Review of the FNP-45 Matte Stainless Pistol

I saw a review of the FN Herstal FNP-45 in Matte Stainless on a YouTube video and liked what I saw. What really caught my attention was a matching FNP-9. The two pistols made a nice looking set I thought. I already owned an FNAR .308 rifle so I was familiar with FN quality. The review peaked my interest and I went to my gun shop to get some hands on. They didn’t have the FNP-9 but there was an FNP-45 on sale. I got caught up in the sale price and purchased the big 45 caliber handgun.

FN Herstal FNP-45
caliber

The pistol has an external hammer that operates in double-action and single-action. The ambidextrous de-cocker levers make it easy to ease the hammer down with either hand.  There are also an ambidextrous magazine release, and slide lock. It should be noted that the slide lock is indeed a slide lock and not a slide release. Pulling the slide back releases the slide provided a loaded magazine is installed. Two back straps are provided, one flat, and one curved. The curved one is shown in the picture. The satin stainless slide looks great mated to the black polymer frame and the barrel is also made of stainless, cold hammer forged stainless.

A feature that other gun manufacturers should take note of is that this pistol is that it comes with three magazines. The fitted case is large and holds the pistol, the three magazines, owner’s manual, and a cable lock.

FNP-45 Specifications

  • Caliber: 45 ACP
  • Operation: DA/SA with Manual Safety
  • Barrel Length: 4.5”
  • Overall Length: 7.85”
  • Width: 1.58”
  • Weight: 32.4 oz. empty
  • Magazine: 14 rds or 10 rds
  • Interchangeable back straps with lanyard hole
  • Accessory rail
  • Full-length guide
  • Ambidextrous de-cocking levers, magazine release, and slide stop levers
  • Three-dot combat sights
  • Three magazines are standard
FNP-45 left view
FNP-45 left view

This is a large handgun that holds 14 rounds of .45 ACP, the grips are large and the front strap and rear strap are textured to provide a lot of traction. Something I really liked about the FN Herstal FNP pistols is the light smooth trigger. I have heard some write that the trigger is mushy but I didn’t find that to be the case. It isn’t a pistol that I would want for concealed carry due to the very large size, and weight but it seems like it would be a great weapon to have in a gun battle, a combat situationhome defense. Another FNP pistol you might be interested in, check out my FNP-9 Review.

Because of the size and weight, I traded the pistol for a Glock 30SF. The FNP-45 pistol is heavier than the Glock but lighter than a 1911. I already have the Glock 21SF, and a Kimber Pro Crimson Carry so I feel I have the .45 ACP caliber adequately covered.

1 thought on “Review of the FNP-45 Matte Stainless Pistol”

Comments are closed.