Estimated studying time: 10 minutes
In a world of polymer frames and striker-fired pistols, FN is just not the primary title that tends to come back to thoughts. Nevertheless, to the shock of many, the Los Angeles Police Division chosen the FN 509 MRD-LE as their new obligation pistol. The FN 509 MRD-LE additionally ushered in a manufacturing unit optic-ready pistol for LAPD. LAPD Adopts FN Pistol
FN 545 Tactical – A Step Up
Whereas most legislation enforcement companies have defaulted to the 9mm for an obligation spherical, many, together with the LAPD, nonetheless supply the choice to hold a .45 ACP obligation gun. The .45 ACP nonetheless has a loyal following and FN has stepped in to satisfy that demand.
The FN 545 Tactical is a contemporary, full-size, duty-ready, pistol that can meet or exceed the necessities of most customers. It presents an unprecedented 18+1 rounds of .45 ACP! Mechanically, it presents each improved design and ergonomics over many opponents. It’s a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with interchangeable backstraps. The texturing on the entrance and backstrap is massive and aggressive whereas the aspect texturing is extra subdued. The body is relieved on the base of the set off guard to permit a excessive buy. Finger channels, on either side of the body, enable a shorter set off attain.
First Impressions
Upon subject stripping the pistol, I instantly seen that the 545 has twin switch bars that join the set off to the sear mechanism. Ambidextrous controls additionally embody the slide cease levers and journal launch. The journal launch is full-time ambidextrous, not reversible like another designs. The 545 Tactical has a captured twin recoil spring that includes a big flat wire spring and a smaller coil spring. The set off is a hinged design to launch the set off security block.
Accessible on GunsAmerica Now
FN 545 Options
The 545 Tactical comes customary with high-profile sights, with the rear sight protected with aspect shields. The entrance sight contains a white dot tritium that’s simply picked up below most situations. The rear sight is built-in into the low profile Optics Mounting System. The plate is eliminated by way of two torque screws to permit a purple dot optic to be mounted. The barrel on the 545 Tactical is 4.71” in size and is threaded for suppressor use.
The 545 Tactical, with a size of 8.3”, a peak of 6”, and a weight of 31 oz., is just not a small pistol. Essentially the most logical comparability to the 545 is the Glock 21 GEN5. The under chart represents the data listed on every producer’s web site. Word that the general size of the 545 contains the prolonged barrel.
FN 545 Specs
Vary Time With The FN 545
Whereas the 545 is a big pistol, it’s well-designed. The controls are simply operated and I discovered the grip texture each comfy and efficient. The interchangeable backstrap presents choices for these with totally different measurement fingers. The sights have been simply acquired and the set off broke cleanly with no grit or “crunch.” Even with sizzling +P masses, the 545 absorbed recoil, and muzzle rise was minimal.
We hit the vary with an assortment of .45 ACP ammunition that ranged from a Tremendous Vel 160 gr. +P to a 230 gr. Gold Dot. I needed to see if I might discover a load that the 545 didn’t like. I ran a sequence of exams to make sure the extractor and ejector have been correctly tuned. I then stuffed the journal and ensured that the rounds would feed correctly from the slide lock. The ultimate take a look at was shot with two rounds within the journal to make sure a constructive slide lock on the final spherical within the journal. The 545 Tactical carried out flawlessly with no points.
Vary Information
I then shot “The Check” which is 10 photographs, from 10 yards, in 10 seconds. It’s shot on a B-8 bullseye goal and scored utilizing the values on the goal. It’s usually shot chilly, not practiced, and solely the primary try is scored for the document. As mirrored on the goal, I dropped 5 factors and exceeded the par time by 1.4 seconds. I used to be more than happy with the way in which the 545 Tactical shot. Whereas the 545 Tactical is optic-ready, I didn’t use an optic for any of the evaluations.
Quiet Time
The enjoyable actually acquired began once we ran the 545 with a Silencerco Osprey suppressor. The Osprey was launched in 2009 and was the trade’s first manufacturing eccentric suppressor. The design locations the under the bore of the barrel permitting the usage of customary peak sights. The design additionally permits extra inside quantity than a conventional spherical concentric design. Nevertheless efficient, eccentric suppressors current the design problem of aligning the suppressor to the pistol.
Silencerco developed a patented design that enables the physique and the piston to rotate independently of one another. The suppressor is first screwed onto the barrel. The cam lock is then opened and the physique is rotated to the correct angle and the cam is then relocked. This method permits the Osprey for use on any correctly threaded host.
The Osprey is a really efficient suppressor and reduces the sound signature of .45 ACP to hearing-safe ranges. Whereas I would not have any expertise with the brand new Osprey 2.0, I went again to my notes from 2010. The under chart displays the outcomes of testing the Osprey in Silencerco’s sound laboratory throughout my go to. It needs to be famous that the excessive studying is usually the results of the primary shot “pop” the place the oxygen within the suppressor is ignited. This eliminates the pop, and to acquire most effectivity, suppressors could be run moist with the addition of water or an ablative. The moist take a look at was measured after injecting 5cc of water into the booster finish of the suppressor.
Ammo & Suppressor Ideas
We had no points working the 545 with the Osprey put in. The burden of the Osprey mitigated a considerable quantity of recoil and the diminished sound signature left all of the shooters with a smile on their face.
FN 545 Conclusion
FN continues to develop its choices throughout the board. They’re even getting into the suppressor market with choices in .22 and 9mm. FN Catch-22 Suppressor Whereas the .45 ACP might not be as common as in bygone years, it’s removed from lifeless. For those who, or your group, is in search of a brand new .45 ACP obligation pistol, the 545 FN would be the reply.
READ MORE: Sig P320XF BXR3 // Full Assessment
For extra info on all FN firearms, go to FN America
*** Purchase and Promote on GunsAmerica! All Native Gross sales are FREE! ***
![Analysis: How Tim Walz Embodies the Democratic Party’s Trajectory on Guns [Member Exclusive]](https://i2.wp.com/cdn.thereload.com/app/uploads/2024/05/DSC06434-scaled.jpg?w=75&resize=75,75&ssl=1)
