fnh fnp vs fnx

FNP vx FNX 45: Basically The Same Gun But With Little Differences

If you're mulling a decision between the FNP vs FNX in .45 - or any other caliber - then you probably know that they're both damn near the same gun. Or maybe you don't; we'll actually go over that.

If comparing the two guns, it's going to be little differences that set one or the other apart for you. Either is a great gun, and easily one of the beefiest .45 caliber autos you can get, but you may find there's one you prefer a bit more.

FNP 45: Big DA Gun Joins The 21st Century

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The FNP series is/was how the double-action duty gun joined the 21st century, with a classic DA operating system combined with the polymer frame and modularity that the tactical tupperware crowd demands of a pistol.

Not that there's anything wrong with that, because the FNP is a fantastic pistol platform.

Usually, a double-action system leaves someone out in the cold. Sig Sauers have a decocker, meaning they have to be carried in DA mode without a safety. Beretta pistols can be decocked, but can be put on safe if desired. A CZ-75B can be carried cocked and locked like a 1911, but DA carry requires you to thumb the safety down over a live round...which makes some folks nervous. Point being that you have to like the operating system of the gun, otherwise it's not best for you.

The FNP doesn't have those pitfalls. The safety is three-position; thumb all the way up to engage the safety regardless of hammer position, middle to fire and press to the bottom to decock the hammer. Cocked and locked, you got it. Decock, then safety? Got that too. Just decocked for a DA first shot? It can. You want frites with that?

The polymer frame saves a bit of weight, coming in at 32.4 ounces for the FNP 45. Barrel length is 4.25 inches and dimensions are 7.85 inches long by 6.33 inches tall by 1.58 inches wide. Carrying capacity is 10+1 of .45 ACP for MA/CA, 14+1 or 15+1.

The backstrap is flippable, with a large or slim setting. The safety is ambidextrous, and the magazine release button can be flipped to the left side for those who want it that way.

This isn't a CCW gun. This is a big, burly .45 caliber gun that's built to put a whole lot of metal downrange in a hurry, with accuracy and precision. It is through and through a service gun for when you need to get nasty up close and personal. Granted, it's built to take a beating, so you could load it with some heavy wadcutters and hunt hogs if you wanted to.

FNX-45: Basically The Same, Just With Every Little Bit Made Better

fnh fnx

The FNX-45 is almost the same gun, it's just that a whole bunch of little details are made better. On paper, the whole FNP vs FNX-45 thing leans toward the FNX.

The differences?

The frame and the locking block have been revised so the barrel sits a little lower into the frame and the hand can get a little higher. This means a little less recoil and a bit better grip for those that like to grip as high and tight as they can.

Instead of a flippable backstrap, you get four interchangeable backstraps in the case. Round count is up to 10+1 in a Massachusetts/California compliant magazine, or 15+1 for the states that like freedom.

The tale of the tape remains close. Barrel length is 4.5 inches, and dimensions are 7.87 inches long, 6.33 inches tall and 1.58 inches wide. However, the gun is also offered in a "tactical" configuration, with a threaded barrel, red dot sight cut and high-profile sights for use with a suppressor.

The stippling on the grip is different, being slightly more aggressive. The controls are also truly ambidextrous, with safety levers, slide stops and magazine releases being found on both sides. White 3-dot sights (all adjustable) are standard, as is a black finish though you can opt for an FDE frame if you so choose.

FNP vs. FNX 45: The Old Model Or New And Improved

fnh fnp vs fnx

These two guns are so close ergonomically because of their similar design, so it's not likely that you'll find one between the FNP vs FNX-45 so compellingly better than the other. Granted, you might find the FNX a bit more pleasing to hold because you can get a higher grip.

Both offer the best of all worlds when it comes to double-action. Carry cocked and locked, de-cocked, or with an engaged handgun safety.

The FNX-45, with a lower bore axis, is probably a little more pleasing to shoot but likely not so much that you'll really notice. Carrying capacity and operating system is the same. They're both still big guns that shoot a big bullet and actually carry more than comparable pistols.

That said…

The FNX-45 is still in production, and MSRP is $824, though you'll probably find it in store for something like $700. If you happen across an FNP-45 that's new-in-box, it will probably run close to that, though you're more likely to run across a used one for closer to $500.

Which should you get? First, find out if one points, feels and shoots better for you. That would be the better choice. However, the FNP will likely be the cheaper buy. Either way, you get a real tank of a pistol.

Have you shot these firearms? What did you like, and what didn't you?
Let us know in the comments below!

About The Author

Writer sam hoober