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In a world of polymer frames and striker-fired pistols, FN is not the first name that tends to come to mind. However, to the surprise of many, the Los Angeles Police Department selected the FN 509 MRD-LE as their new duty pistol. The FN 509 MRD-LE also ushered in a factory optic-ready pistol for LAPD. LAPD Adopts FN Pistol
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FN 545 Tactical – A Step Up
While most law enforcement agencies have defaulted to the 9mm for a duty round, many, including the LAPD, still offer the option to carry a .45 ACP duty gun. The .45 ACP still has a loyal following and FN has stepped in to meet that demand.
The FN 545 Tactical is a modern, full-size, duty-ready, pistol that will meet or exceed the requirements of most users. It offers an unprecedented 18+1 rounds of .45 ACP! Mechanically, it offers both improved design and ergonomics over many competitors. It is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with interchangeable backstraps. The texturing on the front and backstrap is large and aggressive while the side texturing is more subdued. The frame is relieved at the base of the trigger guard to allow a high purchase. Finger channels, on both sides of the frame, allow a shorter trigger reach.
First Impressions
Upon field stripping the pistol, I immediately noticed that the 545 has dual transfer bars that connect the trigger to the sear mechanism. Ambidextrous controls also include the slide stop levers and magazine release. The magazine release is full-time ambidextrous, not reversible like some other designs. The 545 Tactical has a captured dual recoil spring that incorporates a large flat wire spring and a smaller coil spring. The trigger is a hinged design to release the trigger safety block.
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FN 545 Features
The 545 Tactical comes standard with high-profile sights, with the rear sight protected with side shields. The front sight features a white dot tritium that is easily picked up under most conditions. The rear sight is integrated into the low profile Optics Mounting System. The plate is removed via two torque screws to allow a red dot optic to be mounted. The barrel on the 545 Tactical is 4.71” in length and is threaded for suppressor use.
The 545 Tactical, with a length of 8.3”, a height of 6”, and a weight of 31 oz., is not a small pistol. The most logical comparison to the 545 is the Glock 21 GEN5. The below chart represents the information listed on each manufacturer’s website. Note that the overall length of the 545 includes the extended barrel.
FN 545 Specifications
| FN 545 Tactical | Glock 21 GEN5 MOS | |
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP |
| Magazine Capacity | 15/18 | 13 |
| Weight | 31 oz. | 29.10 oz |
| Barrel Length | 4.71” | 4.61” |
| Overall Length | 8.3” | 8.07 |
| Height | 6” | 5.51” |
| Width | 1.45 | 1.12” |
Range Time With The FN 545
While the 545 is a large pistol, it is well-designed. The controls are easily operated and I found the grip texture both comfortable and effective. The interchangeable backstrap offers options for those with different size hands. The sights were easily acquired and the trigger broke cleanly with no grit or “crunch.” Even with hot +P loads, the 545 absorbed recoil, and muzzle rise was minimal.
We hit the range with an assortment of .45 ACP ammunition that ranged from a Super Vel 160 gr. +P to a 230 gr. Gold Dot. I wanted to see if I could find a load that the 545 didn’t like. I ran a series of tests to ensure the extractor and ejector were properly tuned. I then filled the magazine and ensured that the rounds would feed properly from the slide lock. The final test was shot with two rounds in the magazine to ensure a positive slide lock on the last round in the magazine. The 545 Tactical performed flawlessly with no issues.
Range Data
| FN 545 Tactical Range Data | |||
| Manufacturer | Load | Avg. Velocity | Accuracy |
| Super Vel | 160 gr. +P SCHP | 1,090 fps | 2.5” |
| Super Vel | 185 gr. +P JHP | 1,095 fps | 2.75” |
| Federal | 230 gr. HST | 876 fps | 1.75” |
| Speer | 230 gr. Gold Dot | 768 fps | 1.5” |
| Velocity measured at 10 ft/Accuracy at 15 yards | |||
I then shot “The Test” which is 10 shots, from 10 yards, in 10 seconds. It is shot on a B-8 bullseye target and scored using the values on the target. It is generally shot cold, not practiced, and only the first attempt is scored for the record. As reflected on the target, I dropped 5 points and exceeded the par time by 1.4 seconds. I was very pleased with the way the 545 Tactical shot. While the 545 Tactical is optic-ready, I did not use an optic for any of the evaluations.
Quiet Time
The fun really got started when we ran the 545 with a Silencerco Osprey suppressor. The Osprey was introduced in 2009 and was the industry’s first production eccentric suppressor. The design places the below the bore of the barrel allowing the use of standard height sights. The design also allows more internal volume than a traditional round concentric design. However effective, eccentric suppressors present the design challenge of aligning the suppressor to the pistol.
Silencerco developed a patented design that allows the body and the piston to rotate independently of each other. The suppressor is first screwed onto the barrel. The cam lock is then opened and the body is rotated to the proper angle and the cam is then relocked. This system allows the Osprey to be used on any properly threaded host.
The Osprey is a very effective suppressor and reduces the sound signature of .45 ACP to hearing-safe levels. While I do not have any experience with the new Osprey 2.0, I went back to my notes from 2010. The below chart reflects the results of testing the Osprey in Silencerco’s sound laboratory during my visit. It should be noted that the high reading is generally the result of the first shot “pop” where the oxygen in the suppressor is ignited. This eliminates the pop, and to obtain maximum efficiency, suppressors can be run wet with the addition of water or an ablative. The wet test was measured after injecting 5cc of water into the booster end of the suppressor.
Ammo & Suppressor Thoughts
| Osprey 45 | High dB | Low dB | Average |
| .45 ACP – Unsuppressed | 162.62 | 161.47 | 162.23 |
| .45 ACP – Dry | 139.05 | 128.79 | 131.61 |
| .45 ACP – Wet | 122.55 | 119.50 | 121.53 |
We had no issues running the 545 with the Osprey installed. The weight of the Osprey mitigated a substantial amount of recoil and the reduced sound signature left all the shooters with a smile on their face.
FN 545 Conclusion
FN continues to expand its offerings across the board. They are even entering the suppressor market with offerings in .22 and 9mm. FN Catch-22 Suppressor While the .45 ACP may not be as popular as in bygone years, it is far from dead. If you, or your organization, is looking for a new .45 ACP duty pistol, the 545 FN may be the answer.
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For additional information on all FN firearms, visit FN America
| FN 545 TACTICAL | |
| Caliber | .45 ACP |
| Operation | Double Action/Striker Fired |
| Magazine Capacity | 15/18 |
| Weight | 31 oz. |
| Barrel Length | 4.61” |
| Overall Length | 8.3” |
| Height | 6” |
| Width | 1.45 |
| MSRP | $1,139.00 |
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