Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt Review

Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt Stainless

Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt

Bottomline

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt offers solid construction and reliable performance.

8 out of 10 rating

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt is a 1911-style pistol comes from Shooters Arms Manufacturing in the Philippines. This company is known for making solid firearms without the hefty price tag. The Thunderbolt, with its ported barrel and sleek design, definitely turns heads. But does it live up to its name? Can it deliver the performance you’d expect from a high-end 1911 without breaking the bank? In this review, I’ll share a bit of its backstory, how it handles on the range, and whether it’s worth a spot in your collection. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this one!

Bottomline

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt offers solid construction and reliable performance.

Pros

  • Flared ejection port
  • 20 lpi checkering on the front strap
  • Military style slide stop
  • Beavertail safety grip
  • Extended manual safety
  • Banana-hole manual trigger
  • Matte-chrome round hammer

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Pricey
  • Limited capacity

Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt Specs

CaliberCapacityBBLOALWidthHeightWeight
.45 ACP8+15″8.66″n/a5.35″37 oz.

Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt Features

Flared Ejection Port

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt features a flared ejection port designed to ensure smooth and reliable ejection of spent casings, minimizing the risk of jams during operation. While it adds to the pistol’s functionality, it might slightly impact structural integrity and isn’t always ideal for extreme conditions—but for most shooters, it’s a solid feature.

20 LPI Front Strap Checkering

Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt Blued

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt comes with 20 LPI checkering on the front strap, giving you a solid grip and better control while shooting. However, it can feel a bit rough on your hands during long sessions, especially if you’re not wearing gloves.

Military-style Slide Stop

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt features a military-style slide stop, built for reliability and quick, hassle-free operation. That said, it might not be the most ergonomic option for those with smaller hands, making it a bit trickier to manipulate comfortably.

Beavertail Safety Grip

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt is equipped with a beavertail safety grip, which lets you maintain a higher grip on the pistol while protecting your hand from dreaded “hammer bite.” However, this feature can add a bit of bulk to the grip, which might make concealment a little trickier.

Extended Manual Safety

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt includes an extended manual safety, making it easier to engage or disengage for added safety during handling. However, if not positioned correctly, there’s a slight risk of accidental activation, which could be a concern in critical moments.

Banana-Hole Manual Trigger

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt features a distinctive banana-hole manual trigger, designed to enhance trigger control and overall feel. While it’s an interesting and functional design, some shooters might find it a bit unconventional or not as comfortable as traditional triggers.

Final Thoughts

The Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt is a solid option if you’re after a 1911 that packs in features without draining your wallet. Its ported barrel and adjustable sights are impressive for the price, and it performs reliably on the range. That said, the factory grips and finish might not win everyone over, and it doesn’t quite hit the refinement of higher-end models. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 1911 with some premium touches, the Thunderbolt could be just what you need. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it brings plenty to the table, and might just surprise you.

Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt Score Card

ErgonomicsSolid grip but heavy.1.15
TriggerLightweight and crisp.4.55
AccuracyHits targets effectively at varying distances.4.5
QualityStainless steel construction for the win.4.5
ValuePricey but worth every penny.1
OverallThe Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt is a solid option if you’re after a 1911 that packs in features without draining your wallet.3.14
Shooters Arms Manufacturing FX45 Thunderbolt Stainless
Shooters Arms Manufacturing FX45 Thunderbolt blued
The FX45 Thunderbolt Enhanced.
The FX45 Thunderbolt Enhanced.
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1 thought on “Shooters Arms FX45 Thunderbolt Review”

  1. How much the Fx – 45 Stainless Thunderbolt ?

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