FN 509 Review: Rental-Range Tough, but the Trigger Earns It a C-

The short version: Gun University's updated FN 509 review finds the striker-fired 9mm extremely reliable after years as a range rental, but a mushy trigger, wide rear sight notch, thin aftermarket and high price leave it with a C- grade.

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FN brought the 509 to market in 2017 after work tied to the Army's Modular Handgun System trials, building it from the FNS Compact with ambidextrous controls, swappable backstraps, aggressive slide serrations and a recessed target crown. The family has since grown into Compact, Midsize, Fullsize, optics-ready MRD, Tactical and Edge models, but this review covers the original standard 509, which is not optics-ready.

Reliability is where the pistol shines. Reviewer Daniel Young's test gun has spent years on a rental line, dropped and rarely cleaned, and it keeps running; the only hiccup was the slide occasionally not locking back on empty. The rest of the report card is less kind. The trigger is long and mushy, groups are average at 7 yards and take real effort at 25, and the wide rear notch lets the front sight "swim" past 15 yards. The luminous sight dots are not tritium, so they may not glow after time in a safe or holster.

Ergonomics are middle of the road: a squared-off grip even with backstraps, and a magazine release placed where some shooters like to rest a support-hand finger. Add a smaller aftermarket than Glock or Smith & Wesson and Young says he would recommend it more easily at a lower price. If you already own one, he suggests a replacement trigger as the first upgrade.

Key takeaways

• Barrel: 4.0 inches; overall length 7.4 inches
• Capacity: 17 rounds (full size), 15 (midsize)
• Action: striker-fired 9mm, ambidextrous controls, interchangeable backstraps
• Pros: proven reliability under hard rental use
• Cons: mushy trigger, wide rear sight, limited aftermarket, price
• Gun University grade: C-

Summary by Beautiful Guns based on reporting by Gun University. Deal links are affiliate links; Beautiful Guns may earn a commission. Prices change quickly, so confirm at checkout.