Would I still buy a Glock today, Part 3

Today, we'll take a look at FN-Herstal's impressive FNP and FNX series as Glock competitors. 

Fabrique Nationale, FN for short, simply means national factory, but when it’s included with Herstal, as in FN Herstal, it represents one of the premier firearms and weapons technology manufacturers in the military, law enforcement, and civilian markets.  In addition to innovative rifles and PDW class guns like the SCAR and P90, they make one of the best new tactical pistols available to consumers, the  FNX system of handguns.  Like the others, FN offers the FNX in a variety of calibers, but so far only in a mid-full sized frame.  Still suitable for concealed carry, these weapons are still serious full size tactical weapons with the highest quality tolerances.

The FNX platform differs from those described above in that they are all hammer-fired pistols in the Browning tradition, and include an ambidextrous decocking lever and thumb safety.   The double action/single action format needs a strong first shot, followed by a racy 3-4 LB single action follow up shot. 

The FNX-9 and -40 remain largely identical, but in .45, FN changes the game.  The highest level of innovation for the FN platform, the FNP-45 Tactical, was developed for the Joint Combat Pistol Program, a competition to replace the M9 pistol currently in service, and to see the innovations available for .45ACP ammunition since the Army retired the 1911 in 1985.  The FNP-45 Tactical offers the same rails and back straps as the other fine FNP models, but the geometry of grip alignment looks and feels more consistent with the venerable Colt 1911 geometry.  Built with accessories in mind, the FNP-45 Tactical includes fully ambidextrous controls, and modifications for suppressor compatibility.  Designed with special operators in mind, the FNP-45 Tactical includes a threaded barrel for suppressor attachment without modification, as well as high profile combat sights designed to function with or without a suppressor attached to the gun.  Finally, the stainless steel slide is built to accommodate micro-dot and red-dot optics without modification, setting this pistol apart from all of the competition.  The pistol appeals to shooters interested in competitive shooting events like IDPA and IPSC, right out of the box.