FN 45 - will it hold up?

[Fat Boy]

From a guy who asks lots of questions about various firearms-here comes one more-

The local shop has an FNP 45 acp- This gun fits my hand well- I like a lot that I have read about it; the grip frame mimic's the 1911, it can be carried condition 1 or otherwise, it is a lightweight, hammered gun, several other positives.

In looking at it, the trigger seemed a bit, well flimsy- plastic and looked like it might break fairly easily.

Also, I am wondering about the durability factor- how would this gun compare to, say a Glock or HK in terms of durability?

I appreciate your thoughts!

 

[rcmodel]

Historically, FNH or FN-USA has not made very many flimsy guns that fall apart prematurely. They are one of three major suppliers of small arms for the U.S. military.
The other two are Colt and Beretta.

The fabled Glock of Internet lore has a flimsy plastic trigger too.

I don't know the first thing about a FN-USA FNP .45, other then I would expect it to be at least as durable as any other major brand firearm made by a manufacture with U.S. military contracts.

That ain't making any money or building a reputation repairing broken guns they sell to civilians.

rc

 

[Mot45acp]

Its one of the few hand guns that use a hammer forged barrel.

 

[Fishbed77]

In looking at it, the trigger seemed a bit, well flimsy- plastic and looked like it might break fairly easily.

I'm guessing you've never handled a S&W M&P.

 

[jmr40]

I had one for a while. I liked it a lot, and see no reason it wouldn't hold up just as well as any other plastic gun. All of the plastic guns made by the better companies are proving to be very reliable in the long tem. Glocks have the longest track record, with many guns working for 20+ years and some with 300,000+ rounds through them. I see no reason not to expect the same from FN, XD, Ruger, or S&W. It comes down to the features most important to you.

I sold my FN. Not because I didn't like it, it was a fine pistol that I'd highly recommend. But when it came down to it I liked and shot the Glock better. But lots of other guys shoot other guns better.

 

[Fat Boy]

Thanks for the rapid responses- I have handled and shot the S&W m&p- never really thought about the trigger other than that it seemed to be "broken" in the middle...

 

[nwilliams]

FN certainly doesn't make crap. My daily carry is an FNX-9 and I absolutely love it!

I've always believed that the FNP/FNX and now FNS line of handguns are often overlooked by a lot of people who are looking for a good reliable handgun and it's too bad because they are excellent firearms.

Good article on the FNP-45 here....
http://www.gunblast.com/fnp45.htm

One of the best of these new pistols is the FNP-45 from Fabrique Nationale Herstal, or FNH. Made in South Carolina at the FNH-USA manufacturing facility, it is a robust, full-sized fighting pistol. FNH claims that seventy percent of the small arms used by the US Military are FNH products. I do not doubt this, as FNH makes some of the best machines guns currently in use world-wide.

 

[powder]

FNP 45 is rock solid, no worries. How much?

 

[Okiegunner]

You should be fine. FN has long been known for quality.

Even the venerable Beretta 92 platform switched to polymer guiderods and triggers.

 

[Jim Watson]

Saw my first one in action yesterday. It fed, fired, functioned and hit the target. An afternoon club IDPA match did not say anything about durability, but I bet it holds up just fine.

 

[barnbwt]

I know the FNP tacticals come with the slide milling for mounting a low-set RMR reflex sight, and a threaded barrel for a can. Pretty cool options for a factory-fresh gun. I just don't have 1k$ laying around for a new poly pistol like I used to . I may be wrong, but I believe the FNP has been around for a while, updated here and there, so it has some proof of history.

I believe the FNP/FNX were/are both competing for all sorts of service contracts, the same as Beretta, Glock, Hk, Sig, S&W, Ruger, and anyone else of importance. Honestly, the controls and grip shape are the only real defining characteristics between them, and for me the PX4-45 wins that by a good margin, followed by the FNP-45 (ever so slightly boxier grip).

TCB

 

[mes228]

FN

The FN Tactical with Trijicon RMR is an incredibly good pistol. If FN ever wises up and does the slide mods on other models. To accept the Trijicon RMR or similar Red Dot I would buy another in a heart beat. The only down side to the FN Tactical Trijicon combo is the size. It's a BIG pistol that absolutely out shoots anything I've owned or even seen. The RMR takes the pistol to a higher level of function and usability. My Custom 1911's may be as accurate but it's impossible for me to shoot them as accurately. Just my opinion and your mileage may vary.

 

[WC145]

I've been carrying my new Trijicon RMR equipped FNP45T on the job since spring and it is the best duty gun I've ever had. It has everything you could ask for in a duty piece - 15+1 .45ACP, DA/SA or cocked & locked carry, decocker, ambi-everything, night sights, optics ready slide, light rail, accurate, 100% reliable regardless of ammo - also it weighs less loaded with 16rds of 230gr .45 than a steel 1911 loaded with 9rds of the same ammo and it's still rugged as all get out. I'll carry this gun until I retire.