FNX-45: FN Herstal's .45 ACP Joint Combat Pistol

by
posted on August 7, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
FNX 45

FN America introduced the FNX-45—a hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol, chambered in .45 ACP—in October 2012. It is modeled after the FNP handgun the company entered for consideration in the U.S. military’s 2007 U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Program, so adaptability to a wide variety of shooter sizes and preferences comes as no surprise.  

The FNX-45 manual safety is ambidextrous, for example. So are the magazine release and slide stop. The gun ships with two interchangeable backstraps with lanyard eyelets and the polymer frame’s grip is checkered to maintain control with gloves or sweaty palms. The front of the trigger guard is serrated and a mil-spec accessory rail on the dustcover provides ample space for mounting lights and lasers.

The gun is designed to survive military abuse, too. Both the slide and cold-hammer forged barrel are constructed from stainless steel. Feed ramp and chamber on the 4.5” barrel are polished. The extractor is external and there is a loaded-chamber indicator. Cocking serrations on the hammer ensure positive operation. Slide and hammer are finished in matte black, although the polymer frame is available in either black or flat dark earth.

Each gun ships with two magazines, either 10- or 15-round capacity. Weight of the FNX-45 empty comes in at 33.2 ozs. and overall length is 7.9”. Standard sights are three-dot, but tritium versions are available as an upgrade. MSRP for handgun starts at $824.

FN America also offers another pair of versions, the FNX-45 Tactical and FNX-45 Tactical FDE. Both come with a threaded barrel with its length increased to 5.3”. They retain all the fire control advantages and performance of the standard model, but they come with four backstraps instead of two and the slide is pre-cut for optics (two red-dot mounting plates are included). Gun weight goes up to 33.3 ozs. and to clear the suppressor most of these pistols will ultimately wear, the handguns have raised, three-dot Trijicon tritium night sights. MSRP for either tactical model comes in at $1,349.

When American Rifleman ran an FNX-45 Tactical FDE model through the paces in 2018 it performed admirably during range sessions. Here’s a look at that video report.

Latest

Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web
Gotw Traditions G3 Pro Web

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.