The FN 509: A Worthy Contender

If there's one thing that the Army's Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition brought us, it's a slew of variations as well as brand new pistol models from across the manufacturer landscape. Though we now know that Sig Sauer took the winning goal in that game, we all still get to share the benefits of competitive development. Now Fabrique Nationale presents their latest commercial release in the form of the FN 509.

Here's what they tell us about it:

(McLean, VA – April 17, 2017) FN America, LLC is excited to announce the launch of the FN 509™, an all-new 9mm striker-fired pistol. The FN 509 was born out of the company’s effort to produce a contender for the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition and has been further enhanced to meet the needs of U.S. law enforcement and commercial customers.

“When the requirements for MHS were released, our team of engineers immediately went to work, taking the successful elements of the FNS Compact and further developing those to meet the needs of the U.S. Army’s solicitation for a new, full-size pistol,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO of FN America, LLC. “Between the submission of MHS and the commercial release of the FN 509, we have worked with law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. and captured on-site feedback that we used to further optimize the pistol to far exceed the expectations of our valued customers.”

Built on the proven architecture of the FNS™ Compact, FN made changes internally and externally to meet the rigorous performance standards of the MHS requirements and further developed the platform into the FN 509 with help from industry experts. Over the course of development, the platform has been tested extensively for reliability, ammunition compatibility and durability – totaling more than 1 million rounds.

Aesthetic changes to the platform include the aggressive cocking serrations, enhanced grip textures, guarded controls and recessed target crown on the barrel. Critical internal components were completely redesigned to ensure maximum performance to meet FN’s demanding standards. The FN 509 is currently shipping to FN distributors in two commercial SKUs, available at retail in early May, and two law enforcement SKUs, available in early June. Other options like manual safety models will be made available at a future date.

Other specifications include:
Designation: FN 509
Caliber: 9mm
Safety: Non-manual; internal, passive safeties
Sights: Fixed 3-dot luminescent sights; fixed 3-dot night sights (LE only)
Operation: Striker; DAO
Trigger Pull: 5.5 – 7.5 pounds
Capacity: 10- or 17-rounds
Weight: 26.9 ounces
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
MSRP: $649

If you're attending the 2017 NRA Annual Meeting you'll be able to see one live and in-person at booth #2429. You can visit FN America online here
@DM

Keeping up with the addition of new models, the FN 509 comes in 4 main variations, available in both black and FDE. They scale from full size with the FN 509, and the 509 Tactical, followed by the aptly named Midsize with an optional built-in red dot sight plate labeled MRD, and completed by the most concealable option which comes as the 509 Compact, and Compact Tactical. Distinct to the tactical variations is a threaded barrel and a rear sight guard, and Trijicon suppressor-height night sights. Fabrique Nationale has long produced hard-use firearms, and we are eager to see where this series will find its place in the aggressive landscape of defensive handguns.

Further Reading on the FN 509

• Going full size with the FN 509 Tactical
• Best of both worlds in the FN 509 Midsize
• Any Red Dot Sight, any Light on the FN 509 Compact

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