We shot double- and single-action and did a variety of exercises. We each fired multiple box drills, failure-to-stop drills and "empty the gun as fast as possible for the hell of it" drills. Through it all, the FNP45 ran without a hitch, and continued to put one bullet on top of another when we did our part.

The FNP-45 comes with two interchangeable backstraps. It is shown here with the arched version, which fit the author’s hand just fine.

At the end of the day, Fernando, who also has small hands, commented on how surprised he was by his performance. When he first saw the FNP, he was expecting to have trouble managing the double-action trigger because of the pistol's size. He didn't. In fact, he shot it as well as he shoots his current duty weapon.

I was equally impressed with the FNP-45. Although it is a large pistol, it handles like a much smaller one. Its 1911-style grip angle, short trigger reach and interchangeable backstraps combine to make it possible for just about anyone to shoot this pistol well.

As much as I like the FNP-45, no pistol is perfect. The magazine release worked well in the sense that it ejected magazines, whether full or empty, smartly. However, it must be depressed until it's almost flush with the frame to eject the magazine. This was quite difficult for me and Fernando, as well as for my photographer, Lance Bertolino. FN could make the release a tiny bit taller to make it easier to work without appreciably increasing the chances of inadvertently shooting the magazine across the room.

My only other complaint was that the decocking lever is easy to hit inadvertently. This won't take the pistol out of action, but unexpectedly going from single to double action is unnerving and can't be good for accuracy, either. I doubt FN will move that lever, but designers could make it smaller without much difficulty.

Many police officers and CCW holders I know have been anxiously waiting for the .45 ACP version since the first FNP hit the street. After testing the new FNP-45, I can see why. The FNP-45 is everything a duty or defensive pistol should be. It is accurate, reliable, safe and easy to use. And, best of all, it's a heck of a value.

The FNP-45 may still be a bit big for my Lilliputian mitts, but I can recommend it without hesitation to anyone with average-size or larger hands in the market for an affordable pistol they can count on when things go bump in the night.