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The FN 509 is already a solid, duty-proven handgun, but like most factory pistols, there’s always room for improvement, especially in the trigger department. FN’s stock trigger is somewhat gritty out of the box and can be quite heavy. Mine has about a 6lb factory pull and worn in trigger with a smooth pull now, but I still find my self wanting a more crisp and smooth break with a lighter pull. That’s where the Apex Tactical FN 509 Trigger Kit comes in. This kit promises to elevate the 509’s performance with reduced pull weight, shorter reset, and a crispier break. But does it deliver? Let’s find out!
Trigger Overview
The Apex Tactical FN 509 Action Enhancement Kit is designed to provide a significant improvement over the factory FN 509 trigger. This kit claims reduces the trigger pull weight to approximately 5.5 lbs, shortens the reset, and enhances the overall feel of the trigger pull. The result is a smoother, more consistent break that benefits both precision shooting and overall performance. The flat-faced aluminum trigger design also promotes better finger placement, improving shooter control and consistency while maintaining all factory safety values.
What’s in the Box
The Apex Tactical FN 509 Action Enhancement Kit includes:
- Apex Performance Sear
- Action Enhancement Trigger w/ Apex Trigger Bar
Tech Specs Chart
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apex Tactical |
| Compatibility | FN 509, FN 509 Tactical, FN 509 Midsize, FN 509 Compact |
| Trigger Pull Reduction | ~2-3 lbs reduction from stock |
| Material | Aluminum trigger shoe, performance-enhanced springs |
| Reset Distance | Shortened |
| Trigger Type | Flat-faced with improved break and reset |
| Safety Features | Maintains factory drop safety features |
| Installation Type | Drop-in with minor fitting |
Key Features
Action Enhancement Trigger w/ Apex Trigger Bar
The Apex Action Enhancement Trigger features a flat-faced (in my case) or curved aluminum design that improves finger placement and provides a smoother, more controlled trigger pull. Paired with the Apex Trigger Bar, this upgrade refines trigger movement, ensuring a crisp break and shorter reset.
Apex Performance Sear
The Apex Performance Sear reduces pre-travel, over-travel, and reset distance, resulting in a cleaner, more defined break. This component is engineered to maintain reliability while enhancing responsiveness for both defensive and competitive shooting.
5.5 lb Trigger Pull Weight
Apex claimed trigger pull weight at 5.5 lbs, offering a lighter and smoother alternative to the factory FN 509 trigger without being too light for duty or carry use. The reduced pull weight contributes to better shot placement and improved shooter control.
Shortened Reset and Overtravel
The stock FN 509 trigger is known for having a long reset and excessive overtravel. The Apex kit shortens both, allowing for faster follow-up shots and a more responsive trigger experience.
Maintains Factory Safeties
Even with the performance improvements, this kit retains all factory drop safeties, ensuring reliable and safe operation while providing a significant upgrade in feel and performance.
Fit and Feel
Installation of the Apex Action Enhancement Kit was straightforward. The drop-in trigger fit perfectly with no modifications required. Everything went together smoothly, and there were no issues with fitment.
One of the things I was most curious about was how much the trigger weight would drop. Now I feel it’s important to note that I also have the Apex Durable Striker installed, which Apex claims helps improve the trigger feel. When I originally reviewed the FN 509, my factory trigger weight measured 6 lbs. Apex claims their kit should bring it down to 5.5 lbs, which would have been an improvement, but after installing it and measuring with a trigger weight gauge, I got a consistent 4.5 lbs. That’s big not the 3.5 lbs I love in a handgun but much nicer then the 6 lbs from the factory. I should also add I haven’t really heard of an FN 509 with a sub 4 lbs trigger upgrade that’s reliable so 4.5 lbs I’ll take it.
As for the feel of the trigger itself, it has a very firm wall, which I love. The break is more crisp then factory but does have a slight springy feel to it, which isn’t a dealbreaker but something to note. The reset is short and snappy, which should help making those follow-up shots much quicker. It’s a massive improvement when dry firing compared to the factory trigger.
The trigger safety functions perfectly, with no issues interfering with the pull or reset. Some triggers have an issue where the safety blade is too skinny and digs into your finger, but Apex did a great job here. The safety is comfortable and goes unnoticed in use.
Performance
After taking my Apex-enhanced FN 509 to the range, the difference over the factory trigger was immediately noticeable. The trigger felt incredibly smooth and more crisp. The 4.5 lb break combined with the short reset made it much easier to maintain consistency.
The biggest advantage was how smooth and predictable the trigger felt during live fire. The reduced pull weight and improved reset significantly contributed to more precise shot placement, helping with overall accuracy. The shorter reset and firm break also made follow-up shots much quicker, cutting down split times between shots.
The trigger safety functioned flawlessly with no malfunctions or issues. Additionally, the Apex trigger not only improved performance but also added a clean, sleek look to the build. Now I’m not a big fan of straight triggers in my rifles but handguns I can deal with them. But this trigger actually very comfortable in use, I’m really diggin it!
Overall, this kit proved to be consistent, reliable, and a major improvement over the stock FN 509 trigger, making it a highly worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking for more out of their FN 509 Trigger.
Overall Rating
Reliability – 5/5
Absolutely zero malfunctions throughout testing, and the trigger remained extremely consistent. The safety functions exactly as designed with no issues or failures.
Break and Reset – 4.6/5
The trigger weight dropped from 6 lbs to 4.5 lbs, which is a significant improvement. Paired with the Apex Durable Striker, the break when dry firing felt crisp but had a slight springy feel as well. However, while firing, it went mostly unnoticed and felt extremely smooth. The reset is short, tactile, and consistent, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Build Quality – 4.5/5
The finish is flawless, and the safety is well-designed. Installation was smooth, and no modifications were needed, making it a true drop-in upgrade.
Ergonomics – 4.5/5
The flat-faced trigger design feels great, providing a comfortable and sleek look. It allows for consistent finger placement and improved control.
Value – 4.3/5
The Trigger kit itself costs $160, and if you add the Apex Durable Striker for $75, the total pushes over $200. While that price is on the higher side, the combination of both upgrades helped drop the trigger pull weight to 4.5 lbs, well below Apex’s claimed 5.5 lbs for just the trigger kit. The performance improvement justifies the price, but it’s still an investment.
Overall Score – 4.6/5
Final Thoughts
The Apex Tactical FN 509 Action Enhancement Kit is a massive improvement over the factory trigger. It delivers a noticeably lighter pull weight, a crisp break, and a much shorter reset. While the springy feel after the break is slightly noticeable in dry fire, it goes somewhat unnoticed when shooting, and the overall performance is incredibly smooth.
The installation process was straightforward, with no modifications needed, and reliability remained flawless throughout testing. The Apex Durable Striker further improved the feel, bringing the pull weight down to 4.5 lbs, which was even better than Apex’s claimed 5.5 lbs. The finish is flawless, the safety works as designed, and the flat trigger provides a comfortable, consistent, and sleek upgrade.
FAQ
Is the Apex FN 509 trigger worth it?
Yes. The pull weight reduction, smoother break, shorter reset, and improved feel make it a major upgrade over the factory trigger. If you want better control, faster follow-up shots, and a more consistent trigger, it’s worth every penny.
How much does the trigger pull weight drop with the Apex kit?
Apex claims the trigger kit alone will bring the pull weight to around 5.5 lbs, but with the Apex Durable Striker, my trigger measured consistently at 4.5 lbs—a 1.5 lb reduction from my factory 6 lbs.
Does the Apex FN 509 trigger require any modifications?
No. This is a drop-in kit that installs with no modifications required. Everything fit perfectly, and installation was straightforward.
Does the Apex trigger affect reliability or safety?
Not at all. The trigger safety functions as intended, and all factory drop safeties remain intact. I experienced zero malfunctions during testing, and the trigger remained consistent and reliable.
Is the Apex trigger too light for carry or duty use?
No. At 4.5-5.5 lbs, the pull weight is not too light for defensive use. It remains safe while offering a much cleaner and more controlled trigger press compared to the stock option.
What colors does the Apex FN 509 trigger come in?
The Apex trigger is available in multiple colors, but I chose black, which looks absolutely amazing on my FN 509 build.
How much does the Apex FN 509 trigger kit cost?
The Action Enhancement Kit costs $160, and if you add the Apex Durable Striker for $75, the total is $235. While not the cheapest upgrade, it’s well worth the investment for the performance gains.
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