Why buy a FX 9?
- Thread starter Canuck44
- Start date
OK back to my thread topic. Len I tried the H3 Buffer using the factory spring with 6 quarters. It virtually reduced the bulging of the brass. The latter appears to be within spec based upon replies I have received from Freedom Ordnance. They claim the bulging is a potential issue for their carbine versions. The shorter barrel versions of the gun apparently don't exhibit this tendency, they tell me.
I now have an AR spring installed without the quarters and will see how that works. As long as it shoots without issues I will call it a day and move on. I intend to reload for the Carbine using once fired brass, three times then move the brass to my pistol brass where it will be reloaded until I see cracks forming on the case mouth due to belling of the cases during the reloading process using lead bullets. Freedom needs to ship this gun with heavier buffer at the very least.
The FX9 is very accurate. At some point I will put a scope on the gun and see how accurate it can be off a bench.
For the SIG Romeo5 fan base the sight works well though I had to replace the battery as it would not come on after an hour of intense shooting. A bit of sarcasm is good for the soul. Since replacing the battery the sight has worked flawlessly for 50 rounds. I am sure it will be fine for future use. :>).
For guys on a limited budget, looking for a PCC for fun in competitions. I don't think this is the gun for you. I would recommend the Ruger PCC over this gun only because the standard version of the Ruger is dead nuts reliable out of the box requiring no tweaking. It also sells for hundreds less. For those who just want to have fun shooting competitions and are not in it for the glory of claiming a wooden plaque the Ruger will serve you well. BTW the tactical forearm version of the Ruger adds a lot of weight to the front of the gun. The gun goes into the parade heavy in it's standard form.
Take Care
Bob
I now have an AR spring installed without the quarters and will see how that works. As long as it shoots without issues I will call it a day and move on. I intend to reload for the Carbine using once fired brass, three times then move the brass to my pistol brass where it will be reloaded until I see cracks forming on the case mouth due to belling of the cases during the reloading process using lead bullets. Freedom needs to ship this gun with heavier buffer at the very least.
The FX9 is very accurate. At some point I will put a scope on the gun and see how accurate it can be off a bench.
For the SIG Romeo5 fan base the sight works well though I had to replace the battery as it would not come on after an hour of intense shooting. A bit of sarcasm is good for the soul. Since replacing the battery the sight has worked flawlessly for 50 rounds. I am sure it will be fine for future use. :>).
For guys on a limited budget, looking for a PCC for fun in competitions. I don't think this is the gun for you. I would recommend the Ruger PCC over this gun only because the standard version of the Ruger is dead nuts reliable out of the box requiring no tweaking. It also sells for hundreds less. For those who just want to have fun shooting competitions and are not in it for the glory of claiming a wooden plaque the Ruger will serve you well. BTW the tactical forearm version of the Ruger adds a lot of weight to the front of the gun. The gun goes into the parade heavy in it's standard form.
Take Care
Bob
Thanks for posting up Bob, glad you got it sorted.
That makes perfect sense: Longer dwell time with the longer barrel (pressure stays higher longer), so early opening is more of an issue. I'm guessing they specced the lighter buffer since most of their PCCs sold have the shorter barrels, so it's a non issue for them. It's a bit surprising that they wouldn't simply spec a heavier buffer for the longer barrel versions, maybe they have their reasons.
I suppose they could just say the FX-9 is designed for factory ammunition only (since fresh brass shouldn't have a problem with early extraction and the resulting bulge). It's very good to know this issue exists - It's easy to imagine a less attentive reloader not noticing the problem until a kaboom happens.
My feelings exactly. I am going to remove the AR spring I think. If I find the brass I am using is getting beat up to much I will get a heavier buffer. Right now it doesn't seem to be an issue. I may have to pick up an 8" top end. If I return the stock spring to the gun I'll add a quarter or two to reduce the effect of the buffer reaching the back of the stock.
Its been a fun run. Now if I could just slit Troy's Achilles tendon while he is sleeping.....fame could return to the house of Bob, "what evil lurks in the hearts of men", "only the shadow knows......"
Take Care
Bob
ps You have to be 75 or older to recognize the quotes.
I've been following this along as I have experienced similar issues with my JR Carbine. Had 2 occasions where 1) the side of the brass blew out, and 2) the head of the brass blew off and left the rest in the chamber. Now, admittedly, BOTH could have been caused by an overcharge situation, but I have no way of knowing for sure.
I've added the requisite "6 quarters" to the buffer tube, and the carbine operates as normal. I was thinking of going this route, but was only going to use 2. I think I'm going to take 2 out, as I think it's too thick an addition.
I've also got a spring from an AR, might try it as well and see what happens.
Thanks for the tips.... been very informative.
I've added the requisite "6 quarters" to the buffer tube, and the carbine operates as normal. I was thinking of going this route, but was only going to use 2. I think I'm going to take 2 out, as I think it's too thick an addition.
I've also got a spring from an AR, might try it as well and see what happens.
Thanks for the tips.... been very informative.
I think any straight blowback action firearm is susceptible to this issue - I think that includes all current production PCCs in Canada, except the Kriss.
The manufacturers probably spec the reciprocating mass (bolt and buffer) so that it runs reliably with factory ammunition. Some will have more wiggle room and be more tolerant of a wider range of pressure curves. Nobody will warranty anything for use with handloads anyway, so it's a "user-beware" situation.
Two things with handloads: The brass might be weakened if using range brass, and you can get your pressure curve to differ pretty significantly from factory loads depending on your load. Not just peak pressure, but the shape of the curve. I'd like to see a thread in the reloading subforum on issues with straight blowback actions, I just haven't gotten around to starting one myself.
The issue is not to be taken lightly. I have experienced a few kBs throughout the years and none of them were fun. Here is the start of my Thureon Defense journey years ago. You can see how "stiction" caused a funny separation of the case wall after pressure had risen suffiently to stop the case from traveling farther before failing.
I took my JR down last night and yes, 6 quarters was too many. The last 3 I put in were actually dish shaped. Left just 3 in this time. Got a competition shoot this weekend so will how it performs.
I've noticed one thing... it must be cleaned often due to the blowback. The chamber gets filthy, and in my case has prevented the last unfired round from being removed from chamber to show clear.
I've noticed one thing... it must be cleaned often due to the blowback. The chamber gets filthy, and in my case has prevented the last unfired round from being removed from chamber to show clear.
From my limited experience a heavier buffer is the answer to bulged cases. Finer tuning using a heavier spring or the use of quarters may offer some improvement in reset. It is crazy to think the factory sells these guns up here with light buffers knowing bulged cases may well result.
Other than this issue, the gun is one sweet carbine. The gun feeds and shoots my 356402 Lyman lead bullets reliably and accurately. This makes for cheap practice. When coupled with the Sig Romeo5 you have one sweet package.
I may aďd an 8" upper later but for now the mod rabbit hole is on hold. :>)
Take Care
Bob
Other than this issue, the gun is one sweet carbine. The gun feeds and shoots my 356402 Lyman lead bullets reliably and accurately. This makes for cheap practice. When coupled with the Sig Romeo5 you have one sweet package.
I may aďd an 8" upper later but for now the mod rabbit hole is on hold. :>)
Take Care
Bob
Great to hear Bob!
Still can't believe that FO specs the long-barreled FX9s with a featherweight buffer, even after so many of us complained with the gen 1s.
Glad that the heavier buffer sorted it out. They're a sweet little rifle once the kinks have been ironed out
Still can't believe that FO specs the long-barreled FX9s with a featherweight buffer, even after so many of us complained with the gen 1s.
Glad that the heavier buffer sorted it out. They're a sweet little rifle once the kinks have been ironed out
⁷
Ordered from Brownells. BufferSKU100024850 AR15 FM-9 Heavy Buffer. Shipping was about twice the cost of the buffer. I hope it works.
Take Care
Bob
Just an update. The Buffer and new sights for my M&P Compact are both sitting with Canada Border Services in Mississauga. Last items I had go through there a sat for 10 days. Not sure what the holdup is other than Covid and understaffing.
You just have to know how impressed I am with Trudeaus new version of Canada. I am so impressed I may have to get a photo of Justin and hang it on my wall in my man cave.
Take Care
Bob
You just have to know how impressed I am with Trudeaus new version of Canada. I am so impressed I may have to get a photo of Justin and hang it on my wall in my man cave.
Take Care
Bob
I'm still waiting on my flat wire spring for my fx9 to be cleared by CBSA, it's been sitting in missasuga since July 1st. I ordered from Brownells in May and didn't ship from Brownells until the end of June. Hopefully your buffer clears faster than mine.
Contact Canadian Border Services. They maybe holding it up because of its "AR" DECRIPTION.
I had a 320 grip module held up for six months because someone erroneously thought it was a serialized frame. I finally got hold of a female officer who recognized the error and i got my grip module without explanation 2 days later. I thanked her for taking the case forward to her boss. I fear my buffer may get held up for the same reason. It took six months before they let me know CBS had seized the parcel and another month for me to get to an officer who would take the time to listen and deal with the issue directly. In my experience Canada Border Service folks are very professional with, , as one would expect, a few exceptions and are willing to help. I do believe they are understaffed and under funded by Trudeaus Govt despite what Blaire & Co say.
Take Care
ps I corrected all the spelling mistakes. I should not try to type on my telephone.
I had a 320 grip module held up for six months because someone erroneously thought it was a serialized frame. I finally got hold of a female officer who recognized the error and i got my grip module without explanation 2 days later. I thanked her for taking the case forward to her boss. I fear my buffer may get held up for the same reason. It took six months before they let me know CBS had seized the parcel and another month for me to get to an officer who would take the time to listen and deal with the issue directly. In my experience Canada Border Service folks are very professional with, , as one would expect, a few exceptions and are willing to help. I do believe they are understaffed and under funded by Trudeaus Govt despite what Blaire & Co say.
Take Care
ps I corrected all the spelling mistakes. I should not try to type on my telephone.
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