About 6 months ago I purchased a FNS-9. I use it to shoot IDPA and just going to the range. I have about 1500 rounds through the pistol, but last week and again today I have begun to have issue the pistol failing to extract. No change in the ammo, still mostly Federal 115gr FMJ or Winchester whitebox 115gr FMJ. I am just wondering if it is time to service or replace the extractor spring, plunger or extractor itself? Seems a bit early to do so. I was thinking at least 5000 rnds before having to replace parts for wear or at least 2000 rnds. So far I am pretty happy with the pistol, for the most part maintence free. To date I have only replaced the Striker Return Spring (I may have stepped on it when it fell on the floor). Just looking for thoughts on this, does anyone think its a magazine issue as my friend suggested?
Failure to extract FNS-9
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I have over 9500 rounds through my FNP-9 and have never replaced the extractor plunger or spring (although I do have spares). Have you cleaned it? might be the issue, but I usually go 2000 rounds before I even pull it out and clean it good, but you could give that a try.
Now, the fail to extracts, are the empties just going back into the chamber? if so, it might be your extractor is broken.
Now, the fail to extracts, are the empties just going back into the chamber? if so, it might be your extractor is broken.
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I bought two FNS .40 long slides. One in each color. One of them had occasional failure to ejects right out of the box. About once every 400 rounds. I sold it. Figured it would cost me more in replacing extractor and or ejector, and ammo seeing if it worked than it would to buy another gun. If I sent it back to FN, I figured they would say it worked fine for them. I wasn't willing to deal with the headache. I've got about two thousand rounds through my other FNS that I kept, and have had no FTE's from it.
The empty casing is still in the chamber when the slide moves to the rear, causing a jam. I have to lock the slide back then drop the mag, let the slide go forward, the extractor then catches the casing, extracts and ejects it. So I am not sure what is going on. I clean the gun about every 200-500 rounds. I think tomorrow I will give a really good scrubbing, maybe use a solvent on the barrel. I am thinking there is some kind of excessive friction from the barrel to the casing that is making it difficult to extract. That or maybe I have started to limp wrist the gun (I doubt it, but a possibility), but I think that would result in stove pipe jam more than a casing left in the chamber. Hopefully its not a recurring issue, I really like the firearm, its very accurate.
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I'm really curious what it is myself. Mine did the very same thing. Empty case left in chamber, but would extract no problem when I racked the slide again. One would think extractor possibly barely needing shaved or extractor spring being slightly under par. It's something simple I think. I'd suggest calling FN. Since I had an FNS that did it too, you are not alone, and perhaps FN has addressed this before and provide an answer. I'll try to keep up with this thread and hope you post your findings, or pm me. I feel like this is a fluke issue as you are the only other one I've heard with this issue. Extractors and their springs are such tiny parts, even the smallest deviations upon manufacturing could be hard to detect. But many ppl have thousands of rounds thru their FNS pistols with no problems. I'll never sell my FNS, and will purchase another FNS long slide in 9mm in the near future. I really love the pistol.
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Hi , I just joined and have / had the same issue , I also have a fns9 with apx 1700 rounds through it , last two range trips I had failure to eject , once per trip , today I carefully inspected the extractor and found carbon and oil residue caked between the extractor and breach face , it was enough to change the grip of the extractor to the rim of the round , spent 10 mins cleaning it out , now it looks good , I will update if it isn't fixed but with the amount of junk I cleaned out I think that's fixed mine , good luck ..
Don't mean to resurrect an old thread, but I can say for a fact that this a problem.
On three shooting sessions in a row I had one failure to extract each time. Clean bore, clean ammo, clean chamber... it blew my mind. I could not find the issue. I had one or two FTE early on, but none after a deep cleaning of the entire slide. Just noticed the build up today after plinking around my property. I had a FTE today with my FNS 9. Seems to happen about every 600-1000 rounds for my gun.
I clean my guns methodically, and religiously as I shoot quite a bit... and I apparently don't pay enough attention to that little gap on the extractor. Clean it good, and often.
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Check your ammo -- especially if it's Winchester White Box...
In years past a lot of folks with CZs had problems with WWB. Turns out that the WWB economy ammo had a slightly different extractor groove - or did when folks were experiencing problems. The normal extractor groove on most ammo looked like this / while the WWB groove looked more like <, not letting the extractor get a good grasp on the rim. If current WWB ammo looks the same as other ammo, this is probably NOT an issue. I don't use the stuff any more, so don't know if they changed that feature. I haven't shot Federal in years -- I get my range stuff from Georgia Arms.
(With CZs, there was also problem with junk build-up under the extractor, but that was remedied by more thorough cleaning, or by using an extra-strength extractor spring. Since then CZ has gone to stronger extractor spring.)
In years past a lot of folks with CZs had problems with WWB. Turns out that the WWB economy ammo had a slightly different extractor groove - or did when folks were experiencing problems. The normal extractor groove on most ammo looked like this / while the WWB groove looked more like <, not letting the extractor get a good grasp on the rim. If current WWB ammo looks the same as other ammo, this is probably NOT an issue. I don't use the stuff any more, so don't know if they changed that feature. I haven't shot Federal in years -- I get my range stuff from Georgia Arms.
(With CZs, there was also problem with junk build-up under the extractor, but that was remedied by more thorough cleaning, or by using an extra-strength extractor spring. Since then CZ has gone to stronger extractor spring.)
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purchased fns9 a month ago, fired approximately 1000k rounds, have cleaned three times (frog lube) and had the exact problem with jamming/ejecting at the range today. I'm using Winchester 15g white box.
thank you for the information given of possible problems as I am new to this site....very helpful.
thank you for the information given of possible problems as I am new to this site....very helpful.
I have checked all of my WWB, and they must have fixed the extractor groove issue listed above but check to be sure. I really think it is the carbon build up in the tiny indention on the extractor. I am going to be shooting all weekend, and will see if this helped. All WWB 124gr. I did order 500 rounds from Georgia Arms today.
I believe there is a thread about frog lube not being so great.
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Glad I found this thread - I'd like to share our experience also, as it was very interesting.
My wife and I bought an FNS9 about 3 months ago and have had a few failures to extract on each trip to the range. Sometimes the last round in the mag, sometimes another round gets jammed on the previous un-extracted case. We've probably put about 1000 rounds through the gun, cleaning after almost each trip to the range (after the first time, made sure to get the extractor nice and clean).
In a training class this month at KR Training, a couple of FTEs occurred again, and an instructor tried the gun to see what he thought. Not only did he have a failure to extract, but a few rounds later, he got two shots with a single trigger pull. If it had been me doing it, I would have suspected poor trigger control, but he is very experienced. Also, those two shots were much more rapid than you can get by poor trigger control.
We sent the gun to FNH, explaining both the double-fire and the failure to extract problems. They replaced the fire control assembly and sent it back. We went to the range last weekend, where we had 6 failures to extract (4 for me, two for my wife). We were making an effort to avoid limp-wristing, so I don't think that's it (and, certainly, the KR instructor had a good grip!).
Usually, we use the Winchester White Box ("range pack") 115 grain rounds, though last weekend we used Remington 115 grain rounds ("range bucket"). BTW, we have also been shooting an XD MOD.2 subcompact and an M&P Shield with the same ammo, with zero failures to extract to date.
Need to think now whether to try to have the FNS serviced again, or just give up on FNH. Maybe will try some +P rounds first to see if that makes a difference.
My wife and I bought an FNS9 about 3 months ago and have had a few failures to extract on each trip to the range. Sometimes the last round in the mag, sometimes another round gets jammed on the previous un-extracted case. We've probably put about 1000 rounds through the gun, cleaning after almost each trip to the range (after the first time, made sure to get the extractor nice and clean).
In a training class this month at KR Training, a couple of FTEs occurred again, and an instructor tried the gun to see what he thought. Not only did he have a failure to extract, but a few rounds later, he got two shots with a single trigger pull. If it had been me doing it, I would have suspected poor trigger control, but he is very experienced. Also, those two shots were much more rapid than you can get by poor trigger control.
We sent the gun to FNH, explaining both the double-fire and the failure to extract problems. They replaced the fire control assembly and sent it back. We went to the range last weekend, where we had 6 failures to extract (4 for me, two for my wife). We were making an effort to avoid limp-wristing, so I don't think that's it (and, certainly, the KR instructor had a good grip!).
Usually, we use the Winchester White Box ("range pack") 115 grain rounds, though last weekend we used Remington 115 grain rounds ("range bucket"). BTW, we have also been shooting an XD MOD.2 subcompact and an M&P Shield with the same ammo, with zero failures to extract to date.
Need to think now whether to try to have the FNS serviced again, or just give up on FNH. Maybe will try some +P rounds first to see if that makes a difference.
FWIW, I have both an FNS 40 and 40C, never an issue with at least 500 rounds thru each. I picked up a Ruger LC9s Pro, and have run about 120 rounds of various ammo through it to see what it likes. Only had one stovepipe early on, until I ran some WWB 115 thru it last time at the range. One round didn't chamber completely, seemed too large (although I hadn't cleaned the gun yet). The rim on that round was visibly different than the other rounds left in the magazine, and they fired fine. I bet if I forced that one round to chamber, I would've had an extraction issue. I didn't take a picture (duh), but I'll shoot the rest of the WWB from that box next trip to the range, and see how it goes.
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I wouldn't give up on FNH. My FNS9 has digested close to 800 rounds of WWB with only 1 FTE and that was my fault for a limp wrist follow up.
I would suggest trying a heavier bullet weight. Mine functions fine with 115gr bullets, but seems to like 124 or 147 better.
I would suggest trying a heavier bullet weight. Mine functions fine with 115gr bullets, but seems to like 124 or 147 better.
2 FNS-9c's with I cant even remember the round counts anymore between me and my wife. From the beginning we used 115gr. and much of those were close to 20 years old. Never one failure of any kind. They don't care what kind of ammo I feed them, they eat and eat and eat. Steve, that an "instructor" got what you and he call a double fire with only one pull of the trigger is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed. I find it hard to believe myself, not that you sir are saying it but that the "instructor" had this happen. I think he may not be as knowledgeable as you may suspect. Though I feel almost all of the complaints of FTF and FTE are honestly traceable to the current en vogue thumbs forward hand hold, the issue surely should be looked at by FN for a true determination mechanically. Lord, surely don't give up on FN, frankly I'd give up on Smith and Springfield long before I'd give up on FN.
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I have two FNS 9s. The first one I bought in 2013 I think, the second a couple of months ago. The first began failing with FTEs last December; had roughly 500 rounds through it. My newest has about 1000 rounds with zero stoppages. Not a one. And these are "training rounds", not "stand in a bay and shoot slowly rounds" (I do both).
I had a friend investigate the failure and he said the extractor was filthy; cleaned it up real good. Apparently I wasn't paying enough attention to the extractor during cleaning.
So a question. How often should the extractor be removed for a deep cleaning? Or is a good surface (including the claw) cleaning enough?
Thanks,
David
I had a friend investigate the failure and he said the extractor was filthy; cleaned it up real good. Apparently I wasn't paying enough attention to the extractor during cleaning.
So a question. How often should the extractor be removed for a deep cleaning? Or is a good surface (including the claw) cleaning enough?
Thanks,
David
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An update to this issue from my day at the range on Friday...
I shot WWB 115gr (122 rounds), WWB 147gr (50 rounds), and Aguila 124 gr (50 rounds) through the FNS9. I had 6 FTE with the WWB 115gr (~5%) and 1 FTE with each of the other two (2%). I shot 17 rounds of Hornady 124gr +P and did not have a jam nor FTE, but this was not enough rounds to be conclusive.
Based on this, the lighter rounds seem to be giving more trouble, but the heavier bullets did not solve the problem. It's disappointing that the FNS9 has so many FTEs compare to our XD MOD.2 and our M&P Shield, which have had none.
I saved the cases from the FTE's, removed the barrels from all three guns, and used these cases and also some fresh, live rounds to compare the fit in the three chambers. I was wondering if the FNS9 chamber was a tighter fit.
Interestingly and unexpectedly, I was able to slide the FTE cases in and out of the FNS9 chamber by hand without a problem. However, the FTE cases were a tight fit in the M&P Shield and the XD Mod.2. I had to use a tool to pry them out after seating them in the chamber.
Fresh rounds were a little loose in all three guns' chambers. The FNS seemed a little looser, but not by much.
I don't know if the slightly larger chamber of the FNS9 is in any way responsible for the FTEs, but I thought it was an interesting difference.
I plan to send the FNS9 back to FNH and see if they can identify/fix the problem. As it stands right now, the FNS9 seems less reliable than the other two.
I shot WWB 115gr (122 rounds), WWB 147gr (50 rounds), and Aguila 124 gr (50 rounds) through the FNS9. I had 6 FTE with the WWB 115gr (~5%) and 1 FTE with each of the other two (2%). I shot 17 rounds of Hornady 124gr +P and did not have a jam nor FTE, but this was not enough rounds to be conclusive.
Based on this, the lighter rounds seem to be giving more trouble, but the heavier bullets did not solve the problem. It's disappointing that the FNS9 has so many FTEs compare to our XD MOD.2 and our M&P Shield, which have had none.
I saved the cases from the FTE's, removed the barrels from all three guns, and used these cases and also some fresh, live rounds to compare the fit in the three chambers. I was wondering if the FNS9 chamber was a tighter fit.
Interestingly and unexpectedly, I was able to slide the FTE cases in and out of the FNS9 chamber by hand without a problem. However, the FTE cases were a tight fit in the M&P Shield and the XD Mod.2. I had to use a tool to pry them out after seating them in the chamber.
Fresh rounds were a little loose in all three guns' chambers. The FNS seemed a little looser, but not by much.
I don't know if the slightly larger chamber of the FNS9 is in any way responsible for the FTEs, but I thought it was an interesting difference.
I plan to send the FNS9 back to FNH and see if they can identify/fix the problem. As it stands right now, the FNS9 seems less reliable than the other two.
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I saw this thread pop back up and checked in on it. So I thought I'd throw my two cents of an update in. I have an FNS .40 long slide. I had two at one point and sold one as I had occasional FTE's from it. The one I kept though has run flawlessly. I have lost complete count on my round count. I would guess around the 4000 mark though. I haven't had any issues with it. It goes bang every time. I had a tad bit of material shaved off the feed ramp to help it feed the Speer Gold Dots better, and I believe the Hornady Critical Defense. It's been so long now ( a couple years I guess), I can't remember if the Hornadys were hiccupping while being chambered prior to the feed ramp work being done. But the pistol just shoots like bat out of hell, very reliable, and handles those hot self defense rounds better than any other .40 I've ever owned. It's been an incredibly great pistol. I haven't replaced any parts on it. It just rocks on. I clean it and maintain it, but man do I shoot it hard sometimes. I love to rapid fire that thing. It's an addictive shooting pistol indeed.
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