FN 509 COMPACT MRD
Posted May 19, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of trying out and testing FN's 509 Compact MRD. As a lifelong enthusiast of smaller, under-the-radar firearms, the 509 Compact MRD fit the bill perfectly and I was filled with glee as I prepared to put it through its paces.
In terms of specs, the 509 Compact MRD is a polymer-frame, striker-fired 9mm Semi-Auto boasting a 4" cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel, a preset trigger, a reversible magazine release, and fixed three dot sights. It's the perfect size for concealed carry and its smaller frame makes it much more comfortable to handle for those with smaller hands.
The 509 Compact MRD features a very nicely undercut trigger guard, which allows you to get your hand higher up on the grip for improved stability during firing. This is important as, during my testing, I found that the 509 Compact MRD had a bit more recoil than expected for its small size. This was most likely due to the lighter weight of the pistol, which may be a detriment in terms of home defense but does make the 509 Compact MRD much easier to carry.
The 509 Compact MRD utilizes a striker-fired mechanism, which results in very consistent and smooth trigger pulls. The trigger pull at the factory took about 6 pounds of pressure to break and had an incredibly short reset. FN also includes a trigger safety for additional peace of mind, although I did not feel the need to use it. Overall, I found the trigger to be very comfortable and usable right out of the box.
FN includes two 15-round magazines with the 509 Compact MRD, both of which come with an extension that adds an additional two rounds of capacity. I found they were flush with the grip of the pistol and fit well in my hand. Additionally, FN also includes an extended 20-round magazine for those who want more ammo on hand. The magazines feel very sturdy and had no feeding problems whatsoever during testing.
As for sights, FN has equipped the 509 Compact MRD with fixed three dot sights, which are consistent in brightness and clarity. I found them very easy to use and pick up, even in low light conditions. I had no issues picking up and aiming with the sights, although I did notice some glare when shooting in direct sunlight.
It was interesting to note that the 509 Compact MRD is built with reliability—it handled hundreds of rounds without any issues whatsoever. In fact, I had no failures to feed, fire, or eject throughout my entire testing. Furthermore, the 509 Compact MRD's short frame and grip make it easier to draw from a holster and aim quickly in a self-defense situation.
FN also includes an accessory rail with the 509 Compact MRD, allowing you to mount your favorite light or laser. I found it to be very useful in many of the drills I did during testing, as it made it much easier to identify targets in low light conditions.
Given the 509 Compact MRD's surprisingly light weight, I was interested in seeing how it handled. Unfortunately, I found the recoil to be on the sharp side, which may be a bit too much for some shooters. As mentioned before, this is likely due to the pistol's light weight and, while it may not be ideal for some users, the extra kick does make it easier to stay on target, especially during rapid fire.
FN's 509 Compact MRD is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable, easy to carry, reliable 9mm semi-auto. At its price point, it is a great value and would make an excellent choice for those looking for a rugged and reliable concealed carry pistol. With its great trigger, fixed sights, and reliability, the 509 Compact MRD is sure to turn some heads and probably won't disappoint even the most discerning shooters.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Compact size makes the FN 509 COMPACT MRD ideal for concealed carry
• Lightweight and easy to operate.
• The FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System makes it possible to mount miniature reflex sights onto the slide without using a separate mounting system
• Ambidextrous controls including slide stop, magazine release, and safety/decocker.
• Available with factory-milled slide for mini red dot optics
Cons:
• Expensive
• Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds due to the compact size
• Not as good for range shooting due to the small size
• Requires extra steps to reload, as a user must remove the magazine before racking the slide back to chamber another round.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the FN 509 Compact MRD are gun enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and well-built handgun that is both concealable and light-weight. The FN 509 Compact MRD is also great for anyone looking for a high-performance 9mm pistol.
Those who should not buy the FN 509 Compact MRD are those who are unfamiliar with guns or those who do not feel comfortable shooting larger 9mm handguns. Additionally, those who aren't looking for a high-performance handgun should look into other options.
Comparisons
| Feature | FN 509 Compact MRD | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 | Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel | 3.7" | 3.7" | 3.1" | 4.0" |
| Magazine | (2) 12-Round | 10-Round | 15-Round | 12-Round |
| Weight | 24.5 oz | 24.7 oz | 22.8 oz | 25.5 oz |
| Length | 6.7" | 6.3" | 6.1" | 7.1" |
| Sight | Fixed 3-dot | Adjustable 3-dot | Adjustable Night Sights | Fixed Night Sights |
Features / Specs
• Action: Striker Fire
• Trigger Pull: 5.5 - 7.5 lb
• Capacity: 10 or 12/15 round magazines
• Barrel Length: 3.7”
• Sight Radius: 5.6”
• Height: 4.7”
• Slide: Ferritic Nitrocarburizing Finish
• Frame: Low Profile Optics Mounting System & MIL-STD 1913 Accessory Rail
• Weight: 26.5 oz. (w/ empty magazine)
Popular Accessories
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- Magazines: Extended 17-round 9mm FN 509 magazines, 15-round 9mm FN 509 compact magazines, and 10-round FN 509 magazines are the most popular options for the FN 509 Compact MRD.
- Sights: Trijicon HD XR night sights, Romeo1 Reflex Sights, G-Series Suppressor Height Sights, Talon Snag Free Sights, FN Low Profile Optics Mounting System, and FN Soft Cover Suppressor Sights are the most popular sights for the FN 509 Compact MRD.
- Grips: Hogue, Talon Grips, G-Series Grip Panel Inserts, and FN’s 509 Tactical Grip Panels are all popular accessories for the FN 509 Compact MRD.
- Rails and Attachments: 1913 MIL-Spec picatinny rails, Surefire Weapon Light Attachments, Magpul M-LOK Rail Covers, Magpul M-LOK Angled Fore Grips, as well as O-Light Weapon Mounts are all popular accessories for the FN 509 Compact MRD.
Accuracy
The FN 509 Compact MRD is an incredibly accurate handgun. It features the FN Low Profile Optics Mounting System, allowing shooters to easily mount miniature red dot optics onto the slide with no adapters to modify the pistol. Its 4.00" cold hammer-forged barrel, designed to FN’s demanding standards, ensures accuracy and longevity. Its barrel and slide have been upgraded to FN's high-performance duty finish, and the frame is equipped with aggressive stippling. The FN 509 Compact MRD comes with two interchangeable backstraps, allowing users to customize the fit of the grip. This makes for a gun that fits comfortably in the user's hand, providing the shooter with a steady and accurate shot every time. With its specialized design and accuracy-enhancing features, the FN 509 Compact MRD is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and well-made handgun.
