The FN 509 may not have won the MHS trials, but it’s become a rather popular alternative to GLOCK Perfection. FN has been wise to throw a lot of support behind the gun and this has most certainly helped translate into more sales.
FN has made a ton of handguns in the last decade or so, but its a challenge to name them outside of the Five-Seven. The FN 509 seems to be popular enough and FN is doing its job to support the 509 by producing numerous models. This includes the standard full-sized model, the bigger tactical model, the mid-size, and now the compact.
SHOT Show 2020 revealed the newest and smallest of the FN 509 guns. The FN 509 Compact is a subcompact gun that incorporates numerous features to make the gun a combat-proven performer.
The FN 509 Compact is optics-ready and rocks a rail to add all the accessories you could ever want. For most of us, I’m sure that’s a light or laser attachment. The suppressor-height sights are also in place for all your co-witnessing needs.
The FN 509 Compact appears to be a great little pistol. The capacity will vary depending on the magazines used. It goes from 10 to 12, to 15 giving it an efficient punch for its small size.
If you live in a free state you get a 12 and 15 round magazine, but if you live in a not so free state you get two 10-round magazines. It’s, of course, compatible with the full-sized FN 509 magazine so capacity can be ratcheted all the way up to 24 rounds.
The FN 509 Compact also comes in black or FDE and has an MSRP of $799. TTAG has one on the way for a full review.
Here is what FN has to say about the 509 Compact.
Full-size Punch in a Compact Package
With our patented Low-Profile Optics Mounting System and unparalleled modularity of the FN 509 platform, the FN 509 Compact MRD joins the ranks packing a full-size punch in a compact, optics-ready package. The pistol is 9mm and striker-fired with 3.7-inch barrel, standard 12+1 capacity and the capability to accept all higher capacity FN 509 magazines. The patented FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System accepts nearly all commercially available miniature red dot optics and features blackout iron sights that co-witness. The improved controls aid in manipulation, the new improved texturing on the two included backstraps provides better recoil management, and a new flatter faced trigger allows for more controllable trigger press and cleaner break.
$800 is a non starter for a plastic pistol. There just too many quality options for less money even after considering street prices.
Yawn. I owned several FN handguns, gave them a try. Absolutely nothing to commend them at their price points.
Weapon light, red dot, extended mag? So much for compact… concealment.
I see 509 pistols at my LGS pretty regularly. So far as I can tell there isn’t a huge difference between them and the FNS-c but I do like FN’s habit of having mags of different sizes for the same gun. You can carry one with a 12 rounder in the gun and have the 17 rounder as your spare.
The MSRP here seems high. I doubt my preferred store gets white-hot deals on these things they’re usually in the high $500’s to mid $600s depending on features and color. The exception being the full sized tactical models with precut slides for an RMR and stuff. Those are usually around a grand, same as a USP tactical or similar.
Got a few from the FNS line, nothing fancy but they’re perfectly nice guns. If one’s into aesthetics these pistols have nicer lines than a Glock. Arguably better sights too.
To many different textures. I’ll stick with a Rami.
saw one out west a bit, i should drive back out there.
Did FN fix the empty mags not wanting to free fall? I handled atleast a half dozen all with the same issue. The empty mags just hang there halfway ejected.
I tried to EDC a 509 for a few months. I didn’t feel it was safe for me if I ever needed to reload. I had to push so far with my thumb to get the mag to drop that I had to completely change grip and look at the gun. I tried to train myself to use my index finger but it was just easier to buy a new easier to conceal pistol.
Smith and Wesson M&P clone much?
I’ve said that about the FNS series of pistols.
Price is wack.
I drank the FNH Koolaide decades ago, ever since I began operating the full line of military grade machine guns back in the 70’s.
There are no PERFECT pistols that dont leave one wanting in one area or another. FN makes premium high end firearms. Smart shoppers can always find the FN model of choice at very fair prices, usually well below MSRP’s. With standard features like CHF barrels and a proven history of infailability combined with less than comparable manufacturers models pricing the FNH line of pistols are a choosy pistol purchasers best kept secret.