FN 509 COMPACT TACTICAL
Posted Jun 14, 2023
FN 509 Compact Tactical
The FN 509 Compact Tactical, manufactured by FN America, has become one of the most popular handguns currently used in the US military. The pistol was designed for use in combat and is capable of three-round burst fire capability. The compact size of the gun makes it perfect for concealed carry or as a duty weapon, allowing for excellent maneuverability in close quarters.
The FN 509 Compact Tactical features a hammer-fired design for more reliable performance and a cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel for improved accuracy and longevity. The trigger pull of the FN 509 has an average rating of 5.5-7.5 pounds, which facilitates quick, precise shots every time. The extended, ambidextrous thumb safety allows for rapid manipulation in both left and right-handed shooting positions.
The FN 509 Compact Tactical also features a flat top slide design which reduces snags when drawing the pistol from a holster. This slide design allows for mounting of a mini red dot sight, allowing for faster target acquisition and accuracy. The FN 509 has an extended slide release lever and a frame-mounted, reversible magazine release which facilitates quicker reloads.
The FN 509 Compact Tactical also features interchangeable back strap grips which can be adjusted for increased ergonomics and better control during firing. This feature also makes the pistol adaptable to shooters of various size hands. The frame of the pistol is made of fiber-reinforced polymer for lightweight durability and is fitted with full-length Picatinny rail on the dustcover which allows for the attachment of tactical lights and lasers.
The FN 509 Compact Tactical is also extremely reliable and has passed both the 10,000-round and the 20,000-round endurance tests. Furthermore, it makes use of FN’s patented low-friction action which ensures smooth, consistent operation. The pistol also comes with three 17-round magazines which are designed for better grip and comfort.
The compact size and modular design of the FN 509 Compact Tactical make it an ideal choice for law enforcement, military, and private citizens alike. The proven reliability and accuracy of the weapon make it a formidable choice for both defensive and offensive scenarios. The light recoil and the low cost of ownership make the pistol an excellent choice for anyone looking for an effective and affordable handgun.
Overall, the FN 509 Compact Tactical is an excellent pistol which is perfect for self-defense, target shooting, and concealed carry. The size of the pistol makes it impossible to overlook, and the proven reliability and accuracy top off the package. The modular design allows for customizability and with the low cost of ownership, the FN 509 Compact Tactical is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a handgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Incredible ergonomics, precision, and trigger pull
• High-capacity with an available 15+1 round magazine
• Improved versatility with multiple backstraps enabled 19+1 round mags for serious firepower
• Red-dot compatible slide with optics-ready design
• Advanced optics mounting plate system
• Easy takedown with no additional tools needed
• MIL-STD-1913 rail for flexibility in adding accessories
• Low profile slide stop and mag release
• Internal safety features for enhanced user-safety
Cons:
• Lack of a threaded barrel
• Cost of magazines and ammunition
• No ambidextrous controls
• No provision for iron sights
• Lack of manual safety
• High initial purchase price
Who Should Buy
The FN 509 Compact Tactical is designed as a self-defense and tactical pistol for law enforcement and military personnel, and is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable and accurate handgun. The 509 Compact Tactical should not be used as a first handgun for those without prior shooting experience, as its complexity can be intimidating to new shooters. It is also too advanced in design for most civilian gun owners.
Comparisons
| Specifications | FN509 COMPACT TACTICAL | SMITH & WESSON PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56mm NATO |
| Magazine | 10 or 17 Rounds | 8 Round Magazine | 8 Round Magazine | 30 Round Magazine |
| Barrel Length | 3.6" | Commander 5" | 4" Defender | 14.5" |
| Operation | Striker-Fired | Single-Action | Single-Action | Gas-Operated Semi-Auto |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Magazine Capacity: 15 or 24 rounds
• Frame Size: Compact
• Slide Finish: Matte Black
• Barrel Length: 3.7” Cold Hammer-Forge Steel
• Sights: Fixed/Fiber Optic
• Trigger Pull: 5.5 – 7.5 lbs
• Barrel Twist: 1:10” RH
• Overall Length: 7.09”
• Height: 5.3”
• Width: 1.35”
• Weight (unloaded): 26.4 oz
• Optic-Ready Slide: Comes with Plate 1 - Fits Trijicon RMR and SRO, Holosun 507c and 508T and Leupold Delta Point Pro
Popular Accessories
- Red Dot Sight
- Laser Sight
- Suppressor
- Light and/or Laser Combination Unit
- Magazine Extension
- Extended Magazine Release
- Extended Slide Release
- Enhanced Slide Lock Lever
- Match Grade Trigger
- Extended Barrel
Accuracy
The FN 509 Compact Tactical is an incredibly accurate pistol. It is almost the same size as the standard M&P pistol, but includes features to enhance accuracy and accuracy potential. The FN 509 features a high-tensile steel recoil system that is built to minimize felt recoil and muzzle rise. Furthermore, the low-profile combat sights are provided in both metal and fiber optic variants to further improve accuracy. When shooting, users can expect a reliable and consistent trigger break with each press. This results in improved accuracy and less time learning how the trigger functions. In the end, the FN 509 Compact Tactical provides an incredibly accurate pistol at an excellent value.
