FN FNX-45
Posted May 19, 2023
The FN FNX-45 is a pistol is a highly regarded and sought after handgun in the world of modern firearms. While primarily marketed as being designed for military and law enforcement applications, the FNX-45 has quickly become popular with civilian shooters looking for a reliable all-purpose pistol ideal for sport shooting, target practice, as well as home defense. The FNX-45 features a durable polymer frame, and a cold-hammer-forged stainless steel barrel with polygonal rifling, making it an exceptionally robust choice for a diverse set of applications. The pistol also boasts a host of user-controlled features that allow for a highly customizable shooting setup to suit the shooter’s particular needs and preferences. Unlike many of its competitors, the FNX-45 comes with three interchangeable backstraps that allow for a great deal of customization of the pistol grip size—patented by FN—so that the pistol can be tailored to fit different user’s hands. Additionally, the FNX-45 comes with an ambidextrous manual safety & decocker, as well as an ambidextrous magazine release.
One of the most touted qualities of the FNX-45 is its accuracy. Thanks to the cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel, and the polygonal rifling, the FNX-45 is said to be one of the most accurate handguns on the market. The barrel that comes stock with the FNX-45 is measured specifically to get the most out of the ammunition that it is firing, making this handgun particularly adept at delivering consistently accurate results at both short and longer ranges. Additionally, the slide-action of the FNX-45 is exceptionally smooth and reliable; the slide-action is noticeably more precise and reliable than other comparable 1911-style pistols, making it a surefire choice for long hours of target practice.
The FNX-45 is also a highly ergonomic design. As mentioned previously, the interchangeable backstraps allow for size adjustments for users with different hands. Furthermore, the pistol also features an adjustable palm-swell grip, which gives additional ergonomic comfort for extended target practice. The FNX-45 also features an oversized trigger guard that enables a shooter to dress in warm weather gear while still maintaining a comfortable grip on the gun. This oversized trigger guard also allows for an easier time holstering and unholstering the pistol. Lastly, the slide-action of the FNX-45 has been designed to be as low friction as possible, allowing for an exceptionally smooth action, even at slower speeds. This design attention can be noticed during normal use, providing a much crisper and smoother slide-action than many of its competitors.
Another major advantage of the FNX-45 is its high-capacity magazine. The FNX-45’s standard magazine holds up to 15 rounds, which is higher than the standard magazine capacity of most other handguns. Furthermore, FN’s magazines are constructed with exceptional quality, and are able to withstand the rigors of frequent extended use. This is a factor that makes the FNX-45 a desirable option for law enforcement and military applications, as well as for social/sport shooting. In addition to the standard 15-round magazine, FNX-45 owners have the option of purchasing extended magazines from FN, which have a capacity of up to 21 rounds.
The FNX-45 is a great choice for shooters who are looking for a highly reliable, robust handgun. The combination of the cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel and polygonal rifling makes this pistol exceptionally accurate, and the interchangeable backstraps allow the user to find the most comfortable size and ergonomic form for their particular needs. The FNX-45 is also a great choice for extended target practice, given its smooth slide-action and capacity to withstand the rigors of frequent extended use. Finally, with its large magazine capacity, the FNX-45 is an ideal choice for users who want a reliable handgun capable of putting a large amount of rounds on target quickly. Overall, the FNX-45 is an excellent choice for shooters seeking a highly reliable, durable, and accurate handgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent accuracy and reliability.
- High capacity, 15-round magazine.
- Polymer frame is lightweight and durable.
- Ambidextrous controls make the pistol suitable for both left and right-handers.
- Recoil is manageable due to its low bore axis.
- The pistol offers a wide variety of customization options.
- Ergonomic design and textured grip make it easy to hold and fire.
- Available in a wide array of colors and camouflages.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other pistols on the market.
- No manual safety, though the gun's de-cocking lever provides an additional layer of safety.
- Long trigger pull can make accuracy difficult.
- Magazine release is hard to reach.
- Vertical grip preference due to ergonomic design of the pistol.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a reliable, accurate and easy to use handgun should definitely consider the FN FNX-45. It is a good choice for beginners as well as experienced shooters. It is also well-suited for competition shooting, self-defense, and hunting.
On the other hand, those who prefer simpler, more traditional handguns may not want the FN FNX-45. It is a modern design that includes several technological features such as three-dot tritium sights, an adjustable rear sight, an ambidextrous safety/decocking lever, and deep and serrated slide serrations. These features are great for many shooters, but may be unnecessary for those looking for a simpler handgun.
Comparisons
| Gun | Caliber | Capacity | Weight (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FN FNX-45 | .45 ACP | 15+1 | 28.2 |
| FN 509 | 9mm | 17+1 | 26.9 |
| Glock 21 | .45 ACP | 13+1 | 25.6 |
| Springfield Armory XD-45 | .45 ACP | 13+1 | 28.5 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P45 | .45 ACP | 10+1 | 24.0 |
Features / Specs
• Calibre: .45 ACP
• Action: DA/SA
• Barrel Length: 4.5”
• Capacity: 15+1
• Construction: Stainless Steel Slide & Barrel, Polymer Frame
• Finish: Matte Black
• Weight: 35.2 oz.
• Safety: Manual Safety, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Block & Trigger Safety
• Sights: Fixed 3-Dot Sight System
• Accessories: Hard Case, Lock, Guide Rod, (2) Magazines
Popular Accessories
Tactical?
- Optics: Red Dot Sights, Scopes, Night Vision or Thermal Optics, Laser Sights
- Holsters: Inside The Waistband, Outside The Waistband, Shoulder, and Ankle
- Magazines: Standard Capacity and Extended Base Plates
- Grips: Customizable Backstraps, Textured Polymer, Replaceable Palm Swells
- Tuned Triggers: Flat Faced, Curved Face, Optimized Glock Trigger
- Suppressor Ready Threaded Barrels
- Weapon Lights: LED Tactical Weapon Lights, Lasers
- QD Sling Mounts
- Grips and Forends: Vertical Fore Grips, Hand Stops
- Ambidextrous magazine and slide release controls.
Accuracy
The FNX-45 is an extremely accurate pistol. It features three-dot sights and a long, 5.3 inch cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel. The barrel is highly polished, providing superb accuracy and a match grade trigger. The trigger features an adjustable pre-travel stop and a short reset. This allows for precise shooting, reducing the time it takes to make accurate shots. Additionally, the FNX-45 comes with a Picatinny rail allowing for the addition of optics, lasers, and lights. All of this ensures that the FNX-45 can maintain tight shot groupings when zeroed in at typical defensive ranges.
