Fabrique Nationale’s Smallest 509: Optics-Ready Compact CCW Pistol

Although Fabrique Nationale hails from Belgium–not a country normally noted for its military prowess–FN’s line of rifles, shotguns, and pistols has a devoted cult following in America. Their smallest and latest addition to their line of FN 509 handguns, the optics-ready FN 509 Compact MRD, just might be the perfect combination of shootability and concealability.

The FN 509 Compact MRD features the company’s patented FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System, designed to make foolproof the process of adding a reflex sight. Red-dot or reflex sights can make all the difference for shooters dealing with the changing vision that takes place as we age, because they allow for a lightning-fast sight-picture acquisition that doesn’t require forcing aging eyes to find a focal point that’s too close for the “hyperopia” or farsightedness usually experienced by aging eyes. This optics mounting system boasts a carefully developed plate system that perfectly positions the optic, so that the focal point allows for a low-profile mount. Don’t worry; the gun still features a set of rugged all-black iron sights, so this gun is self-defense ready even without a mounted optic.

Otherwise, this striker-fired semi-auto handgun is very much what you would expect for a purpose-built concealed-carry sidearm. Chambered in 9mm, it features a 3.7-inch barrel and compact slide, and is available in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes. The frame, reduced in overall size for concealability, features a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail that accepts most compact pistol lights, improved controls to aid in manipulation, improved texturing on the two included backstraps for better recoil management, and a new flatter faced trigger allowing for more controllable trigger press and cleaner break.

Each pistol ships in a branded soft-sided, zippered case with FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System™ plate kit, one 12-round magazine with pinky extender and one 15-round magazine with grip sleeve or in an all 10-round magazine configuration for states with magazine capacity restrictions. The FN 509 Compact MRD also has the capability to accept all higher capacity FN 509 magazines with use of a sleeve. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the FN 509 Compact MRD pistol is $799.00 and is available to purchase through authorized retailers.

Contact your dealer today to inquire about the all-new FN 509 Compact MRD optics-ready pistol or use the FN Dealer locator at fnamerica.com.

Chad Dyer

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