The pistol that would later be called the FN 509 was originally created by FN as their entry into the XM17 Modular Handgun System (commonly called the MHS trials) trials in 2016. This contract was ultimately awarded to the Sig P320, so FN decided to release a modified version of the X17 pistol (named the 509) to the public in May of 2017.
It’s worth noting that the current FN 509 design being sold to the public isn’t the exact model that was entered into the XM17 trials. FN opted to remove a few of the features that were specific to the military requirements, but not really applicable to law enforcement and civilian use.
The 509 design is based on the popular FNS Compact design with many enhancements that would make it eligible for entry into the MHS program. The FN 509 features:
Currently, the 509 is only available in two 9mm configurations:
As mentioned before, current versions of the FN 509 are not equipped with a manual safety, but the pistol is equipped with 4 passive safety mechanisms. FN has indicated that additional models, including some with a manual safety, will be available at a later date.
The 509 is a striker fired pistol with a double action only (DAO) trigger and currently comes equipped with fixed 3 dot sights. A LEO only version will have fixed 3 dot night sights.
Current versions of the FN 509 are shipping with either two 17 round magazines or two 10 round magazines. While the magazines from the 507 will fit and function in an FNS Compact, the FNS Compact magazines will not fit or work in a 509.
The success of the original 509 series led FN America to expand the 509 handgun series with the following variants:
FN 509 Tactical – A larger version of the 509 series that includes a threaded barrel, red dot optic capability, taller suppressor height sights, and larger magazine capacity.
FN 509 Midsize – Built on the standard 509 frame, the Midsize variant features a more compact grip than the regular 509. This model is offered for those who want a more compact 509 for concealed carry but retain the functionality and higher round capacity found on a full-size handgun.
FN 509 Midsize MRD – This variant of the 509 Midsize models comes with an optics mounting platform for an RMR or red dot optic.
FN 509 Compact – This variant is a more compact version of the 509 with a 3.7" barrel, no-snag sights, and a 12+1 capacity.
FN 509 Compact MRD - This is a variant of the 509 Compact with an integrated optics mounting platform (for RMR or red dot).
FN 509 Compact Tactical – This variant is a tactical version of the 509 Compact, featuring a threaded Profile Optics Mounting system. for suppressor use and FN's Low
Here are some holster questions that we’ve seen regarding the FN 509 pistol:
While the FN 509 is loosely based on the FNS Compact pistol, the frame on the 509 is different so that it won't fit in a holster made for the FNS Compact. The FN509 requires its own unique holster.
Any of the leather models you see listed below are made in a version to fit the FN 509.
In terms of the FN 509, our most popular OWB holsters are these:
MTR Custom Slimline Deluxe Fullsize Pancake Holster
MTR Custom Deluxe Fullsize Quicksnap Belt Holster
MTR Custom Dual Carry Belt Holster
Unfortunately, no, it's not. The FN 509 Glock 19 slide, and the 509 has completely different dimensions. As such, the 509 won't fit in a holster molded specifically for a Glock 19. is wider than a
We do offer a paddle holster for the 509 and it is available in a version where the 509 has most any mainstream tactical light, including the TLR-7, mounted. That holster can be seen here: MTR Custom Paddle Holster.
Sorry, but at this time, we only carry leather holsters.
Any of the holsters listed below for the FN 509 are also available in a version to fit the 509 with many more popular lights (including the TLR-1H) mounted to it. The popular light brands that are supported include:
As it stands right now, Don Hume is not making anything for FN 509 yet.
While the FN 509 isn't the smallest pistol for CCW, you can make one work for CCW. We suggest either the MTR Custom Slimline Tuckable Inside the Waistband Holster or the MTR Custom Adversary IWB Holster.
We offer holsters for the FN 509 Tactical with a threaded barrel, and those holsters can be seen here: FN 509 Tactical holsters.
The standard FN 509 models are not yet offered with a factory optic mounting system. However, if you had a gunsmith mill the to accept an optic, MTR Custom can support that option but adding an RMR cutaway into the holster.
We carry holsters for the FN 509 Midsize, and those models can be seen here: FN 509 Midsize holster options.
Any holster listed below is available as an FN 509 holster version.