FN 509 review - A First Class Service Pistol

As striker fired polymer frame handguns go the Fabrique Nationale 509 is a relatively new handgun. With just a dozen years in service the FN 509 has earned an enviable reputation. Notably a 509 variant recently won the competition to become the Los Angeles Police Department’s issue handgun. This is a huge deal! The 509 proved completely reliable in extensive testing and the single most accurate handgun tested. The FN 509 MRD LE chosen by the LAPD is a formidable handgun. During the past ten years I have test fired a half dozen examples of 509 models from the Compact version to advanced 509 Tactical models. Among my favorites is the mid size pistol which seems the ideal size handgun for concealed carry and even service use.

This FN compact 9mm has proven reliable with a wide range of ammunition

FN pistols feature robust and reliable construction above all else. The FN isn’t adopted by as many institutions as the Glock. Perhaps the low bid has something to do with this. But there are shooters who feel the FN 509 is their best choice with all respect for other handguns. FN handguns have served in police and military roles for more than one hundred years. Among these was the famous FN High Power. The FN 509 is a superior handgun in many ways and well worth your time to explore. The FN should be on the short list for any agency in procurement trails. For civilian shooters the FN 509 offers performance and pride of ownership.

The FN 509 is the definition of service grade

This is a Coyote Brown version of the FN 509

Development

The FN 509 is a highly modified version of the FNP, a double action first shot pistol. At the time the FNP was among the best double action first shot handguns. Striker fired double action only pistols eliminate a great deal of training time and in the end the shooter ends up with greater combat ability. With highly durable polymer frame construction and a well machined metal slide with striker fired mechanism the 509 is a modern pistol, even an advanced design. A handgun built for military use is certainly reliable enough for the rest of us.

The compact pistol is a favorite of those needing a compact service grade handgun

The FN 509 is more ambidextrous than most pistols. The frame treatment keeps the hand solidly in place as the pistol is fired. The FN 509 features the usual light rail and the sights are good examples of combat sights. Some models feature suppressor height sights.

One of the author’s long serving FN pistols. Note suppressor height sights. It is fresh off the range with a heavy dose of powder ash

The pistol’s optics mounting system is superior to many. The cover plate is removed and the optic direct mounts. There are spacers provided to fill in the various gaps. This is a well thought out system that is rugged and reliable. As an example one of my personal pistols is fitted with the Vortex Viper reflex sight. I have enjoyed excellent results with the FN/Vortex combination. The Viper was among the first quality red dot sights I have deployed. I am glad I began at the top with quality! The FN 509 is an ambidextrous design making if friendly for left hand shooters. An advantage over the Glock is easy take down. The pistol is unloaded and the slide locked to the rear. A take down lever is turned and the slide easily slides off the frame.

This FN 509 wears the formidable Vortex Viper

Types of FN Pistols

I have carried the compact version of the FN 509 often during the past few years. I have also found a favorite in the well balanced mid size pistols. The full size Tactical versions are excellent shooters. An advantage of the FN is that it may weigh just slightly more than pistols of similar design from other makers. As an example the Glock 19 weighs 23.63 ounces unloaded while the FN 509 mid size weighs 26.5 ounces. This isn’t more than a trifle when carrying the handgun but the heavier frame makes for lighter recoil. This is most noticeable with +P or +P+ loads. The FN 509 is well designed to handle recoil and a high round count- remember the military heritage? Few civilian defense loads are as high pressure as 9mm NATO ammunition.

FN pistols are accurate enough for most any defensive chore

If there is a problem with shooters and the FN 509 it is handling the trigger action. The FN trigger requires concentration and coordination. The trigger pull weight is usually between 5.2 and 6.0 pounds. A trained shooter must master the trigger. The FN action is capable of excellent accuracy as demonstrated in the LAPD firing tests. The user must acclimate. In firing quickly in combat shooting drills the FN is a capable handgun. As for absolute accuracy I have included results with my FN 509 Mid Size pistol with Vortex carry optic as a guideline. Range is 15 yards and the groups are five shot groups. Accuracy tests were fired from a solid benchrest position.

The FN 509 is well designed with good features

Carrying the FN 509

Choosing the right FN 509 holster is essential for comfort and control. As a convenience I keep on hand several Falco Airflow holsters. This is a durable holster with a strong steel belt clip that maintains a good connection to the belt. This inside the waistband holster offers a good fit for several similar size handguns. When worn inside the waistband the holster holds the pistol securely partly by fit and partly by body compression. I like this holster and when you test so many handguns it is a good resource as it offers an option in that the holster fits several similar size handguns.  For dedicated use Falco offers a full line of Kydex and leather holsters well suited to the FN. In the end the FN 509 is a solid choice for reliability and durability. Be certain you understand the optics mounting system and that it suits your needs, and that you will put the time in to master the trigger. The 509 is a solid choice.

FALCO’s nylon holster offers real utility