Guns The New Faxon FX-19 Patriot & Hellfire | SHOT 2019 Patrick Roberts January 24, 2019 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Just as we predicted, SHOT 2019 is turning out to be the year of the Glock clones. Faxon Firearms announced the FX-19 pistols just prior to SHOT Show, but we get to put our mitts on them now and give you an up-close look at the Faxon FX-19 guns. Faxon launched two models, the carry focused Patriot and the competition focused Hellfire that features lightning cuts. both models will come optics ready for RMR footprint dots with a cover plate installed. The Hellfire's slide features lightning cuts that reduce slide mass as well as aggressive slide serrations that are remarkably sharp and positive. The reduced weight of the slide should help shooters mitigate recoil a touch better than a slightly heavier slide. Just behind those lightning cuts, you notice some forward serrations for press checks. As is the case with all of Faxon's machined parts, the detail work is very good and free of tool marks. Rear serrations for the Hellfire have an interesting pattern while remaining very effective. Faxon had installed Overwatch Precision D.A.T. V2 triggers on the show guns and the Hellfire was sporting a magwell and the all-new Faxon magazine extension. Looking at the frame of the new FX-19 guns, it is obvious that while the frame is a Faxon exclusive, it is obviously produced by Polymer80 for Faxon as a complete firearm. While handling the pistol on the show floor we found the texture to be grippy but not uncomfortable. Taking a closer look at that all new magazine plus 5 magazine extension you can't help but notice the Taran Tactical inspired pin retention device. The millwork on the prototype extension wasn't as clean as we normally see from Faxon but that is forgivable once you learn that the prototype was finished mere hours before they were supposed to be getting on a plane for SHOT. The magwell appears to be designed to work with the new mag extensions and we didn't see any issues with the retaining pin being pushed out by the sides of the magwell as we have seen with other magwell and magazine extension combos. The new magwell is a one-piece design that is secured with a single screw in the rear of the grip. Official pricing was not available when we spoke with Faxon, you can check the Faxon website for updates and more information about the rest of the Faxon product lineup. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.