FN FNX 45 review and experiences

[@johndickinson8848]

Funny to see people say they won't buy this because one guy on KZbin (who bought it used) had a part break. First I have heard of this.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

John Dickinson That is very true being that it is a sample dive of one, but after doing my research I found many other people had experienced the same issue with their own FNX. I also found a few people that where producing aftermarket aluminum safety as well. During the installation of my replacement safety lever I closely inspected the design of the lever system and was shocked at how flimsy the retention system they had gone with on this particular design. I still own and shoot this firearm but my honest opinion is that there are a far greater number of designs of safety’s that other companies use are far and beyond better than this system. Thank you for your time and opinion on the issue I encountered with this model.

[@molonlabe3083]

You are the first person on KZbin that I have heard say the recoil is felt on this 45.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Ha! Is that good or bad? Out of all of the 45 acp pistols I have ever shoot, this one I have noticed that it works the wrist quite a bit more than the rest.

[@jasonhatez3287]

MolonLabe308 I have both models. Out of all my large 45. This has the least flip. This weapon is a dream to shoot. My only complaint is how aggressive the grips are. Had to wrap it. Talon grips

[@jasonhatez3287]

Usp 45 is also a amazing weapon. But both my FN are great weapons. I had to wrap the grip. It’s way to aggressive for me. Disagree will it being snappy. My Glock 21 has a ton more recoil the my FNs

[@payup2023]

The FNX 45 is the softest shooting 45 I've ever shot.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Larry K interesting, what else have you shot and what type of ammo do you use?

[@payup2023]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy Glock 21.Sig P220.Sig P320 full size. I shoot Winchester white box at the range.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Larry K Interesting.

[@caseypayne5138]

Yeah I agree...it’s probably one of the softest shooting 45s out there. Using standard range ammo it feels like a 9mm with a bit more push to me

[@chocokitty7]

This!!!

[@josegallegos6602]

Now I'm considering just getting a nice 1911. What material is the HK45 trigger made out of?

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@josegallegos6602 Just get what you want to get. The HK has a metal trigger with an over molded plastic on it.

[@ms.annthrope415]

Got one used 4 years ago. I've put about 150 rounds through it with zero issues. I use a Streamlight TLR-1 1,000 lumen light on it when it rotates night stand duty. It shoots soft and you can't argue with 15 rounds. I eventually bought 9 other magazines so I have 10 total mags for a load out. Thr stainless steel slide with corrosion resistent coating and thermopolymer frame make it impervious to rain, snow, salt, and sweat. Holsters are a bit of a hassle but I've collected a molded kydex holster, a cheap "burrito" universal holster that fits with my light, and a Cytak universal kydex holster for weapon light. I feel it is a perfect sidearm along with my FN SCAR 17 when the SHTF.

[@davetherogue]

Kinda glad I didnt see your video before i purchased my fnx-45 tactical. I bought mine with my first stimulus back at the start of the pandemic. with everything that was going on I decided I just might need more than the 8 or ten rounds in my other EDC pistols. After watching a ton of reviews I settled on my FNX-45 tac and set out to my LGS to have my guy order me one. I walked in and low and behold he had one in the case brand new in the range bag with 3 mags, haggled with him for a minute and got it out the door for $1000+tax. I immediately ordered a few thousand rounds of 130gr ball and a few hundred rounds of 230gr hollow points and headed out to the range. Ran about 300 rounds through her before i had some minor stoppages gave her a quick field strip wipe down and lube and ran another 300 rounds through her with no hiccups. I have since added a holosun optic which has a perfect cowitness with the factory plate and the iron sights. I also added the safariland gls paddle holster. After now litterally over 1500 rounds through it multiple weights, manufacturers, and types of rounds through it I wouldnt hesitate to trust this gun to protect me or my families lives. All of that being said your video gives me pause and concern Id really love to know where you found that aftermarket safety and what it was called as im a better safe than sorry kind guy and for my own peace of mind id like to upgrade my weapon. I will say however that it seems to me the previous owner could have somehow abused the weapon in some way maybe even snagged the safety on something nd caused the failure you experienced. Id be curious to see if there is a larger that have experienced this failure. Good vid though and thank you for taking the time to do this review.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Hey Dave, The new safety I got to replace mine that literally fell off after a few rounds at the range was a factory FNX safety from FN. Upon receiving the new factory parts I closely inspected the material used, design, and retention system used to keep the safety lever in place, and Honestly I was not impressed at all with it. Now having said that there is a world of people that will argue with my last statement, but in my personal opinion the rough grind marks on the safety bar (the bar between each lever) where very rough looking and not even or symmetrical. The metal used for the bar looks like a ferric stainless; I honestly wish they would have used a 316 for more corrosion restaurant (18% Cr and 14% Ni). The retention system on the safety levers is a .030” piece of sheet steel that essentially acts as a C-clip on the safety shaft and has two smaller fingers that act as a one way clip on the plastic safety lever. I believe that the only positive I can give the design is that I believe they used a polymer with glass fiber reinforcement in the 30% range. Note that I have not performed a melt test to verify my hypothesis on the type of polymer. Using the de cocker (safety all the way down) seems to put the most stress on those parts; as to what you mentioned about the previous user, it is possible he used the de cocker a few times, but like I had mentioned if it was ever fired it was only once or very few times. (Important). Please check your coil spring for wear, remove your slide and look back by the hammer, you will note the coil spring that gives tension to the hammer half cock and full cock levers. You will often see a worn spot on the top of that coil spring from the bottom of the slide. This is due to poor tolerances in the design between the grip and slide portion. There was a guy on the FN forum that was making aftermarket safety parts for this very issue. A bunch of forum members stated that they had encountered the same issues with the safety. The last time I searched for that thread was back when I made this video. I wanted to put it in the description below, but low and behold the thread was gone. I still own and shoot my FNX-45 and haven’t had a issue with it again. It is plausible that the safety issues Others and I had with it could have been with the earlier models. Any how I hope this info helps and I tank you for watching the video. People like you are the only reason I do this.

[@889976889]

I’m a huge fan of the FDE two tone

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

It does look pretty good. I totally agree!

[@samsammy6210]

Went to the range 18 Oct. No malfunctions. 150rds down the tube. Very accurate weapon. As I mentioned before the weapon FNX 45 was picked up used. One area I failed to check was the inside slide, front where the barrel works in and out has a lot of wear on the upper portion of the slide next to the hole toward the top. Somewhat uneven opposite sides. Barrel is not loose at the end while slide is all the way forward. Not much wear on outside of barrel that to me constitute that type of wear. Doesn’t effect operation of the weapon. And is only noticeable when taken down and looking at the forward end of the slide.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Thank you for the range report Sam! Keep it up Brother! Do you know the total round count by any chance?

[@samsammy6210]

Switchpod About 350 rounds of Winchester 50 cartridges caliber .45 auto, ball M1911 service grade. So far I only have fired ball ammo. Prior to me buying the FNX I have no idea how many actual rounds have went down the tube by the previous owner.

[@jasonwebb8247]

Had mine for over 6 years, over 3k rounds out the tube, no issues, even with cheap ammo and reloads. Love this pistol!

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Hello Jason, Good I’m glad to hear that yours has had no problems!

[@jasonwebb8247]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy thanks, man!

[@RomanMakovetskiy]

More then 4500 rounds, no single issue.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

That's awesome!

[@hines862009]

Black slide with earth lower is great color combo.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Yeah I like to too.

[@ARsAndGlocksOhMy]

I have had my FNX for years and have never had that issue. It is also an excellent shooting gun! I have done 5 shot group tests against my TRP and the FNX beats it every single time.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

ThAys awesome!

[@jasonhatez3287]

Just took mine out first day. It shoots like a dream. My only issue was the grip was to aggressive for my hand. Talon grip will take care of that. Need a holster. Any suggestions

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Lots of companies making kydex holsters. Do you know what material you want? Clock position you want to carry? If you are going to want a light on it?

[@jasonhatez3287]

Yes I have a varidian light. What was the company.

[@jasonhatez3287]

Switchpod I carry at 3pm. Looking for A paddle holster. Kydex is fine. No thumb break. No leather.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

I recommend a T Rex arms Ragnarok.

[@RolandDuke]

Why is the tactical version of this gun double the price??

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Because people will pay it. That’s the honest answer if you ask me. Suppressor height sights and a threaded barrel shouldn’t be twice the price, but that’s what FN charges.

[@RolandDuke]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy that’s all ya get extra with it right? Yea I’m gettin the non tactical one, whenever the gun gods make more.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@RolandDuke Hahahaha yes let’s hope they get on that soon.

[@MattyZan]

And the slide cut for an RMR

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@MattyZan yep that too.

[@jasonhatez3287]

Just got mine. Waiting to pick it up. I have a gl21 GL30 spr 45 tac and this. It will complete my 45s. And my kimber.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Sweet!!!

[@bruce5648]

Who was the guy you found on the safety I would like to get one

[@cdenton651]

It’s the softest shooting 45 I’ve ever shot and the weight helps with recoil

[@samsammy6210]

Good video. Haven’t had any problems with the decocker. Had 2 FNX 45’s. One from few years ago. Traded out. Now current one bought used. I put 200 rounds at the range both single and double so the decocker was used about a 3rd of the time. I shoot strong and weak hand also. So far so good. Time will tell. Hope I don’t have any problems with the decocker. Had no failures in operation of the weapon. Again good vid !

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Hey Sam! I'm glad you haven't had a problem with it!. mine is a very early model and I really hope that they addressed the issue. Hopefully it will never happen to you, but if it does the lever on the other side will function as intended. Thanks for letting us know. If it's not too much of a hassle can you give us another update the next time you go to the range with it? Range reports help all of us. Thank you for the comment and the support Sam!

[@samsammy6210]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy The FNX 45 I just picked up I believe it to be several years old. Have no idea how many rounds went down the tube. Only the ones I sent down range. Looks like it's in very good condition. Almost brand new looking.

[@joshua5555]

is the mags more reliable on the FNX than the FNP? I heard they're unreliable.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

I wish I could comment on this, but I don’t have a fnp.

[@joshua5555]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy have the followers in your mags help up so far?

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@joshua5555 yeah, so far so good, all 4 are in good shape.

[@reker.a5790]

You never made a review for the USP45T?

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

You mean to say I haven’t made a video yet.

[@sebathadah1559]

I found one of these at a local store for around 650 bucks. I thought SWEET BABY that's a nice gun. I took an in depth and found RUST INSIDE THE BARREL! running half the length of the rifling. This particular piece was marked "new".

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Sebat Hadah I’m glad that you took a close look at it before buying it. It sounds like it had some issues.

[@sebathadah1559]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy Update for you. I went back and watched a bunch of reviews and others and noticed that the front of the frame can, if a laser is attached, be pulled decently away from the slide. I really like the idea of this gun but its got some serious "quirks". For 3 days I seriously considered buying the Tactical model. however.... on the verge of making my decision a certain Sig flew across my radar instead. 1K plus price tag firearms really make me nervous. I like knowing everything I can about the thing before I purchase it. I have to admit I feel the asking price for the tactical model is way to high given its fit and finish.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@sebathadah1559 I completely agree with you. That’s a big part of why I didn’t get the tactical version myself. Having said that I did get the HK USP Tactical, but I sure didn’t pay MSRP for it either.

[@code.name.sasquatch]

I'm sorry, did you mean the USP quality surpasses the FNX or the other way around? Just the way you worded it kinda confused me

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

They are both amazing pistols and one person’s opinion is worth only that, but in my personal opinion and the experiences that I have had with both HK and FN/FNH; I have found HK to be a bit more reliable in my personal experiences. Having said that the older FN rifles have been very good to me and my PS90 has never had an issue.

[@ClaudBol]

Where do you buy a used firearms

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Wherever they are for sale silly 🙃.

[@mtnride4930]

I love FN products. I have a phone call in to a vendor now he is checking if they still have it. I think this will go with my FN 15. Great video. I hope I get good news on it today.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

I hope so too! Good luck 👍

[@mtnride4930]

Crap it just sold. But I just found the tactical a few more dollars but I think it is worth it.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@mtnride4930 awesome!

[@mtnride4930]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy GOT IT!

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@mtnride4930 sweet!

[@kenlandon7803]

Who makes the aftermarket safety?

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

The one I got was from FN. there was a guy that was making all metal ones, but I suspect that someone paid him a visit and told him to stop.

[@JohnnyBGoode215]

I have the exact same pistol and I love it.

[@Shaggy050]

What flashlight with. A laser do u recommend for this gun.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Are you wanting to run a IR laser or visible laser?

[@Shaggy050]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy visible

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@Shaggy050 TLR 8 is what I would go with.

[@Shaggy050]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy thanks!

[@ernestoechevers4741]

That issue and the soft polymer steered me out of that gun i want a double stack .45 but at the price of that gun i don't accept QC issues i shot the s&w m&p full size its ok but only 10rds and i don't want a G21 y already had it the HKs they sell here are only the new ones no usp 😡

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

It’s tough to find a good fit for a hi cap 45acp unfortunately.

[@mharris2037]

Lost all credibility when he said the FNX 45 was snappy! It’s is the softest 45 ACP I’ve fired over 40 years. The broken safety on a used pistol may not have anything “at all” to do with the quality of FNX 45. Do you know if the previous owner dropped the weapon, how did he care for it? I would like to see or hear about all the research you said you did and the sources so I can review as well. I hope people looking to buy doesn’t purchase based on this. HK is good but as well… but I wouldn’t say better.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Interesting comment, have you shot/tested both in the past?

[@parkerjensen6008]

Best level 2 or level 3 holster for this?

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Well that is going to depend on the features in a holster that you are looking for, polymer, Kydex, leather/kydex, Are you going to really n a light or optic on it? There are a bunch of different companies making holsters.

[@parkerjensen6008]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy the best thing ive been able to find is a level 2 safariland holster. But I was curious as to if you by chance were able to find a good fit for yours?

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@parkerjensen6008 To be honest I really haven’t yet. I haven’t actively been looking for one.

[@parkerjensen6008]

@@jeerrrrrrryyyyy sheeeeeet hahaha

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

@@parkerjensen6008 honestly if you already have a safari land holster, they are some of the best.

[@akiraman21]

loving the video keep it going and you'll be in the suppressor game soon enough

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Thank you Mike! I want to be some day.

[@dex6147]

I've been looking at picking up a USP in 45. Now I have more confidence in my decision, thanks.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

I really recommend it. Money well spent in my opinion, and higher resale value too.

[@hustonswanson4106]

Honestly I prefer the fnx 45 tactical

[@pewpewTN]

​@@hustonswanson4106 Same, it's just a better platform.

[@davegass1650]

Great job on the video . Very precise . I just throw it out there . I definitely should incorporate some of your professionalism into my videos 👍 .

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Thank you very much Dave! I really appreciate your comment, you’re to kind.

[@michaelkclark6981]

Very nice video. Very well done. A wonderful gun.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Thank you Michael.

[@orionfixr7713]

So what probably happened was the safety fell apart on the original owner in the first couple mags and he dumped it . Like buying a used car , ya' never know what you're gonna get . P.S. Did you stick your left wrist on a lathe tool bit ? I had the same scar doing exactly that .

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Your most likely correct on the safety. Ha! No the current long scare is from a lawnmower cage and the small round is welding with out gloves on LOL

[@badmoonknight5009]

It was stupid to dump it for such a loss. The gun at minimum cost around $675-$700 at least. Just don't understand people who are too lazy to fix problems.

[@anthonytay21]

So you got the fnx used then? Right

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Yep at 4:05, I purchased this as a used firearm

[@pulpanochamaster]

The safe lever tip... Stopped me from getting that gun... Thank youb

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

No problem, I’m glad I could help.

[@eazy_boardzzz8623]

I’m 12 years old and shot this gun before my dad owns it I don’t believe I can shoot any other 45 acp but this one it has very low recoil.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Good, we need more people just like you.

[@erictrippe2778]

You are the only reviewer that has called this gun "snappy"...Everyone else says the opposite.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

It must not be snappy then.

[@HardHeadMilitary]

Anyone else think the grip texture isTOO MUCH on the FNX? I like the grips on my VP9s I do enjoy my fnx tho!

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

I know two people that don’t like it. I myself don’t mind it.

[@randolph6511]

I love the grip texture of the FN, but I do like a pistol's texture to be akin to a deeply knurled weightlifting bar.

[@rockordnance]

Thats a shame that they put such a piece of crap on an otherwise nice gun. My buddy has a FNS9, Im assuming its the same frame and I find it really comfortable and was kicking around buying one in 9mm. Im going to shock you here......other than a little glock 26, I don't own a 9mm pistol. Never have either! Always preferred larger calibers including 40 and mostly 45. Anyhow, kind of rules out the FN for me. Shame.......

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

It is a shame, but like I said I only have the one. Maybe they have fixed it by now? It is a cheap design in my opinion. I too love the 40 S&W.

[@askhowiknow5527]

I bet this sucker is heavy fully loaded Easier to control

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Yeah, heavy loaded, but feather light when empty.

[@s1treyrr]

Pretty FN good video

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Thank you.

[@cliffleath]

I have the HK USP 45ACP and put 750 rounds through it so far. I would look at both and check out both on You Tube. The USP has 12 rounds so 3 rounds less. I am lookin at FN 45ACP, but just looking. HK is very tried and proven and has the 30% recoil reduction spring on it.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Hey Cliffleath, I love the USP pistols very much! If you are looking into the FNX45 I would recommend looking at palmetto state armory’s website. They have some good deals on them as of late. Thanks for the comment!

[@Theironchief]

The usp is great but it’s needs to be modernize all Hk needs to do work on the magazines to increase capacity to 15+ (45acp) and change the rail on the frame to the 1913 rail they have capacity to do it but they need to be less snobby about it

[@2aEdu]

Fn FNX.....not so much...... Id go with a nice Taurus or something like like that. Good video.

[@jeerrrrrrryyyyy]

Ha! Yeah with a extended magazine and a grip spacer from bloody wheels! Thank you Brother.