I've shot several since the 1980s all have been excellent and there used to a debate That the hungarian versions were a better steel than the Belgian versions. https://www.guns.com/news/reviews/ugly-guns-welcome-the-feg-hi-power-just-wont-quit Wayne novak used to modify them.
That reminds me that you really need to handle any of the handguns you are looking at prior to purchasing.
I have an itch for a 5.7 but trying to locate a shop here that has one or at least a different breed than other places is troublesome.
It's a longer grip but if you got decent sized paws it's no issue. I have an OG FN Mkii and a Ruger version. The FN fills the hand better but to me the ruger has a better angle. I am able to shoot both of them acceptably by my own standards. The new FN fiveseven is pretty handsome to my eyes. I'm sniffing one of their 509's to replace my FNS9 (my go to pistol if I really need one, but cannot mount a can to it which makes me sad ).
EFK does make them upon request. ~$250 said and done. The 509 is supposed to be progression/improvement on the FNS platform which I really like. I need to lay hands to one to see if it still feels the same. Magazines interchange a bit 509 mags will work in the FNS but not viceversa for whatever reasons. A $250 'discount' brings the 509 within reasonable reach.
Holsters. I got a few pistols I need to buy dedicated holsters for. I'm a OWB guy and mostly traditional. Materials don't matter so long as functional. I have simple Uncle Mike's Nylons, Blackhawk CQC and a couple kydex from Safariland. 2 Keltecs, a TX22, CZ P-10C are needing holsters. Also hunting a leather cross draw for a S&W 6". What brands/styles do you hoarders like?
Cheaper than the knockoff version I bought. $13.50 with code. Do recommend these for optic mounting after using. .com/dp/B0B5HDBVW9?tag=apps47-20&th=1 (www.amazon)
I have one & like it. My son was skeptical of it but really likes it after using it. Mine is a Wheeler. I did have to add a drop of super glue to the vial/bubble tube to keep it from moving after it made a trip to the linoleum.
I need to acquire some holsters as well, I will be looking for a leather holster or two. The one on the left came with my Hellcat but I put a Viridian on it so that doesn’t get used. The one on the right is for my m&p & I like it. I prefer owb when I carry as well.
Bianchi 111 is emerging as a contender for the Smith. I'm POed at myself right now for not buying a Diamond D when they were available in cross draw. I still want their chest rig though. Gotta have a 6" barrel here to shoot at deers with. 6" or longer barrels present issues when drawing. I want a cross so I don't need a drop for strong carry.
In '23, my dad bought a S&W Governor (his first pistol...he's never been into pistols). He was dead set that he wanted a cross draw holster, like someone he used to watch on tv/movies... So I found him one for Christmas from Craft. It seems well made and I think he likes it. Not sure if they have one for a 6" barrel.
Something often not considered is a seated position, such as in a UTV. Cross draw gonna be way more accomodating. The internet gurus say the Bianchi is the one. I did find another but it's cut a little different on top than what I'm used to seeing. I do need to look at Desantis real quick but if they have one it'll be $200. I keep hitting this wall. Having an extra round in the cylinder seems to be more common in the 4".
Cross Draw Holster | Craft Holsters® This is the one I got him for the Gov. When I look at the pistol list, I don't see anything 6" right off....but they do list the S&W 350 7.5"....so they might could come up with something....
Got our approval e-mail from the guberment yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised it only took 5-1/2 weeks with the holidays & change in leadership going on. I figured we were destined to wait 6-8 months. Apparently the atf & fbi are still functioning.
Set up a NFA Gun Trust & bought some other goodies that fall under the NFA umbrella. We went in on Dec. 26 & I got the notification yesterday. The shop we went to did the photo op there. We just had to drive down the street to a bank to have a notary witness & sign as well. If I would been the only one on the trust it likely would have taken less time for approval but we just got all that out of the way at once.