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

Hornady 338 Arc F
Hornady 338 Arc F

Hornady’s 338 ARC

The latest hard-hitting Advanced Rifle Cartridge from Hornady, the 338 ARC, takes a swing at both established numbers and newcomers—after already producing successful offspring. 

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 8, 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.

Youth Firearm Education, Shooting Leagues On The Rise

Several states have instituted firearm education courses for students in public schools, and several scholastic shooting leagues have posted record attendance numbers in recent years.

Preview: Fix-It Sticks Rifle And Optics Toolkit With All-In-One Torque Driver

An optic coming loose can ruin a hunt or a range session, so having a pocket-size remedy such as the Fix-It Sticks Rifle and Optics Toolkit is a prudent hedge.

Glock Unveils Its GEN6, V-Series Pistols

"Perfection" is now in its sixth generation, as Glock introduces its new GEN6 line of handguns, which incorporates substantial mechanical and ergonomic changes compared to previous factory offerings.

Tisas Introduces PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp & Tactical Comp Pistols

Many handgunners are seeing the value of muzzle compensators on their handguns, and Turkish gunmaker Tisas is answering the call with three new models: the PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp and Tactical Comp.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.