The Freedom Ordnance FX-9 OWNERS thread.
- Thread starter trailskinpat
- Start date
Quick first impression/range report...
I received my FX9 from Bullseyes.
I noted a few things upon first inspection:
-CH is out of spec, has to be warrantied;
-Muzzle device is about 10 degrees off center. Not a big deal, just note saying;
-Handguard eats in the lower receiver where the front takedown pin is when rifle is cracked open;
-I'm not the type of person who cares all that much about trigger. But damn, FO must have created a new 3-stage trigger. Thank god I ordered a TT same day I bought the rifle.
Oiled the rifle with G96. To the range I go.
Mags used:
-Magpul Pmag 10 GL9 (MAG907)
-Magpul Pmag 10/27 GL9 (MAG662)
-OEM Glock 10/19
-OEM Glock 10/33
-ETS 10/31
Ammo used:
-Winchester white box, FMJ 115 gr, brass case;
-Reloaded FMJ 115gr, brass case;
-Reloaded HP, brass case.
Lastly;
-OEM carbine buffer spring;
-Rifle length buffer spring;
-H, HH, HHH buffers.
Despite me trying really hard, could not get the gun to jam whatsoever.
I shot about 500 rounds total. Alternating mags, ammo and buffer spring/weight.
With the OEM buffer and spring, I find the gun would recoil quite a bit for a 9mm. More than my TNW ASR. Not so much as a hard recoil, just very kicky.
That with the atrocious trigger makes it hard to stay on target while rapid firing.
I tried every combination for spring/buffer. Obviously, best set up proved to be the rifle length with the HHH buffer.
I really like the gun, I'm happy I jumped on the train. The OEM trigger and buffer/spring are not a deal breaker, but definitely a great improvement.
If that helps anybody.
I received my FX9 from Bullseyes.
I noted a few things upon first inspection:
-CH is out of spec, has to be warrantied;
-Muzzle device is about 10 degrees off center. Not a big deal, just note saying;
-Handguard eats in the lower receiver where the front takedown pin is when rifle is cracked open;
-I'm not the type of person who cares all that much about trigger. But damn, FO must have created a new 3-stage trigger. Thank god I ordered a TT same day I bought the rifle.
Oiled the rifle with G96. To the range I go.
Mags used:
-Magpul Pmag 10 GL9 (MAG907)
-Magpul Pmag 10/27 GL9 (MAG662)
-OEM Glock 10/19
-OEM Glock 10/33
-ETS 10/31
Ammo used:
-Winchester white box, FMJ 115 gr, brass case;
-Reloaded FMJ 115gr, brass case;
-Reloaded HP, brass case.
Lastly;
-OEM carbine buffer spring;
-Rifle length buffer spring;
-H, HH, HHH buffers.
Despite me trying really hard, could not get the gun to jam whatsoever.
I shot about 500 rounds total. Alternating mags, ammo and buffer spring/weight.
With the OEM buffer and spring, I find the gun would recoil quite a bit for a 9mm. More than my TNW ASR. Not so much as a hard recoil, just very kicky.
That with the atrocious trigger makes it hard to stay on target while rapid firing.
I tried every combination for spring/buffer. Obviously, best set up proved to be the rifle length with the HHH buffer.
I really like the gun, I'm happy I jumped on the train. The OEM trigger and buffer/spring are not a deal breaker, but definitely a great improvement.
If that helps anybody.
Thanks for the feedback. That is great information, especially your config and setup.
I am really, really glad to hear you couldn't get it to jam, as I know that has been historically a complaint of the gun. I was at a LGS yesterday and was talking with the manager about my new purchase and he was like "why'd you get that? I had one and got fed up with the jamming and sold the damn thing!". Oh great. Well, I think his was an older generation anyways (the gun, not him) and it looks like some of those earlier problems were fixed.
I have a bunch of 115gr I will take with me but am entertaining grabbing my normal 147gr. I am not sure when the "break in" period for the 115gr ends, but am itching to use what I normally shoot...maybe will settle on 124gr after a few hundred rounds of 115gr. I still don't understand why FO suggests using 115gr to start and why specifically those brands on the flyer.
I do want to ask...did your last round bolt hold open work properly with the various mags? I heard that the Glocks are not great with the BHO.
I am taking mine out to the range tomorrow so hope to be able to duplicate your success.
I mentioned a few times already that blowback operated firearms require some tweaks to function at its best for each individual… so many variables…
Not too sure for the break in period, but I would argue that 250 rounds should be in the comfortable area. I solely use 115gr, so its convenient for me.
Yes, the BHO worked flawlessly on every single mag (and I have multiple of each).
Hope you enjoy yours as much as me !
Thanks for the feedback - that BHO issue is the other one I have noticed people reporting (albeit a minor one). Very happy to hear your feedback on this. And it's good to know you continue to use 115gr. so once I make the switch after the break in and if problems start, I will know to keep on 115gr.
It is also good to know that you had no problems using your list of ammo including reloads.
So if yours works as advertised, is the charging handle issue merely just a cosmetic one and doesn't affect functionality per se? Maybe the retailer can just send you a replacement handle, so you don't need to send in your gun.
I was going to take two guns to the range tomorrow afternoon, but may just spend the afternoon breaking this one in with maybe 300 rounds of 115gr before swapping to my usual suspects.
All righty...took the FX9 to the range this afternoon, and here is the quick write-up.
Setup/configuration:
Optic: Holosun HS515GM
Foregrip: Magpul RVG
Ammo used: Federal AE 115gr brass, CCI Blazer 115gr brass
Magazines: OEM Glock 17 G5 10/10, PMAG 17 GL9 10/17, PMAG 17 GL9 10/10, ProMag 10/10
Impressions:
I think I may have overlubed it as first shots had smoke coming out of the action and upper receiver. That went away after 2-3 shots. But the thing was absolutely AMAZING.
270 rounds, NO JAMS. NO FAILURE TO FEEDS
Last round bolt hold open was working on all mags on all occasions except the second time with the ProMag. Subsequent times had no issue
Accuracy was extremely good and a fellow club mention mentioned that the groupings were excellent.
Weight was stellar, compared to my Ruger PC Carbine with alum handguard. The lighter weight was especially noticeable when I did shots standing up. Even standing up, the accuracy was OK. I had a flashlight mounted on it, just like my PC Carbine.
Ergonomics excellent with safety and mag release (unlike my PC Carbine). No issue with magazine insert/locking in place, or releasing on all the mags.
I can honestly say I am VERY HAPPY with this gun. What a dream it was that I only had to operated the charging handle twice all afternoon.
I shot my PC Carbine after. What a difference. Aside from all the last round bolt hold open issues, and the heavier weight, I think the FX9 has undoubtedly become my instant favourite PCC.
I will try it on heavier rounds next week and report back.
Setup/configuration:
Optic: Holosun HS515GM
Foregrip: Magpul RVG
Ammo used: Federal AE 115gr brass, CCI Blazer 115gr brass
Magazines: OEM Glock 17 G5 10/10, PMAG 17 GL9 10/17, PMAG 17 GL9 10/10, ProMag 10/10
Impressions:
I think I may have overlubed it as first shots had smoke coming out of the action and upper receiver. That went away after 2-3 shots. But the thing was absolutely AMAZING.
270 rounds, NO JAMS. NO FAILURE TO FEEDS
Last round bolt hold open was working on all mags on all occasions except the second time with the ProMag. Subsequent times had no issue
Accuracy was extremely good and a fellow club mention mentioned that the groupings were excellent.
Weight was stellar, compared to my Ruger PC Carbine with alum handguard. The lighter weight was especially noticeable when I did shots standing up. Even standing up, the accuracy was OK. I had a flashlight mounted on it, just like my PC Carbine.
Ergonomics excellent with safety and mag release (unlike my PC Carbine). No issue with magazine insert/locking in place, or releasing on all the mags.
I can honestly say I am VERY HAPPY with this gun. What a dream it was that I only had to operated the charging handle twice all afternoon.
I shot my PC Carbine after. What a difference. Aside from all the last round bolt hold open issues, and the heavier weight, I think the FX9 has undoubtedly become my instant favourite PCC.
I will try it on heavier rounds next week and report back.
Hey there, I used Otis 085 CLP.
You say accuracy was extremely good; can you elaborate?
What distance? What size groups? Were you shooting supported or off hand?
I am genuinely curious here, as mine is soaking in G96 waiting to get out to the range for the first time.
Glad your rifle functions well!
Hey there...
I am not a competitive shooter, so my very subjective sense of accuracy is just based on my own experience and observations of how this FX9 shoots in comparison to my other PCCs. Out of the box, it was fairly accurate - the groups are smaller (I won't mention the group size since that I am pretty embarrassed on the numbers, even though they are better than my usual performance).
I shoot at 25m lane, outdoors.
I set up four targets yesterday. Two on the right and two on the left. Top right and bottom right were FX9 - top right was standing freehand, bottom right was bench, supported on my beanbag. Top left and bottom left were my Ruger PCC - top left was standing freehand, bottom left was bench, supported on my beanbag.
I typically always shoot sitting down, with the Caldwell beanbag support.
I decided to do both sitting and standing yesterday, and compare.
Both the standing targets were significantly worse after the first few shots, only because of my lack of upper body and arm strength - I paid attention to the first few shots with my spotting scope, and then after that my reticle starting wavering as my arms started wavering. I am going to do more shooting standing to build up my strength.
At any rate, I noticed on the FX9 bottom right (seated, supported) that the groups were much better than my usual bench shooting. The whole group was slightly higher and slightly to the right, but that was just an adjustment for the red dot. I was pretty happy with this and this was confirmed when I shot my sitting with the Ruger after - the FX9 shot better, though I will say it may not be an all apples to apples comparison because my Ruger I shot with 147gr whereas my FX9 I shot with 115. Will be interesting on Wednesday when I go again what happens when I shoot the FX9 with 147gr.
Shooter_01
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Durham Region, Ontario
I’m not very well versed in the world of Glock magazines. However, I’ve read the FX-9 bolt hold open won’t work correctly with certain mags. I’m looking to buy some spares. Which ones, specifically, should I be looking for?
Before I bought my FX9 I read the same thing about the last round bolt hold open and Glock magazines. Perhaps this impacted earlier generations.
I can share that yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, I took my FX9 to the range, shot 270 rounds through it had only one (1) instance of a bolt hold open issue, and it was on a ProMag. BUT the times before that happened (reloaded it 3-4 times or so) and the times after (maybe reloaded it 5 times) had no issues.
Here's what I took to the range yesterday:
OEM Glock 17 G5 10/10
Magpul PMAG GL9 10/10
Magpul PMAG GL9 10/17
Promag 10/10
Ammo I used was Federal AE 115gr and CCI Blazer 115gr
My recommendation is to get various mags and try them out. Even if one person has a problem with it, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will. Plus, it is very possible that based on initial feedback from others as well as myself who bought from the recent batch, those earlier reports of certain mags' incompatibilities may have already been resolved in this generation or this batch.
Now, my bias is going to come out here. For the $45.00 or so for an OEM Glock 17 mag, I personally think it is not worth it. the Glock 17 G5s have CONSISTENTLY had LRBHO issues with my Ruger PC Carbine. And since the other mags that I have have fewer issues there and NO issues here on this FX9, I'd rather pay the $28-$30 for a Magpul PMAG than the $45.00 for a Glock. Yes, the Glock one feels less plasticky and maybe in a handgun it has a noticeable difference but in the world of PCCs, Magpuls, PMAGs, etc. seem to work comparably well.
Shooter_01
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Durham Region, Ontario
For those who ordered their FX9 from Bullseye North recently...I have to pass this along and give kudos to the retailer.
The FX9s were shipped without mags. But Bullseye North made it right by sending the mag separately at their expense, and sending it quickly too. I expected a basic third party compatible mag. Mine just came in this morning and I was very surprised and pleased to see that the mag they sent was an OEM Glock 17 mag sealed in retail packaging. Kudos to Bullseye North for exceeding expectations. Those who ordered from them recently should be getting one of these automatically any day now, if you haven't already.
The FX9s were shipped without mags. But Bullseye North made it right by sending the mag separately at their expense, and sending it quickly too. I expected a basic third party compatible mag. Mine just came in this morning and I was very surprised and pleased to see that the mag they sent was an OEM Glock 17 mag sealed in retail packaging. Kudos to Bullseye North for exceeding expectations. Those who ordered from them recently should be getting one of these automatically any day now, if you haven't already.
First I will mention my FX9 is about 4 years old....I've had many many issues with the Magpul mags inserting past the stop which blocks the bolt from going into battery. I can't think of the term at the moment, but the part of the mag body that bears on the stop has deformed and deformed after very little use. I must admit that I've had these issues running PCC stages while on the clock - rapid and frequent mag changes. It's likely that under casual use there won't be a problem. I will add that the "Tap and Rack" muscle memory when one has a stoppage during competition just makes the problem worse! Nothing eats time like a few attempts to clear a stoppage only to realize you're jamming the mag deeper into the path of the bolt. 
Another problem I've found with the Magpul mags is that when loaded with 10 rounds, they won't easily insert on a closed bolt. It takes a lot of force to latch into place. Again, this won't be an issue during casual shooting but during a stage when you're mag changing on the move with a closed bolt, it's a real drag. CLICK!
In summary, Magpul mags function great in all aspects during casual shooting but are not suitable for competition use. YMMV
Another problem I've found with the Magpul mags is that when loaded with 10 rounds, they won't easily insert on a closed bolt. It takes a lot of force to latch into place. Again, this won't be an issue during casual shooting but during a stage when you're mag changing on the move with a closed bolt, it's a real drag. CLICK!
In summary, Magpul mags function great in all aspects during casual shooting but are not suitable for competition use. YMMV
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.
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.
