NRA Gun Of The Week: FN 502 Tactical

by
posted on June 10, 2022
** 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. **

FN America has extended its line of FN 509 centerfire handguns to provide owners of these centerfire guns with an easy-shooting rimfire that’s sized and styled similarly for training use. The 502 includes a few features that aren’t typically found on rimfire training pistols. Watch the NRA Gun Of The Week video above to see the FN 502 Tactical in use on the range.

Man wearing protective gear shooting FN 502 semi-automatic hammer-fired rimfire pistol white shooting range



Upping the ante of the 502 over other rimfire trainers on the market is the heightened magazine capacity, with standard magazines holding 10 rounds and extended units holding 15. Each gun ships with one 10-round magazine and one 15-round magazine. The milled slide is equipped with a 4.6" barrel and the gun measures 7.6" long and 5.8" high, putting it in the same size category as FN’s 509 Midsize model. Unloaded, the rimfire repeater weighs slightly less than its centerfire counterpart at 23.7 ozs.

FN 502 suppressor-height raised black rear tactical sight milled slide optic cut flat dark earth color

At the top of the FN 502 is a milled slide, which is a common feature on many of today’s centerfire pistols, but this particular milled slide is a first of its kind. The 502 is tuned for the added mass of a mounted red-dot sight. Should users choose to forgo optics, the 502 is equipped with suppressor-height sights. FN includes optic mounting plates designed for many of the popular red-dots available. In addition to optics and raised sights, the 502 Tactical supplies a threaded barrel to accommodate rimfire suppressors or muzzle devices. A knurled thread protector is included.

FN 502 left side slide muzzle barrel knurled thread protector serrations polymer frame dustcover

From our experience on the range, the 502 Tactical is a great stand-in for the company's centerfire variants, and it also makes a great trainer for handgun fundamentals in its own right. The slide shares the same profile and serrations as the 509 series, with the exception of an external hammer at the rear of the 502. Similarities between the two platforms are shared on the frame, too, where users will find the unique grip frame with three different texture patterns. While the centerfire guns have interchangeable backstraps, the 502 comes with a one-size-fits-all grip frame.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: FN America
Action Type: hammer-fired, semi-automatic, rimfire pistol
Chambering: .22 LR
Barrel: 4.6"
Frame: FDE polymer
Magazine: 10- and 15-round detachable box
Sights: milled for optics; raised, drift-adjustable square notch rear, post front
Overall Length: 7.6"
Overall Height: 5.8"
Weight: 23.7 ozs.
MSRP: $499

Latest

001 Ssocom W Cover 01
001 Ssocom W Cover 01

Review: SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact

The SAR9 SOCOM Compact from SAR USA packs popular tactical features into a compact package.

A Jakl In Bullpup Clothing: Palmetto State Armory's Olcan

Palmetto State Armory adapted its piston-driven Jakl rifle design into a bullpup configuration it calls the Olcan.

150,000 NFA Applications Filed On Day 1 After $0 Tax Stamp Becomes Official

Approximately 150,000 NFA enthusiasts filed their paperwork through ATF’s electronic system in just the first 24 hours of 2026, the first day after the $0 tax stamp for most NFA items became official.

Gun Of The Week: Caracal USA CMP9K

Caracal's CMP9K pistol is based on a design originally produced to replace the aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s in United Arab Emirates service.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 9, 2026

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

Preview: Roundhouse Provisions Ultimate Campout Kit

Founded by Chuck Norris (yes, that Chuck Norris), Roundhouse Provisions is a company that produces emergency foodstuffs designed to be quickly and simply prepared that will stay fresh for years.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.