FN's Forgotten Police Pistol: The Forty-Nine

Published on August 26, 2020
Duration: 12:16

This review of the FN 49, a forgotten 90s polymer-framed pistol chambered in .40 S&W and 9mm, highlights its double-action-only trigger and less-than-ideal ergonomics. Despite a heavy trigger, the reviewer found it surprisingly accurate in slow fire compared to the Smith & Wesson Sigma SW40F, though less controllable in rapid fire. The FN 49 is noted for its proprietary accessory rail and a grip design that can lead to finger pinching during magazine insertion.

Quick Summary

The FN 49 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol from FN, introduced around 2000. It features a double-action-only trigger, available in .40 S&W and 9mm. While surprisingly accurate in slow fire due to its sights and predictable trigger, its heavy DAO pull, less comfortable ergonomics, and potential for finger pinching during magazine insertion make it a less desirable option for police or general use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the FN 49
  2. 00:38FN 49: History and Design
  3. 01:04Double Action Only Trigger Explained
  4. 01:37Calibers and Naming Convention
  5. 01:52FN 49: Size and Magazine Capacity
  6. 02:03Controls and Safety Features
  7. 02:42Ergonomics and Grip Issues
  8. 03:33Magazine Insertion Pinch Hazard
  9. 03:57Sights and Trigger Comparison
  10. 04:08Slow Fire Accuracy Test: FN 49 vs. Sigma
  11. 04:44Trigger and Sight Analysis
  12. 05:07Rapid Fire Considerations
  13. 05:20FN 49 Disassembly
  14. 06:13Grip Shape and Control in Rapid Fire
  15. 07:0010 Shots 10 Yards 10 Seconds Test
  16. 07:30FN 49 Speed Test Results
  17. 08:06Sigma SW40F Speed Test Results
  18. 08:53Overall Conclusion: FN 49 is a Bad Gun
  19. 09:11FSP 5 at 5 Drill: Testing the Trigger
  20. 10:38FSP 5 at 5 Drill Results
  21. 11:04Final Verdict on the FN 49

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FN 49 pistol?

The FN 49 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol introduced by FN around the year 2000. It was FN's first modern striker-fired polymer pistol and is available in .40 S&W and 9mm, featuring a double-action-only trigger.

What are the main drawbacks of the FN 49 pistol?

The FN 49 suffers from a heavy double-action-only trigger, less comfortable ergonomics compared to contemporaries like the Glock, a tendency for the grip to feel slippery, and a design that can lead to finger pinching during magazine insertion.

How does the FN 49's trigger compare to other pistols?

The FN 49 has a double-action-only trigger that is described as very heavy and less predictable than some, though surprisingly accurate in slow fire. It's considered a significant drawback for rapid shooting compared to other designs.

Is the FN 49 a good police pistol?

Based on its performance and ergonomics, the FN 49 is generally considered a poor choice for police duty. Its heavy trigger, less comfortable grip, and overall shootability issues make it less desirable than many other options available.

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