FNP USG, G-21, S&W M&P, SA XDm Which Polymer .45 ACP?

[CZ57]

I chose the SA XDm. It came down to it, and the FNP USG. These pistols are all within $100 in price so I didn't include the H&K. The XDm is trimmer than the FNP. The XDm's Match Grade Conventionally rifled Barrel and interchangeable backstraps were what did it for me along with easy upgrades. I installed a solid stainless guide rod that adds 2+ oz. up front and I also added the Match Easy Target trigger kit from Powder River Precision. This pistol now shoots handloads under 1" for 5 shot rested groups @ 50' with a trigger that's about 4 pounds in pull weight. I always liked the G-21 and the G-30 but the interchangeable backstraps that come with the XDm as well as the three dot sights I much prefer to Glock's allow the XDm to fit my hand and eyes perfectly with the #2 (medium) backstrap. At $550 - $650 which would you choose.

 

[Miami_JBT]

This is a tough one.... I currently own a FNP-45 USG and a S&W M&P 45. I owned a Gen 2 GLOCK 21 and then replaced it with a Gen 3 GLOCK 21 and got rid of that because of a killer trade for a S&W N-Frame in .44-40. Like that cartridge and I like S&W wheel guns. I could always get another GLOCK 21 for cheap since I qualify under their LEO discount.

My FNP-45 is my "GO TO" .45 ACP. Thing is no bigger then my Beretta 92FS and I love it. I got the S&W M&P 45 because I'm a big S&W fan. It's a might fine striker fired pistol. It gives GLOCK a run for their money.

I'm not a XD fan..... to many safeties.

In the end I'd say get both the FN and the S&W. But you went with the XDM.... those at least look better then the regular XDs.

In the end though.... if I could find a S&W 4566TSW I'd be happy as a pig in mud.

Tell me that doesn't scream NICE.

 

[CZ57]

Keep an eye on CDNN as they have Smith .45 trade ins fairly regularly. I wouldn't mine owning one myself!

 

[Jim PHL]

Based on spending way too much time researching all kinds of guns through all kinds of sites, forums and yes, even actually talking to real people and shooting some real guns, I actually believe most or all of the current pistol designs are close to equal in accuracy and reliability. It truly is a matter of which one fits you best and which one you like the most.
If you like it, shoot it well and it feeds reliably, you made a great deal on a great gun.
FWIW, I did shoot a few mags through a friend's XD45 (the original model, not the XDm) and was impressed by how easily I made good hits with it from the first time I ever laid a hand on it.

 

[2ndamd]

Good luck with your poll.
I just did a similar poll a few weeks ago and it was almost a deadheat.:banghead:

Here is a link: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=562155

I went to the LGS to rent and try them all out. I liked them all. I even shot a Ruger P345 that I really liked. A few days ago I went to the LGS to make a purchase of the Ruger P345. But, they were sold out and they had a G21sf with night sights, barley used (lnib) for super cheap and I bought it instead.

If they had an XDm or M&P for a similar price? I would have bought them as well. These three striker fired 45's are good guns.

I have no experience with the FNP

 

[Miami_JBT]

Love my FNP-45 USG..... it's everything I've wanted in a TDA .45 ACP gun. Light weight, low recoil due to a lower bore axis, and a capacity of 15+1.

 

[Badger1911]

Congrats on your choice and your new purchase. Personally, I probably would have gone with a G21SF...or perhaps even waited a bit longer for the Gen4 G21. A Gen4 G21 would have given you the option of interchangeable backstraps, and other upgrades such as three dot night sights and steel guide rods would have also been easily available.

In the end, its all a matter of what suits you the best. I'm just thankful that we live where we can have so many options!

 

[gearhead]

I chose the SA XDm. It came down to it, and the FNP USG. These pistols are all within $100 in price so I didn't include the H&K. The XDm is trimmer than the FNP. The XDm's Match Grade Conventionally rifled Barrel and interchangeable backstraps were what did it for me along with easy upgrades. I installed a solid stainless guide rod that adds 2+ oz. up front and I also added the Match Easy Target trigger kit from Powder River Precision. This pistol now shoots handloads under 1" for 5 shot rested groups @ 50' with a trigger that's about 4 pounds in pull weight. I always liked the G-21 and the G-30 but the interchangeable backstraps that come with the XDm as well as the three dot sights I much prefer to Glock's allow the XDm to fit my hand and eyes perfectly with the #2 (medium) backstrap. At $550 - $650 which would you choose.

For what it's worth, the FNP barrel is probably at least as good as the "match grade" barrel on the XDm. They're hammer forged on the same equipment that produces the 1 MOA barrels for the Winchester Model 70 rifle. I agree with you on size, but the FNP-45 just fits my hand so well and handles recoil so well. I just wish it didn't have problems eating WWB when the ammo runs outside the SAAMI standard for length, it doesn't like ammo that's loaded too long. Eats everything else, though.

 

[CZ57]

I read about some function problems at the FN forum and this played into my thinking. Same thing with the XD shooting 200 gr. SWCs. One reason I went with the XDm vs. an XD TAC. All in all the FNP .45 Seems like an excellent pistol.