FN FNP
Polymer-framed pistol series with replaceable frame rails.
The FN FNP is a line of semi-automatic pistols built around a polymer frame, produced by FNH USA in Columbia, South Carolina. These hammer-fired guns use a Browning cam system with an external extractor. The trigger module sits as a separate unit inside the frame, and the magazine release can be swapped for left-handed use by removing a retention pin. On the FNP-9, double-action trigger pull is typically 8 pounds-force, while single-action pull ranges from 3 to 4 pounds-force. All models include ambidextrous decocking levers, a reversible magazine release, and an integrated accessory rail; the FNP-45 also has an ambidextrous slide release. Disassembly is straightforward: lock the slide back, drop the magazine, rotate the takedown lever forward, release the slide to remove it, then take out the recoil spring and barrel. Reassembly reverses these steps.
The pistol is chambered in 9×19mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP. FNH USA claimed at launch that the FNP was the only polymer-framed autoloader with fully replaceable frame rails—allowing the gun to be rebuilt after heavy use—though the Steyr M Series, introduced in 1999, also has this feature. The lower frame is high-strength polymer, and the slide is stainless steel.
Five basic models make up the series: the FNP-45, FNP-40, FNP-357, FNP-9, and the compact FNP-9M (later cancelled). Each is offered in double/single action, double-action only, or single-action only (also cancelled). Finishes include a matte black or natural stainless steel slide, and a black or dark earth frame. Sights can be standard or night sights. The FNP-9 and FNP-40 were also sold as the Browning Pro-9 and Pro-40. The FNP line was eventually succeeded by the FNX series.
The FNP-45 Tactical was developed for the Joint Combat Pistol program (2005–2006), which aimed to replace the M9 for USSOCOM. Requirements included .45 ACP caliber, an integrated Picatinny rail, day/night sights, and suppressor capability. It came with a 15-round magazine.
Users include the Genk police force in Belgium (190 FNP-9 and FNP-9M pistols purchased in April 2005), the Spanish Navy Marines (replacing Llama M82s with FNP-9s), and the New Roads, Louisiana Police Department (27 donated in October 2009). The United Kingdom evaluated 19 FNP-9s as a replacement for the Browning L9A1 but chose the Glock 17 instead.
- Manufacturer
- FNH USA (division of Fabrique Nationale de Herstal)
- Place of manufacture
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Calibers
- 9×19mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, .45 ACP
- Action
- Hammer-fired, Browning cam system with external extractor
- Trigger pull (fnp-9 double action)
- 8 lbf (36 N)
- Trigger pull (fnp-9 single action)
- 3–4 lbf (13–18 N)
- Frame material
- High-strength polymer
Lore & Background
The FNP series pistols are hammer-fired firearms 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. All variations include ambidextrous decocking levers and a reversible magazine release, as well as an integrated tactical accessory rail; the FNP-45 additionally offers an ambidextrous slide release. Disassembly and reassembly is relatively simple: the slide is locked to the rear, the magazine released, the takedown lever rotated downwards, and the slide slipped off the frame rails; the recoil spring and barrel are then removed. Reassembly reverses the process.
The lower frame is made of high-strength polymer, the slide of stainless steel. The FNP series was produced in five basic models: FNP-45, FNP-40, FNP-357, FNP-9, and the compact FNP-9M (cancelled). Each model was offered with double/single action, double-action only, or single-action only (cancelled); stainless steel slide in matte black or matte natural finish; black or Dark Earth frame; and standard or night sights. The FNP-9 and FNP-40 were also marketed as the Browning Pro-9 and Pro-40. The series has been replaced by the FNX pistol series.
The FNP-45 Tactical was developed for the Joint Combat Pistol program (late 2005 to early 2006), a USSOCOM merger of the army's Future Handgun System and the Special Operations Forces Combat Pistol. Requirements included .45 ACP chambering, an integrated Picatinny rail, day/night sights, and suppressor capability; the FNP-45 Tactical was offered with a 15-round magazine.
Reader's Guide
The FN FNP series represents a significant step in polymer-framed pistol design, particularly through its fully replaceable frame rails, which FNH USA claimed as a market first at introduction. This feature allowed the pistol to be rebuilt after extensive firing, extending service life. The series also introduced modular trigger options—double/single action, double-action only, and single-action only—and ambidextrous controls, including decocking levers and a reversible magazine release, with the FNP-45 adding an ambidextrous slide release. The FNP-45 Tactical was developed for the Joint Combat Pistol program, aiming to replace the M9 Pistol, though it did not win that contract. The series saw limited adoption: the Genk police force in Belgium purchased 190 FNP-9 and FNP-9M pistols; Spanish Navy Marines began replacing old Llama M82s with FNP-9s; and a quantity of 27 FNP pistols was donated to New Roads, Louisiana Police Department. The FNP-9 was evaluated in the United Kingdom as a replacement for the Browning L9A1 but lost to the Glock 17. The series was ultimately succeeded by the FNX pistol series, which built upon its design.
Did You Know?
- The FNP series was manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina, by FNH USA, a division of Fabrique Nationale de Herstal.
- The FNP-45 Tactical was developed for the Joint Combat Pistol program and offered a 15-round magazine in .45 ACP.
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