FN 503
Posted Jun 14, 2023
The FN 503 is a high-quality firearm from FN Herstal, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of guns and ammo. The FN 503 is a double action/single action (DA/SA) semi-automatic pistol chambered in the innovative 9mm Para caliber. The FN 503 is a unique blend of classic and modern features that make it an ideal choice for self-defense, law enforcement, and shooting sports.
The design of the FN 503 is characteristic of the classic FN handguns of the past, with some modern tweaks that make it both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The pistol features a lightweight alloy frame coupled with a polished stainless steel slide. The matte black finish on the frame and slide give the FN 503 a sleek and sophisticated look that is both eye-catching and protective. The frame of the gun also has front and rear slide serrations for ease of use and a Picatinny accessory rail to mount any needed weapons accessories.
The FN 503 also features a cold hammer-forged barrel with a polygonal rifling pattern that helps to reduce wear and tear on the barrel and improve accuracy. The pistol comes equipped with fixed three-dot sights which are mounted at the rear of the slide and allow for precision target acquisition. Additionally, the gun comes equipped with a manual safety as well as a decocking lever which can be used to safely decock the pistol and make it safer to handle.
The iron sights on the FN 503 are adjustable, and the pistol also has an ambidextrous slide-stop lever and magazine release button. The FN 503 also has three functioning modes; single-action, double-action, and partially cocked. In single-action mode, the user must cock the hammer manually and the trigger must be squeezed to fire a round. In double-action mode, the user must squeeze the trigger for firing and the hammer will cock and release automatically. In the partially cocked mode, the user must partially cock the hammer by pulling on the slide and then release the slide to fire a round. All three modes are useful in different self-defense scenarios and add versatility to the pistol.
The FN 503 offers a great variety of features that make it both reliable and safe to use. The lightweight alloy frame lends itself to easy, no-snag drawing from a holster and the extended slide serrations make it simple to manipulate the slide. The cold hammer-forged barrel and polygonal rifling pattern also create an exceptionally accurate pistol for target shooting or defense, and the manual safety and decocking lever enable a safer handling of the gun. The three functioning modes provide versatility for different shooting scenarios, and the adjustable iron sights provide precision accuracy.
In terms of overall performance, the FN 503 is an excellent choice for any shooter. The gun is highly reliable and performs exceptionally well in any situation. It has a low level of recoil and is easy to handle and control, which makes it suitable for novice shooters. The gun is very accurate, and with the adjustable iron sights, it can deliver tight groupings at short to medium ranges. The magazine release and slide-stop levers are ambidextrous and well-placed for ease of use, and combined with the Picatinny accessory rail, the FN 503 is adaptable and versitile.
Overall, the FN 503 is a fantastic handgun from one of the best firearms manufacturers. It combines classic and modern features in a well-crafted design that makes it both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The gun is easy to use, accurate, and provides excellent performance in all situations. The FN 503 is a great choice for self-defense, law enforcement, and shooting sports, and is sure to be enjoyed by all who use it.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-FN 503 pistols have a great reputation for accuracy and reliability
-Ergonomics are great with a 3.2” cold hammer-forged barrel construction, highly functional grip angle and controls that support easy ambidextrous use
-FN 503 pistols includes enhanced safety features such as a manual thumb safety and an internal firing pin safety
-Lightweight and easily concealable
-Overall look and design is modern and sleek
-Reasonably priced and widely available
Cons:
-Larger size than other subcompact pistols, making it difficult to comfortably conceal
-Higher price tag than many comparable models
-Limited magazine capacity compared to other pistols
Who Should Buy
FN 503 should be purchased by experienced gun owners and by new Gun owners with quality training. It is not recommended for inexperienced gun owners, or those who would not normally carry a concealed gun.
Comparisons
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 3.1”
• Overall Length: 6.3”
• Capacity: 8+1 or 10+1
• Weight: 19.8 oz
• Slide Finish: Black Nitride
• Frame Material: Polymer
• Sights: Fixed 3-Dot
• Action: Striker-Fired
• Trigger Pull Weight: 5.5-7.5 lbs
Popular Accessories
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- IWB Holster
- OWB Holster
- Magazine Pouch
- Belt Clip
- Laser Sight
- Flashlight
- Flip Up Sights
- Extended Magazine
- Suppressor
- Red Dot Sight
Accuracy
The FN 503 pistol features great accuracy, thanks to the proprietary accurizing system, which helps reduce felt recoil and increases accuracy. The gun has an overall accuracy of about five groups of 1.50 inch at 25 yards with standard ball ammunition. Additionally, testers of the FN 503 have reported excellent accuracy, velocity, and reliability. Most tests reported groups of 1 to 1.5 inches at 25 yards, and FN promised up to 2.5 inches accuracy for a variety of ammunition. The FN 503 also includes an adjustable trigger that is more comfortable to use than a standard trigger. Overall, the FN 503 is an excellent pistol for range use and self-defense, offering great accuracy and reliability.
