Fnp 45?

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bam

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Any thoughts on the FNP 45? If you own one, how does it feel/perform?
 
My thoughts on FNP-45

I'll give you some background on myself before I tell you what I think of my FNP-45. I've likely owned somewhere around 15 different models of various 1911 platforms and still have 4 models in the safe right now. I've likely shot somewhere around 3000 rounds through the 1911 platform. The next closet caliber handgun I own 'might' have seen 500 rounds. So, I'm a decent .45ACP fan and a somewhat serious 1911 fan.

That being said, I was looking for what I call a bedside gun. Large capacity, .45ACP, manual safety controls, modest purchase price. The 1911 doesn't really fit that bill too well. I was able to purchase a FNP-45 about 18 months ago and I'm very happy that I did. I have smallish hands and even though the pistol is large, it still feels very comfortable in my hand. Shooting this pistol is a joy as it recoils softer than my 1911's and I'm getting 2 1/2" - 3" groups at 25 yards. 16 total rounds of .45ACP in this pistol is comforting.

The pistol does have some drawbacks however, but not really in regards to functioning. Some owners have reported issues with the pistol shooting their reloads, but my mine seem to function just fine. My biggest complaint is the lack of support than FN has put behind the product. It's almost like they have forgotten about it. Good luck in finding additional magazines for it and even if you do, you are not likely to find the flush-fitting 14-round magazine. If you DO find one, expect to pay between $45-$50 per magazine for either the 14 or 15-round version. Holster options are limited as are night sights. Both are available but just not in the numbers they are for some more well known pistols.

I'd still buy the pistol again if I needed to and I would not regret it. FN needs to step it up though.
 
corruptone said it perfectly. FN won't do a thing to them, not even a trigger job.
It's almost like they don't want to admit they make 'em? Great guns though; love mine.
 
I bought one. I really want to like this gun. It has all the features I want. But it just does not shoot as well as I want a gun to shoot. I had a few reliabity issues at first. I THINK they are a thing of the past now that it is broken in, but I'd never have the confidence in this gun that I would have with one that had been 100% reliable out of the box.

Mine will probably be sold or traded when the time is right.
 
I like mine.
Having 15 rounds of 45 acp in a magazine is comforting to me.
I had one fte the first time I took it out but I probably limp wristed. There is a FN forum where you could get more info on the gun.
 
I realized that what I wanted was a DA/SA high capacity .45. I wanted a combat pistol that would get the job done. I knew if I bought a 1911 I'd be opening an entire can of worms, and an expensive can that I'm just not ready for yet. Between grips, lasers, and additional magazines, I think I would have been looking at the $1000 range, even with the reasonable price of the Ruger.

Long story long, I decided to go with the FNP-45 on this go around. I got it with the shooter's pack so it came with a nice case, a somewhat cheap Bladetech paddle holster, 3 14rd magazines, a training barrel, and two backstrap options. It is DA/SA capable, has a frame mounted safety and decocker. It can be carried cocked and locked like a 1911, but with DA capability, I see no real need for that personally. It has a stainless slide and bbl, and the stainless rails in the polymer frame can be replaced for extra life. I bought it at Cabela's so it was a little over priced at $699, but only by about $50, so I can live with it. You may want to check them out if you havent. These are large guns, that hold a lot of ammo, so you should definately try one on to see if it fits your hand. I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs. with medium sized hands, and it feels good to me. If you plan to open carry, it should work great. It is a tad big to conceal though.

I took it out on Sunday and put 120 rounds through it including 20 jhp's. It was very accurate and a pleasure to shoot. My only problem with it was that it kept tossing brass on my arm, chest, right past my head, and it even hit me in the face once. I checked the FN forum and apparently this is a common issue for the first 400 rounds or so, but after that it goes away. Last night I cycled the slide vigorously 200 times. It did feel noticibly smooter after that, so I'm inclined to think the break in time is accurate.

Hey Bam, this is a segment from our private conversation, but I thought I'd post it on this thread in case it helps anyone else out too. Consequently, I have not had a chance to take my FNP out again, but I look forward to it. My Lasermax just arived today so I'm going to go mount it on the rail right now.
 
The FNP45 really impressed me also, earlier this year I was looking for a full size/hi-cap .45auto and I wasn't familiar with the FNPs but took a chance when one was offered too me in trade. And wow! I'm happy I did. The FNP is a fantastic shooter, soft recoil, easy recovery, nice SA trigger, 100% reliable(besides mag issue{see below}) and for me highly accurate. One other thing no one mentions....FN has the best factory grip stippling ever :) It is extremely positive wet or dry without being abrasive.
Mine is the USG model and came with 3 mags (2)14 rounders and a 15 rounder. The 15r has functioned perfectly but the 14's had trouble feeding WWB 230g FMJ ammo.....These rounds would hang up in the tube and stop feeding. I happen to have a large amount of this ammo in my stock so I called FN(Browning) and was told to send the mags for replacement. After 3 weeks I got a card saying my RMA is in process. After another week without the mags I called and was told they are waiting on backordered .45 mags and it could be another week or two before they have replacements....That was 3+ weeks ago now and still no mags, I will be calling again.

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