Characteristics
Type: Double Action
Calibers: 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum and .40S&W
Weight: ~710 g empty; 890 g loaded with 16 rounds
Length: 200 mm
Barrel length: 100 mm
Capacity: 16 rounds (9mm) or 10 rounds (.40)
The FNP-9 is the most recent development of the famous Belgian company FN Herstal. First announced in 2003, the basic design is available in two versions. The Law Enforcement / Military version is marketed as FNP-9, and has a matte black finish; the Civilian version is marketed as the Browning PRO-9, and has a bead-blasted stainless steel finish on the slide. Frames on all models are black polymer. These pistols apparently made at two FN facilities - for European market guns are produced at FN home factory in Herstal, Belgium; for US market guns are made in FN plant in Columbia, South Carolina, USA, by the FN Manufacturing Inc, subsidiary of the FN Herstal.
By modern standards, FNP-9 / PRO-9 is a fairy conventional gun, suitable for police / security duties, as well as for self-defense. Actually, the FNP-9 is a vise compilation of previously known design features, including the now-common polymer frame, SIG-Sauer-style locking system, interchangeable grip backstraps, pioneered by Walther. FNP-9 is quite comfortable and apparently very reliable, and, probably, will be more successful on the market, than the previous FN polymer-framed pistol, the Forty-Nine.
The FNP-9 is a short recoil operated, locked breech pistol. The barrel is operated using a Browning cam system, and is locked to slide by single lug via large ejection port. Frame is made from high impact-resistant polymer. Double Action trigger system with exposed hammer has internal firing pin safety, with decocking levers located at the both sides of the frame. Firing pin safety is standard, and the magazine safety is optional. The trigger / hammer module is formed as a single unit, easily detachable from the frame for inspection, maintenance or replacement. Optional hammer units can be found in DAO variety or in standard DA version but with manual safety / decock levers instead of the basic decock-only levers. Other easily replaceable units include the barrel cradle / slide rail module and the grip backstraps. Grip backstraps are available in two variations, with straight or curved shape. Front part of the frame under the barrel is formed as an integral accessory rail for flashlight or laser sight. Standard sights are provided with white inserts and are dovetailed into the slide.
