FN 509 Tactical
FN Herstal · Pistol · In Production · 2017
Also known as: FN 509T, 509 Tactical
Overview
The FN 509 Tactical is a full-size, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol designed by FN America as a suppressor-ready, optics-compatible evolution of their MHS (Modular Handgun System) submission for the U.S. Army trials. Introduced in 2017, the 509 Tactical features a 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged stainless steel threaded barrel with a polished chamber and feed ramp, a recessed target crown, and 1/2x28 threading for suppressor attachment. The pistol is equipped with FN's patented Low Profile Optics Mounting System (LPOMS), which uses a series of adapter plates to accommodate over ten commercially available micro red dot sights without the need for aftermarket slide milling. Suppressor-height Trijicon tritium night sights provide co-witness capability when an optic is mounted. The polymer frame features replaceable hardened steel frame rails for extended durability, an MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail, interchangeable backstraps, fully ambidextrous controls, and aggressive grip texturing. The FN 509 Tactical ships with both a 17-round flush magazine and a 24-round extended magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 791 g (27.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1020 g (36.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 201 mm (7.91") |
| Barrel Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Height | 146 mm (5.75") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Sight Radius | 147 mm (5.79") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 29 N (6.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 17 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 375 m/s (1230 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 519 J (383 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 | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | PVD |
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: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Block, Disconnect Safety
- Features: Threaded Barrel, Low Profile Optics Mounting System, Suppressor Height Night Sights, Trijicon Tritium Sights, Interchangeable Backstraps, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Ambidextrous Mag Release, Picatinny Rail, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Polished Chamber And Feed Ramp, Recessed Target Crown, Enhanced Grip Texture, Replaceable Steel Frame Rails, 24 Round Extended Magazine
Variants
- FN 509 Tactical FDE — Color Variant
- FN 509 Compact Tactical — Compact
- FN 509 Midsize Tactical — Midsize
- FN 509 LS Edge — Competition
- FN 509 — Standard
- FN 509 MRD-LE — Law Enforcement
Service history
Operators
- Los Angeles Police Department · adopted 2021
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Various Agencies)
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Commercial production numbers not publicly disclosed. Manufactured at FN Manufacturing LLC in Columbia, South Carolina.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The FN 509 platform is derived from FN's submission for the U.S. Army's XM17 Modular Handgun System competition, which was ultimately won by the SIG Sauer P320 (M17/M18). The LAPD adopted the FN 509 MRD as their standard-issue duty pistol in 2021, replacing the Smith & Wesson M&P. The Low Profile Optics Mounting System is covered by U.S. Patent No. 10/352,654. The barrel twist rate is 1:10 inches (254mm). FN manufactures the 509 series at their facility in Columbia, South Carolina, making it a U.S.-produced firearm despite FN Herstal being a Belgian company. The 24-round extended magazine provides exceptional capacity for a duty-size pistol.
Background
The FN 509 Tactical was born from FN's submission to the U.S. Army's XM17 Modular Handgun System competition. Although the contract went to SIG Sauer, FN leveraged over one million rounds of MHS-protocol testing to create what many consider the most thoroughly tested commercial pistol ever released.