FNS-40 Pistols Adopted by Baltimore County

Pictured is the FNS-9 LS, the 9mm version of the pistol adopted by the Baltimore County Police Department.

FNH USA announced the Baltimore County (MD) Police Department adopted the FNS-40 LS pistol as the agency’s new duty firearm.

The FNS-40 LS is a polymer-framed, striker-fired semiautomatic pistol. The FNS guns are double action and normally have a manual safety. However, the FNS-40 LS does not have a manual safety. It is not known if this was a special build requirement by the department, or if all of the new LS models will be without a manual safety.

It is chambered in .40 S&W and standard magazines hold 14 rounds.

The model adopted by BCPD is the long slide version, which gives the officers a 5″ barrel instead of the standard 4″. The extra length will give officers a longer sight radius to work with, plus ammunition will be able to achieve maximum velocity. With many departments issuing pistols with a 4″-4.5″ barrel, the 5″ barrel is slightly unusual, but not a bad choice.

FNS-40 LS Specifications

caliber	.40 S&W
standard magazine capacity	14 rounds
barrel length	5"
frame	black polymer
trigger	double action, 5.5 - 7.7 lbs pull
grip	interchangeable backstraps
sights	Sevigny Carry made by Warren Tactical

According to the FNH USA announcement, BCPD is the largest agency to adopt one of the FNS pistols as a sidearm. The agency employs roughly 1,900 sworn officers, and the company will deliver 1,920 pistols to the department.

I’ve not had a chance to shoot one of the FNS pistols, though I have talked to several people who have. Everyone tells me they like the FNS series pistols. Going with a non-standard pistol creates a potential problem of finding accessories such as holsters. Hopefully, BCPD has all of their ducks in a row, and the officers will be well served by the choice of this firearm.

Bio
Latest Posts

Richard

Publisher at BlueSheepdog

Richard was a police officer and trainer with experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, court officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, watch commander and commander of a field training and evaluation program. Currently, Richard spends much of his time testing and writing about guns and shooting products.