FN 509 COMPACT MRD
Posted May 26, 2023
The FN 509 Compact MRD is an extremely popular carry pistol and a great addition to FN’s full-size 509 series. While it’s smaller than its big brother, the Compact MRD still packs the same punch, and in some respects, is even more impressive. It’s a solid handgun with a great feature set, and it’s well-suited to duty, concealed carry, and home defense.
First things first: The FN 509 Compact MRD is a full-featured concealed carry pistol. It’s built to last, and its construction is robust. It features a low-profile, Crimson Trace CTS-1000 red-dot sight, which is mounted on a replaceable slide plate. This makes the Compact MRD ideal for defensive use; its three-dot nighttime sights are easy to acquire and the red-dot sight allows for both fast target acquisition and precision shooting.
The 509 Compact MRD features four interchangeable backstraps which easily slide into place to fit all hand sizes. The grip is textured to provide firm traction, and the trigger guard is undercut for a higher grip. The stainless-steel slide is also contoured to facilitate forward manipulation, and it has forward cocking serrations for improved weapon handling.
The Compact MRD's stainless-steel slide is coated with FN’s improved corrosion-resistant Nitron finish, which provides improved lubricity and wear-resistance. The under barrel Picatinny rail allows you to mount tactical accessories such as weapon lights and laser sights. The takedown lever is reversible, and the magazine release is also ambidextrous.
So, in other words, the Compact MRD is ready for whatever you may need it for. Additionally, the Compact MRD comes with two FN-marked 15-round magazines for reliable feeding, and FN also allows you to purchase extended 24-round magazines if you need a higher capacity.
I also find the Compact MRD to be very comfortable to shoot. As I mentioned, it has four interchangeable backstraps and the trigger face is smooth and curved for comfortable firing. I'm a fan of the trigger action; it has a light pull and a short, crisp reset to improve accuracy and speed.
Finally, I have to mention the ergonomics of the Compact MRD. The Picatinny rail allows for a wide variety of accessories, while the improved traction on the textured grip allows for superior control. As for the sights, they are small and out of the way, and the Crimson Trace CTS-1000 red-dot sight is both an excellent choice for defensive work and an upgrade you can count on.
In conclusion, I think the FN 509 Compact MRD is an excellent handgun that is well-suited to carry, duty, or home defense. It is a robust, reliable gun with quality features, great ergonomics, and superior handling. Whether you prefer the standard or extended magazine option, you can rest assured that the Compact MRD will do the job. If you’re in the market for a good concealed-carry pistol, the FN 509 Compact MRD should be your choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Lightweight and compact size makes the FN 509 Compact MRD easier to carry and conceal
• Hi-capacity magazine allows for quick reloading
• Durable and robust construction make this pistol long-lasting and reliable
• Striker-fired design increases accuracy and reliability
• Accessory-ready rails allow for easy mounting of lights and lasers
• Flat trigger body improves trigger reach and comfort for all hand sizes
Cons:
• Textured grip not comfortable for those with smaller hands
• Direct-action system makes it harder to customize the trigger pull
• Relatively high price point compared to other pistols in the same category
Who Should Buy
Anyone who could benefit from a compact, high-powered handgun should consider the FN 509 Compact MRD. It is a high-quality firearm that is well-made and reliable. People who are looking for a light weight, concealable gun should look at this option. On the other hand, those who need a larger handgun with more stopping power, or are on a tight budget, may want to look elsewhere.
Comparisons
| Gun Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FN 509 Compact MRD | 9mm Luger | 3.7" | 10+1 | 28.6 ounces |
| Sig Sauer P365 XL | 9mm Luger | 3.7" | 12+1 | 21.00 ounces |
| Glock G48 | 9mm Luger | 4.17" | 10+1 | 25.12 ounces |
| Springfield Armory Hellcat | 9mm Luger | 3" | 11+1 | 18.3 ounces |
| Walther PPQ M2 | 9mm Luger | 4" | 15+1 | 24.5 ounces |
Features / Specs
• Striker fired autoloader
• 9mm Luger caliber
• 3.7” cold hammer-forged barrel
• Polymer construction
• Non-glare, ferritic nitro-carburized finish
• Interchangeable backstraps in 2 sizes
• Ambidextrous controls
• MIL-STD-1913 accessory mounting rail
• Flat-face trigger
• 10+1 or 12+1 capacity
• Overall Length 6.8"
• Weight 1.58 lbs.
Popular Accessories
?
- Apex Tactical Action Enhancement Trigger
- Streamlight TLR-7 Tactical Light
- FN 509 Compact MRD Threaded Barrel
- Taran Tactical Innovations Carry Magazine Well
- Talon Grips for FN 509 Compact MRD
- Magpul Grip Extension for FN 509 Compact MRD
- FN 509 Compact MRD Thread Protector
- Arredondo +2 Mag Extension
- FN 509 Compact MRD Red Dot Adapter
- FN 509 Compact MRD OWB holster
Accuracy
The FN 509 Compact MRD is extremely accurate for a self-defense pistol. It is designed with an ergonomic grip that securely fits to the shooter's hand and not only provides excellent recoil control but also allows for fast and accurate sight alignment and sight picture retention. The FN 509 Compact MRD has a 4” FN cold hammer-forged barrel with recessed target crown and accompanied by FN’s Battle Sight fixed 3-dot sighting system. The FN 509 has been tested by hundreds of shooters with many different loads, and the average groups that were reported are under two inches at 25 yards from a rest. Ultimately, the FN 509 Compact MRD is extremely accurate and is reliable enough to be trusted with self-defense.
