FNP-9: "A Sig for Less" by Nutnfancy, Pt 1

Updated Sept 2009: A quality polymer framed Sig-like pistol for around $450? Impossible? Not really. Check out the well-made and fully ambidextrous FNP handgun in this two part series by Nutnfancy (also check out my DuraCoat update vid on this great little gun). This pistol comes from the hard working and innovative FN Group which has long standing and strong ties to American arms manufacture, dating back to the days of John Moses Browning. They know how to make good, strong guns and the FNP DA/SA series showcases that expertise well. This reviewed FNP9 is representative of the series (available in .40, .45, and .357 Sig cals too) and has many impressive features. These include outstanding ergonomics, incredible lightweight (24.6 oz!), kindergarten-simple field strip, high accuracy and reliability, adequate firepower (16 rds), Sig-like dedicated decocker (ambi mounted), hammer-forged barrel, good sights, good trigger, bobbed hammer, 1911 grip angle, three included magazines (great job FN!) and a very reasonable price. Possible criticisms would include a perplexingly thin-walled barrel (no doubt saves weight), shorter sighting radius. a loud de-cock snap, controls reversed from the Sig series, expensive extra mags, and a mag release that buries in the frame a bit. I have come to appreciate its polished SS mags although not very non-tactical. But to hold a FNP9 is to appreciate its amazing lightness, the outstanding ergos of the grip and its smooth decocking lever, and its superb pointability. Despite a few drawbacks, it remains an outstanding pistol design that appears to be world class. It is indeed very Sig-like but at a much lower cost and substantially lighter weight. Nutnfancy predicts it will prove to be equally reliable and steadfast over the years. ////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 9 out of 10////////////Thanks to Impactguns.com for hosting this and many other TNP reviews!/////////////// If you own a gun of ANY kind and are not a member of the NRA you need to change your ways. Political battles rage that serve to disarm you, leaving you the potential victim of criminals who have NEVER obeyed gun laws. Join the NRA today for five years at a time and donate generously to the NRA/ILA. This is a patriotic, freedom organization that fights tirelessly to maintain our freedoms and it advocates no political party. Comparison to Glock 17, Nutnfancys 9mm standard: WEIGHT: Advantage FNP9 by 1 ounce FIREPOWER: Advantage G17 by at least 1 round DURABILITY: Advantage G17 durable for over 100,000 rounds ACCURACY: Tie ERGONOMICS: Advantage FNP9 (1911 grip angle preferable) SIMPLICITY: Tie ACCESSORIES: Advantage G17 by large margin, many available and mags are cheaper PRICE: Advantage FNP9 in most cases TRACK RECORD: Advantage G17 so far, proven world wide for decades