FN 509 Review: A Mid-Size Masterpiece

FN: A Tradition of Excellence

Fabrique Nationale Herstal, or FN, is more than just a firearms manufacturer; it’s a symbol of quality and innovation in the firearm industry. Founded in 1889 in Belgium, FN has over a century of experience in producing military, law enforcement, and civilian firearms.

With a legacy that includes the creation of legendary firearms like the FN FAL rifle and the infamous FN SCAR, FN has earned its reputation for excellence through meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Its global presence extends to various military and police forces, including prestigious contracts with organizations like NATO and the U.S. military.

The FN 509 epitomizes the brand’s commitment to meeting modern shooters’ needs through ergonomic design, innovative features, and reliable performance. It’s a handgun that blends tradition with modernity, reflecting FN’s ongoing dedication to producing top-tier firearms.

FN 509 Specifications

Specification	Details
Caliber	9mm
Operation	Double-action
Mag Capacity	10 or 17 Rd.
Weight	26.9 oz.
Barrel Length	4.0″
Overall Length	7.4″
Twist Rate	1:10″ RH
Height	5.56″
Width	1.35″
Trigger Pull	5.5 – 7.7 lb.
Sight Radius	5.79″

FN 509 Primary Features and Overview

The FN 509 offers several noteworthy features, starting with its a striker-fired autoloader and double-action operation. It’s offered as a non-manual safety model, and it’s sights options include fixed 3-dot luminescent which is standard, or can come with a fixed 3-dot green tritium night sight (showcased in this review) which is only available for law enforcement.

The slide is designed to be easily racked, equipped with combat-style sights, an external extractor, and a loaded chamber indicator, along with improved front and rear cocking serrations. The barrel construction includes cold hammer-forged stainless steel, a recessed target crown, and a polished chamber and feed ramp.

The frame of the FN 509 incorporates polymer construction with replaceable steel frame/slide rails. Enhanced grip textures allow for faster follow-up shots in various conditions, and interchangeable backstraps to help accommodate variety of hand sizes and a MIL-STD-1913 accessory mounting rail.

Operating controls are designed for accessibility, with fully ambidextrous slide stop levers and magazine releases. The magazine features a high-visibility, low-friction follower and a polymer base with a black finish.

The FN 509 ships with an interchangeable backstrap, two 17-round or 10-round magazines, an owner’s manual, a locking device, and an FN logo soft pistol case. This complete package reflects the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship that characterizes the FN 509, making it a reliable and versatile choice for shooters of all levels.

The Overall Look: A Blend of Style and Function

The FN 509 is offered in three color combinations: black on black, FDE on FDE, and black on FDE. I went for the black on FDE, and I must say, the overall look of this pistol, in my opinion, is amazing. It looks sleek, and all the lines work together perfectly, providing a harmony that’s appealing to the eye.

The slide has a nice little taper on the front half, with serrations on both the front and rear. These aren’t just for show; they make it easy to rack the slide from either the front or rear. The serrations are just enough to give you a strong grip for a solid rack, and they blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of the gun.

The frame comes with a rail on the front to mount an accessory, adding a touch of practicality to the design. The fully ambidextrous controls are another functional feature that doesn’t sacrifice the visual appeal of the firearm.

All these elements come together in a design that not only looks great but also enhances the user’s experience. The FN 509 manages to balance style and substance, creating a firearm that I find visually captivating and functionally sound.

The Grip: Versatility and Assurance

The FN 509‘s grip caters to different hand sizes with additional back straps that can be swapped for a personalized fit. I went for the smaller back strap, and it felt perfect in my smaller-than-average hand. Having those interchangeable backstraps really ensures that the grip molds to your preference, enhancing comfort and control.

The textures on the grip are another standout feature, with four different variations that contribute to a secure hold. The rougher feel toward the top provides stability where the thumb sits, while the front and rear, though similar, differ in spacing.

The sides bear identical textures with an FN logo in the middle, striking a balance between aesthetics and function. Even for someone like me who can sweat easily, the stippling ensures an amazing grip in various conditions.

Sights: Night and Day Performance

The FN 509 comes with night sights, and while they’re a good feature, they’re nothing extraordinary just your average night sights. To be honest, I found the illumination at night a bit on the dull side especially when looking for that front sight. Maybe needs more time absorbing the light but that’s my take on them.

During the day, though, it’s a different story. The sights are very clear and easy to see, making aiming a breeze. They contribute to accurate shooting, and I’ve had no issues with them in well-lit conditions.

Overall, the night and day performance of the sights on the FN 509 offers a balanced experience. Whether I’m on the range or in a more tactical situation, they do the job. They’re versatile and work well in various lighting conditions, even though there might be room for a little improvement with the night sight’s illumination.

The Trigger: Performance and Safety Unified

The FN 509‘s trigger incorporates a built-in safety feature. Its split trigger design requires the bottom half to be depressed first before the trigger can be fully pulled. This functionality adds an extra layer of safety without compromising on performance. The trigger safety design is very similar to the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center, for the full review click here. (Coming Soon)

One aspect I particularly admire about the FN 509‘s trigger is its solid wall and crisp break, which provide precise control and a satisfying feel. These features really add to the safety and functionality, showing the extensive testing that went into designing this firearm.

I must admit, though the trigger reset could be a tad shorter, but it is still very manageable.

FN states that their pull weight ranges between 5.5 to 7.5 pounds. To test this claim, we used a Wheeler Manual Trigger Pull Scale. After taking three measurements, the average pull weight came out to an impressive 5.96 pounds, on the lower end of their range!

I’ve been toying with the idea of adding an aftermarket trigger to test out. If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments!

Mag Release: A Small Adjustment

Having a smaller frame hand, I initially found the mag release on the FN 509 a bit difficult to press in my normal grip. It was a slight disadvantage but not something that couldn’t be fixed.

Changing the rear backstrap to the smaller one definitely helped. It made the release more accessible with my grip, though I still have to occasionally adjust to full depress it.

Slide Stop: A Tactical Upgrade

I’ll be honest, I didn’t love the original slide stop on the FN 509. It felt like pressing a straight bar of metal down on the edge, making it tough to get the pressure down to release the slide.

To enhance my experience with the FN 509, I installed a slide stop from the FN 509 Tactical. What a difference it made! This one has a nice curved ledge along the whole length of the stop, providing a more ergonomic feel. If you’re interested in the comparison or learning how to install the tactical slide stop, Click Here!

It’s a subtle but effective upgrade that significantly improved my experience with the FN 509, making it very comfortable and easy to apply the needed pressure to release the slide.

Mounting Rail: Function Meets Style

The FN 509 comes with a MIL-STD-1913 accessory mounting rail, offering a perfect platform for mounting accessories. It’s not just a feature, it’s an opportunity to customize the firearm to suit your needs and style.

In my case, I’ve opted to add a Streamlight TLR-7A in FDE. This addition seamlessly blends with the frame, looking amazing and maintaining the balance of the FN 509. More than just aesthetics, this flash light adds a practical feature, complementing my night sights.

The rail is not just an element of design; it’s a functional feature that allows for personalization. The way it integrated with my chosen accessory only amplified my overall satisfaction with the FN 509. If you want to see how it turned out, click here to see my installation and review of the Streamlight TLR-7A.

Shooting Experience: Smooth, Reliable, and Trustworthy

From the very first shot, I noticed just how smooth the FN 509 is. The recoil is extremely controllable, and it’s very easy to stay on target with multiple shots. The balance of this firearm feels perfect, and it only enhances the overall shooting experience.

After shooting multiple times and putting hundreds of rounds through it, the reliability of the FN 509 has lived up to FN’s standards. Not once did I experience a jam or misfire. The FN 509 has fully earned my trust.

Moreover, since adding the Streamlight, the performance and feel of this firearm seem ultimately untouched. If anything, the recoil is even more controllable, something I didn’t think would be possible. The integration of the accessory didn’t disrupt the balance; instead, it seemed to enhance the control, adding another level of satisfaction to my experience with the FN 509.

The FN 509‘s design and features aren’t just about looks; they translate into a real, tangible improvement in the shooting experience. For me, the FN 509 stands out as a well-balanced and highly reliable firearm that has more than met my expectations.

Overall Opinion: A Personal Endorsement

The FN 509 has impressed me on all fronts. Its sleek design, smooth performance, and thoughtful features make it a standout handgun. Customizations like the Streamlight addition have only heightened my experience, and its reliability across hundreds of rounds is unquestionable.

Balanced, fitting perfectly in my hand, and backed by a reputation for quality, the FN 509 has earned my complete trust. In a crowded market, it shines as a prime example of functionality and appeal.

Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. I would 100% recommend the FN 509 to anyone seeking a dependable, well-designed firearm. For those interested in what it takes to maintain this exceptional piece, click here for a guide on how to field strip, clean, and lubricate your FN 509.