Please Help: SR9 vs. FNP-9 vs SR9C

[MoBait]

I can only afford one of these pistols for now and need your opinion to help me decide which to buy.

There are three purposes the weapon will serve. Primarily, a HD sidearm for my mossy 500. Secondly, sidearm for hunting. And thirdly, for a SHTF situation.

SR9:
I like the trigger pull and the ergonomics are good. Sights are fast and the safety can be disengaged reliably. The price is good ($430)

FNP-9:
The sights are nice, the lightest full size pistol I have held. The grip is thicker, however, I can get a good purchase on it. DA and SA trigger pulls are nice. Decocker and slide release are in the right place for me (as opposed to sig). Mag release should have more relief (training issue). The magazine didn't fall free like all the other quality guns I have used (this might be a deal breaker). Price is at the top of my budget ($510).

SR9C:
Seems to fit better than the full size Ruger, however, the follow up shots will probably be slower. Concealable for hunting and SHTF situations. Compatible with SR9 mags. Price is $420.

If you guys have any suggestions other than Glock, M&P or XD in this price range let me know.

Thanks

[ZombieTactics]

The FNP9 is a very good gun, as are the Ruger SR series. I am bothered by what I consider a less than optimal manual-of-arms on the ... most notably the fact that the decocker operates in a sweep-down motion, which is more typically the mechanics of disengaging a 1911 style safety. Check out the safety/decocker operation for yourself, and then the simpler (IMHO) operation on the Ruger, and see which you prefer. Consider also the DA/SA trigger of the FNP vs. the SA-only trigger on the Ruger. I like an SA better myself, but it's going to be YOUR gun, so go with what you prefer.

[DannyZRC]

My opinion is that DA/SA is preferred to SAO style guns, but having said that I think your post seems to indicate the SR9 being a better fit for you.

the SR9 description reads "it's good and I like it"

the FNP reads "well, I don't really like this that much but I'm trying to sell myself on it".

don't sell yourself on stuff, go with what works and what feels right.

ZombieTactics, most decockers sweep down for decock [berettas, sigs(the qunitissential DA/SA), USPs]

I'd recommend that you ignore folks that tell you to treat the SR9 as a glock and just leave the safety in the fire position, and to instead conscientiously use the safety whenever you practice with the gun.

[MoBait]

Zombie: I actually like the operation of the decocker on the FNP. Both guns have good triggers, so I can get used to either of the two trigger types with training. The only problem I have with the FNP is that the magazine did not fall free. I was wondering is this is normal or just an issue with the display model I fondled.

Danny: I think you got the right impression, I like the FNP a lot since it has a similar design to a Sig. And I always use the safeties when available on a weapon. I figure it's best to use the safety since you never know when it might have been inadvertently turned on.

[ZombieTactics]

...ZombieTactics, most decockers sweep down for decock [berettas, sigs(the qunitissential DA/SA), USPs]

Yep, and I don't like them, lol. Just my pref, nothing more. Those are all great guns, I just don't dig decockers.

recommend that you ignore folks that tell you to treat the SR9 as a glock and just leave the safety in the fire position, and to instead conscientiously use the safety whenever you practice with the gun.

Agreed. You should ALWAYS train with the complete manual of arms of whatever gun you have. Anything else is asking for a visit from Mr. Murphy and his famous law.

[NoJoke]

I'll vote SR9c

[CarlozRossi]

SR9c. You won't regret it. I shoot my sr9c better than my bro's full size.

[caldude]

While the SR9 feels really good, mine has a horrible trigger. I haven't tried an SR9c, which is supposed to have a better trigger. I just DROSed an FNP-9 today, so I haven't shot it yet, but in dry firing, the trigger feels MUCH better than my SR9.

[Jimmy310]

Mo, if you like the fnp check out the Sig SP2022 if you get a chance. I really like mine and you get a great gun for $400 brand new.

[Diamondback68]

We have 2 SR9s which have a couple thousand rounds through each of them. Only 2 FTF from Wallymart white box but otherwise flawless. Eats any ammo. I agree with the trigger comments but I have gotten used to it. I really like the SR9c and will buy one of those next. I do not like the pull on the LC9 at all.

[Rotting]

I've been saying this for quite a while--the FNP series are great pistols that have "flown under the radar" for a few years now. I absolutely love mine (I have a 40 and a 9). You absolutely will not be disappointed with the FNP if you go that route. Can't speak on the SR9, but I'd imagine you'd like that one too!

[EXTREMEOPS1]

FNP 9 all the way

I've been saying this for quite a while--the FNP series are great pistols that have "flown under the radar" for a few years now. I absolutely love mine (I have a 40 and a 9). You absolutely will not be disappointed with the FNP if you go that route. Can't speak on the SR9, but I'd imagine you'd like that one too!

A glock beater in my hands Sorry Glock owners

[MoBait]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I handled all three pistols again, as well as the M&P 9 and the FNH actually filled my hand better than the other 3. I feel it has the best trigger between the 4 and I like the DA system more than a striker fire system. The price was a selling point too. The only problem is that the magazine would not fall free for me on three different FNP-9s, no problem with the FNP-40 though. It will not fall when I have pressure on the backstrap of the gun (doing a normal mag change), seems worse with the slide locked back. Anyone have experience with this? Now I have to wait till 13:58, May 7. Can't wait to grind off that ambidextrous decocker

[DannyZRC]

why on god's green earth would you grind off the lefty decocker?

congrats on your entrance into 10 day hell!

[Lead Waster]

Personally I really like the trigger on my buddy's FNP9.

Is "drop free" really that important?