Can the FNX 45 Tactical be adapted for the Modular Trials?

Jacob Epstein Military Uncategorized

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The FNX Tactical–a solid, purpose built design.

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Can the full sized .45 be adapted to meet the multi-caliber, modular frame specifications of the new handgun trials?

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Check out the FNX-45:https://www.fnhusa.com/fnx-45-tactical/

Buy one now: /FNX

Combat handguns are breed of their own. Built for reliability and longevity, these pistols have traditionally traded luxury for functionality. Think 1911A1, Browning High Power, and Beretta M9–all extremely functional designs eventually deemed antiquated by the people who they were issued to. So what do we do with antiquated technology? We retire it, and make way for the new kid on the block.  Or–in the FNX’s case–the not-so-new kid on the block. The FNX-Tactical would make a great side arm. Do versions of it have what it takes to compete in the Modular Handgun Trials?

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Features

  • Caliber: .45 ACP
  • Operation: Double-action/Single-action
  • Magazine: 15 rds.
  • Weight: 33.3 oz. (empty)
  • Barrel Length: 5.3″(with .578×28 RH barrel end thread pattern)
  • Overall Length: 7.9″
  • Sights: Fixed 3-dot night

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Suppressor height sights and a milled top for red dots--standard.

Suppressor height sights and a milled top for red dots–standard.

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Design

The FNX-45 Tactical is built around a polymer frame. The frame has removable and (more importantly) replaceable steel rails allowing it to be kept in service for tens of thousands of rounds. The frame has interchangeable back straps which gives the shooter a pistol that they can form fit to work with their hands, big or small. The back straps are highly textured and also feature a lanyard loop. The frame has a full length 1913 rail for the addition of lights, lasers, or any other device extremely easy.

The 15 round mags have a fat pad on the bottom that helps protect them from rough mag drops.

The 15 round mags have a fat pad on the bottom that helps protect them from rough mag drops.

The slide of the dark earth FNX is constructed of Stainless steel and then coated in Cerakote. The gun also comes in black. The slide has forward and rear cocking serrations, suppressor height night sights, and removable slide plates for the addition of a micro red dot optic.

The frame mounted controls of the FNX are designed to fit the both large and small hands. Beyond being accessible, the controls are also ambidextrous. The slide stop, magazine release, safety/ Decocker are all with in reach and easily maneuvered.

Beyond its controls, the FNX-45 Tactical also sports a 5.7 inch cold hammer forged stainless steel barrel, which is also threaded. The barrel provides both superb accuracy and functionality.

Created as an evolution of the extremely similar FNP-45, the FNX-45 Tactical keeps close to the original design, size, and weight. Noticeable changes were made to the safety mechanism, magazine release, as well as the grip texture. Subtle, yes, but these and the other unseen improvements allowed the FNX-45 Tactical to be entered in the military handgun trials at the time (2005 Joint Combat Pistol trials).

Even the trigger guard is elongated slightly, which makes it easy to get a gloved finger inside.

Even the trigger guard is elongated slightly, which makes it easy to get a gloved finger inside.

The bottom line is the FNX-45 Tactical is designed to be a war ready option for everyone from high-speed operators to your average Joe. All of the features, from the ambidextrous controls to the flared mag well to the bumpers on the stainless mags, everything is designed for fighting, and to be tailored for the needs of individual shooters. Just what you need for a fighting pistol that will be issued to a wide variety of soldiers.

But is that a good thing? Guns designed to meet everyone’s needs often fall short at the individual level. Not always, but it isn’t uncommon. How does the FNX stack up?

Shooting the FNX

Shooting the FNX-45 feels no different from firing most other duty sized side arms. The recoil impulse is mild due to the overall large size of the gun. The trigger pull is clean, but heavy enough to prevent most people from negligently discharging the weapon. The controls are ambidextrous and easily assessable from either side of the gun. The frame is heavily textured, but still soft on the hands. The pistol just seems to work extremely well.

The Osprey is a natural addition to the FNX.

The Osprey is a natural addition to the FNX.

Throwing a suppressor on the front of the FNX truly makes the gun come to life. Running a SilencerCo Osprey the pistol becomes more controllable, easier on the ears, softer on the hands, and just simply BAD ASS!  The balance point shifts much farther forward, but a gun like this is meant to be run suppressed. The sights are high enough to give you a full and unobstructed sight picture.

FNH has gone one step further and milled the slide. Out of the box the FNX is ready to accept micro optics.

The FNX-45 Tactical is a very controllable firearm. It weights just enough to tame its own recoil while still being light enough to carry all day. Adding a suppressor to the front of the gun takes an already controllable firearm and makes it straight up easy, though it is a lot harder to fit in the holster.

The double-action/single-action trigger of the FNX-45 makes it ideal for military applications. The heavy 10lb double-action pull helps the shooter make sure the first shot on target is deliberate. The following single-action shots break right around 4 lbs and ensure a quick and accurate follow up shot.

Accuracy

Accuracy of the FNX-45 Tactical is above par. The gun can produce tight groups when pushed, right around 2 inches at 10 meters. In average conditions and practical training it is more than combat accurate. No shots missed the targets. There were no extreme spreads, just a consistent 10 inch black circle of center mass hits.
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Even shooting quickly, the FNX puts rounds on target reliably.

Even shooting quickly, the FNX puts rounds on target reliably.

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If you're feeling more artistic, the FNX is up to the challenge.

If you’re feeling more artistic, the FNX is up to the challenge.

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When I added the suppressor to the equation the FNX’s point of impact shifted a nominal distance–about 2 inches at 10 meters. Accuracy didn’t suffer; groups maintained a steady 2 inches. With almost 6 inches of barrel, the FNX also adds just a bit of velocity to the package, producing right around  900fps with a 230gr pumpkin ball.

If you do have big hands, the FNX-45 should be a natural fit.

If you do have big hands, the FNX-45 should be a natural fit.

Ergonomics

Though the pistol is designed to fit a wide variety of hands, it is still undoubtedly large. With the smallest back-strap installed on the FNX, I still have to stretch some to operate the controls. At the end of the review, I feel like the gun may be just slightly over-sized, but my hands are not big. The pistol is still extremely ergonomic. If you can comfortably operate similarly sized guns, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Though you can manipulate all of the controls with one hand, I find it much easier to use my support hand to aid in normal operation. After the first couple of mags, I began pushing the magazine release with my support hand thumb while it stripped the magazine out of the frame. And I ignored the just-out-of-reach slide release and relied on the slide to unlock the action the good old-fashioned way.

Is the FNX-45 Tactical still relevant in today’s Modular Handgun Trials?

The FNX-45 Tactical was created for the 2005 Joint Combat Pistol trials. In that time frame, the FNX was worlds ahead of the competition–both in ergonomics and in design. After the trials fell through the FNX-45 hit the civilian market and set the standard for what fighting double-stack could be. And now the U.S. military is looking for a new handgun. Again. The 2015 Modular Handgun Trails give the FNX a few new hurdles to jump. Most notably, modularity. Though the basics of the design could easily be adapted for the new trials. The FNS family of guns is very similar to the FNX. Hmmmm…. Time will tell if new versions of the FNX get submitted.

For the rest of us, the FNX-45 Tactical is a great gun, as-is. If you’re looking for a combat ready sidearm, a big pistol with serious potential, this could be it. It  ships in a soft case with three 15 round magazines. And the price? These pistols are selling for right around $1000, which puts the FNX just in reach.

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The M9 next to the FNX-45.

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The light rail on the bottom offers more potential.

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The gun comes apart very easily, and is incredibly easy to clean in the field.

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The guts of the frame can be replaced–an important step toward modularity.

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Even the barrel has been finished, cutting out all of the potential glares.

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Is there anything better than listening to steel ring while shooting a big pistol with a suppressor?

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  • gmac December 11, 2015, 10:39 pm

    I am really enjoying readincomrode the fnx-TAC .from the moment I layed eyes on it I new we would be together! Very shortly I will be buying one fde from the factory I love that new feeling makes you feel like it was made just for you right! Perfect for what I want it for…..home defense don’t care the price is $1,299. you get What you pay for and when it matters I can grab that fnx 45 tactical with whatever hand necessary in the dark and protect my family with confidence! Thanks to every for there input on this incredible firearm and the topic in general Makes me happy to see the comradery in my fellow Americans.USA!!!

  • pjcolorado August 7, 2015, 8:29 am

    I have several HK’S, Glocks, M&P’s, Sigs, and FN pistols. I was always a Glock and HK fan boy but in the past year I now own 5 FN pistols. I have FNS 9, FNX 40, FNP 45. All 3 in black with Trijicon night sights. I now have the FNX Tactical 45 in both black and FDE. Both with Trijicon RMR’s. I have shot them both with a Silencerco Osprey can and WOW!!!! Anyway. These are the best ergonomic guns for my large hands. To all the people posting that this gun is.too expensive. I would bet my life on this gun. All of my FN guns shoot more accurate than any other gun I’ve ever had. Also. I have had a few of my Glocks modified with threaded barrels, Surpresser height night sights, milled for rmr, etc. That was around $1,300 plus dollars and it’s still not the same as the FNX Tactical 45. Anyway. I think it’s funny when I go to the gun shows and newbies to the gun world are looking at generic $150 pistols and them and their segnificant others agree to buy one for protection. LOL. My first gun way back in the day was a Lorcin 380 that even with good brass jammed every other time I pulled the trigger. I have had ZERO malfunctions with any of my FN pistols so far.

  • pjcolorado August 7, 2015, 8:23 am

    I have several HK’S, Glocks, M&P’s, Sigs, and FN pistols. I was always a Glock and HK fan boy but in the past year I now own 5 FN pistols. I have FNS 9, FNX 40, FNP 45. All 3 in black with Trijicon night sights. I now have the FNX Tactical 45 in both black and FDE. Both with Trijicon RMR’s. I have shot them both with a Silencerco Osprey can and WOW!!!! Anyway. These are the best ergonomic guns for my large hands. To all the people posting that this gun is.too expensive. I would bet my life on this gun. All of my FN guns shoot more accurate than any other gun I’ve ever had. Also. I have had a few of my Glocks modified with threaded barrels, Surpresser height night sights, milled for rmr, etc. That was around $1,300 plus dollars and it’s still not the same as the FNX Tactical 45.

  • Mark Tercsak April 10, 2015, 11:07 am

    Last week I watched a series of videos , that were pretty interesting , they were testing a Arms corps / Rock Island Armory 1911 vs. a Glock 21 the pastic gun did not survive the first round, they first dumped both pistols into muddy water, I will give a slight edge to the Glock 21, but after that they blew both pistols up , the glock did not survive, the 1911 did, they dropped it from a decent height it worked, they encased it in ice and then shot it with 12 gage single ought buck shot, now it would only function as a single action due to slide being jammed by lead pellet , but it still worked, after they removed the lead it functioned perfectly, they then sunk and encased the 1911 in concrete and let it harden and blew the concrete block up with a one pound of charge, the pistol wad intact they then gave the pistol to a former Marine who hit paper at 50 yards. The FNX Iam sure is a great pistol and is one hell of a performer, but can it take a beating and I mean a real beating and then one of our guys can pick it up out of a ditch and be able to use it ? That is the question ? and I doubt it ! Can the 1911 design use some improvements hell yes , They should have come out years ago with a 1911-A2 or A-3, where the recoil spring guide system is done away with and either do away with the barrel bushing or redesign it. Quite frankly the Government should look at the Sar k2 or the Cz-97 pistols both are in 45 Acp .

  • Jaeger April 9, 2015, 4:45 pm

    I drew up a laundry list of things I wanted in a duty pistol (which I won’t put down for brevity’s sake) and gave it to my gunsmith with the question of how much would it cost to build this from scratch. He sent back, “They make one.” Guess which one.

    It wears a Trigi RMR, and I run a YHM suppressor. No tears here. From 7 yd rapid fire to 100 yd braced it’s accutate with 230gr medicine. With the can it pops like a 9mm, and has the capacity to boot. For me this is it. But, as per the article, this is a big honking pistol, and I had a choice of 1 for a retention holster cut for the RMR, but I’m very happy with everything.

    If you want a fighting pistol…invest.

  • BigR April 8, 2015, 11:20 pm

    I have an FNX 9mm and I love it. My old fingers are getting weak & bony, and my Wilson Combat .45 got a little hard to jack the slide. I went from a 22 lb spring to a 20 lb, with Wilson’s blessing, and I can jack it a lot better now. I like the FNX 9’s 17+1 round capacity. It’s a great weapon and easy to handle on my old hands, but for concealed carry, I still carry my 1911 .45 cal. with an 8 round mag + 1 in the pipe. I enjoy shooting the FNX 9, but it hard to break old habits. I love the 1911 because it was the first high powered pistol I trained with in the Army, and I just can’t let it go. My 1911 is for fightin’ and my FNX is for fun! Go figure!

  • BRASS April 7, 2015, 3:51 pm

    FN is a superior product as evidenced by our militaries use of their infantry weapons. All things considered, I think $1100 + (MSRP – not street price) is fair. A .45ACP is always going to cost more than a 9MM all other things equal and for my money, there is no comparison between the M9 and the FNX. These are full sized combat weapons for professionals, not seldom used home defense and range guns for occasional use. DOD always has a higher per unit price than the civilian retail price because DOD weapons contracts, unlike civilian sales, always include spare parts and support packages as part of them.

  • Docrodney USMC/ Navy Corpsman retired April 7, 2015, 4:44 am

    I have had my FNX 45 (non) Tactical for about 2 years now.I had night sights put on it and I’ve had no issues with shooting this gun and the accuracy is amazing. I have another 45’s to include a custom Kimber 1911 along with a Sig p220 Elite Scorpion. along with a Sig 1911. When Sh*t hits the fan, my go to would be my FNX.

  • Petru Sova April 6, 2015, 7:45 pm

    Too bad Star is still not in business but the Model 30M was and still is the best handgun of the 20th century bar none and so far over the snob Sigs or the current Beretta that it does not even bear arguing about. The Sig was passed over because the military stated on several occasions they did not think the stamped sheet metal slide would hold up and there just may have been a lot of truth to that as current Sigs no longer have that stamped sheet metal slide but rather a slide made from bar stock but now the Sigs have junk MIM brittle cast parts in them. Scratch them from any serious consideration. The Beretta suffered from a poor weak slide design and like the Sig hade a delicate aluminum frame to boot.

    I would have Colt or the Spanish make another run of Star Model 30’s as well as a shortened version with a single stack frame for people with smaller hands. It could also double as an officers gun or air crewman gun as well. The original Model 30 was made of forgings and went an incredible 170,000 round torture test. Its steel frame was so strong it did not disintegrate or wear out quickly like aluminum frames are so want to do and you could even use it as a club if you ran out of ammo. Do not try this with a plasticky gun or an aluminum framed gun. The Star was noted for outstanding accuracy, excellent trigger pulls both double and single action and had a safety that could be configured to either just lock the firing pin or also drop the hammer as well depending on the desire of the country that wanted to buy it and use it. OF COURSE IT WAS OLD SCHOOL BECAUSE IT WAS MADE OF QUALITY FORGINGS AND WOULD COST 2 0R 3 CENTS MORE TO MAKE COMPARED TO MODERN PLASTICKY AND STAMPED SHEET METAL GUNS. When we spend millions on just on jet fighter it is still forbidden to spend just a few pennies more on an old fashioned quality made pistol. So forget ever seeing one of these types of handguns ever adopted. Even the newer cast steel High Power would be forbidden. Of course the High Power was only adopted by over 55 nations and served for 80 years throughout the entire world so I guess it still is not good enough for the U.S. as after all its not made of superior high quality plasticky material.

    Whatever the U.S. adopts it will go down the same ridiculous road i.e. adopt some monstrosity that does not do any of its intended jobs very well because it will be adopted to do everything and actually end up doing nothing very well.

  • Petru Sova April 6, 2015, 7:24 pm

    It seems as though the idiots that procure handguns never realize that the idea of buying one handgun that does 10,000 different things is not only impractical but it ends up doing none of its tasks as well as just buying a specialized handgun for a specialized application. The Military always ends up buying at least two types of handguns anyway and right now it has three and in two different calibers.

    It needs a compact like the Sig size P228 for Air-Crewmen, a full size handgun for the Infantry and a Handgun with a smaller diameter grip for Women and Male soldiers with small hands and a really small one for Officers who may not want anyone to know they are armed. No one single handgun can perform all of these tasks. What the Military needs is one brand of gun in several frame and slide configurations which would reduced the number of repair parts instead of choosing two different handguns as they have done with the purchase of the smaller Sig and Larger Beretta and to make it even worse adopting handguns with different calibers like the Marine fanaticism on adopting the .45 acp in addition to the already adopted 9mm.

  • Mike April 6, 2015, 5:38 pm

    I carried a Colt 1911 in Nam. At 25 yards it was more than accurate enough. My dad sent me a competition barrel and all was great.
    Anyone that actually carries for close quarters knows the 45 is the best caliber for CQ. Why did we ever leave the 45 format? Because some folks in the pentagon made money when we went to 9mm.
    45ACP is the way to go but why continue to buy from a foreign owned manufacturer?

  • Sheldon Padawer April 6, 2015, 5:01 pm

    Handled one of these a guy brought in to show Roger at Bullitt Guns in Broken Arrow, OK. O M G!! What a piece. Considering the price tag on an FS92 or M9, how could one fault this gun at $1,000. It feels like a total remake of a 1911. The mechanism iihas a slick, tight, precision feel, a very smooth breaking trigger, and cachet of a Wilson Combat 1911. The gun does not have a hard edge feel and is very comfortable. No factory 1911 feels better.

    I am not very knowledgeable about handguns. By the same token I’ve owned a modified FS 92 with custom grip for years and found the FNX to feel better in hand. If I were to buy another .45 I’s likely skip the 1911 and go FNX.

  • Russ April 6, 2015, 1:48 pm

    Anyone who has looked into FNH USA, knows they are too good for the Military.
    Our Military takes the bid of the best they can get at the cheapest price.
    Adequate, is what they’re after, not excellence.
    S&W M&P is the best option for them, and a great one at that.

    • Aridog April 6, 2015, 4:59 pm

      As for the military acquisition process always to the lowest bidder…not always true, in fact frequently not true. I’ve a fair amount of time spent in military acquisition and “Best Value” is a valid criteria even if higher priced…but it requires one to get up off their behinds and write a decent Justification & Analysis (J&A). I’ve written several and never had one rejected. If the “value” is the best, just document why that is so…and 48 CFR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) allows it without further a do to any contracting officer with a sufficient warrant for the purchase.

      • Russ April 7, 2015, 1:31 pm

        That’s a relief to know.
        Thanks for the info. Aridog, and a big Thank You for your service to our Country.

  • JtothaK April 6, 2015, 12:45 pm

    Did FN ever fix the infamous trigger pin walk problem that plagued the FNP-45?

    https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=FNX45+trigger+pin+site:fnforum.net

  • Chief April 6, 2015, 12:43 pm

    I like it and the fact its a 15 rounder makes it better because more is always better.

  • Gustavo April 6, 2015, 12:27 pm

    Love my fnx 45… dont matter were i live just know that the fde is a perfect color for a beast.. they take a second look like what is that? The pressence is felt…

  • Mike Dixon April 6, 2015, 12:01 pm

    I have owned two FNX 9’s and loved them both. Two weeks ago I saw a Smith & Wesson shoot out of battery and it blew the gun up. Thank God the lady shooting it wasn’t hurt, but that was just luck. She ended up buying a CZ75 instead of an M&P.

    My money is on the FNX 45. We spend millions on one missile so I think we can afford a good handgun for our troops. Just stop all raises for politicians and that should offset the cost in short order.

  • Mark April 6, 2015, 11:48 am

    Sure a grand is a lot of money,but this gun really offers a lot,and you can buy them new as I did from a second party for 850 all day long….1911s have a really wide price range from 500 bucks to as much as 6k ..I say buy what firs your need best..I buy guns based on interest,and keep them based on how much I enjoy shooting them..,and how well they shoot…

  • Tim2 April 6, 2015, 10:43 am

    As much as I like my variety and quality in firearms… I have to ask this. At what time do we want to say that price is no object. We want our troops to have the best, or just decent and very reliable. Even if there is numerous handguns that we deem very reliable for much less. I ask would a Hi- Point be a possibility ( I know so many haters, but it is reliable). personally I say put a safety on the M&P and call it done. Don’t have one, but one cannot deny the reputation they have. Glock is same thing, but I am picking M&P due to manufacturing location, and 1/2 the price or more of equally functional weapons.
    Oh wait, if we drag this out we can justify a 1.3 mil expenditure for what most handgun loving people already know, and sale volumes, returns and complaints can show expected failure rates.

    • DaveGinOly April 6, 2015, 2:42 pm

      S&W is now making the M&P C.O.R.E. Performance Ported – a slicked-up C.O.R.E. with a ported barrel/slide, and, like the C.O.R.E., optic-ready. They are only available in 9mm and .40 S&W, but what trouble would it be to make it in .45 and drop a threaded barrel in it? The best part – I saw one at a gun show for $700. So, as a .45 with a threaded barrel, what might they cost in large numbers for a military order – $750-$800?

      • Aridog April 6, 2015, 4:50 pm

        One problem I can see with the S & W M & P series design, other than the 9 mm aspect (needs to be .45 ACP), is whether the option of a manual safety is included. I doubt that DoD or DARPA would buy any pistol without at least a manual safety. Unless the military has changed its rules recently since I retired…you must be able to manually “lock” a “cocked” pistol…when that condition arises. Since striker fired arms are always at half cock (one exception is by Walther), regardless of what advocates say (mechanically it is a spring still under tension behind a firing pin), my guess is that the military would demand a manual safety at the least…a true de-cocker would be even better. If it must be 9mm, then the Walther is the item…it actually has an honest de-cocking mechanism that relieves the spring tension. Another thing…I can take down and reassemble my FNX-45 and my Model 1911 in the dark, but not so with my S&W M & P Shield….but that may just be me an lack of practice with it, since I normally carry the FNX-45 and shoot targets with my Model 1911 and the FCX-45. The Shield is for tee-shirt weather…which may never again return to Michigan. Sad to say.

        • Steve April 8, 2015, 4:40 pm

          Don’t forget the HK P7. That is a true striker fired pistol that can be uncocked and doesn’t need or have a manual safety to lock it. Nitpick, but I am a P7 fan, no offense meant. I know you are referring to the “modern” striker fired pistols like Glock, Springfield XD, S&W M&P, HK VP9 etc.

  • Ken April 6, 2015, 10:19 am

    I’m a retired Infantryman with 26 years of service with several deployments. I’ve carried the 9mm Beretta in combat and am glad I never had to use it. I do know those who have. First of all, we were issued regular ball ammo…not JHP. Secondly, every Soldier who has been in CQB fights, wants a .45 ACP caliber…hands down! I was glad to have the Beretta for a secondary, but only for that reason…better than nothing. I’ve been shooting most my life, am a modern military history buff, and keep my self educated on military affairs. I shoot on Fort Benning. The Beretta was good enough, but is not the best for our fighters. I own an FNX .45. It is an excellent side-arm and I have been hailing it for our Army for several years now. Not all service members need the Tactical FNX .45, with the extended/threaded barrel. The optics would improve target acquisition and accuracy though, so I’d have all include a pre-drilled upper with an RMR optic. The threaded barrel is only necessary for Scouts, Infantry and special units. Match grade barrels would be my only improvement and the black is the only one needed. I purchased mine for $680, out-the-door, paid another $85 for Trijicon night sights and I carry it everyday. I’m sure purchasing such a large order/contract, that the services would pay a very reasonable price. The standard FNX .45 with and RMR, leg holster and three magazines, would be my standard issue for all regular troops. With such a large order, I would think that they could be purchased for $1,100 and about $1,400 for the tactical, including a silencer.

  • StephenJNottonson April 6, 2015, 9:52 am

    I surprise my friends by hitting 6 inch size rocks at 110 yards with my FNX .45.
    My sight is an Trijicon MR4 using 25 year-old Remington Match 230 grain FMJ.
    What’s interesting about this sight is the aiming dot remains the same size no matter
    the distance. Which means the dot is about the same size as my rock target. The
    FNX Tactical is a pleasure to handle and has proven accuracy. Should be a good
    choice for the military.

  • Jay April 6, 2015, 9:13 am

    I don’t have the tactical version, but the standard FNX-45 I own is a solid, reliable sidearm that is accurate and comfortable to shoot. It IS kind of on the large side as a CCW piece, but in states where OC is legal or if you are OK with it not being as concealable as a mouse gun, the FNX-45 offers a good value for the money that has features the 1911A1 lacks. Not that I don’t love a good 1911A1 as well, but strictly approaching it as a functional tool, the FNX-45 is a great sweet spot between the 1911A1 and the Glock 21. As far as the price goes- buy once, cry once. But in this case, you do at least get what you pay for. The only thing it has not liked so far is a batch of low-powered reloads that were originally made for a Webley .45acp conversion and were too weak to cycle it properly. Then again, I doubt they would have worked in a 1911A1 either, as they were made to match the pressure of the old .455 Webley rounds. But with any other modern ammo, so far it shoots well. Add some Frog Lube and it is smooth and easy to keep clean, and I consider it well worth the money I spent on it. I didn’t get the Tactical model as I don’t have a suppressor or a red dot for it, but they are essentially the same firearm otherwise. There are cheaper guns on the market that will send the same bullet downrange, granted, and a Hi-Point .45acp beats throwing rocks. But some things in life are worth the extra money, and this was one of them to me.

  • Aridog April 6, 2015, 9:07 am

    I own and carry an FNX-45, but without the barrel extension ( no need for it in retirement) and I can’t say enough good about it…and I also own and shoot targets with a Kimber Custom Shop Model 1911…a type I’ve used since 1964. Frankly, with a bit of practice (a couple weeks) I can shoot nearly as close groups with the FNX-45 as with the M1911…at ranges from 21 feeet o the 75 feet. Biggest advantage, from my point of view as retired and now civilian, is the thumb safety lever that is also a true de-cocker (leaving you with revolver like first shot double action) and when on safe, de-cocked or not, the safety disengages the trigger from the sear completely…similar, and equal to or better than, to the more expensive H& K USP-45. Set properly you simply cannot snag anything or accidently pull the trigger & fire. Only drawback is a lack of really good holsters, so I had a custom made lined leather holster made for it, similar in design & shape to the Galco Stinger models for smaller pistols. Anyone who wants the name of the custom leatherworker, say so and I will post his contact information. I dislike the “combat” plastic holsters as too noisy and too bulky for concealed carry. Finally, the FNX-45 can be carried with only 10 rounds in the magazine, reducing the spring strain significantly, and the requisite maintenance required otherwise.

  • Wesley April 6, 2015, 8:54 am

    I purchased this weapon a year ago. I purchased a suppressor for it as well. You cannot find a better combat handgun than the FNX 45 in my humble opinion. I wish my department would allow me to carry it on duty.

  • Joe April 6, 2015, 8:25 am

    Call me a spendthrift but even though the almighty dollar is akin to toilet paper thanks to five presidencies of borrow, spend, and print more, I still can’t justify a grand for a .45 auto since my good ole Springfield arms 1911 A1 still foots the bill for me.

    • Russ April 9, 2015, 1:12 am

      1/2 the weight, twice the capacity = twice the price.
      It’s all relevant.

  • Joey April 6, 2015, 7:34 am

    What would be the cost range for this pistol and does it come in 9MM?

    Thanks.

    • Gordon L April 6, 2015, 8:19 am

      Am I to understand the pistol sells for just under $1,000. That is ridiculous. Not an incentive to buy one. I went on three popular gun sites and the current M9 sells for less than half of the FNX. Everyone knows that if the government was to award their contract to FNK the contract will eventually exceed the original contract price. Nothing quite measures up to spending the tax payer’s money especially when it has a better proven alternative.

    • Ronald April 6, 2015, 8:51 am

      Fnx-45 tactical 1124$ , no 9 available yet and black is the way to, go no one here reside on the dunes!

      • John April 6, 2015, 11:51 am

        There is an FNX-9, which is in the $500 range. It does not have the extended barrel for suppressor nor the milled cutout for a red-dot, but the rest is there. I own both the FNX-9 and the FNX-45 Tactical. Both excellent guns. Also the FNX-45 (non-tactical) is significantly less than the Tactical model.

    • Matt Cuddy April 6, 2015, 12:10 pm

      Love the pistol, but since the pistol info isn’t microstamped into the firing pin, it’s not available in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia. So I’ll just have to stick with my old Colt Mk IV.

      I wish I had a giant Sawsall so I could cut this state off the continent, and let it float over to North Korea where it belongs.

      Be safe,
      MC

      • Russ April 6, 2015, 1:35 pm

        Or just kick all the Dems out.

        • MadPunter April 9, 2015, 5:25 pm

          If you were to eject LA & SF from the rest of CA, the state would be decidedly less blue.

      • Rich April 8, 2015, 5:38 am

        I understand what you mean Matt. I am a resident of the communist state of Connecticut. It would be nice if we could cut Hartford and all the politicians out of the state and lead our own lives.

    • grady April 12, 2015, 10:24 am

      You get a double stack .45 combat ready and suppressed barrel threads. Why in gods name would you need it in 9mm?????

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