Take a closer look at both sides as typically only one is fully engaged and the other has a slight gap.

The FNH pistols tend to do better with a grab the slide and drop (aka slingshot) method.

 

I did notice that there is a slight gap between the slide and the right side button when the slide is pulled back. The. Left side button (which works fine) is touching the slide when it is pulled back. I was thinking something might be wrong with the slide since the right side doesn't touch the button when it is pulled back.

I had rented an fns-9 at the local range prior to purchasing the pistol and didn't have this problem with it, so I guess I wasn't expecting this to happen with the new one I just purchased.

 

From what I'm reading, nothing appears as an issue. Keep in mind the range gun has been broken-in.

Take the slide off and inspect the slide stop mechanism. The general appearance should be a U-shaped formed metal piece with a single pivot.

Put a drop of lube on the pivot. I prefer to use dry type lubricants in the frame.

Put some oil or CLP on the slide where the slide stop contacts and on the slide stop tabs. Doesn't take too much.

 

FN does recommend sling shotting the slide

The right side has a gap by design. Not a huge fan of that, but it's not a big deal for me either as I'm right handed for one, and sling shot the slide

 

Thank you for the input. I'll try the lubrication and start fringe some rounds through it.

 

Been having the same issue. Im left handed and can release the slide easy as can be when holding it right handed (Right thumb on left slide stop). However using my left hand (left thumb on right side slide stop)to release it takes alot of pressure and more often than not I cannot get it to release.
Ive confirmed this with 4 seperate people. Im 700 rounds into the gun so far. If its not fixed by 2000 rounds and some lube, I figure ill call FN

 

Haven't tried with my FNS yet, but with my HK P2000, right handed or left handed, if I don't use the sling shot (ingrained in my by 15 years on the job), I use my thumb and trigger finger to push down on the slide stop levers. Works everytime with my HK. I will have to try it with my FNS the next time I'm on the range. (I'm right handed, but I shoot alot with my left hand as well, hey, why not, the city pays for the ammo)

 

I could definitely see how this would be an issue for left-handers who like to slide the first round home using the slide lock after inserting a fresh magazine. In three trips to the range with my FNS 9 I found that personally I like to use the sling shot method. That is not to say that I don't see the application of using the slide lock to chamber the first round, because having a hand free in a firefight would prove invaluable. I also wanted to add that there is a small gap between the frame and slide lock on the right side of my FNS when the slide lock is engaged. Therefor this is definitely either intentional by design, or a flaw that is on many FNS'.

 

I also wanted to add that there is a small gap between the frame and slide lock on the right side of my FNS when the slide lock is engaged. Therefor this is definitely either intentional by design, or a flaw that is on many FNS'.

FN has stated that it is an intentional design on the FNX when it came out. That translates to the FNS (as some design similarities were taken from the FNX)

 

Thanks djv. I can definitely see why this would be intentional in the design, but can also see why left-handers would be upset finding out the "ambi" slide lock is nearly impossible to disengage on the right side of the firearm.

 

Bought a NIB FNS 9 this month specifically for the full ambi feature. Everything works great for a left-handed shooter except the slide release. The problem is exactly as described in this thread. I have about 500 rounds through it and have lubricated the slide release mechanism. The problem is unchanged and, frankly, it feels like a mechanical problem. Occasionally with great thumb effort, the release will break free and let the slide close. Other times, nothing will cause it to release the slide. Another couple hundred rounds and it goes back to FNH.

 

I have seen this same issue with S&W M&P pistols, it will improve with rounds. I will give this a try tomorrow on some of the FNS pistols we have at work and see if it is consistent.

 

The new guns and low round count guns are tuff to release from the ejection port side - slide release. The guns with a 1000 rounds or more all release with no problems.

 

Yup. Mine was tight when I got it. Works just as well as the primary on the left, now.

 

im left handed and have not had an issue with my slide.

 

I am right handed and hav no problem. But did rack the slide to see the other side and mine has a gap too. I'm only about 500 rounds through mine and yes nearly impossible to release the slide from the right side.

 

I too am LH, but as habit don't slingshot my slides on any handgun I won.

 

I was under the impression that using the slide lock as a slide release would do damage to the gun over time. any official communication from fn?

 

I don't believe you're going to do any damage. But as you said it is a slide lock/stop. Unless you're shooting 1 handed because your off hand has been taken out of the fight (for whatever reason) i don't see any reason to use the slide stop to send the slide forward. Pretty much every class i've ever taken has discouraged the use of the slide stop unless necessary.

another reason (although i know it can be rare) is by using the slide stop to release the slide, you're technically not using all of the recoil spring's potential energy. This can lead to failure and the pistol may not feed correctly or come all the way into battery.

Take that for what it is.

 

. . . With the slide back I pushed the left slide engage, and the slide moved forward no problem. When I tried to repeat the process with the right slide engage, I couldn't get the slide to move forward. . .

Welcome to the forum!

I bought a new FNS9-LS a few weeks back and have put 600 rounds through it. I just checked mine: with the mag removed, it releases easily from either side. With an empty mag inserted, it releases more easily from the left side, but I can also release it from the right side. I shoot right-handed, but usually sling-shot the slide to close it.

The trigger has smoothed out and the gritty pre-travel is gone. I did lightly polish the top of the striker block plunger and the corresponding lever in the frame, spray some cleaner into the action and then liberally spray some Break-Free. The break is between 6 and 6.25#. I switched to the straight back-strap and just slipped on a Pachmayr Tactical Grip Glove: the one for the XD works pretty well and doesn't change the circumference near the Beavertail too much.