FNP .45

[Nick]

I don't contribute much here but I do receive an awful lot from all the knowledge shared.

I don't see much about the FNP USG .45 in actual use. Is anybody using it as a competition or defense gun?

Has anyone put a volume of rounds through one?

thanks

Nick

[NS2]

Michael Bane seems to like his but hasn't really talked about it much.

I like mine, but do not carry it for SD.  When I have shot it, I found it to be fun and it has worked very well.

I honestly think the modern FN pistols, especially the FNP45 is high under-rated.  Very few of the FNP and FNX owners with which I have spoken have had anything negative to say.

They could do with some love.  If you have one, tell us about it.

[MasAyoob]

The ones I've tested have been accurate and reliable. BIG, though.

best,
Mas

[baccusboy]

Haven't touched one, but wow, looking in the gun case at Bass Pro, it was BIG!  I can't imagine carrying one for SD.

[Anthony]

Hi Nick,

If you like the FN pistol and want to carry it concealed I would suggesting acquiring the best concealment leather you can afford and dress around the gun.  There are some very good IWB and other holsters designed to conceal large pistols.

I often carry a S&W N-frame with a 4-inch barrel or an H&K USP 45 Expert IWB in either a Ken Null UNS or Kramer Thomas Perfectionist.  I simple wear a pair of regular cut Levi's 2-inches larger than my waist and an appropriate cover garment.

If your body type makes buying such garments challenging, try and locate a tailor who will modify the pants or other garment for you with the gun in place.  To locate such a tailor ask a police friend or simply ask the tailor if he has ever done work for a bodyguard.  If they say yes, show then your CHL and tell them what you would like to do.  Personally I bought a Rings dummy gun to make the process of the tailor taking the measurements much less threatening.

It can be done discreetly and comfortably.

Good luck.

Tony

[flop-shank]

Hi Nick,

If you like the FN pistol and want to carry it concealed I would suggesting acquiring the best concealment leather you can afford and dress around the gun.  There are some very good IWB and other holsters designed to conceal large pistols.

I often carry a S&W N-frame with a 4-inch barrel or an H&K USP 45 Expert IWB in either a Ken Null UNS or Kramer Thomas Perfectionist.  I simple wear a pair of regular cut Levi's 2-inches larger than my waist and an appropriate cover garment.

Good advice. I would also suggest that one gets a good stiff top quality gunbelt such as www.thebeltman.net makes. I use a 1 3/4" dual layer bullhide belt for my L and N frame Smith and Wessons. The belt is the most important piece of gunleather you will own. As guns get bigger and heavier, every piece of the carry system (holster, belt, clothing ect.) gets more critical.

[Anthony]

Great advice, Flop-Shank.

I can't believe I forgot to mention the belt!

Also, shoulder rigs can also be a good way to carry a big gun.  I have used Alessi and especially Sam Andrews shoulder rigs for many years.  If you are open to this form of carry it is hard to go wrong with either of these brands.

Tony

[Armed Ape]

I have the FNP 45 USG.  I have put approx. 800 rounds through the pistol.

 I have carried with a cross breed holster.  You need to have a really good holster/belt combo to support the weight.   On something the size of the fnp 45 a IWB will, in most cases, be best.  It also carries better with the 14 round magazine rather than the 15. 

On shooting:  It shoots quite well and has a "smooth" recoil.  More of a push than a snap.  For a 45 it shoots more like a 9mm.  Not just like but more like.

 It is also quite reliable and shot all of the brands of ammo that I put in the gun. ( Win white box, Rem. gold saber, corbon, speer)  Also did some reloads and it handled all of those well.  No failure to feed, eject, etc. 

On Carry:  I found it to be OK as a carry gun.  It can be carried 1911 style cocked and locked or with the hammer down.  It is a DA/SA.  The decocker/safety is easy to use.   However I have gone back to the Glock 17 for daily carry.

Cons:  Both the size and weight of the gun may be off putting for some.  I also found out the slide catch sometimes sticks or can be hard to push down to get the slide to release.  FNH says that it is only to be used as a slide catch and not as a release.  To release the slide you should pull back using your hand.

Overall: The gun is very well made and is a good price for the value that you get.  It shoots well and is reliable.  It is nice to have 15 or 16 rounds of 45 in the gun.  For me I think that it will get more use as a home gun than a carry.

Tony

[Nick]

Thank you for your replies and advice.

The pistol still sits in the dealers case.

I'd like your opinions on something else about the FN.

I'm in my 50's a heavy equipment/truck mechanic and construction contractor. I take things apart and put them back together.
This pistol looks "modular" to me? It doesn't look like you are supposed to fix things yourself. With the way gun models are discontinued or changed so frequently
Is it possible to buy a pistol like this and in a few years have a hard time getting it repaired?


Nick

[NS2]

I think you can count on FN to be around and for any parts you may need to be available. If it s a serious concern, buy a gun with a huge installed base and has been around for 15+ years.

Something like a G21, P220 or 1911 if you're set on the .45acp. Parts for those guns will be available for a very long time to come.

FN is an awesome gun. It will serve you well. Just understand that when it comes to parts and accessories, armorers or gunsmiths with real experience working on the system, it's not a first tier gun.  If SIG or Glock come out with a new gun, the aftermarket makers of things like sights and holsters beat the doors down in Exeter and Smyna to get samples for development. Not so much with gun makers like FN.  they just don't sell as many units to make it a first tier gun.

[Herknav]

Perhaps if the powers-that-be at FN grasped the concept of concealed carry and the desire for smaller guns...  I like FN and want them to succeed, but they don't really seem to be trying real hard for a portion of the CCW market.  Where are the subcompact models?

@ Nick--I agree with you on the flavor-of-the-month.  S&W was bad about that with 3rd gen autos.  This has kept me from getting serious about the M&P.

[Devereaux]

I always thought of FN as a bunch of wonks sitting somewhere concocting some rare and unusual weapon. Not necessarily practical, but definitely different.

Prolly just me.