FN FN 502 TACTICAL
Posted May 26, 2023
FN has been manufacturing firearms since 1898 and has become world renowned for their quality of products and intricate attention to detail in the craftsmanship that goes into their firearms. This commitment to excellence is evidenced in the FN 502 TACTICAL, a modern semi-automatic rifle with features and capabilities that make it the perfect firearm for any mission.
The FN 502 TACTICAL is part of FN’s tactical line of rifles, and your experience will begin with the exterior of the rifle. It comes factory standard with a 16.1” cold hammer forged barrel, full length monolithic top rail, upgraded SureFire muzzle brake, 10-position adjustable gas block, new enlarged trigger guard, and an upgraded flash suppressor. The barrel itself is constructed of 4140 chrome-moly steel and chrome lined for enhanced durability in long term performance and corrosions resistance. The Surefire muzzle brake provides an effective counter to recoil, allowing you to stay on target through rapid fire sessions, and the adjustable 10-position gas block allows you to optimize the rifle for a variety of different loads or jump to your defensive setting whenever needed.
Moving to the interior of the FN 502 TACTICAL, the rifle is built on FN’s classic direct impingement system which includes a short-stroke gas piston to ensure reliably consistent performance with each shot. The gas system features a pressure relief valve to prevent overpressure and is easily adjustable with the included 10-position adjustable gas block. The upper receiver is machined from billet aluminum for durability and features a full-length monolithic top rail so you can customize your rifle with optional sights, optics, and other accessories. The enlarged trigger guard also serves as a winter trigger guard to allow you to shoot the rifle while wearing gloves.
In addition, the FN 502 TACTICAL features an M16-style matte black-finished bolt carrier group that is made from hardened steel with chrome linings for extra durability and protection against corrosion, and an M4-style charging handle. The lower receiver is a standard lower receiver design featuring an integrated trigger guard and installed adjustable buttstock for comfortable shooting on a variety of body types.
On the range, the FN 502 TACTICAL performs admirably with iron sights and optics. With iron sights, the sight radius is perfectly situated in relation to the eye and sight alignment and picture is absolutely perfect. With optics, the full-length monolithic top rail opens up a world of possibilities. The integral rail makes it easy to mount a wide variety of different sights, sound suppressors, bipods, and more.
The trigger on the FN 502 TACTICAL is another feature worth noting. It is a mil-spec trigger that offers an incredibly clean and crisp break. The self-cleaning mechanism is adjustable and can easily be adjusted to whatever level of trigger pull that you prefer. Additionally, the trigger has been coated in nickel boron to ensure a smooth pulling experience every time.
Moving onto the safety features of the FN 502 TACTICAL, it features an integral trigger safety and magazine safety, both of which are designed to catch the shooter if he negligently forgets to activate either safety. This ensures that the rifle will never fire without an intentional action from the shooter. Additionally, the bolt catch is fully ambidextrous and designed for ease of access for both right- and left-handed shooters.
The FN 502 TACTICAL also comes standard with a variety of optional accessories that can easily be added onto the rifle to personalize it for the user’s needs. These accessories include everything from a folding brace to allow you to customize the length of pull, to a rail mounted grenade launcher to make the rifle even more versatile and powerful.
Overall, FN has crafted a modern combat-ready rifle that is packed full of features and demonstrates their commitment to excellence in their products. It functions reliably and accurately right out of the box and allows the user to customize it for almost any mission. The FN 502 TACTICAL is an impressive modern semi-automatic rifle that is sure to impress even the most demanding shooter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable and accurate
-Highly customizable
-Lightweight, ergonomic design
-Ambidextrous controls
-Modular design
-Available in multiple calibers
Cons:
-Pricey
-Limited barrel and caliber options
-Relatively heavy trigger pull
Who Should Buy
The FN 502 TACTICAL is designed for professional users such as law enforcement or military personnel who require a self-defense or combat weapon. Those with the appropriate training and background should buy the FN 502 TACTICAL and any accessories associated with the gun. Those unfamiliar with the use of firearms should not purchase the FN 502 TACTICAL. Purchasing such a weapon without the proper training and experience can be extremely dangerous.
Comparisons
| FN FN 502 TACTICAL | Colt Combat Unit CCO | Springfield Armory SAINT Edge EVAC | SIG Sauer M400 TREAD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | .45 ACP | .223 Wylde | .223 Remington |
| Weight | 28 oz | 25 oz | 6.2 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 4.5” | 4” | 11.5” | 16” |
| Length | 7.6” | 8.5” | 30.5” | 35” |
| Capacity | 10+1 | 7+1 | 30+1 | 30+1 |
| MSRP of Basic Model | $699 | $1,099 | $1,077 | $969 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 4"
• Overall Length: 8.2"
• Sight Radius: 6.5"
• Weight (w/ empty mag): 20.42oz
• Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
• Twist Rate: 1:10
• Sights: Optics Ready (Compatible with Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and other modular and red dot optics)
• Frame Finish: Matte Black
• Slide Finish: Cerakote®
• Features: Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Threaded Barrel, Recessed Target Crown
Popular Accessories
Some popular accessories for the FN FN 502 TACTICAL pistol include:
- FN Quick Detach Optic Mount: This mount allows the user to easily attach a Red Dot Sight, a reflex sight, or a magnified day or night optic directly to the gun for improved accuracy.
- FN Low Profile Rail Mount Flashlight: This is an ultra-compact and lightweight weapon light designed specifically for the FN FN 502. It is bright and can be adjusted to provide light in low-light conditions.
- FN Match Grade Barrel: This barrel increases accuracy by providing a tight fit and consistent lockup for every shot fired.
- FN Magazine Sleeve: This sleeve helps protect the magazines during storage and transport.
- FN Recoil Spring Assembly & Guide Rod: This assembly and guide rod will help to keep the pistol cycling smoothly and reliably.
- FN Extended Slide Release: This slide release allows for easier and faster slide operation.
- FN Carry/Compact Magazine Extension: This magazine extension increases the magazine capacity of the FN 502, allowing the user to carry more rounds of ammunition.
Accuracy
The FN 502 Tactical is a highly accurate platform, due to its dual recoil spring system, adjustable 3-dot sights, and 4.5 pound, adjustable trigger. This system is designed to help reduce muzzle climb and set the gun up for rapid follow up shots. The 502 Tactical also features a Hammer-forged, chrome-lined Barrel, to increase shot-to-shot accuracy. FN builds their barrels with a cold hammer forging process to ensure better accuracy, durability, and longevity. The 502 Tactical also features an ergonomic and lightweight polymer frame that is easily manipulated and allows for a natural point of sight. All these features make the FN 502 TACTICAL an extremely accurate handgun that anyone would be proud to own.
