FN's HiPer 9 mm pistol with optics on the left-hand side. (FN Herstal)
FN Herstal unveiled a new 9 mm self-loading pistol on 31 May. Designated the FN HiPer, the striker-fired, polymer-framed handgun is a clean-sheet design, with FN having put particular emphasis on ergonomics, compared with its previous designs.
Some of the ergonomic features include ambidextrous magazine-release levers that act independently from each other, and which FN claim will eliminate the danger of accidental actuation. The ambidextrous slide release is also positioned further back on the frame of the HiPer when compared with other contemporary designs. The rear of the slide is fitted with an enlarged plate, designed to assist cocking of the weapon using the rear slide serrations. The HiPer will also feature an armourer-adjustable trigger, both in pull weight and travel, an unusual feature for a intended service weapon. More standard features include exchangeable front and rear grip straps, adjustable sights, and the ability to mount a micro red-dot sight.
A safety feature of the HiPer is the ability to dissemble the pistol without having to fire off the action. The pistol has a new rigid metal chassis inside the frame that enables tighter tolerances between the frame and the slide, sealing the weapon to enable increased protection from outside elements. The striker design on the HiPer is also unusual, featuring a pair of return springs, rather than the more traditional single spring.
The HiPer will use new magazines with bodies constructed entirely out of polymer.
The pistol measures 180 mm in length and weighs 730 g with an empty magazine.
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