First Impressions of FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity for a popular and reliable compact handgun. This magazine aims to bridge the gap between concealed carry convenience and the firepower needed for defensive situations. I was initially drawn to this magazine because I wanted to enhance the capabilities of my FNS Compact without sacrificing too much in terms of concealability.
I’ve been running the standard 12-round magazines in my FNS Compact for years. While adequate, I’ve often felt a desire for a few extra rounds, especially for home defense or when traveling. The FN America magazine seemed like the perfect solution: a slight extension in grip length for a substantial increase in capacity.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The darkened steel body had a clean, polished look, and the flat dark earth base pad provided a subtle but welcome contrast. It was reassuring to see the FN America logo stamped clearly on the side, indicating genuine factory quality.
Compared to aftermarket options, I chose the FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine for its guaranteed compatibility and reputation for reliability. Generic magazines can be hit-or-miss, and I wasn’t willing to risk malfunctions with my carry pistol. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if it would live up to the promise of increased capacity without compromising reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local shooting range. I wanted to test its functionality and reliability in a controlled environment before trusting it for everyday carry. The weather was typical for a spring afternoon – slightly overcast with a light breeze.
Loading the magazine to its full 17-round capacity took a bit of effort, especially towards the end. However, once loaded, it seated positively in my FNS Compact with a reassuring “click.” Throughout the first 100 rounds, the magazine fed flawlessly with no malfunctions whatsoever.
The slightly extended grip provided by the 17-round magazine was surprisingly comfortable and offered a more secure hold on the pistol. I didn’t experience any issues with the magazine interfering with my draw or overall handling. After the first range session, I felt confident that the FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine was a viable upgrade.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, using a variety of 9mm ammunition, including FMJ, JHP, and even some +P rounds. The magazine has consistently fed smoothly and without any issues.
Durability has also been impressive. Despite frequent loading, unloading, and handling, there are no noticeable signs of wear and tear. The darkened steel body has resisted scratches and corrosion, and the flat dark earth base pad remains securely attached.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each range session, I simply wipe down the magazine with a clean cloth and occasionally disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning and lubrication. Compared to some of the cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, the FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a clear step up in terms of both performance and durability. This magazine has definitely exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the FN FNS Compact pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. It boasts a 17-round capacity, significantly increasing the firepower of the standard compact pistol. The magazine body is constructed from durable stainless steel, offering excellent resistance to corrosion and wear.
It features a low-friction follower, which ensures smooth and reliable feeding of ammunition. The magazine is finished with a flat dark earth base pad, providing a secure grip during magazine changes. FN America is the manufacturer. The color is black.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring the magazine’s reliability and longevity. The higher capacity offers a tactical advantage in defensive situations, while the stainless steel construction and low-friction follower contribute to consistent performance. The flat dark earth base pad is a practical addition that enhances grip and facilitates easier magazine extraction.
Performance & Functionality
The FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs exceptionally well, delivering consistent and reliable feeding. I’ve experienced no failures to feed, double feeds, or any other malfunctions during my testing. The magazine seats easily and securely, and the ammunition feeds smoothly into the chamber.
One of the strengths of this magazine is its ability to maintain consistent performance even when fully loaded. Some extended magazines can become sluggish or unreliable when filled to their maximum capacity, but the FN America magazine functions flawlessly regardless of the number of rounds. The only minor point for improvement would be making the magazine a little easier to load to its full capacity, especially the last few rounds. It definitely meets my expectations, offering a significant increase in capacity without sacrificing reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is excellent. The stainless steel construction feels robust and durable, and the magazine’s weight is well-balanced. The flat dark earth base pad is a comfortable and practical addition, providing a secure grip and adding a touch of visual appeal.
The magazine’s design is user-friendly, with no sharp edges or awkward angles. There’s no significant learning curve. It’s a simple and intuitive design that works seamlessly with the FNS Compact pistol.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, the FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is expected to last for many years with proper care. The magazine shows no signs of wear and tear after months of regular use. The finish is resistant to scratches and corrosion, and the base pad remains securely attached.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning and lubrication is easy, and all the parts are readily accessible. I’m confident that this magazine will provide many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories beyond the standard flat dark earth base pad. The magazine is primarily designed to be a direct replacement for the standard capacity magazine, and there are no readily available aftermarket customization options. However, the base pad could theoretically be swapped out with aftermarket options if desired, though this isn’t commonly done.
It’s fully compatible with any accessories designed for the FNS Compact pistol, such as holsters and magazine pouches. The slightly extended length of the 17-round magazine may require some adjustments to holster fit, but it generally works well with most standard holsters designed for compact pistols.
Pros and Cons of FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Significantly increases the round count from the standard magazine.
- Reliable Feeding: Consistent and dependable performance with various types of ammunition.
- Durable Construction: Stainless steel body and robust base pad for long-lasting use.
- Enhanced Grip: The extended base pad provides a more secure and comfortable grip.
- Genuine Factory Quality: Guaranteed compatibility and reliability as an FN America product.
Cons
- Loading to full capacity can be a bit difficult, especially the last few rounds.
- Slightly longer than the standard magazine, which may affect concealability for some users.
Who Should Buy FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for FNS Compact owners who want to increase their firearm’s capacity for home defense or range use. It’s also well-suited for law enforcement officers or security professionals who carry the FNS Compact as a backup weapon. It could also benefit competitive shooters in divisions where magazine capacity isn’t heavily restricted.
This product might not be ideal for individuals who prioritize maximum concealability above all else. The slightly extended length of the 17-round magazine may make it more challenging to conceal in certain carry positions.
Must-have accessories for use with this magazine include a quality holster that can accommodate the slightly longer grip. Having a reliable magazine loader can make the loading process easier, especially when filling the magazine to its full capacity.
Conclusion on FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The FN America FN FNS Compact 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a worthwhile investment for any FNS Compact owner seeking to enhance their firearm’s capabilities. Its increased capacity, reliable feeding, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any defensive or range setup. The price is justified by the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a genuine FN America product that will perform consistently.
I would definitely recommend this magazine to anyone looking to upgrade their FNS Compact. It delivers on its promises and provides a significant increase in firepower without sacrificing reliability. Upgrade your FNS Compact today and experience the confidence that comes with increased capacity and unwavering performance!