ammo and loves Blazer Brass 124gr.
Zero issues with the supplied smg magazine and the 3 extra smg magazines I bought from Wolverine with the 124 gr ammo.
I had major issues with the 115gr UMC ammo, every other round got jammed just like the above pics.
Only shot 150 rounds but it was flawless when I switched to the BB 124gr.
I should say I took it apart and thoroughly cleaned the gun and lubed it up well with good ole Gun Oil prior to hitting the range.
Zero issues with the supplied smg magazine and the 3 extra smg magazines I bought from Wolverine with the 124 gr ammo.
I had major issues with the 115gr UMC ammo, every other round got jammed just like the above pics.
Only shot 150 rounds but it was flawless when I switched to the BB 124gr.
I should say I took it apart and thoroughly cleaned the gun and lubed it up well with good ole Gun Oil prior to hitting the range.
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Your JR carbine is a garbage to take down, I owned one and sold everything in 9mm because it was a piece of SH!T The FX-9 is by far a better gun. 2000 rounds over 5 years LMAO You should focus on selling/buying more stuff on the EE forum.
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Ive shot more than 1k rounds with mine, I had some jams at the beginning but if you keep that gun greasy you won't have issues after the so called "break in" period. NOW the JR carbine can't be compared tp the FX-9 because the JR is a friggin piece of SH!T to take down and you have to put blue lock tite on every screws so they don't fall off, The JR IN 9MM is the ABSOLUTE WORST GUN I'VE EVER OWNED PERIOD. Mine is reliable now, and I won't sell this gun.
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Own wat?
I have owned both the Jr and also the fx9, the reason I sold my Jr to buy the fx-9 is because of the process of cleaning it and you're right the bolts do come loose all the time on it, I had some problems with jamming with the fx-9 but I believe those problems have worked out after about 350 rounds. The Jr shot well right out of the box, but cleaning the thing was a pain
Accuracy wasn't the problem with the JR... Cleaning and keeping all the screws on the gun was the major issue LMAO And trying to not strip the super tiny allen screws after the blue lock tite, WOW. Now to stay on toppic mine is reliable with the factory shk and PMAG. I have 5 PMAG and 1 SHK and all the mags were able to hold the bolt open. On 1k rounds I had around 10 malfunctions but I wasn't the operator when they occured. I suspect a mag not inserted properly, because you need to give it a good tap, anyways I had 2 failure of extraction, the brass was crushed... I examined the brass closely because I bought a brass catcher and the brass really gets knocked the sh!t out on the ejection port. There is a small dent on every shell that this gun fired. Shooting a squirrel at 50 yards is not a problem since I made a shot smaller than that and with 3 rounds just to make sure. I didn't try at 100, If I would be in need to shoot something at 100, I would just pick up the good old 308. This is a kid friendly gun since young kids shot it. Another thing to mention is the buffer spring pin that failed, I fixed it because I had the proper tools for the job. I can now open the bold with my left thumb and index (don't forget to grease the gun...)
