FN’s flagship striker-fired pistol lineup, the FN 509 series, caters to a wide variety of shooters’ needs and preferences, offering a range of sizes and trims.
Whether you’re a competitor, law enforcement, or just want to defend your home and loved ones, the FN 509 series has you covered with a variety of pistols to choose from.
Unique to the FN 509 series is its parts commonality, meaning that you can easily swap parts around to customize your 509 to your needs using parts you can find through FN retailers and the FN eStore.
The 509 series was born in the crucibles of military solicitation. Created for the professional user, the 509 has undergone extensive testing, with more than 1 million rounds put through it to ensure it holds up under pressure.
With a long service life, the FN 509 has exceeded testing requirements from SAAMI, U.S. Dept. of Defense, and NATO for durability and drop testing. No matter the frame size or the introduction of +P ammo, the 509 sees the same high-performance level across the board.
Though its humble beginnings were in the military, the 509 has seen wide success in the civilian market and even law enforcement. In fact, the Los Angeles Police Department selected it as its primary duty pistol in 2021. The same level of quality, durability, performance, and reliability required from professional users can now be enjoyed by everyday gun owners.
But which 509 is right for you? With over 18 models to choose from, you’re certain to find something to enjoy. But just to help, we’ve broken down a few models below to help you decide.
Meet the Best of the FN 509 Series
FN 509 Compact
Starting with the FN 509 Compact, this pistol size features a 3.7-inch barrel on a compact frame. With a 12/15 round capacity, the FN 509 Compact works best in the concealed carry world.
With features like a flatter-faced trigger, ambidextrous controls, slide serrations, accessory rail, and a low-profile, High-Viz front dot, this pistol is perfect for the holster. As an added bonus, you also get two included backstraps to ensure you get a better fit for your hand.
Though the standard mag comes with a 12-round capacity, you can increase it to 15 with the included 15-round mag…even better, this model works with all higher capacity FN 509 mags — so the sky is the limit.
If you want a clean, simple concealed carry gun that you know you can rely on, the FN 509 Compact is the one to turn to.
FN 509 CC Edge
The FN 509 CC Edge exemplifies what a concealed carry handgun should be. Designed to give users the “edge” they need to compete or carry, the series offers factory-level upgrades that make it an appealing option for those who want a performance-level pistol out of the box.
Users will also get the benefit of a proprietary compensator that reduces recoil by up to 25%! This means you can get back on target much faster due to the reduced recoil. The barrel/comp combo uses a proprietary attachment method that allows for a push and turn removal and install making maintenance and disassembly quick and easy. If you prefer to shoot without a comp, this method means you can easily remove it with little to no hassle.
The FN 509 CC Edge comes with other notable add-ons like a flat-faced trigger that breaks at a clean 90 degrees, premium coatings and finishes, enhanced texturing for better accuracy, and slide-lightening cuts for reduced weight.
But the features don’t end there. The Edge series also boasts a fiber-topic front sight for quicker target acquisition. All features are backed by a factory warranty, so you know you’re in good hands.
If you’re looking for a gun you can run fast and reliably when it matters, the FN 509 CC Edge fits that bill.
If you already own a 509 but want that comp, you don’t have to miss out. 509 owners can snag an upgrade kit from the FN eStore or through FN retailers.
FN 509 Midsize MRD
The Midsize MRD opts for a 4-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel on a standard frame with a 15-round capacity with blacked-out iron sights that co-witness with an installed micro red dot (MRD). Users can expect a three-dot sight system across every FN 509 — either photoluminescent for low-light visibility, standout front dot sights, blacked-out co-witness sights, or night sights, depending on which model you choose. But if you prefer something different, the FN 509 uses a common dovetail (No. 8), so you can quickly swap them out.
Aggressive slide serrations make slide manipulations easy, while grip texturing provides a solid grip area to help maintain control over the firearm, regardless of conditions.
Slap on your favorite accessories thanks to the MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail, or even go for a red dot courtesy of the FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System. It works with all major optic footprints, making it easy to install your favorite red dot.
Since the 509 Midsize MRD is a midsize pistol, that means it occupies that sweet space between a super small carry gun and a huge home defense pistol. It’s a great option if you prefer the larger capacity of the midsize realm without the bulk of a full-size.
For a smooth optics experience that works great for slightly larger concealed carry, the MRD is the perfect option.
FN 509 Tactical
The 509 Tactical series opts for all the features you’ll see in MRD models, which means a low-profile optics mounting system and tall night sights that co-witness with your favorite red dots.
Where the Tactical series differs is in a few added extras that give the 509 a more tactical feel – like a threaded barrel. While the 509 Tactical offers compatibility with most 9mm suppressors, it runs the best with FN’s own Rush 9Ti suppressor. This suppressor has been extensively tested alongside the 509 Tactical and has been fine-tuned to work with its mechanics. The Rush 9Ti brings the best performance with reduced backpressure to ensure a long lifespan for your pistol.
Not to mention, the Tactical introduces an integrated O-ring to prevent loosening while shooting.
Rounding out the unique features of the Tactical series is a high-capacity magazine, serving up 24 rounds of 9mm. Even better, this magazine is compatible with all FN 509 models with a grip sleeve for added versatility.
For a tactical look and feel, you can’t do better than the 509 Tactical model.
FN 509 Fullsize MRD
Rounding out the series is the FN 509 Fullsize MRD, featuring a 4.5-inch barrel seated on a standard frame with a 17-round capacity.
The FN 509 Fullsize MRD has the same features as the midsize model, just in a full-size package. While you might be less inclined to carry this, where the Fullsize MRD shines is in a competition or duty capacity (though it would also make an excellent bedside pistol).
You still get that low-profile mount for red dots, along with an accessory for lights. The aggressive grip texture keeps the gun in your hand, while slide serrations make it easy to grip and rip the slide.
Not to mention, you’re still getting the performance level of the 509 MRD.
Looking for a good home defense, full-size duty, or competition gun? You can’t beat the 509 Fullsize MRD.
What Makes the 509 Series Unique?
Modularity has quickly risen in popularity, and the 509 series has answered that call with parts commonality across its platform. This means you can easily drop your Tactical slide on your Compact frame or put your Tactical barrel into your Compact slide.
The ability to swap parts and pieces makes this an appealing option for users who want a similar setup in their home defense and CCW gun. Magazines are also compatible by simply changing out the grip sleeve (exception: lower capacity compact mags).
If you want to do even more with your 509, you’re in luck because the 509 boasts an extensive aftermarket! From holsters to triggers to barrels and compensators, you can tweak and customize your pistol to meet your needs.
Modularity aside, the 509 series is a proven platform that will be sure to live long and serve you well, whether you’re competing, defending, or on duty.
If you’re ready for the best performance, check out the FN 509 lineup and see what the buzz is all about.
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