What have you guys heard about the FNP-45? I'm trying to be able to see one in person, but the little bit that I've heard is they are pretty decent polymer hammer guns in 45...

http://www.fnhusa.com/support/images/dynamic/m/FNM0062m.jpg

Thanks,

Patrick

I don't think they are available to the public yet. The latest Guns and Ammo mag gave it pretty fair remarks for a defense type handgun. The author did note that for a CCW firearm, it is too bulky.

Yea... the G&A article is pretty good, worth picking up.

My only possible concern is I've never owned a DA/SA pistol before. For folks who practice with theirs, is the variable trigger that big of a deal? I know that they aren't as consistant as a "good old single action" or even a striker fired pistol, but the whole trigger issue seems to be more of an opinion rather than an actual difference in performance...

Anybody have any experience with other FNP pistols and can related what they know about their particular actions; SAO, DA/SA, DAO? I favor either SAO or DA/SA and can't really decide.

Thanks,

Patrick

My opinion -- the DA/SA "problem" is vastly overblown, in most cases. At least, that is true these days. Many early high capacity DA/SA pistols had grips that were too big and blocky -- the S&W 59 comes to mind, with a grip that felt in my hand similar to a 2X4. These necessitated most folks with average hands to shift their grips slightly when transitioning from DA to SA in order to have the best trigger control. Most DA/SA guns now (like my SW99) have much slimmer grips, much better shaped for the human hand or having interchangeable back straps making them easy to tailor for your hand, and this pretty well eliminates the need to shift your grip while firing. My trigger-finger placement remains the same for DA or SA fire.

I have all three designs, and agree with pisgah on the issue. I have a couple Berettas, a 96 and a 8045, the 8045 is definetly better designed than the 92/96 series, but both guns are just a natural extension of the hand.

I prefer a hammer gun and in a lot of ways I prefer the DA/SA. The way I use it is really just like a SA 1911. (This may be common knowledge but lets run it through). When you rack the slide or cock the hammer with a cartrige chambered the trigger is set in SA with the hammer back. You can decock, (the hammer will drop :eek: but not fire), and then have the option of your first shot being DA but all successive shots will be SA unless you decock again.

As long as you pick a gun that you feel puts your thumb within comfortable reach of the hammer I like this design. Be picky about your factory hammer. Some have a really stiff spring and if so you want a comfortable hammer "pad" so you don't lose it as you pull it back. I just off loaded a pistol that fit my pall well, my finger-to-trigger fit was pretty good in DA but the reach for the hammer was too far if I did it with my shooting hand. I think that's a very important design consideration. (If you exclusively cock the hammer with your support hand maybe less).

The decocker or safety should be stiff. You don't want them to switch off without you. I like it with minimal movement like a CZ or a smith. A Bersa has a good decocker. Kind of over sized which is nice in a way but we played around with one in a holster and the safety came off a couple times. It was decocked and set in DA but still a consideration. There are some that work as a safety when the gun is cocked, push it all the way and it will decock the hammer and be full "safe". If you find a used one in this design make sure that the difference between 1/2 safe and full decocked safe is not a grey area. The devise sould be in good repair.

Final thought is the trigger itself. If you've ever held a 1911, or really just seen one, you know the trigger design is quite different from some pistols. Some triggers "feel" like the 1911 under your finger but others are more contoured and some are more flat. Almost all 1911's have roughly the same trigger contour. It's a detail but I like being able to choose that feature. It's just one of those deal breakers. If you ever wear gloves and shoot make sure the trigger guard gives you enough room when it's in DA. Most shops will alow you to dry fire just be nice asnd ask. Dry fire in both possitions and decide if the trigger favors one setting. That may be good or bad. My 3 cents. That's what I charge for 4 paragraphs. Pretty good deal. ;)

Just wanted to drop a note here and say I am ready to buy the matte black FNP 45. So if any dealers are reading, please contact me at randy.byers@cigarwarehousehouston.com

Thank you
Randy