FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Polymer-Framed Combat/Tactical Pistol with Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) RM02 Mini-Red Dot Optical Sight and Extended Threaded Barrel for Silencer/Sound Suppresor!

By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com

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July 22, 2013
Last updated on 7/23/13.

As long as we're hat-tipping Guns.com, we should probably quickly mention an article they recently published featuring a range video (embedded below) they recently shot of "David" firing the new FN FNX-45 Tactical.45 ACP combat/tactical pistol with extended threaded barrel for use with a muzzle can (silencer/sound suppressor). The can attached to the pistol in the video appears to be a Silencerco Osprey rectangular/polygonal "brick"-type pistol silencer/suppressor which DR has published information about in the past.

DefenseReview (DR) shot some nice hi-res photos ourselves of the FNX-45 Tactical combat pistol ourselves at the 2013 NDIA Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (NDIA SOFIC 2013). The gun looks and feels pretty good, large as it is, and the Guns.com range video would appear to show the new combat pistol shooting pretty well, at least with a can attached.

DR liked thesample FNX-45 Tactical's sight setup with a Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) RM02 6.5 MOA mini red dot combat optic co-witnessed with extra-high Trijicon fixed 3-dot tactical night sights (iron sights) designed for silencer/suppressor use. The red dot sight attaches to the slide in a pre-milled section in forward of the rear fixed (iron) sight.

We also like the frame-mounted sweep-down manual thumb safety/decocking lever and grip angle, which seemed to mimic that of the 1911 pistol. If we remember correctly, the trigger on the FNX-45 Tactical show sample we handled felt pretty good, but we can't remember the length and feel of the trigger reset, which is crucial, particularly since we've grown so accustomed to the Glock pistol's unique short and crisp trigger reset. The FNX-45 Tactical pistol's metal magazines drop free when you hit the mag-release button.

The FN FNX-45 Tactical pistol would appear to be well suited for Special Operations missions, provided it's reliable, accurate and durable enough, which remains to be proven. However, considering that FNH has been designing and developing military-grade tactical firearms for a very long time, Defense Review is going to go out on a limb and presume that the company can get the pistol squared away in all three areas for its intended mission profile.

DefenseReview hopes an FNX-9 Tactical 9mm (9mm Parabellum/9x19mm NATO) pistol is on the way, soon. This is because 1) A 9mm version of the FNX design should be significantly smaller and lighter. 2) It's magazine should hold significantly more rounds than the FNX-45's mag. 3) We here at DR belong to the nine-is-fine crowd, since the 9mm round is a very scrappy/efficient martial cartridge and can get the job done just fine with quality tactical/defensive hollowpoint ammo. 4) 9mm pistols tend to be more reliable, due to the tapered case and size of the 9mm round. 5) They're also easier to shoot and easier on the shooter's hands and wrists. And, 6) The ammo's less expensive.

You can check out the Guns.com piece at this link.

The following information comes directly from the FNH USA website:

"Improving on the FNP™-45 Tactical, developed for the U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Program, the FNX™-45 Tactical is the latest in technological advancements in handgun engineering, offering .45 ACP performance and a host of unique features that no other handgun can match. The checkered polymer frame is offered in Black and Flat Dark Earth and has a low-bore axis for reduced felt recoil and enhanced operator control. Two interchangeable backstraps come standard to quickly customize the grip feel. All operating controls are fully ambidextrous for ease of use. The 5.3″ cold hammer-forged, stainless steel barrel has a threaded muzzle to accept sound suppressors, compensators and other accessories. The stainless steel slide has high-profile combat night sights and includes two mounting bases to accept multiple styles of optional red-dot electronic sights.

FNX-45 Tactical Features:

SLIDE 
– Stainless steel construction 
– External extractor with loaded chamber indicator 
– Front and rear cocking serrations 
– Slide cut and threaded for optional electronic red-dot sight (not included) 

BARREL 
– Cold hammer-forged, stainless steel, threaded 
– Polished chamber and feed ramp
– 0.578×28 TPI with thread protector 
– FRAME Polymer Replaceable steel rails 
– Two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets 
– MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail Serrated trigger guard 

OPERATING CONTROLS 
– Fully-ambidextrous decocking/safety levers, slide stop lever and magazine release 
– Ring-style external hammer 

MAGAZINE
– Polished nickel coated steel body
– Low-friction follower
– Polymer base pad

SIGHTS
– Fixed 3-Dot Night Includes two mounting bases for optional red-dot electronic sights

FNX-45 Technical Specs:

Caliber: .45 ACP
Operation: Double-action/Single-action
Sights: Fixed 3-Dot Night
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Weight: 33.6 oz. empty
Width: 1.58″
Height: 6.5″
Barrel Length: 5.3” with .578×28 RH barrel end thread pattern
Overall Length: 7.9″
Twist Rate: 1:16″ RH
Made in the USA"

Company Contact Info:

FNH USA Military Operations
PO Box 896
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-288-3500
Fax: 703-288-4505
Email: militaryinfo@fnhusa.com
FNH USA Website: http://www.fnhusa.com/
FNH USA Military Website: http://www.fnhusa.com/mil/

FNH USA Military Training Operations
Phone: 540-752-6200
Fax: 540-752-0967

FNH USA Law Enforcement and Commercial Sales
PO Box 697
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-288-1292
Fax: 703-288-1730
Email: info@fnhusa.com
Website: http://www.fnhusa.com/

Trijicon
49385 Shafer Avenue
P. O. Box 930059
Wixom, Michigan 48393-0059 USA
Phone: 800-338-0563
Phone: 248-960-7700
Fax: 248-960-7725
Email Contact Page: http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/contact/index.php
Website: http://www.trijicon.com

Trijicon Military and Law Enforcement Division
1101 International Parkway, Suite 115
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406-1202 USA
Phone: 540-286-1827
Fax: 540-286-0521

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