Tag Archives: FN 509

Do you have a red dot carry gun? Seems like everyone will eventually

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It seems like everything is coming up red dot when it comes to “carry” pistols. Just this year, we have seen Sig’s P320 series, the IWI Masada, and Springfield Armory Hellcat all pop up with compact or even micro-compact 9mm pistols that come pre-cut for red dots, preferably of the “micro” variety.

With that in mind, it should surprise no one that FN’s 509 series, which was made available in a mid-sized micro red dot (MRD) model this summer, now has been augmented by an optics-ready Compact model as well.

With a standard flush-fit 12-round magazine, the Compact MRD accepts all higher capacity FN 509 mags. When it comes to specs, the 3.7-inch barrel translates to a 6.8-inch overall length. Height is 4.8-inches and weight is 25.5-ounces. By comparison, this comes in slightly smaller than the 10+1 round Glock G48.

The FN 509 Compact MRD will be available in both FDE and black, optic not included. Note the front and rear slide serrations and tall co-witnessed sights. (Photo: FN)

More in my column at Guns.com.

That’s a lot of oily M4s

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So I told you guys that I spent some time in the Palmetto State last month filming at FN with Guns.com. Want to see how the tour went? I think you will find the M240 and M4 production lines interesting. Do you know FN makes roughly 500 M4s every single day?

After they’re test fired, they’re disassembled, cleaned, then reassembled and given a 101-point inspection. Then, they’re literally dipped in preservation oil and packaged 50 rifles to a large wooden crate.

Some poor Joe or Devil is going to have to clean that off one day…

Anyways, check out the full video below.

FN goes G19, finally

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Fabrique Nationale Herstal was one of the early competitors for the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System contract to replace the Beretta M9. Their submission, a beefed up and enhanced version of their FNS striker-fired handgun, wasn’t selected but they released it last year as the FN 509 in both a tactical and standard model that, for lack of a better comparison, are the rough equivalent of the Glock 19X and the Glock 17 G5 MOS, respectively.

Now, FN has introduced a Midsize 509 that fits the same envelope as the standard G19 and moves into the same neighborhood as the S&W M&P 2.0 Compact (I’ve been carrying one of the latter for nearly a year, and have dropped 3K+ rounds through it with no issues) and CZ P-10 C series.

Not throwing rocks, but why not lead with this?

More in my column at Guns.com

Got to bump into some groovy hardware last week

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So I hung out at NRA Show for a few days last week. Got to see some cool new stuff and write about it.

Including Springfield Armory’s new XD-E hammer fired compact 9mm single stack


Which complemented FN’s new 509.

So now FN is making striker-fired guns while Springfield XD is making hammer fired. What the what?

Then there was Colt’s new 70 series Gold Cup Trophy and Competition models (yup, no firing pin block).

Those G10 scales, tho

And Savage’s Fox A Grade SXS double shotgun series, which are really sweet and feature bone and charcoal case color-finished receivers over black walnut furniture (though original Foxes are cheaper).

And nope, this one is not made in Turkey

But the coolest thing (that I am soon going to be T&E’ing, squeeeee) is Remington’s Tac-14 870 that I was able to get the first media peek at while touring Big Green’s Huntsville Factory prior to the show.

At 26.25 inches overall and with a Raptor Shockwave pistol grip, the 12-gauge’s 14-inch cylinder bore barrel is not a National Firearms Act regulated item as it is a “firearm” and not an SBS or AOW, thus no tax stamp is required under federal law, though state and local laws may apply.

I will for sure keep you posted on that one…

FN Announces their runner up to replace the M9 is up for grabs

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FN America on Monday officially launched their new striker-fired 9mm handgun designed originally as the company’s entry into the Army’s Modular Handgun System competition.

Based on their FNS Compact platform, the 17+1 capacity handgun was beefed up to meet rigorous military requirements that saw more than 1 million rounds fired in reliability, ammunition compatibility, and durability testing. Changes to the legacy design, in addition to the improved internals, include enhanced grip textures and cocking serrations, guarded controls and a recessed target crown on the 4-inch barrel.

“When the requirements for MHS were released, our team of engineers immediately went to work, taking the successful elements of the FNS Compact and further developing those to meet the needs of the U.S. Army’s solicitation for a new, full-size pistol,” said Mark Cherpes, president, and CEO of FN America.

More in my column at Guns.com, and I will def be checking this bad boy out in Atlanta this week, so stay tuned to this same bat channel for updates.

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