I have 2 of the .45 ACP USG (The USG has both a decocker and a cocked and locked type safety, it also has slightly different slide serrations) Flat dark earth / blackened stainless slide models.
I fell into a deal on a pair of M3X’s in FDE also, so both pistols are equipped identically (one for the car BOB, and one for the nightstand).
I was going to purchase 2 of the “Shooters Packs” (Package that consists of a Bladetech pistol holster, double mag holster, training barrel, and 3 Magazines, in a blow mold case) but the USG FDE shooters packs never “Appeared” on the market although FN issued a stock # for them. Basically the consensus seems to be that FN is selling the FDE models in sufficient volume (along with the other .45 Cal models) that they feel no need to offer the USG FDE models in the "Shooters Pack"configuration. They also structure their promotions around their 9mm, .357 Sig, and .40 S&W models exclusively. (No need to promote something that is selling like hotcakes).
Holsters are few and far between (and that is a generous statement). God help you if you want a high quality leg drop type holster that accepts a FNP 45 with a light attached (they don’t exist PERIOD)…
Night sights were supposed to be available some time ago, but have not appeared as of yet…
The reason I chose to purchase the FNs is because really liked the :
Capacity, Large aggressive grip with interchangeable back straps (I have big hands), the exposed hammer, traditional double action (second strike capability), accuracy (Many tests, both end user and the “media” have overwhelmingly praised it for its accuracy), and the color scheme (FDE and blackened stainless).
As for the triggers on my two, they are more than acceptable. The DA pull is about 11lbs and kind of long. The SA pull is about 4-5 lbs. The SA pull is smooth with some take up, but nice with a crisp release. Now in the interest of full disclosure I have yet to take them to the range (too damn wet and hot, but mostly too wet and muddy). I have been using snap caps and doing dry fire practice with them extensively.
I do have a couple of complaints/gripes though.
The rail spacing on the dust cover could stand to be reoriented back/rearward (slot wise) about 1/8 inch or so - the "Reach " that is required for the activation of lights (I have played with both the TLR 1 mounted and also the M3X) is a bit on the long side and I have adopted the “Thumb” activation method (using the supporting hand to activate) while using a two handed grip.
The magazines seem “OK”, but I am not particularly enamored with the small/short skirts on the follower(s). The magazines seem to be “Pieced” together (they are composed 5 loose pieces) the plastics used to make up the base plate bottom lock and follower a “feel” a bit on the cheap side. One other thing I find “Lacking” is the slide Stop/Release is insufficiently sized, and not aggressively textured enough for my tastes (Much of my shooting “Education” has been at the controls of 1911 type handguns)…
I have played with many different types of handguns. Most of my favorites are along the lines of the 1911, CZ-75 and it’s many iterations. I hope that these FNP’s will live up to my expectations- I sold of 2 CZ’s ( I really like my CZ’s) in .40 cal to make room for them, (and to cut down on the # of handgun calibers in my battery)…
All in all so far I like these pistols. Hopefully I will still like them after putting a volume of lead down range…
—>APB