Experience with FNX 45?

[mikeheel]

I'm considering taking in an FNX 45. I'm a fan of metal guns, but this polymer beast intrigues me b/c it has 15+1 rounds of 45 acp, which seems like a very good handgun on the home defense front.

Some time ago, I divested myself of the 1911s I had because I decided to focus on 9mm guns with greater capacity. I've since been happy in the world of CZ and Sig and such. But my brother traded something for a FNX 45 some time ago and then recently asked me about trading my CZ 75b for it since he doesn't really have a use for it and wants a CZ.

Value-wise, it seems fine. And it gets me back in the world of 45 with enough capacity to make me happy. FN has a strong reputation, from what I can tell, and the gun seems well made. My initial impression is that it looks a lot like a marriage between a Glock and Springfield XD series gun.

I hate to give up my CZ, but I won't be heart-broken. I guess I could always just buy it from him, but trades make my wife happier than cash outlays.

Anyone with experience with the FNX have any thoughts they'd be willing to share?

Thanks in advance.

(Also, I tried searching the forum, but the search feature and I apparently do not get along well for some reason; so it was useless to me. Feel free to redirect me to prior threads, if there are any.)

 

[Spartan]

They are excellent tactical guns, but much like the Mark 23, they are HUGE.
So unless you have some hulk hands, you may want to look elsewhere

 

[Climberman]

FNX 45 is a good gun. Can be hard to find holsters for it. But it's reliable and I have shot it well when I had the opportunity.

 

[mikeheel]

Gracias.

I shot the FNX some this past weekend. The grip is a little big, but it had the bigger backstrap on it and it still was manageable. I was relatively accurate with it, but not quite my norm for 1911s and such. We'll swap it out for the smaller one when I see my brother in a few days, so I'm curious to see how much that changes it. I actually think it'll make a pretty good difference and may improve my accuracy, too. It's not nearly as pretty as my CZ, but it appears to be very solid and very lethal. This would primarily a backup home defense gun (after shotguns and AR). I'd want to change the sights to night sights of some sort.

 

[B00ger]

I bought one a few years back so I can offer some insight.

Pros:
The sucker is 16 rounds of .45 on tap.
Amazingly accurate.
Soft shooting
Attractive

Cons:
Large
Magazines are (or were) crazy expensive. I think $40-45 each for spares
Without a magazine in, the grip does (in my opinion) feel a little flimsy as the molded polymer is kinda thin feeling

I use mine as a night stand gun. Attached a TLR1 to it, 16 rounds of Federal HST with another 15 in a magazine beside it. I figure it will handle most any bump in the nights I may encounter.

A few personal notes: When I first got it, it was for a reason similar to yours. I like .45, but wasn't a fan of the capacity of 1911s compared to all the new wonder plastics out on the market. But this scratched that its for .45 AND a good capacity. I used it in a few tactical shooting matches, and it shot great. No complaints. As far as its size? Yes, its large, but honestly not that much different than a full sized 9mm or anything. It isn't the best for CCW of course, but its nit picking to get into its size v other similar full sized pistols considering you normally will be carrying it OWB.

I also have a note about its "robustness". I have actually owned 2 of them. The first one I had, I was shooting some reloads at a range one day, did a double tap and ended up shooting behind a squib. Apparently my first bullet got stuck, the next bullet fired and pushed the squib out, but locked the slide shut since it couldn't move over the buldge in the barrel. I didn't even feel it really. I sent it back to FN, who basically said "Yeah, its jacked up...you will need to replace it if you want it." so I ended up basically paying them for a brand new one, which they promptly sent to me.

Long story short, the FNX45 handled a shot after a squib. Ruined the firearm, but didn't ruin me hand, face, or life. Just hurt my wallet like crazy. And the FN customer service was pretty good with communication and so on.

 

[mikeheel]

I really appreciate that level of detail. Thanks! That really helps.

I bought one a few years back so I can offer some insight.

Pros:
The sucker is 16 rounds of .45 on tap.
Amazingly accurate.
Soft shooting
Attractive

Cons:
Large
Magazines are (or were) crazy expensive. I think $40-45 each for spares
Without a magazine in, the grip does (in my opinion) feel a little flimsy as the molded polymer is kinda thin feeling

I use mine as a night stand gun. Attached a TLR1 to it, 16 rounds of Federal HST with another 15 in a magazine beside it. I figure it will handle most any bump in the nights I may encounter.

A few personal notes: When I first got it, it was for a reason similar to yours. I like .45, but wasn't a fan of the capacity of 1911s compared to all the new wonder plastics out on the market. But this scratched that its for .45 AND a good capacity. I used it in a few tactical shooting matches, and it shot great. No complaints. As far as its size? Yes, its large, but honestly not that much different than a full sized 9mm or anything. It isn't the best for CCW of course, but its nit picking to get into its size v other similar full sized pistols considering you normally will be carrying it OWB.

I also have a note about its "robustness". I have actually owned 2 of them. The first one I had, I was shooting some reloads at a range one day, did a double tap and ended up shooting behind a squib. Apparently my first bullet got stuck, the next bullet fired and pushed the squib out, but locked the slide shut since it couldn't move over the buldge in the barrel. I didn't even feel it really. I sent it back to FN, who basically said "Yeah, its jacked up...you will need to replace it if you want it." so I ended up basically paying them for a brand new one, which they promptly sent to me.

Long story short, the FNX45 handled a shot after a squib. Ruined the firearm, but didn't ruin me hand, face, or life. Just hurt my wallet like crazy. And the FN customer service was pretty good with communication and so on.

 

[CDR_Glock]

I had the FNP which was the predecessor. I have shot my friend’s FNX.

The trigger is smooth in SA/DA.

The capacity is impressive.

Handling is very good, although it’s a big gun.

It is very consistent for accuracy.

Like others have said, Magazines are pricy, there aren’t many holsters available and there is not a lot of aftermarket parts.

CZ is pricy, Magazines are pricy but Mecgar are cheaper, there’s a lot of aftermarket parts, there are a lot of magazines available.

If it’s an even trade, you’ll come out ahead. If not, then I’d pass.

Honestly, ballistics are so similar amongst the 3 major pistol calibers. I don’t feel undergunned with either caliber.


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[mikeheel]

Thanks. It is an even trade.

I'm used to pricey mags. My EDC is a Sig. 2-3 mags of 45 acp seem fine.

Assuming I go through with the trade, I'm also considering whether to invest in upfitting for 45 Super or 460 Rowland. That gets pricey, especially for the Rowland, since this the standard FNX instead of the tactical. 45 acp is no slouch, but 45 Super or 460 Rowland would make it a better camp pistol.

 

[fishgutzy]

FNX 45 is a good gun. Can be hard to find holsters for it. But it's reliable and I have shot it well when I had the opportunity.

My daughter doesn't have huge hands. But she absolutely loves my FNX45. She shoots it better than I do. Even my niece who weighs about 110# soaking wet can easily handle it.

 

[mikeheel]

Had my wife hold the FNX last night and let her compare it with the CZ. She thought the grip on the FNX was far too aggressive for her. But that was just at the house. We were not at a range, where that aggressive texturing comes in handy. I think her biggest issue was that she just likes the CZ because it's so freaking easy to shoot and it looks really gorgeous. The FNX, while not unattractive, is more of a hulking DE while the CZ is the popular QB.

OTOH, my 13yo daughter shot the FNX last weekend. She thought it was ok. Then again, she likes big booms. Her two favorite guns we let her shoot were my 12-gauge pump and my brother's 50-cal Desert Eagle. Both of which physically propelled her backward a step, but she couldn't stop smiling.

 

[B00ger]

Had my wife hold the FNX last night and let her compare it with the CZ. She thought the grip on the FNX was far too aggressive for her. But that was just at the house. We were not at a range, where that aggressive texturing comes in handy. I think her biggest issue was that she just likes the CZ because it's so freaking easy to shoot and it looks really gorgeous. The FNX, while not unattractive, is more of a hulking DE while the CZ is the popular QB.

OTOH, my 13yo daughter shot the FNX last weekend. She thought it was ok. Then again, she likes big booms. Her two favorite guns we let her shoot were my 12-gauge pump and my brother's 50-cal Desert Eagle. Both of which physically propelled her backward a step, but she couldn't stop smiling.

No doubt, the texture on the pistol is very aggressive. But, keep things in perspective. It is designed to keep the pistol firmly planted in your hand, not just "feel nice" while holding it. My history on them aren't all that up to speed, but it is my understanding that the FNX45 was FNs submission to the military when they asked for a service pistol in .45. So, by nature, it is designed to be a rugged battle pistol, not an elegant sidearm. You would be buying it to be your "battle pistol" to defend your home, not to show off to friends and fondle it because it "feels good".

And full disclosure, I am a CZ fanboy. 100%. Love them more than any other pistol I own. But for a .45 with 16 on board, the FNX is the ticket.

 

[SCshooter]

I had the FNP which was the predecessor. I have shot my friend’s FNX.

The trigger is smooth in SA/DA.

The capacity is impressive.

Handling is very good, although it’s a big gun.

It is very consistent for accuracy.

Like others have said, Magazines are pricy, there aren’t many holsters available and there is not a lot of aftermarket parts.

CZ is pricy, Magazines are pricy but Mecgar are cheaper, there’s a lot of aftermarket parts, there are a lot of magazines available.

If it’s an even trade, you’ll come out ahead. If not, then I’d pass.

Honestly, ballistics are so similar amongst the 3 major pistol calibers. I don’t feel undergunned with either caliber.


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I too own a FNP45 and agree with CDR's and Boog's assessments. Love the accuracy & capacity. Is a little heavy to tote around but manageable.

 

[mikeheel]

Figured it wouldn't hurt to add a picture of the CZ and FNX in question:

I've committed to go through with the trade. Went ahead and ordered night sights for the FNX this afternoon. Now looking into 45 Super and 460 Rowland, too. But Rowland costs a good bit extra since this is the standard instead of the tactical (might want to use it at times as a camp gun, so the extra velocity would be nice).

 

[xRHINOx]

Have been pondering one of these my self. I shot a friends a few years back and loved it. I was very accurate with it. It will fit nicely with the FNS 9 compact, FNS9 (with a .40 slide I just got), FN509 and the FN High Power.

 

[CZfool68]

I shot @fishgutzy FN 45 once. It was a really nice feeling and shooting gun. Haven't grabbed one yet, but it is on the list. Would love the FNX Tactical 45 in FDE. Suppressing it wouldn't be bad either.

 

[fishgutzy]

I shot @fishgutzy FN 45 once. It was a really nice feeling and shooting gun. Haven't grabbed one yet, but it is on the list. Would love the FNX Tactical 45 in FDE. Suppressing it wouldn't be bad either.

After my daughter takes my FNX45, i'll replace it with the FNX45 Tactical.

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[Grim]

I owned one of the early models and found the ambidextrous mag release did not work well from the right side of the pistol. Not sure if they've got this worked out on current models.

 

[fishgutzy]

Found the video of my niece shooting my FNX45.

 

[CDR_Glock]

Thanks. It is an even trade.

I'm used to pricey mags. My EDC is a Sig. 2-3 mags of 45 acp seem fine.

Assuming I go through with the trade, I'm also considering whether to invest in upfitting for 45 Super or 460 Rowland. That gets pricey, especially for the Rowland, since this the standard FNX instead of the tactical. 45 acp is no slouch, but 45 Super or 460 Rowland would make it a better camp pistol.

I’ve never messed with those exotic rounds but I’d guess it’s pretty pricy to shoot, reload or buy from the factory. Not to mention the dies, brass and less bullets.

The FNX is huge. If it were a camp gun, I’d do a Kenai Chest Holster so it was out of the way.


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[B00ger]

Meh...I wouldn't say its "huge"...I have carried it a few times. Large, yes, but huge is kinda pushing it.

A Desert Eagle in .50 that's huge...

 

[Walt Sherrill]

If you like the FNX-45, you may go nuts over the new FNX-45 Tactical. Suppressor ready.
https://fnamerica.com/products/pistols/fnx-45-tactical/

The price is hefty, however. People who have them love them, and many owners on the FN Forum run red dot optics. You'll probably want to join THAT forum: http://fnforum.net/forums/fn-handguns-forum/

I have three FNS semi-autos -- an FNS-9c, which is new to me and I've not shot it much, yet. I have FNS-40 (which is similar to the Glock 19) and have a 9mm conversion barrel for it. I also have an FNS-40L, which has a slightly longer barrel and slide (more Glock 17 length.) The FNS-40L had trigger work done before I traded for it, and it is a bit nicer than the stock trigger.

FNS recently had a recall for the FNS and FN509 models. I sent all three in on their $ and got them back in about two weeks.

A very positive thing about FN guns is that the guns are warranted for life, and it doesn't matter if you are the original owner or the fifth or sixth. Best warranty in the business, at least that's the case here in the U.S.

 

[mikeheel]

If you like the FNX-45, you may go nuts over the new FNX-45 Tactical. Suppressor ready.
https://fnamerica.com/products/pistols/fnx-45-tactical/

The price is hefty, however. People who have them love them, and many owners on the FN Forum run red dot optics. You'll probably want to join THAT forum: http://fnforum.net/forums/fn-handguns-forum/

I have three FNS semi-autos -- an FNS-9c, which is new to me and I've not shot it much, yet. I have FNS-40 (which is similar to the Glock 19) and have a 9mm conversion barrel for it. I also have an FNS-40L, which has a slightly longer barrel and slide (more Glock 17 length.) The FNS-40L had trigger work done before I traded for it, and it nice.

FNS recently had a recall for the FNS and FN509 models. I sent all three in on their $ and got them back in about two weeks.

A very positive thing about FN guns is that the guns are warranted for life, and it doesn't matter if you are the original owner or the fifth or sixth. Best warranty in the business, at least that's the case here in the U.S.

Thanks, Walt! Good info. I joined the FN forum last night. The FNX 45T seems to really get people excited, but they do cost a bit. I think the primary difference is the barrel and the fact the slide is optic-ready. I can add the tactical barrel to my gun for under $175 and have a pseudo-45T, but I don't know if that's worthwhile. If I like this gun as much as I expect, I would not rule out getting a 45T at some point. ;-)

 

[mikeheel]

Picking up 3 extra mags tonight and the night sights should arrive today or tomorrow. Guess the sights will be my weekend project, if I can buy a little time.

 

[mikeheel]

Added the night sights. They went on easy and look great. Hit the range right after and shot a quick 100 rounds. Sight picture is excellent. From about 15 yards away, I was able to pick off fragments of used target clays. That felt pretty impressive. Fragments were generally about 1x3 inches. New mags fit perfectly and drop cleanly. All in all, I'm ecstatic. The new smaller backstrap also makes a huge difference. With the smaller backstrap, the FNX does not at all feel too big for my medium hands.

Pic with smaller backstrap:

 

[B00ger]

Glad its working out well for you! I love mine, and think it fits a really awesome niche in a collection. Namely, the niche where you need to put 16 large holes in something quick!

 

[Toprudder]

I remember looking at a FNX45 once, and almost bought it. I like the way it felt. I seem to remember, too, that the safety was also a decocker. It was possible to carry it cocked and locked, or you could push the safety lever the other way and it would safely decock it so that the first shot would be DA. I like that option.

When I finally decided to go back and get the FNX45, it was gone. I ended up later buying a SAR K2-45, which is 14+1, which I do not regret.

 

[B00ger]

I remember looking at a FNX45 once, and almost bought it. I like the way it felt. I seem to remember, too, that the safety was also a decocker. It was possible to carry it cocked and locked, or you could push the safety lever the other way and it would safely decock it so that the first shot would be DA. I like that option.

When I finally decided to go back and get the FNX45, it was gone. I ended up later buying a SAR K2-45, which is 14+1, which I do not regret.

You are correct about the safety. Can be carried cocked and locked, or just in DA.

 

[Stateguy]

I have an fnp and a hk45, the fnp is the softer shooter but I found myself accidentally pushing the safety up with my thumb knuckle while shooting it. I grip high as I can while shooting and never had that problem before I shot the FN. I’m sure that’s something I could fix with practice but for now the hk45 serves as nightstand duty.

Now I just need to get my hands on a cz97 or sig p227!

 

[mikeheel]

@Stateguy I haven not had any issues with the safety on the FNX so far and can't really envision having issues. Maybe my hands are a lot smaller. I'm 5'9" with medium hands. I think the safety position is about the same on the FNP and the FNX, but I could be mistaken. The CZ97 and Sig P227 both look like great guns. I particularly like the Sig ergos and the CZ appearance; I'm generally a big fan of Sigs and CZs. Both have 10rd mags, I think. The 15rd capacity is what really turned me on to the FNX, but 10rds beats your standard 1911.

@Toprudder congrats on the SAR. Glad you're enjoying it. Those guns are a tremendous value. It strikes me as similar to the CZ I had; one issue for me with those is the painted night sights. With foster, we can't leave the guns out (and that's not really a good plan, anyway), so the sights on the CZ and the SAR are effectively not night sights. I don't think they can be changed on the SAR, but I could be wrong. However, it otherwise seems like a fine gun and hard to beat for the price.

 

[Toprudder]

@Toprudder congrats on the SAR. Glad you're enjoying it. Those guns are a tremendous value. It strikes me as similar to the CZ I had; one issue for me with those is the painted night sights. With foster, we can't leave the guns out (and that's not really a good plan, anyway), so the sights on the CZ and the SAR are effectively not night sights. I don't think they can be changed on the SAR, but I could be wrong. However, it otherwise seems like a fine gun and hard to beat for the price.

Thanks. The SAR is a CZ clone. Mine has painted white dots (3) and an adjustable rear sight. The rear is a standard dovetail and the front is replaceable, a dovetail that slides in from the front. I've never bothered looking for night sights for it, though.

 

[Stateguy]

 

[mikeheel]

Nice!

 

[Steve]

I love mine. It's a nightstand gun with a tlr light. I bought a holster to use for classes but being a nightstand gun it wont ever be holstered if/when I need it.

Primary complaint is it's such a nice shooter and so much fun to shoot my ammo costs go up when I take it to the range. I can go through 2-3 boxes in no time. I think it makes me look good at the range as we all sneak peaks at other peoples targets and I'm knocking out big holes right in the center of my targets

 

[mikeheel]

I love mine. It's a nightstand gun with a tlr light. I bought a holster to use for classes but being a nightstand gun it wont ever be holstered if/when I need it.

Primary complaint is it's such a nice shooter and so much fun to shoot my ammo costs go up when I take it to the range. I can go through 2-3 boxes in no time. I think it makes me look good at the range as we all sneak peaks at other peoples targets and I'm knocking out big holes right in the center of my targets

Just had to split a an order of 1000 rounds of 45 with my brother b/c it ended up being a lot cheaper that way. Went through the first 100 rounds super quick when I went out this past weekend to test the new night sights. That was probably the easiest 100 rounds of 45 I've ever shot. And super accurate.

I think nightstand is the perfect use for the FNX 45. That's how I'm using it. I hope to never have to pick it up in the middle of the night to secure the house, but if I do, I feel pretty good about the firepower and accuracy I'll have with it. Unless you want to get into weird Glock mags that stick out a foot below the gun, I don't think there's a better nightstand gun out there. Maybe there is something better. If so, I hope someone mentions it so I can go chase it down.

So far, I'm in love. The promise of high capacity 45 lured me in. The shootability and accuracy really hooked me.

 

[B00ger]

Just had to split a an order of 1000 rounds of 45 with my brother b/c it ended up being a lot cheaper that way. Went through the first 100 rounds super quick when I went out this past weekend to test the new night sights. That was probably the easiest 100 rounds of 45 I've ever shot. And super accurate.

I think nightstand is the perfect use for the FNX 45. That's how I'm using it. I hope to never have to pick it up in the middle of the night to secure the house, but if I do, I feel pretty good about the firepower and accuracy I'll have with it. Unless you want to get into weird Glock mags that stick out a foot below the gun, I don't think there's a better nightstand gun out there. Maybe there is something better. If so, I hope someone mentions it so I can go chase it down.

So far, I'm in love. The promise of high capacity 45 lured me in. The shootability and accuracy really hooked me.

Yup, that's the problem with 15 round magazines...ammo flows through it fast!

Super thrilled you are so happy with it. They are awesome firearms and it will serve you, well, forever!

 

[mikeheel]

Thanks, @B00ger . Your advice here has been very helpful!

 

[mikeheel]

Link to my full review: https://lovelikehateblog.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/handgun-fn-fnx-45/

As you can see, I like it a lot. Hard to see a better stock handgun option for home defense.

 

[foopid stucker]

love mine, eased the aggressive grip with a hogue grip sleeve. It took me a while to get used to the deep trigger pull , but it is buttery smooth. and I can keep the sights aligned throughout the entire pull easily.
and being ambidextrous is a plus for my left hand.. but I may need another one for the jealous hand....

 

[GregB]

I kind of miss mine. It is a super soft shooting gun. Enjoy.

 

[dorton]

I’ve got an RMR’d FNX-T and it’s a ton of fun to shoot. When I carry it, it’s cocked and locked.

Cons:

For me the natural position of my thumb base knuckle will get tender after a prolonged range session if I shoot it with my thumb under the safety.

The gun doesn’t fit in “the box” for certain shooting competitions. Not a big deal unless you’re buying it to shoot in those competitions.