The Keefe Report: Proven—The FN America 509 Pistol

by
posted on April 18, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Despite Internet rumors that FN America had submitted the FN Five-SeveN pistol for the Modular Handgun System (MHS) trial to be become the next U.S. service pistol, the gun actually put forward by FN was a 9 mm Luger. And that gun, tested to the tune of 1 million rounds, is now available as the FN 509

FN America has made handguns and its Columbia, S.C., facility since 2001—this is the same plant that makes M4s, M16s, M249s and M240s for the U.S. military. And one of my favorite pistols of the modern era is an FNP-9 in 9 mm Luger. But this is an old-school double-action/single-action gun with an external hammer. It seems the world is not interested in such things anymore.

Last year we did a story on the striker-fired FNS Compact, and it is from that gun that the 509 is derived. But there are plenty of changes to the gun, especially in the ergonomic touches on the grip frame, slimming down here and there and an outstanding new trigger. I had the opportunity to take the 509 down to our range and fire a few magazines through it. Needless to say, I was impressed.

The FNS Compacts will not be discontinued, but will be offered side-by-side with the 509. Think of this gun like the Springfield XD and the upgraded Springfield XD(M). The 509 is priced a little higher than the FNS, and consumer will decide if the upgrade is worth it.

Look for a full report on the FN 509 in the July issue of American Rifleman. Associate Editor Kelly Young shot it extensively, and the cold-hammer-forged barrel on the test gun really delivered in the accuracy department. I have always believed that FN's American-made pistols should garner more attention than they do from consumers. It is my hope that the 509 will make people take a close look at modern FN pistols.

 

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.