The New FN 509 Compact: Any Red Dot, Any Light

Augmenting its lineup Fabrique Nationale has released its FN 509 Compact. As pistol-mounted red dots continue to prove their value, FN has given their concealment-focused handgun an advantage. Only available as an optics ready model, the new Compact will work with any micro red dot on the market currently.

Available in both black and FDE, the Compact fills the need for a “sub-compact” pistol that is compatible with just about every MRDS and weapon light on the market.

The new pistol carries most of the same features the FN 509 Tactical brought to the market in a much smaller size. Between the FN Low Profile Optics Mount, the aggressive 509 serrations, and the enhanced controls; the FN 509 Compact will be an interesting option on the gun store shelf.

Different than the rest of the FN 509 lineup is the slightly shorter optics ready slide designed for a 3.7-inch barrel. You also get some new magazine options for the shorter grip, the shortest being a flush-fit 12-round mag.

While the FN 509 Compact's MSRP sounds expensive at $799, keep in mind that the Midsize MRD has the same MSRP but can be found at dealers for as little as $625. We fully expect street pricing will be in line with the Midsize MRD.

Find more information about the FN 509 Compact in black or FDE, check out the FN America website.

More from FN America:

FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the release of the smallest addition to the FN 509^®family of pistols, the FN 509 Compact MRD, an optics-ready compact pistol featuring the company’s patented FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System,™ further expanding the optics-ready FN 509 models to four. 

The FN 509 Compact MRD is chambered in 9mm and is striker-fired.It features a 3.7-inch barrel and compact slide, and is available in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes. The patented optics mounting system allows for a low-profile, direct mount through a carefully developed plate system that perfectly positions the optic so that the focal point allows for a low-profile mount and co-witness with the all-black iron sights that minimize interference with the optic.

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.

Further Reading on the FN 509

• Official Release of the FN 509: from the Army's Modular Handgun System competition
• Going full size with the FN 509 Tactical
• Best of both worlds in the FN 509 Midsize

About the Author

Patrick primarily focuses his range time on sharpening his pistol shooting skill but effectively using precision rifles and carbines are also skills he works on polishing as best he can. When he isn't writing, spending far too much time on the range, maintaining his website, or filming a video he spends his time with his wife, son, and his dog.

MORE ON THE FN-509

• For the Full Review on the FN 509 series, read here if it lives up to the hype.
• At NRA 2019, we stopped by Fabrique Nationale to check out the FN509, Here's the Video.
• Taking the high-road: The FN Mid-Size. Here's the Announcement.
• Does the FN 509 make the Cut for best 9mm Pistol? Here's the List.
• Apex Tactical makes more than just triggers for the FN 509: barrels and failure-resistant extractors. Read More.
• Optimized for competition, the FN 509 LS Edge takes the striker fired handgun to the races.