A few weeks ago, I reported on the FN 509 in our companion service, Shooting Wire. The first three rounds fired from the 9mm service-size pistol were launched from fifty yards onto a steel "ABC Zone" target from CTS Targets – all hits. This was followed up with a hit on the target's "B" (head) zone from 25 yards. That was remarkable from a new gun which I'd never before handled. The gun's details were reported at that time. These included the "aggressive cocking serrations, enhanced grip textures, guarded controls and recessed target crown on the barrel," among other things.

The sights, after 'charging' with a flashlight, glow very brightly in adverse light conditions

The 3-dot luminescent sights are incredible. Shining a light on the front sight made it very visible in a darkened basement. The attached photo shows the dots in the dark after having been lit up. The factory calls for a trigger between 5 ½ and 7 ½ pounds. I didn't measure it as it's clean and not heavy. It is firm – it's no "hair trigger," but it's not a hunting rifle trigger either. The gun weighs just under 27 ounces, has a 17 round capacity and has a stainless steel four-inch barrel. I found the slide had aggressive cocking serrations but the grip frame wasn't abrasive – just appropriately 'grippy.' The shielded controls – like those on a previous MHS-specifications gun – make it a bit more difficult to lock the slide open. When pressing up on the slide stop, on either side of the gun, and the slide simply goes forward again, check your thumb position. You were likely pressing on the frame shield below the slide stop, as I was.

Brightly colored magazine followers are a good idea.

The guarded slide stops do not prevent riding the slide stop and creating a failure to lock open – a problem I didn't have with the FN 509. That's a lesser problem than having the pistol lock open prematurely when needing to shoot, so it's not a real problem. Using a Safariland 576 Pro-Fit Compact GLS holster and a Comp-Tac magazine pouch, I sought to do some handling drills. A six-plate dueling tree had been set up on our range. Working from low ready, I was hitting six plates in three seconds from ten yards. I put a state academy silhouette up and began working on it. I found the gun was very easy to shoot: so much so, I'd hurry up and get a 'miss.' This was a matter of failure to adjust to the gun: it's one of the more naturally 'shootable' autos I've tried. It'd take some discipline and some reps to keep a steady cadence. I found the largely discredited ½-hip shooting position, as described by Fairbairn, to give center hits from fifteen feet.

Ever tried so-called 'point shooting?' The FN 509 has and did quite well.

This gun could well be a competitor for 'best in class' -- after it's been around long enough to get some serious use. There's nothing not to like. It wasn't particularly happy with Winchester-USA Forged 115 grain 9mm ammo. I had two failures to go into battery out of the hundred or so rounds fired. I'll give this heater another trip to the range to see if I can duplicate that with other ammo. There have been no other stoppages. The brightly colored magazine follower – along with the bilateral controls on the gun becoming standard for modern pistols – is a real plus. The FN 509 has one more range trip before it goes back. I'm favorably impressed. The next question is – will a compact version follow? -- Rich Grassi