FX9 Questions

[Sniffer]

I have had an itch for an FX9 for a while. Kinda considered the PC9 but as the consensus is it is front heavy that puts me off.

Everything I read seems to suggest the ergos are good (kinda ARish) but some parts need upgraded (charging handle etc). My understanding is that we are on the Gen 2 at this point.

Questions:

1) If you own an FX9 has it been reliable (I have read mixed reviews)? Is there anything to do or avoid that affects this?

2) Can FX9s use AR15 triggers (would like to "repurpose" one of my triggers if so)? If not if the Triggertech FX9 the best bet?

3) What bullet do these rifles like (124 / 147 / 158 etc etc) or are they not fussy?

4) Are there any benefits to be found from playing with the buffer weights?

5) What optic do people generally run on these? Thinking of an red dot like an RTS or something along those lines.

6) Any parts needing to be upgraded? As mentioned earlier I saw a thread for an upgraded charging handle on the forum here - anything else (besides the trigger)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Neutrino]

I have had an itch for an FX9 for a while. Kinda considered the PC9 but as the consensus is it is front heavy that puts me off.

Everything I read seems to suggest the ergos are good (kinda ARish) but some parts need upgraded (charging handle etc). My understanding is that we are on the Gen 2 at this point.

Questions:

1) If you own an FX9 has it been reliable (I have read mixed reviews)? Is there anything to do or avoid that affects this?

2) Can FX9s use AR15 triggers (would like to "repurpose" one of my triggers if so)? If not if the Triggertech FX9 the best bet?

3) What bullet do these rifles like (124 / 147 / 158 etc etc) or are they not fussy?

4) Are there any benefits to be found from playing with the buffer weights?

5) What optic do people generally run on these? Thinking of an red dot like an RTS or something along those lines.

6) Any parts needing to be upgraded? As mentioned earlier I saw a thread for an upgraded charging handle on the forum here - anything else (besides the trigger)?

Thanks in advance.

In my opinion(s):

1) Yes, once you have it broken in and figured out - and mileage may vary. Could be no break in period. Mine didn't really have one. Run 115 gr. at least to start, and keep the bullet noses rounded in general as they seem to feed better than anything with an edge or corner. Clean it often as it runs very dirty (it's blowback-operated so to be expected).

2) Not sure, but I've heard some won't work - you'd have to spend some time Googling that one or email a trigger manufacturer or Freedom Ordnance to find out for sure. I've spoken with FO before and they seem quite nice and helpful. Can confirm, the Triggertech one is awesome though.

3) 115 gr., at least to start. I've run 124 occasionally with no problem but find 115 gr, FMJ to be the best. Hollowpoint and 147 gr. don't feed the best, incl. Speer Gold Dot. Gen 2, 18.5 inch barrel NR version.

4) Yes. I've got an H3 in mine and it seems to help tame the recoil. Could be changing cycle speed/dwell time as well. I like it! Did the quarters in the buffer tube trick as well, works perfectly. You can try playing with buffer springs and weights there are a few "recipes" you can try to start, just a short Google away and pick what sounds good.

5) Red dot, can't afford an LPVO at the moment and that seems like overkill. These are 50 to 100 m guns, though I'm sure you can go longer than that, or so I've heard.

6) Lots. But many of them (for me) were because I wanted to change them or add them. I've changed or added: a Magwell, CTR stock, sling, Magpul Type 2 (I think) MLok covers, Triggertech adjustable PCC trigger, Magpul grip, Vortex Viper red dot, light/laser Picatinny/Keymod mount point, and magpul BUIs. It's a flexible platform you can build it out a few different ways, I think. I definitely didn't like the stock trigger, that was the first thing I had to change out. It was gritty. I'm sure if you have the same experience that you can break it in, or do a very light polish job if you felt like it.

 

[J.Hancock]

My Fx9 is completely stock, reliably runs any ammo I've fed it in 115, 124 &147. Got a holographic sight and a red dot sight on different uppers. It will run dirty or clean but I clean it cause it's gross dirty. Only things I would change about the fx9 would exclude it from the legal, civilian Canadian market.
Very happy with the platform and can't recommend it enough.

 

[Sniffer]

In my opinion(s):

1) Yes, once you have it broken in and figured out - and mileage may vary. Could be no break in period. Mine didn't really have one. Run 115 gr. at least to start, and keep the bullet noses rounded in general as they seem to feed better than anything with an edge or corner. Clean it often as it runs very dirty (it's blowback-operated so to be expected).

2) Not sure, but I've heard some won't work - you'd have to spend some time Googling that one or email a trigger manufacturer or Freedom Ordnance to find out for sure. I've spoken with FO before and they seem quite nice and helpful. Can confirm, the Triggertech one is awesome though.

3) 115 gr., at least to start. I've run 124 occasionally with no problem but find 115 gr, FMJ to be the best. Hollowpoint and 147 gr. don't feed the best, incl. Speer Gold Dot. Gen 2, 18.5 inch barrel NR version.

4) Yes. I've got an H3 in mine and it seems to help tame the recoil. Could be changing cycle speed/dwell time as well. I like it! Did the quarters in the buffer tube trick as well, works perfectly. You can try playing with buffer springs and weights there are a few "recipes" you can try to start, just a short Google away and pick what sounds good.

5) Red dot, can't afford an LPVO at the moment and that seems like overkill. These are 50 to 100 m guns, though I'm sure you can go longer than that, or so I've heard.

6) Lots. But many of them (for me) were because I wanted to change them or add them. I've changed or added: a Magwell, CTR stock, sling, Magpul Type 2 (I think) MLok covers, Triggertech adjustable PCC trigger, Magpul grip, Vortex Viper red dot, light/laser Picatinny/Keymod mount point, and magpul BUIs. It's a flexible platform you can build it out a few different ways, I think. I definitely didn't like the stock trigger, that was the first thing I had to change out. It was gritty. I'm sure if you have the same experience that you can break it in, or do a very light polish job if you felt like it.

Great info, thank you for that.

 

[Shooter_01]

I have had an itch for an FX9 for a while. Kinda considered the PC9 but as the consensus is it is front heavy that puts me off.

Everything I read seems to suggest the ergos are good (kinda ARish) but some parts need upgraded (charging handle etc). My understanding is that we are on the Gen 2 at this point.

Questions:

1) If you own an FX9 has it been reliable (I have read mixed reviews)? Is there anything to do or avoid that affects this?

2) Can FX9s use AR15 triggers (would like to "repurpose" one of my triggers if so)? If not if the Triggertech FX9 the best bet?

3) What bullet do these rifles like (124 / 147 / 158 etc etc) or are they not fussy?

4) Are there any benefits to be found from playing with the buffer weights?

5) What optic do people generally run on these? Thinking of an red dot like an RTS or something along those lines.

6) Any parts needing to be upgraded? As mentioned earlier I saw a thread for an upgraded charging handle on the forum here - anything else (besides the trigger)?

Thanks in advance.

Neutrino summed it up well, but here is my experience:

1) Mine has been completely reliable

2) Not sure. Mine has factory trigger

3) I typically use 115 gr FMJ

4) Sounds like it, but mine is stock

5) I’m running a Vortex Sparc Solar red dot

6) I’ve only added the red dot and M-Lok rail covers, but do plan on adding some other goodies eventually

I highly recommend the FX-9.

 

[Sniffer]

My Fx9 is completely stock, reliably runs any ammo I've fed it in 115, 124 &147. Got a holographic sight and a red dot sight on different uppers. It will run dirty or clean but I clean it cause it's gross dirty. Only things I would change about the fx9 would exclude it from the legal, civilian Canadian market.
Very happy with the platform and can't recommend it enough.

Interesting - can you buy separate uppers?

 

[Sniffer]

Neutrino summed it up well, but here is my experience:

1) Mine has been completely reliable

2) Not sure. Mine has factory trigger

3) I typically use 115 gr FMJ

4) Sounds like it, but mine is stock

5) I’m running a Vortex Sparc Solar red dot

6) I’ve only added the red dot and M-Lok rail covers, but do plan on adding some other goodies eventually

I highly recommend the FX-9.

Good to know, I've thought about an FX9 for a while but didnt do anything because I got the vibe they were finicky / unreliable (which is something I cant be bothered with TBH), now I'm getting the vibe that is no longer the case.

 

[Shooter_01]

Good to know, I've thought about an FX9 for a while but didnt do anything because I got the vibe they were finicky / unreliable (which is something I cant be bothered with TBH), now I'm getting the vibe that is no longer the case.

My shooting buddy also has one and his experience mirrors mine. I believe you’ll be impressed.

 

[J.Hancock]

Interesting - can you buy separate uppers?

absolutely! that alone sets this platform ahead of its competition.

 

[Unholysavage]

1) my gen 1 was unreliable as hell. Averaged 2 failures per mag (mainly failures to feed, all with 115gr round nose). Came stock with a horrendously under-weight buffer, recoiled like a 223 with serious bolt slam. Went to a 5.8oz Odin buffer and rifle-length spring and the jamming stopped.
2) Triggertech fx9 trigger works great. With the heavy buffer I wouldn't be surprised if regular AR15 triggers worked perfectly and were reliable.
3) start off with 115s to break it in, then move up. Some rifles are picky.
4) hell yes, I'd call it a mandatory upgrade. Even if yours feeds reliably, reducing the bolt speed can only help keep the rifle reliable. And it certainly reduces muzzle movement.
5) red dot or holo. Past 50y the accuracy drops. Its a pistol round.
6) buffer is mandatory. Putting quarters behind the buffer spring seems to help as well, cheaper than going to a longer spring. Anything else is a nice to have.

 

[Shooter_01]

I should add that mine is a GEN2.

 

[Shooter_01]

Can y’all provide a link to a recommended bolt buffer upgrade?

Sounds like a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[Sniffer]

There seems to be a leaning towards 115gr bullets - is there a reason for that?

I've always found that the bigger heavier bullets felt less snappy and it theory should be more accurate (longer bearing surface making them more stable would be my guess as to why).

I have a good stash of 124gr (HP & regular), a decent amount of 147gr (HP & regular) and some 158gr. Sounds like the HPs might be problematic - what's the best best bet from this list?

 

[J.Hancock]

There seems to be a leaning towards 115gr bullets - is there a reason for that?

I've always found that the bigger heavier bullets felt less snappy and it theory should be more accurate (longer bearing surface making them more stable would be my guess as to why).

I have a good stash of 124gr (HP & regular), a decent amount of 147gr (HP & regular) and some 158gr. Sounds like the HPs might be problematic - what's the best best bet from this list?

147gr are remarkably quit through the 18" ..thing must whisper, suppressed.

 

[M&P 40]

1) I have both, the Ruger and FX9 and both are reliable but I prefer my FX9 due to the balance. No issues unless you insert the mag forcefully on a open bolt on the FX9 and it will go past the mag release and it’s a pain to get the mag out.
2) Do not use a captured AR trigger as you will destroy it in a PCC, I run Timney PCC triggers in mine.
3) I prefer 147 gr bullets with 3.2 grains of titegroup (if you reload) the are extremely soft shooting. The lighter the bullet the snappier the feel
4) Absolutely but I prefer hydraulic buffers
5) Red dot
6) I’ve also upgraded to a Blitzkrieg hydraulic buffer and AR 10 spring. The bolt will not lock open by using an AR 10 spring but you can always use a chamber flag. To be honest the bolt lock open really isn’t that reliable even with out modifications

 

[Sniffer]

1) I have both, the Ruger and FX9 and both are reliable but I prefer my FX9 due to the balance. No issues unless you insert the mag forcefully on a open bolt on the FX9 and it will go past the mag release and it’s a pain to get the mag out.
2) Do not use a captured AR trigger as you will destroy it in a PCC, I run Timney PCC triggers in mine.
3) I prefer 147 gr bullets with 3.2 grains of titegroup (if you reload) the are extremely soft shooting. The lighter the bullet the snappier the feel
4) Absolutely but I prefer hydraulic buffers
5) Red dot
6) I’ve also upgraded to a Blitzkrieg hydraulic buffer and AR 10 spring. The bolt will not lock open by using an AR 10 spring but you can always use a chamber flag. To be honest the bolt lock open really isn’t that reliable even with out modifications

Thanks for the info.

What is a "captured" AR trigger?

147gr with 3.2gr of Titegroup is what I run in my Shadows so thats perfect.

 

[M&P 40]

Thanks for the info.

What is a "captured" AR trigger?

147gr with 3.2gr of Titegroup is what I run in my Shadows so thats perfect.

Captured trigger pack just means that everything is contained in a box or a frame. Timney, Triggertech etc. are captured AR trigger’s.

When you shoot the 147’s in the FX9 they are super quiet as well.

 

[M&P 40]

Sorry I should have clarified, if you use a captured trigger pack make sure it is for a PCC. I used a regular Timney AR trigger pack before PCC’s ones were available and completely destroyed it. Timney was great and replaced it free of charge though.

 

[Sniffer]

Captured trigger pack just means that everything is contained in a box or a frame. Timney, Triggertech etc. are captured AR trigger’s.

When you shoot the 147’s in the FX9 they are super quiet as well.

I see, I have a Triggertech like that (captured).

I think a Geissele 3 Gun trigger would be my choice for one of these (the flat version).

Thanks for the heads up on the hydraulic buffer, I just looked it up - nice looking piece of kit.

 

[Sniffer]

Sorry I should have clarified, if you use a captured trigger pack make sure it is for a PCC. I used a regular Timney AR trigger pack before PCC’s ones were available and completely destroyed it. Timney was great and replaced it free of charge though.

Why is the PCC so destructive on triggers? Is it due to the blowback design? Is it more violent?