Fn 509 LS Edge Review: The Most Well-Rounded Handgun on the Market?

May 14, 2021 Topic: Guns Blog Brand: The Buzz Tags: GunsHandgunsPistolsFirearmsWeaponsFn 509 LS

Fn 509 LS Edge Review: The Most Well-Rounded Handgun on the Market?

It’s more expensive than many pistols, even the SIG P239, but worth every penny.

The FN 509 LS Edge is accurate, reliable, and controllable. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds through it without a single failure, and while it features a 4-slot Picatinny rail, the standard sights offer excellent accuracy. The front sight is a 1mm thick green fiber-optic, drift-adjustable post, and the rear is a tall, flat back sight with serrations at the bottom. With the front sight in the middle position, both sights work together to split the sight picture into three equal parts. At a 6 o’clock hold, you’ll get a perfect bright center dot.

Also helping with accuracy is the 6.7” sight radius. This helps you get precise shots with a wide range of different ammo, really letting you shoot the pistol like a pro. If you’ll be using the pistol in competitions, there’s no need to add aftermarket sights. You’ll get fantastic accuracy with what’s included. 

The 509 LS Edge features a slick and durable graphite PVD slide that includes lightening cuts to reduce its mass and keep the gun shooting flat.. The polymer frame is textured on every side, as is the grip. The front and rear of the grip include raised bars, while the sides feature stippling. Another cool feature is the removable and interchangeable backstrap. In the box, you’ll get a large, rounded version and a flat, thin version.

Another high point of the 509 LS Edge is the extended and magazine well. Although it is flared, it’s not overly large and won’t get in the way of any clothing you’re wearing. It’s quick and easy to funnel the magazine into the gun, and the ambidextrous magazine release is easy to use as well. The button is raised and textured, but not so large that you’ll inadvertently hit it. In the box, you’ll get three magazines with either a 10+1 or 17+1 capacity, depending on the options you choose.

The trigger is pretty good, but has some problems that make it one of the low points of the pistol. The biggest issue is the initial trigger pull. While it breaks relatively easily and consistently at between 4-5 lbs, there are three distinct stops the trigger makes before firing. It’s a bit mushy, which is unfortunate since the rest of the trigger functions much better than most other striker-fired guns.

Even with a high grip, the undercut trigger guard can accommodate large or gloved hands. The reset is quick and clean, and the flat trigger breaks right at 90 degrees for precise follow-up shots. Recoil is very minimal, especially for a small pistol (looking at you, Beretta 3032 Tomcat.) making the 509 LS Edge very comfortable to shoot.

Overall, this pistol is 8.2” long and has a barrel length of 5”. It weighs 31 oz unloaded, with slightly more weight at the front to help with better follow-up shots. It’s not as light as the Glock 36, but still not heavy. The FN 509 LS Edge has an MSRP of $1,499, but can be found for around $1,300 at most retailers. This price includes the pistol, a carrying case, mounting plates, the two interchangeable backstraps, three magazines, and a locking device. It’s more expensive than many pistols, even the SIG P239, but worth every penny.

The FN 509 LS Edge is an excellent tactical pistol for home or self-defense or competition use. You can protect yourself, your family, and your neighborhood. There are very few low points, so if you’re looking for an accurate, reliable, and quick duty-style pistol, you can’t go wrong here.

Richard Douglas writes on firearms, defense and security issues. He is the founder and editor of Scopes Field, and a columnist at The National Interest, 1945, Daily Caller and other publications.

Image: Reuters.