The Freedom Ordnance FX-9 OWNERS thread.

I've had some of my best groups while shooting Hornady Critical Duty 135 gr +P.

I have also ran 147gr X-Metal through mine, no hiccups with feeding or jamming, but accuracy wasn't very good. Xmetal being super cheap plinking ammo, I'm not too surprised at that.
 
Potshot21 said:
I've had some of my best groups while shooting Hornady Critical Duty 135 gr +P.

I have also ran 147gr X-Metal through mine, no hiccups with feeding or jamming, but accuracy wasn't very good. Xmetal being super cheap plinking ammo, I'm not too surprised at that.
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Cool thanks good to know. Reason why I run the 147gr is because my defensive load is a Federal HST 147gr. I wasn't going to plink with that due to cost, but your shooting the Critical Duty gave me room for pause. Makes sense to use the defensive loads, especially what FO rep told me about hollow points to find out if they actually feed properly.
 
I took my FX9 to the range this afternoon to specifically try out the 147gr and to continue the "break in" period, even though I found out there was none.

The good news first - the 147gr. Federal Syntechs were amazing. Fed with no problems, no jams, and it was extremely accurate, compared to the 115gr Federal AE that I shot for the first 50 or so rounds. I shot about 100 147gr rounds and they grouped fantastic (just subjective view compared to my previous performance).

However, throughout the afternoon as I shot it and also let one of my fellow range members and the RSO shoot it, several things were noticeable.

1. Unlike last time, the last round bolt hold open progressively got worse on the GLOCK 17 G5 mags, to the point where using the Glock 17 G5 10 round mags (not pinned) yielded consistent last round bolt hold open NOT WORKING. However, with the Magpuls (10/10, 10/17) the last round bolt hold open continued to work CONSISTENTLY. This happened irrespective of whether we used 115, 124 and 147gr ammo. It is weird that it took about 350 rounds before this started happening consistently. This was not an issue the first time I tried the gun.

2. The bolt lock/release would inadvertently unlock, sending the bolt forward. This occurred inconsistently but it occurred in situations as subtle as ejecting the magazine onto the floor, to gently resting the gun on its right side. One time the bolt was locked back, but either a vibration on the bench or whatever else caused it to unlock. This was probably the most annoying occurrence since when this happened, the magazine did not seat on a closed bolt. This did not happen last time. I don't know if it's cleaning the gun that is needed or some adjustment that has to be made.

Overall aside from those two points, the gun shot well today, though those two "quirks" caused some slight irritation, especially quirk #2.
 
Horilka said:
Iirc you bought it recently brand new? Did this recent experience of your tip the scale in favour of PC9?
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Yes, the FX9 was a recent purchase, brand new through one of our sponsors.

I would say both FX9 and PCC have their pros and cons and I can't say I favour one over another. I think the bolt catch automatically unlocking without any rhyme or reason on the FX9 has probably some practicality implications. So would favour the PC Carbine / PC9 in that respect

Accuracy wise, I favour the FX9. Weight wise and ergonomics wise, I favour the FX9. Cleaning I favour the FX9.

Trigger I favour the Ruger. Ability to take follow up shots more easier I would favour the Ruger. Charging handle I favour the Ruger

The bolt hold open issue seems to be prevalent in my PC Carbine as well, and interestingly enough with Glock mags as well (PMAGs are only marginally better though they don't always engage the last round bolt hold open. The PMAGs and ProMags consistently work on the FX9 with the bolt hold open)

I am going to put the FX9 through cleaning this week and take it to my range Wednesday and try it again.
 
I took the FX9 apart for the first time after shooting it (previously took it apart for lubing upon receipt). Probably about 400-500 rounds through it since it was originally lubed.

Love how easy it is to take apart - even with the bolt.

The first thing I noticed is that the gun is FILTHY dirty - not just light carbon stains and such, but completely coal black, but also there has been a gritty build up on the bolt, on the inside of the upper, etc. I took the firing pin and spring out and it was like tar all over the place. I don't know whether it was because I may have overlubed it at first, or whether this gun just runs MUCH dirtier than other PCCs.

I recently got some G96 in the aerosol can and so sprayed it liberally, waited and wiped it down. All the wipes were pure black. The barrel cleaning was significantly better, with less foul up than the bolt assembly and the upper. Gave it a thorough cleaning, lubed it up, functioned checked and ready to go for its next adventure.

Given how easy it is to clean, may do a thorough cleaning on this after every range trip to keep it at peak performance.
 
thegazelle said:
I had a very interesting conversation with a lady from Freedom Ordance, when I wrote them to discuss my and the company's common Christian faith. In the conversation I asked about the break-in period of the gun as well as ammo choice and selection. What she told me was interesting... there is technically not a break-in period with the gun. It is recommended to use 115gr FMJ because that is what works best with the gun. She told me that certain hollow points AND certain flat (not rounded) bullets may not feed well in the gun. This was a tad discouraging to hear, since I primarily shoot 147gr Syntech rounds and they are flat-tipped. I was hoping to hit my range on Wednesday night to try this pairing out, but darn work prevented me from getting out in time. So I may go this weekend or hope to get out next Wednesday. Would be interested to know if any of you have had any consistent issues shooting 147gr ammo in the FX9. Even if the Syntech doesn't work, I still have my Magtech 147gr but that is also flat. Would be a shame if this weight is not supported by the gun.
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I ran 147 gr Magtech subsonic in my FX-9 at a match yesterday. It ran perfectly, was soft shooting and noticeably quieter.
 
Had the first range session this past weekend with mine to break it in and this thing is NEAT! Really accurate and consistent. I think it's going to cost me a fortune in ammo, it's just that much fun! Definitely going to replace the gritty trigger with a TriggerTech but besides that I love it. I agree with thagazelle, above, it got REAL dirty - but then again I think between myself and my two buddies we must have chucked around 500-600 rounds downrange that day with it. We had a Ruger PC9 along for comparison and the controls and ergonomics of the FX-9 are far superior. Similar accuracy and felt recoil, but the FX-9 is definitely more fun and easier to shoot fast.

It didn't seem to like fully chambering the first round from my Glock OEM mags though, neither off the bolt release or a full-extension charging handle loading. I'm thinking that'll improve the more I break it in and things smooth out. I lubed the crap out of it with G96 but at the range had to add some Brian Eno's Slide-Glide on the bolt as well just to get that bolt working really smoothly.

I might explore a heavier buffer and do the 6-8 quarters trick too if it doesn't improve with use. Get a bit more momentum to slap that bolt closed and chamber the first round reliably so I can get competing next year.

What do you fine folks recommend in terms of buffer weights, springs, and dollar amount to put in the bottom of the buffer tube?
 
Neutrino said:
Had the first range session this past weekend with mine to break it in and this thing is NEAT! Really accurate and consistent. I think it's going to cost me a fortune in ammo, it's just that much fun! Definitely going to replace the gritty trigger with a TriggerTech but besides that I love it. I agree with thagazelle, above, it got REAL dirty - but then again I think between myself and my two buddies we must have chucked around 500-600 rounds downrange that day with it. We had a Ruger PC9 along for comparison and the controls and ergonomics of the FX-9 are far superior. Similar accuracy and felt recoil, but the FX-9 is definitely more fun and easier to shoot fast.

It didn't seem to like fully chambering the first round from my Glock OEM mags though, neither off the bolt release or a full-extension charging handle loading. I'm thinking that'll improve the more I break it in and things smooth out. I lubed the crap out of it with G96 but at the range had to add some Brian Eno's Slide-Glide on the bolt as well just to get that bolt working really smoothly.

I might explore a heavier buffer and do the 6-8 quarters trick too if it doesn't improve with use. Get a bit more momentum to slap that bolt closed and chamber the first round reliably so I can get competing next year.

What do you fine folks recommend in terms of buffer weights, springs, and dollar amount to put in the bottom of the buffer tube?
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Because I have access to it, I replaced mine with a Rifle length buffer spring and a HHH buffer. Made the gun just much better from already being amazing.
 
DavenK said:
Because I have access to it, I replaced mine with a Rifle length buffer spring and a HHH buffer. Made the gun just much better from already being amazing.
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I know very little about these components, as I’ve never had an AR, but recently purchased the FX-9. I am wondering:

What are some high quality buffers and springs I should look at (brands)?

What weight for buffer?

What type of spring?

Anything else I should consider to maximize performance and reliability?

Thanks in advance!
 
Shooter_01 said:
I know very little about these components, as I’ve never had an AR, but recently purchased the FX-9. I am wondering:

What are some high quality buffers and springs I should look at (brands)?

What weight for buffer?

What type of spring?

Anything else I should consider to maximize performance and reliability?

Thanks in advance!
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Understandable.
Now that being said, what works for others might not work for you as we could not share the same variables (ammo, muzzle device, etc).

I highly suggest you play around and get familiar with your rifle.
I personally tried every combination from carbine and rifle length buffer springs with H, HH and HHH buffers.

I found the rifle length with HHH buffer to be the best for me. Less felt recoil, no bolt overtravel and still maximum reliability. I shoot 115gr with stock muzzle device.

For buffer spring brand I would recommend Springco.

For buffer weight it would vary on your variables, but you’d be looking at minimum HH IMO.

Type of spring (length ?) would also vary on your setup.
 
DavenK said:
Understandable.
Now that being said, what works for others might not work for you as we could not share the same variables (ammo, muzzle device, etc).

I highly suggest you play around and get familiar with your rifle.
I personally tried every combination from carbine and rifle length buffer springs with H, HH and HHH buffers.

I found the rifle length with HHH buffer to be the best for me. Less felt recoil, no bolt overtravel and still maximum reliability. I shoot 115gr with stock muzzle device.

For buffer spring brand I would recommend Springco.

For buffer weight it would vary on your variables, but you’d be looking at minimum HH IMO.

Type of spring (length ?) would also vary on your setup.
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Thank you! This is very helpful information.

For reference, I also planned to run the ammo the manufacturer recommends (115 gr), as well the stock muzzle device.

I’m not going to get too crazy, but I’m certainly interested in increasing it’s potential for max reliability and these components you’ve listed would seem to help achieve this.
 
Took my FX9 today to the range, first time. Shot 124g and 147g federal and 147g reloaded - very mild as it was for my kids back when they started shooting with me. All went through perfect. I did some upgrades before get it to the range:
Magpul MOE grip
Triggertech trigger
3H buffer and rifle spring
Magpul MOE stock
Triggerteck ambi safety
Aimpoint T2
Spikes trigger guard

Still looking for a good magwell, comp and a charging handle. I am in love with it! Awesome acquisition!
 
Shooter_01 said:
Thank you! This is very helpful information.

For reference, I also planned to run the ammo the manufacturer recommends (115 gr), as well the stock muzzle device.

I’m not going to get too crazy, but I’m certainly interested in increasing it’s potential for max reliability and these components you’ve listed would seem to help achieve this.
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Just a FYI, check out buffer weights at Dlask, a sponsor, here:

https://dlaskarms.com/product/tungsten-ar-15-buffer-weight/
 
Shooter_01 said:
Terrific! I wouldn’t have thought to check Dlask.

Can you explain what is meant by the breakdown for how the buffers are rated? I apologize for the noob questions.....
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Sure, no apologies necessary, if you want an H3 buffer system (as preferred by DavenK, and he seems to have spent quite a bit of time and effort tuning his rifle), you would remove the weights from your buffer, as per Dlask's web site, and replace with three tungsten buffer weights, or you can experiment with one or two tungsten weights to replace some of the existing weights in your buffer - a bit of a 'trial and test fire' procedure. Hopefully that makes sense, or Google AR buffer weight replacement, I would guess there's bunch of videos explaing the procedure better than I can. Have fun with it!

Take care,
 
FX-9 and different buffers - My experience

I have played around with different buffer weights.
The H3 buffer lowers felt recoil.
I had one failure to eject out of 50 rounds of 115gr FMJ with this buffer weight.
The H3 may be a little too heavy for 115gr ammo or it may have just been an underpowered cartridge.
I'll never know for sure as I swapped in the H2 buffer at this point.
Honestly, if you're only going to shoot is 115gr or 124gr FMJ ammunition the H2 is the buffer I'd recommend.
The only issues I had with the H2 buffer were getting into battery with 147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points when using the bolt release. (This may affect similar weight FMJ ammunition.)
Sling-shotting the bolt worked without issue.
147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points also cycled without issue.
The H2 buffer is heavier which helps slow down the bolt after a discharge, but it also slows down the bolt when the bolt release is hit.
This I think it did just enough to impact 147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points.

So, I popped in the H buffer. Pretty much everything ran reliably with this.
As well as it runs with the standard buffer the FX-9 comes with.
The H buffer isn’t reducing felt recoil by much.
The following all worked well with the H buffer:
115gr FMJ,
124gr FMJ,
147gr Gold-Dot G2,
135gr Hornady Critical Duty.

115gr Hornady Critical Defense is the exception.
I think the FX-9 simply doesn't like its geometry.
It didn't run well with the standard buffer or the H buffer.
It would fail to feed sporadically during bolt releases and when cycling.
I didn't have enough of it to test with the heavier buffers, but doubt that they'd work better.


Side Note Buffer weights
Standard Carbine Buffer — 3 oz.
H Buffer — 3.8 oz.
H2 Buffer — 4.6–4.7 oz.
H3 Buffer — 5.0–5.4 oz.
 
T-Man_Ink said:
FX-9 and different buffers - My experience

I have played around with different buffer weights.
The H3 buffer lowers felt recoil.
I had one failure to eject out of 50 rounds of 115gr FMJ with this buffer weight.
The H3 may be a little too heavy for 115gr ammo or it may have just been an underpowered cartridge.
I'll never know for sure as I swapped in the H2 buffer at this point.
Honestly, if you're only going to shoot is 115gr or 124gr FMJ ammunition the H2 is the buffer I'd recommend.
The only issues I had with the H2 buffer were getting into battery with 147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points when using the bolt release. (This may affect similar weight FMJ ammunition.)
Sling-shotting the bolt worked without issue.
147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points also cycled without issue.
The H2 buffer is heavier which helps slow down the bolt after a discharge, but it also slows down the bolt when the bolt release is hit.
This I think it did just enough to impact 147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points.

So, I popped in the H buffer. Pretty much everything ran reliably with this.
As well as it runs with the standard buffer the FX-9 comes with.
The H buffer isn’t reducing felt recoil by much.
The following all worked well with the H buffer:
115gr FMJ,
124gr FMJ,
147gr Gold-Dot G2,
135gr Hornady Critical Duty.

115gr Hornady Critical Defense is the exception.
I think the FX-9 simply doesn't like its geometry.
It didn't run well with the standard buffer or the H buffer.
It would fail to feed sporadically during bolt releases and when cycling.
I didn't have enough of it to test with the heavier buffers, but doubt that they'd work better.


Side Note Buffer weights
Standard Carbine Buffer — 3 oz.
H Buffer — 3.8 oz.
H2 Buffer — 4.6–4.7 oz.
H3 Buffer — 5.0–5.4 oz.
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Thank you for this. I am glad you were able to play with the Gold Dot G2s. I have some as well, but can't really afford to test these out in a plinking situation. Though some fellow range members tell me that is not wise since how do I know they actually feed properly in my gun without testing it first? I guess I am just a cheapskate. Thanks for testing these and for your thorough report.
 
T-Man_Ink said:
FX-9 and different buffers - My experience

I have played around with different buffer weights.
The H3 buffer lowers felt recoil.
I had one failure to eject out of 50 rounds of 115gr FMJ with this buffer weight.
The H3 may be a little too heavy for 115gr ammo or it may have just been an underpowered cartridge.
I'll never know for sure as I swapped in the H2 buffer at this point.
Honestly, if you're only going to shoot is 115gr or 124gr FMJ ammunition the H2 is the buffer I'd recommend.
The only issues I had with the H2 buffer were getting into battery with 147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points when using the bolt release. (This may affect similar weight FMJ ammunition.)
Sling-shotting the bolt worked without issue.
147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points also cycled without issue.
The H2 buffer is heavier which helps slow down the bolt after a discharge, but it also slows down the bolt when the bolt release is hit.
This I think it did just enough to impact 147gr Speers Gold-Dot G2 hollow points.

So, I popped in the H buffer. Pretty much everything ran reliably with this.
As well as it runs with the standard buffer the FX-9 comes with.
The H buffer isn’t reducing felt recoil by much.
The following all worked well with the H buffer:
115gr FMJ,
124gr FMJ,
147gr Gold-Dot G2,
135gr Hornady Critical Duty.

115gr Hornady Critical Defense is the exception.
I think the FX-9 simply doesn't like its geometry.
It didn't run well with the standard buffer or the H buffer.
It would fail to feed sporadically during bolt releases and when cycling.
I didn't have enough of it to test with the heavier buffers, but doubt that they'd work better.


Side Note Buffer weights
Standard Carbine Buffer — 3 oz.
H Buffer — 3.8 oz.
H2 Buffer — 4.6–4.7 oz.
H3 Buffer — 5.0–5.4 oz.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Thanks for the report. I think I'll be sticking with the stock buffer for mine. Might not get less felt recoil but it sounds like it runs the most reliably with different ammo.
 
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