When it comes to small and concealable firearms usually it typically means looking no further than Colt, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer and Glock. Those four companies are usually among the first and last names in such compact tactical firearms. 

FN, America LL—the makers of some of the world’s most battle-proven firearms including the world-renowned Browning Hi-Power—would like you to take another look as its latest entry into the category could make you forget everything you thought you knew about small and concealable when it comes to a tactical pistol.

Meet the FN 509 Compact Tactical

FN has billed it accordingly as “the smallest and most concealable 9mm tactical pistol available on the market.” As just 26.2 ounces and an overall length of 7.4 inches, it is certainly easy to see that it is in fact small. It may also seem familiar and that’s because this is actually a slimmed-down version of the FN 509, which is one of the company’s most tested pistol platforms to-date with over one million rounds fired during development.

The new FN 509 Compact Tactical pistol features a threaded 4.3-inch cold hammer-forged barrel that is compatible with aftermarket accessories and muzzle devices such as compensators and suppressors, while the slide also features the FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System, and is capable of accepting more than ten different miniature red dot sights. All this makes for one truly serious tactical handgun that is still small enough for that ever-important concealment.

As with other firearms on the market today it comes in any color you could possibly want—provide that is black or FN-signature flat dark earth (FDE), otherwise known as tan. Despite its compact frame it still features the FN 509-signature enhanced grip texturing that provides a secure hold and offers a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail that is compatible with most compact pistol lights and interchangeable backstraps for a customized fit. It has a trigger pull that can be set from 5.5 to 7.5 lbs based on user preference.

Other notable features of the FN 509 Compact Tactical include the FN low profile optics mounting system, sight protecting slide cap, recessed target crown, polished chamber, and feed ramp and fully ambidextrous slide stop lever and magazine release.

This handgun can be easily deployed as an everyday carry with the standard twelve- or fifteen-round magazines or on the range with the extended twenty-four-round magazine, providing fifty-one rounds of ammunition at the ready. The magazines feature a high visibility, low-friction follower; and polymer base with a black finish. The FN 509 Compact Tactical pistol ships in an FN-branded soft-sided case with the optics-mounting kit. It is available for commercial, law enforcement and military sales. A compliant version is also available and ships with three ten-round magazines for those in states that have the dreaded magazine capacity restrictions. 

FN 509 Compact Tactical Specs 

CALIBER: 9mm 

OPERATION: Double-action 

MAG CAPACITY: 10 or 12/15/24 Rounds 

WEIGHT: 26.2 oz. 

BARREL LENGTH: 4.32-inch 

OVERALL LENGTH: 7.4-inch 

TWIST RATE: 1:10-inh RH 

HEIGHT: 5.3-inch 

WIDTH: 1.35-inch 

TRIGGER PULL: 5.5 - 7.5 lbs. 

SIGHT RADIUS: 5.6-inch  

MSRP: $1,049.00 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com. 

Image: Reuters