FN 509
The FN 509 series is FN Herstal’s striker fired, polymer framed semi-automatic pistol, an ever-popular entry in the modern pistol market.
Originally developed to compete to become the US Military’s service pistol, the FN 509 provides civilians with a reliable, powerful pistol for personal defense. This pistol includes features and upgrades that make it on the higher end of self-defense and duty pistols.
The FN 509 has an ambidextrous slide and magazine release, and many shooters report that it just feels good in their hand. The FN 509 Series comes in several models, offering size and purpose options for a range of prospective pistol owners.
Let’s look at some of the 509’s features.
FN 509 Standard Features:
|
The FN 509 is a standard capacity, double-action-only, striker fired polymer pistol. Because of this it is often compared to Glock pistols since their performance and features are very similar.
However the FN 509 is ultimately better as a base pistol than its Glock counterparts.
This is because many of the upgrades that are necessary on Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glocks are standard on the FN 509. These include slide serrations for easier slide manipulations, a multi slot Picatinny rail, and completely ambidextrous controls.
The biggest benefit of the 509 design is that the slide release and magazine release are set up for use with either hand. This means left- or right-hand dominant individuals do not have to swap any parts on the gun in order to use it.
This allows for full control of the gun with either hand which in turn aids in various injury drills where the off-hand is used to run the gun. The sights are also squared off so that they can easily be used to rack the slide with one hand. These features make it a more tactically sound handgun.
The grip is heavily textured to help mitigate recoil and the backstrap can be swapped out for a better fit for your hand.
The sights are easily swapped out for aftermarket options and the gun comes in two major finishes, FDE and Black.
It also comes in three major sizes: Full-size (normal model), Midsize, and compact.
Price:$649-$1069
FN 509 Variants:
The FN 509 pistol series comes in MRD and Tactical variations.
MRD
The MRD models of the 509 feature the Low-Profile Optics Mounting System. This patented system allows you to mount a miniature red dot sight on your pistol while it is co-witnessed with the included blacked-out iron sights.
The MRD model is only found on the Midsize and compact 509.
Tactical
The Tactical variation features the MRD mounting option but also includes suppressor height sights as the standard iron sight option. A pre-threaded, suppressor ready barrel with thread protector is also standard.
The 509 Tactical is featured on the Full size, Midsize, and Compact versions.
|
FN 509 (Full size)
The full-sized 509 is comparative to Glock’s G17 and offers the most all-around utility of the 509 series.
Full-sized pistols are the easiest style of pistols to control especially with the grip texturing that the 509 has.
Combined with the slide serrations, the sight design, and the ambidextrous controls, the 509 aims to be easily controlled with one or both hands. This reflects the turn in training doctrine to cover the possibility of hand damage in a fight.
For the most part the 509 is a reliable, run-of-the-mill pistol that will perform consistently. With the ability to mount lights and lasers while having similar capacity to the rest of the modern pistol market the only thing that makes it stand out is the fully ambidextrous controls and stock trigger.
The 509 has a better out of the box trigger than the G17 making it a great “One-and-done” purchase. If you’re looking for a capable self-defense or duty pistol that doesn’t need a lot of modifications, the 509 is a great option, especially if you choose the Tactical variant.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 17, 10, 24 |
| Barrel length: | 4 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 26.9 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 7.4 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.79 inches |
| Sights: | 3-dot Luminescent, 3-dot Tritium night sights (LE Only) |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 9mm Luger 4in FDE Pistol - 17+1 Rounds
- FN 509 9mm Luger 4in FDE Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
- FN 509 9mm Luger 4.5in FDE Handgun - 17+1 Rounds
Browse all FN 509 pistols
FN 509 Tactical
The tactical version of the standard-size FN offers the Low-Profile Optics Mounting System, compatible with over ten miniature red-dot optics. The slide cap also features raised sight wings for those using the firearm without optics.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 10 or 17/24 Rd. |
| Barrel length: | 4.5 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 27.9 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 7.9 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.79 inches |
| Sights: | Suppressor Height Trijicon 3-Dot Green Tritium Night Sights |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 Tactical 9mm Luger 4.5in Black Pistol - 24+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Tactical 9mm Luger 4.5in FDE Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Tactical Vortex Viper 9mm Luger 4.5in FDE Pistol - 24+1 Rounds
Browse: FN 590 Tactical pistols
FN 509 Midsize
This FN 509 variant features a full-sized slide on a mid-sized frame. The Glock equivalent would be the G19 with a long slide.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 15, 17, 10, 24 |
| Barrel length: | 4 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 26.5 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 7.4 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.79 inches |
| Sights: | 3-dot Luminescent, 3-dot Tritium night sights (LE Only) |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 Midsize 9mm Luger 4in Black Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Midsize 9mm Luger 4in Black Pistol - 15+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Midsize 9mm Luger 4in Black Pistol - 15+1 Rounds
Browse: FN 509 Midsize pistols
FN 509 Midsize Tactical
This variation adds the enhanced optics capabilities of the Tactical line to the Midsize size of the 509.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 10 or 15/24 Rd. |
| Barrel length: | 4.5 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 27.9 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 7.9 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.8 inches |
| Sights: | Suppressor Height Trijicon 3-dot Green Night Sights |
FN 509 Midsize MRD
This variation adds the MRD’s direct optics mounting package to the medium sizing option for the 509.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 10 or 15 Rd. |
| Barrel length: | 4 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 26.5 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 7.4 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.79 inches |
| Sights: | All-black co-witness iron sights |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 Midsize MRD 9mm Luger 4in Black Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Midsize MRD 9mm Luger 4in FDE Pistol - 15+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Midsize MRD Venom Vortex 9mm Luger 4in Black Pistol - 15+1 Rounds
Browse: FN 509 Midsize MRD pistols
FN 509 Compact
Not everyone wants to carry a full-sized pistol or their environment makes it extremely difficult to carry one. This compact 509 is the solution to those problems.
FN 509 Compact Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 10 or 12/15 rd |
| Barrel length: | 3.7 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 25.5 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.6 inches |
| Sights: | Low profile w/High-Viz Front dot |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 Compact 9mm Luger 3.7in Matte Black Pistol - 15+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Compact 9mm Luger 3.7in Matte Black Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
Browse: FN 509 Compact pistols
FN 509 Compact Tactical
The more concealable Compact model receives the optics capabilities of the Tactical line.
FN 509 Compact Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 10 or 12/24 Rd. |
| Barrel length: | 4.32 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 26.2 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 7.4 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.6 inches |
| Sights: | Suppressor Height Trijicon 3-Dot Green Tritium Night Sights |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 Compact Tactical 9mm Luger 4.32in FDE Pistol - 24+1 Round
- FN 509 Compact Tactical 9mm Luger 4.32in Flat Dark Earth Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Compact Tactical 9mm Luger 4.32in Flat Dark Earth Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
Browse: FN 590 Compact Tactical pistols
FN 509 Compact MRD
The MRD variation for a compact package.
FN 509 Compact Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 10 or 12/15 Rd. |
| Barrel length: | 3.7 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 25.5 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 6.8 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 5.6 inches |
| Sights: | All-black co-witness iron sights |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 Compact MRD 9mm Luger 3.7in Matte Black Pistol - 15+1 Rounds
- FN 509 Compact MRD 9mm Luger 3.7in Flat Dark Earth Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
- FN 509 MRD Compact 9mm Luger 3.7in Matte Black Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
Browse: FN 509 Compact pistols
FN 509 LS Edge
The LS Edge takes the base 509 and adds a number of enhancements that increase the speed, accuracy, and releasing capability of the 509.
Think of this like the competition or enhanced version of the 509.
FN 509 LS Edge Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Double-Action-Only, semi-automatic |
| Caliber: | 9 mm |
| Capacity: | 17, 10, 24 |
| Barrel length: | 5 inches |
| Weight Unloaded: | 31 ounces |
| Overall Length: | 8.2 inches |
| Overall Width: | 1.35 inches |
| Sight radius: | 6.7 inches |
| Sights: | Fiber optic Suppressor Height sights, Low Profile Mounting system |
Popular variations:
- FN 509 LS Edge 9mm Luger 5in PVD Pistol - 10+1 Rounds
- FN 509 LS Edge 9mm Luger 5in PVD Pistol - 17+1 Rounds
Browse: FN 509 LS Edge pistols
FN 509 Pistol History
The modern pistol market is dominated by striker fired, polymer framed semi-automatic pistols. In order to compete, most manufacturers offer some variation of this basic design, which for FN Herstal is the FN 509.
The 509 grew out of the FN FNS design, which was derived from a long line of other FN pistols.
In the 2006 to 2017 time frame, FN would develop multiple polymer framed handguns in order to compete with Glock in the handgun market.
This competition was the result of Glock’s long standing tradition of producing striker fired polymer pistols.
It wasn’t until the early 2000s that other brands would begin to transition from external hammer designs to internal strikers. FN would feature two external hammer polymer pistols before changing over to striker fire with the FNS.
The FNS would come out roughly at the time the US Military announced the new XM17 project. This project’s goal was to replace the aging M9 pistols in US inventory with a newer, modular design.
FN would submit a pistol to the XM17 trials but was ultimately rejected in favor of SIG Sauer’s entry. While it did represent the loss of a military contract for FN, they did not let a good opportunity pass and released the design to the civilian market as the 509.
The 509 series essentially tried to replicate the desirable features of the most common Glock brand pistols, using G17s and G19s as the baseline. FN would also try to improve on their previous polymer pistol designs, resulting in a better out of the box option than Glock.
These improvements increased the cost of the gun, placing it slightly higher on the spectrum of self-defense/duty options.