FN 309 MRD
FN Herstal · Pistol · In Production · 2026
Also known as: FN 309
Overview
The FN 309 MRD is an internal hammer-fired, single-action-only semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced by FN America in January 2026 at SHOT Show. Positioned as FN's most accessible pistol to date with a $549 MSRP, the 309 MRD is designed as an everyday personal defense firearm targeting first-time buyers and experienced shooters alike. The pistol features a 3.8-inch alloy steel barrel crafted from machine gun-grade alloy steel with a recessed target crown, a polymer frame with a neutral grip angle for natural point of aim, and a slide that is 25 percent easier to rack than traditional tactical pistols. The direct-mount optics-ready slide accommodates Shield RMS and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint red dot sights without adapter plates. The single-action trigger delivers a clean 5-pound pull with a crisp reset. Standard sights include a green fiber-optic front and a rounded white U-notch rear for rapid target acquisition. The FN 309 MRD ships with one 16-round and one 20-round magazine, both featuring directional loading indicators and requiring 40 percent less spring loading force than conventional magazines. Multiple redundant internal safeties include a firing pin block and hammer block, while disassembly requires no trigger pull for added safety during cleaning. The pistol is assembled at FN Manufacturing LLC in Columbia, South Carolina.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 638 g (22.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 188 mm (7.40") |
| Barrel Length | 96 mm (3.78") |
| Height | 137 mm (5.39") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Sight Radius | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action Only |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 16 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Alloy Steel |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Firing Pin Block, Trigger Safety, Hammer Block
- Features: Optics Ready, Accessory Rail, Fiber Optic Front Sight, U Notch Rear Sight, No Trigger Pull Takedown, Easy Rack Slide, Recessed Target Crown, Neutral Grip Angle, Interchangeable Backstraps
Variants
- FN 309 MRD Manual Safety — Manual Safety
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Market · adopted 2026
Production
Production years: 2026-present
New production model announced January 2026. Assembled at FN Manufacturing LLC in Columbia, South Carolina.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The FN 309 MRD debuted at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas (January 20-23, 2026). The 'MRD' designation stands for Miniature Red Dot, indicating the factory optics-ready configuration. The pistol is available in a non-manual safety (NMS) configuration at launch, with a manual safety variant announced for future release. A 10-round capacity model is also available for states with magazine capacity restrictions. The internal hammer-fired SAO design differentiates the FN 309 from the striker-fired FN 509 family. The easy-rack slide design was specifically engineered for shooters with reduced hand strength. FN describes the barrel as 'machine gun-grade alloy steel,' leveraging FN's heritage as one of the world's largest military small arms manufacturers.
Background
The FN 309 MRD represents FN's strategic pivot toward the value-oriented defense pistol market. While FN is renowned for military-grade firearms like the SCAR, M249 SAW, and the FN 509 platform that underwent over one million rounds of testing during the U.S. Army MHS competition, the 309 is designed to bring FN quality to the everyday concealed carrier at a sub-$550 price point -- a significant departure for a manufacturer whose pistols typically retail well above $600.