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The FN FNP is a double action/single action pistol available in several variants for several cartridges such as 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG and .45 ACP.
Design and History[]
It is the first composite handgun to feature fully replaceable frame rails, allowing the gun to be rebuilt after hard use. All variations of the pistol include ambidextrous decocking levers and a reversible magazine release, as well as an integrated tactical accessory rail. In addition, the FNP-45 offers an ambidextrous slide release.
According to FNH USA, the FNP line of pistols is the only polymer-framed autoloading pistol on the market (as of its introduction) with fully replaceable frame rails; this allows the pistol to be rebuilt after extensive firing, thereby extending service life. (Steyr M Series pistols also have this feature, and were released in 1999.)
The FNP series weapons are hammer fired weapons utilizing a Browning cam system with an external extractor. The trigger module is housed inside the polymer frame as an individual unit connected to the hammer. The magazine release button is held in place by a retention pin which can be removed to allow the magazine release button to be reversed. The trigger pull for the FNP-9 variant is generally 8 pounds while in double action and 3–4 pounds while in single action. While the lower frame is made of high-strength polymer, the slide is made of stainless steel. Generous magazine wells make reloading the weapon easy.
Disassembly and reassembly of the handgun is relatively simple. To disassemble the weapon, the slide is locked to the rear and the magazine is released from the weapon. The takedown lever located to the front of the frame is rotated downwards and the slide is gently released to allow it to slip off the frame rails. Once removed, the recoil spring is removed from its couched position in the barrel and the barrel is removed. To reassemble the weapon the process is reversed with the slide being slid onto the frame rails and the takedown lever rotated up while the slide is locked to the rear.