The New FN FNX 45 -video

The newest addition to the FNX line of pistols is the .45 acp variant. Since it’s introduction at the end of last year it’s shown to be a very popular pistol.

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FN offers the FNX45 in a two-tone dark earth polymer frame and matte finish black slide made of stainless steel. The second model has a black polymer frame also with a matte black stainless slide. Another option is a threaded barrel for suppressor use. Of course the sights on this model are high profile.

The controls are fully ambidextrous. This includes the thumb safety, slide release and magazine release. This is a very handy feature for left handed shooters as well as those who practice left handed as well as right. This is always a beneficial practice.

FN provides a nice addition with three mags shipped with each pistol. Each magazine also holds 15 rounds of .45 acp. These mags are polished nickel coated with a substantially sized polymer bumper pad. The pistol is packed in a large black plastic case with plenty of room.

Stats:

FNX™-45
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Operation: DA/SA
• Sights: Fixed 3-Dot
• Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
• Weight: 33.2 oz. empty
• Width: 1.58″
• Height: 6.3″
• Barrel Length: 4.5″
• Overall Length: 7.4″
• Twist Rate: 1:16″ RH
Made in the USA

FN’s new FNX 45 is a DA/SA design with the usual long first shot trigger pull followed by a very nice single action trigger. The ambidextrous thumb safety serves as both a de-cocker as well as a manual safety like the 1911. The pistol can be carried in what we 1911 shooters call condition 1. When depressing the safety the shooter has to make sure they don’t depress it to hard or they will de-cock the pistol.

The barrel is hammer forged with a polished feed ramp. The extractor is external with a loaded chamber indicator.

A polymer-framed pistol, which is shot extensively, can actually wear out the steel frame rails. One good feature is these rails can be replaced if they do become too worn. Two grip inserts are supplied in the case so the owner can tailor the grip to their preference. With the smaller grip insert the grip amazingly comes very close to that of a Browning Hi-Power. This means it’s one nice grip that points naturally and is very comfortable. The textured grip surface also helps when the shooters hands are damp.

How does it shoot:

The answer to this is very well indeed. I carried this FN in condition 1 which gave me excellent results on the range. Ten-yard groups were right at 2 inches on average with 25-yard groups at 3 ½ inches on average. Not bad for a duty pistol.

I found the FN to be very comfortable to shoot with fairly mild recoil. I imagine this has something to with the grip angle and possibly with the barrel lockup time.

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed testing the FNX45. As I said earlier it’s comfortable to shoot. Accuracy was good. Grip texture and size as well as grip angle helped me to shoot it quickly and efficiently.

One important consideration is size. This is a true duty pistol not a CCW piece. It’s a pistol meant for duty use for law enforcement as well as military use. The civilian will find it a great pistol for home defense with that 15 round capacity of .45 acp. If you can’t stop an intruder with that many rounds of 45 you’re in trouble! Also, if you reside in an open carry state it will fit the bill nicely.

All of the pistols in the FNX line are priced competitively with Glock and other polymer pistols. It’s certainly a newer design with a good number of additional useful features lacking on many pistols of the type.

For this price, features, magazine capacity and extra mags I look at it as a great buy. I recommend anyone in the market for a polymer type pistol consider the FNX45.