Shed weight FX9? Shorter rail?

[G.Mitchell]

I’m working to setup two FX-9 carbines for my kids to learn on.

I’m trying to get the weight down closer to 6.5lbs if possible.

I think if I went from a 15” rail down to a 9” or 10” rail that’d help. Also planning to drop the A2 hider for thread protectors. I’ll swap the Magpul stocks out for MFT Minimalists too.

Anyone here try to get their FX9 carbines lighter for their kids.

On the off chance if anyone would have a stock rail from their 10” FX9 they’d want to part with I would be interested.

Thanks all.

 

[Canuck44]

Why not start then off with a .22lr. They make guns suitable for kids for a reason. A 9mm semi-automatic would not be my first choice. No matter what you do to the FX9 it still is going to be heavier than a properly sized. 22. Having nearly been shot when a youngster was given a 1911 to try to shoot I would opt for the .22lr.

Take Care
Bob

 

[G.Mitchell]

Thanks Bob.

I’ve already got a 9” 10/22 in MI chassis and a 12” 10/22 in MI chassis.

My kids range from 8 months to nearly 15 and with 7 of them there is a wide range of strengths and capabilities.

The FX9 carbines are just heavier than I expected for my kids. Wanting to stay NR means a lot more barrel and hand guard weight.

 

[thegazelle]

Why not start then off with a .22lr. They make guns suitable for kids for a reason. A 9mm semi-automatic would not be my first choice. No matter what you do to the FX9 it still is going to be heavier than a properly sized. 22. Having nearly been shot when a youngster was given a 1911 to try to shoot I would opt for the .22lr.

Take Care
Bob

Agreed. Even if it is not a bolt action .22LR (which I'd recommend), something like a GSG16 would be something lightweight with very little recoil and has the neat-o factor. And easier on the pocketbook insofar as both the gun and the rounds.

That said for the FX9 I had a vertical fore grip on there, but settled on an angled foregrip which seems to help to support any front-heaviness.

The FX9 out of the box is still much better weight wise than the PC Carbine with the aluminum handguard which seems to be imbalanced weight wise.

 

[Canuck44]

Thanks Bob.

I’ve already got a 9” 10/22 in MI chassis and a 12” 10/22 in MI chassis.

My kids range from 8 months to nearly 15 and with 7 of them there is a wide range of strengths and capabilities.

The FX9 carbines are just heavier than I expected for my kids. Wanting to stay NR means a lot more barrel and hand guard weight.

Well the 14 year old should be able to handle the 7 lbs the gun weighs. Younger than that and I think they would be to young to be shooting 9mm unless you are right beside them especially with a semi. Things can go north in a hurray. Your call, and you know your kids better than anyone. I have to say though I have seen 6 year olds, with Dad near by that frankly had no control over the small bolt actions in their hands.

I have to say my 10 upper on my Fx9 doesn't weigh much less than my 18.5".
Take Care
Bob

 

[G.Mitchell]

Well the 14 year old should be able to handle the 7 lbs the gun weighs. Younger than that and I think they would be to young to be shooting 9mm unless you are right beside them especially with a semi. Things can go north in a hurray. Your call, and you know your kids better than anyone. I have to say though I have seen 6 year olds, with Dad near by that frankly had no control over the small bolt actions in their hands.

I have to say my 10 upper on my Fx9 doesn't weigh much less than my 18.5".
Take Care
Bob

Yeah I have reworked the guns a bit and I think they will be just a hair over 7lbs now with a 1x or 3x PA prism. My 12 and 14 year old can handle these well. I reworked my two 10/22 to reduce bulk and weight and my 8 and 10 year old can now handle these well too.

To your point I am never more than arm reach away from any of them. No more than one shooting at a time. You are correct that things can go bad in a hurry.

My kids are extremely responsible and learn well. I just had to rebuild a few guns down to their size instead of setting them up for my size. Easy to overload any base gun with too much optic, lights, grips, etc. etc. and take a fairly light firearm and make it unwieldy.

 

[alpining]

...The FX9 carbines are just heavier than I expected for my kids. Wanting to stay NR means a lot more barrel and hand guard weight.

You're right, after the handguard there's really not many places to shave ounces on the FX9. A lighter barrel would be great (fluted, carbon wrapped, or thinner profile) but I've not heard of options available. Maybe ask ATRS?

The other thing to consider is actually adding weight back at the buttplate: Moving the balance point rearward can make it more manageable (even if it increases the overall weight), especially for people with shorter arms.


It's a bit of an aside, but if you don't mind can you please post the net weights of those two MI-10/22 that you built?

 

[Trapanese]

I’m working to setup two FX-9 carbines for my kids to learn on.

I’m trying to get the weight down closer to 6.5lbs if possible.

I think if I went from a 15” rail down to a 9” or 10” rail that’d help. Also planning to drop the A2 hider for thread protectors. I’ll swap the Magpul stocks out for MFT Minimalists too.

Anyone here try to get their FX9 carbines lighter for their kids.

On the off chance if anyone would have a stock rail from their 10” FX9 they’d want to part with I would be interested.

Thanks all.

Get a shorter barrel.