Need some advice as I have never owned and know very little about FN-Herstal.

I'm looking at purchasing a new polymer full-size .45 and I'm down to the Glock G21SF ($599) and the FNX-45 ($679 I believe)from FN Herstal. I'm going for capacity now and will work toward my conceal piece next. I already own a G17 full-size 9mm.

I have relatively small hands and both fit really nice.

The FN has a 15+1 capacity and the G21SF has 13+1. This is not my only consideration, but it is a factor.

Anyhow, what is the general consensus on FN-Herstal handguns?

Thanks in advance.

Thx

I don't have any hands-on experience, but I have always heard good things about FN weapons in general. I'm also a Glock fan, so you can't go wrong there.

Coincidentally, I googled "FNX 45" to be sure I was thinking about the correct pistol, and found this thread, which is someone asking basically your same question...

can't go wrong with either one, the only real distinction is wether you want a Double Action (glock) or a DA/SA pistol.

I own Glocks, FWIW.

Have the FNX in 9mm and really really like it for my truck gun. No complaints with is at all.

Glock makes a double action?

Edit: Nevermind, I guess it is double action.

[This message has been edited by bigtruckguy3500 (edited 4/18/2013 2:49p).]

Well when I was a kid I was told double action mean't you can pull on the trigger and the hammer will go back and you can fire even if the weapon isn't cocked. That definition has stuck with me, but I was just reading what some other folks said online about what a double action is.

no biggie, I googled it as well, turns out some classify it seperately since it is striker fired.

I personally don't regard Glocks as DA. I think of them as striker fired, and I think that's different than DA.

But I may be wrong.

the result is the same as DAO - the trigger is the same every pull.

I had a Five Seven before - nice gun.

I had an FNP when they first came out - didn't like it. Now, this was like 5 years ago or so - so, maybe the issues have been resolved.

Back then, there were a lot of mag spring issues - they would weaken very fast - and there were/still is no aftermarket replacements. You'd just send in mags to FN and they would replace them as they started to fail to lock the slide back on an empty mag.

Lots of people having to break in the extra strong recoil spring prior to the first range trip as well - otherwise, the first trip may not always go well.

I actually used to be the Admin of the FN Forum - and people used to come there to get help with these issues.

Now, I have read from others more recently that things are fine, and these things may not be an issue anymore. However, this still sticks in my mind when I look at FN pistols, because of my personal experience. Also, there was also a recall of the FNPs because of part that would keep the gun from activating if the frame got hot. But, I think that too is a non issue with current models.

I personally would never try one again until someone makes aftermarket mag springs for them, after the experience I previously had...

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[This message has been edited by MisterShipWreck (edited 4/18/2013 3:22p).]

I have the FNS-9 that I purchased last Fall. Really enjoy it. The initial seller for me was that it is a fully ambidextrous gun, as I shoot left-handed.

I own an FNP-9, of of the last of the series made before the FNX series. I have had no problems with this series. Yes, the mags are not an after market item, but I have had no problems with the mags or any other issues.

Would recommend.

FN Hesrstal does not have the name recognition of GLOCK. FNH also markets under the Winchester and Browning names. It is one of the current mfgs of the M2 .50cal mg.

Look at fn specific forums. People can't get mags for them. Support is a worry.

If I was buying a polymer .45, I'd get a M&P45 and not look back.

I am saving money now for the FNX .45 tactical

Thanks for all the advice here. I was also reading a gun forum thread about the early FNX problems with the trigger delay when it got hot.

I'm pretty sure they've gotten that fixed.

All gun manuf have issues from time to time. I know when the Glock Gen 4's came out, they had brass ejection issues and to my knowledge those have been fixed too.

I'm tempted to stay with what I know and that's Glock. Can't beat the price either.

The only other brand I'm considering that is close on price is the M&P. I've heard great things about them.

FN makes a nice product but factory accessories are typically expensive across their line.

M&Ps are very nice pistols but the triggers feel terrible. The reset on the current production is better but the trigger feels like it was taken from a toy. It doesn't affect function but it feels extremely cheap and fragile.

quote:

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M&Ps are very nice pistols but the triggers feel terrible.

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That is my (limited) experience too. When I bought my G19 I found the M&P to have the worst feeling trigger of all the guns I handled. And the gun counter guy (at Reds in Austin) said "nobody likes that trigger."

Disclaimer - I am no aficionado. I just know that the G19 trigger felt "right" from the get go. So did the H&K P30 but I didn't want to spend that much.

Newer M&P triggers are much better than the old ones, but still don't hold a candle to the Apex DCAEK kit you can put into one. If you plan on getting an M&P, account for an extra $100-125 for a trigger upgrade.

The thing that is going to bite you with the FN is availability of parts and accessories. Glock stuff is ubiquitous, you can find whatever you need anywhere, including on the resale market. Take that FWIW from someone who started with a Ruger SR9 and ended up with M&Ps.

[This message has been edited by 96AustinAg (edited 4/19/2013 10:39a).]

IME, FN will discontinue a model, then not support it. I had one - decent gun - but I lost the mag release spring when trying to swap it over from one side to the other.

Couldn't get another spring.

Glock does a better job about reverse compatibility, and, of course, accessories are much more available.

Which one feels better to you?