Way of the (Walloon) Gun: FN Concealed Carry Pistol Options
FN America, a subsidiary of the FN Herstal Group, has a rich history dating back more than a century. Its dealings are also intertwined with legendary gunmaker John Moses Browning. Producing firearms for both military and civilian markets, FN Herstal’s military-grade designs put it on the map and gave it the reputation it has today. They like to think outside the box with their designs.
The FAL, SCAR, and other firearms will keep them in the history books when it comes to military weapons. But today, FN doesn’t just focus on making guns for the military. They offer a lot of rifles and handguns, including today’s most popular size, the compact pistol.
For the past few years, compact handguns have been very popular, driving a huge wave of new handguns each year, and FN rarely (or never, depending on who you talk to) disappoints.
FN’s Duty Pedigree in Law Enforcement
FN America has been gaining traction among law enforcement agencies nationwide with their full-sized FN 509 MRD LE. The 509 was even adopted by the LAPD, the third-largest police department in the nation. This surge in popularity is attributed to the firearm’s reliability, extreme durability, and other features.
What Do Full-Size Duty Handguns Have to Do with Compact CCW Guns?
You may be wondering what this has to do with compact handguns, right? Throughout my law enforcement career, it was common for someone to ask what kind of gun I was carrying. Even though I would explain to them the brand and model, they were not always interested in the exact model. Someone looking for a compact gun may not want a Glock 17 or an FN 509. But a lot of people do place their faith in a brand that is used by the military and police.
While FN maintains a focused selection of duty pistols, they also offer exceptional choices for concealed carry. Let’s take a look at what compact handguns FN has to offer.
FN Micro-Compact & Sub-Compact CCW Platforms
FN 309 MRD (2026)
The FN 309 MRD was introduced at SHOT Show 2026. This gun is larger than the Reflex, but more compact than a 509. It has a 3.8-inch alloy steel barrel, an internal hammer, and a 5-lb trigger pull on the single-action only trigger.
This continues a pattern of internal, hammer-fired handguns from FN. I’m not against this style at all, but it’s interesting that they are using this method instead of a striker-fired system.
When I looked at the gun during SHOT, it was comfortable, and the trigger pull was great. Some of this, of course, is because it’s hammer-fired. The slide was also extremely easy to rack, and according to FN, it’s 25% lighter than the 509.
Like most modern guns, the slide is cut for an optic using the popular Delta Point Pro and Shield RMSc footprint. The gun comes with a 16-round and 20-round magazine (polymer).
Why “Walloon”?
“Wallonia,” officially referred to as the “Walloon Region,” is one of the three very autonomous regions of the Kingdom of Belgium (which is a hereditary monarchy). The other two are Flanders and Brussels, but they don’t concern us here because they aren’t home to a little company we used to call Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre.
That’s FN Herstal now, as you probably guessed, which owns the FN Manufacturing LLC facility in Columbia, South Carolina…which you’ve also probably already guessed is home to the recently-expanded FN America. Both facilities are major competitors in the firearm manufacturing battle space on their respective continents as well as reckoned internationally.
FN Reflex Series
Made specifically for concealed carry, the Reflex is a compact 9mm handgun about the same size as the Glock 43. One exception is the grip, which is slightly wider than the G43, but holds more ammunition.
When you purchase the FN Reflex, you get an 11- and 15-round magazine. For those with larger hands, the 15-round mag extends the grip by nearly one inch, making it more comfortable to shoot.
Another important thing to point out is that the FN Reflex holds the same amount of ammunition as a Glock 19 when the extended mag is being used. The Glock 19 is an excellent compact gun, but much larger than the sub-compact Reflex.
There are two options available: the standard Reflex model and the Reflex MRD, an optics-ready version. This hammer-fired (concealed hammer) gun is an excellent choice for those who want a compact concealed carry gun. While it looks no different on the outside than every other striker-fired pistol, it uses an internal hammer, which gives the Reflex a smooth trigger.
FN Reflex XL MRD (2025 release)
Because of the success FN has seen with the Reflex pistol, they expanded the line in 2025 to include the new 9mm XL MRD. As the name implies, it’s for those who want to carry something just a little bit larger. While it’s still classified as a “micro compact” pistol, it is 5.2 inches tall with a barrel length of 3.8 inches.
Magazine options for this one are 10, 15, and 18, putting it up there with the Glock 17 magazine capacity, but in a smaller package.
As you would expect for any new handgun being introduced in 2025, the XL MRD is optics-ready and uses the RMSc, Shield, or Holosun 507K footprints.
The internal hammer is operated with a 5-pound single-action trigger, which again, gives it that smooth trigger pull.
The slimline accessories rail was patterned after the Glock 43X rail, according to FN. This means it will work with the SureFire XSC, Streamlight TLR-7, Nightstick TCM10, and similar-sized lights.
FN 509 Series
FN 509 Compact
Based on the popular 509 series striker-fired duty gun, the 509 Compact is much smaller than the standard 509 and fully ambidextrous. This makes it a great carry gun for those who like the 509 series. It features a loaded chamber indicator, high-visibility front dot sight, and 10, 12, or 15-round magazines.
One benefit of using the 509 compact is the thickness (1.35 inches), and other features are the same as the full-size 509. This gives the carrier the same feel as the full-size model but with a shorter grip and barrel. FN also offers the compact in a tactical version with suppressor-height sights and a threaded barrel.
For shooters seeking maximum recoil mitigation in a carry-sized footprint, FN offers the 509 CC Edge. This factory-compensated variant utilizes an auto-indexing compensator that significantly reduces muzzle flip, along with a flat-faced target trigger and micro-textured frame for rapid follow-up shots.
This is a perfect-sized gun for carrying concealed, but not too small to handle effectively on the range or for self-defense.
FN 509 Midsize
In comparison, the midsize 509 would be most comparable to the Glock 19 handgun. For those who want a handgun that is not as large as a duty/combat size but still in that full-size family, this is a perfect choice. Like the full-size and compact versions, it’s 1.35 inches wide and keeps the same fully ambidextrous controls.
Some models come with a removable optics plate for FN’s low-profile optics mounting system. These models include plate adaptors for mounting more than 10 different optics. It also has co-witness iron front and rear sights.
You can choose black or FN’s popular FDE finish. Standard magazines are 15-round, but 10-round mags are available as well. The mid-size 509 has a trigger safety and a manual safety.
FN 509 full-size
Designed after the FNS Compact, FN designed the 509 to meet the need for a duty gun. It has been tested extensively with more than one million rounds fired during tests.
The full-size 509 is a non-manual safety version and is large enough to serve as a duty gun or a larger concealed carry gun. This gun has a 4-inch barrel like the midsize version, but has a longer grip, which accommodates a 17-round magazine. Larger guns are harder to conceal in general, but they are often the choice for cold weather when more clothing can be worn to hide the gun.
Technical Comparison: FN CCW Pistol Lineup
To help you select the right platform for your carry needs, here is a side-by-side comparison of FN’s defensive pistol options:
| Model | Action Type | Barrel Length | Frame Width | Standard Capacity | Optic Footprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FN Reflex | Internal Hammer SAO | 3.3 in | 1.00 in | 11+1 / 15+1 | Shield RMSc (MRD) |
| FN Reflex XL MRD | Internal Hammer SAO | 3.8 in | 1.08 in | 10+1 / 15+1 / 18+1 | Shield RMSc / Holosun K |
| FN 309 MRD | Internal Hammer SAO | 3.8 in | 1.26 in | 16+1 / 20+1 | DeltaPoint Pro / Shield RMS |
| FN 509 Compact | Striker-Fired | 3.7 in | 1.35 in | 10+1 / 12+1 / 15+1 | FN Low-Profile System |
| FN 509 CC Edge | Striker-Fired (Comp) | 4.2 in (w/ Comp) | 1.35 in | 12+1 / 15+1 | FN Low-Profile System |
| FN 509 Midsize | Striker-Fired | 4.0 in | 1.35 in | 15+1 | FN Low-Profile System |
Holsters Options for FN Concealed Carry Handguns
There are a ton of holsters out there for FN handguns, and Safariland makes some of the best. For concealed carry, the Incog X is great. For full-size OWB holsters, options include the 7287 7TS SLS and 7367 7TS ALS.
For leather options, Bianchi makes the Assent Pro-Fit open-top belt holster. This holster has a finger lock and the GLS (grip locking system) that locks the gun in place when holstered. To find the exact fit for your pistol, optic, and light configuration, check out the Safariland Holster Finder.
Why choose an FN Concealed Carry pistol?
If you are looking for a new concealed carry gun, FN is a brand worth considering. They have a long, impressive history of making quality guns. There are several sizes to select from, and they all offer a high-capacity magazine option. Some models are available with threaded barrels for suppressors and removable optic plates.
FN Herstal guns are trusted by the US Military and Law Enforcement. It only makes sense to trust them for your next concealed carry gun.
Micro-Compact Head-to-Head Comparisons
FN Reflex vs Glock 43X
The FN Reflex is similar in profile to the Glock 43X (10+1 capacity) but utilizes a steel 1.5-stack magazine to yield an 11+1 flush or 15+1 extended capacity within a slimmer 1.0-inch frame (vs. the 1.1-inch G43X).
When equipped with a “standard” 15-round magazine, the Reflex actually matches a Glock 19’s magazine capacity. However, that extension pushes total height to ~5.2 inches, exceeding the 5.04-inch vertical footprint of a Glock 19. Mechanically, the Reflex uses an internal hammer-fired SAO system, delivering what is often reckoned an easier slide manipulation and a crisp trigger break over striker-fired competitors.
FN Reflex vs. SIG Sauer P365
The SIG P365 set the micro-compact benchmark, but the FN Reflex presents a compelling alternative in the same footprint. Both feature a slim 1.0-inch width and ~4.3-inch flush grip height, though the Reflex offers an 11+1 base capacity over the P365’s 10+1.
Mechanically, the Reflex swaps striker operation for an internal hammer-fired SAO system, delivering what many users describe as a “lighter slide rack” and a crisper trigger break.
For maximum capacity, the Reflex uses a 15-round extended magazine (~5.2″ height, slightly taller than a Glock 19), whereas SIG utilizes modular grip frames with 12-round and 17-round (XMacro) options.
FN REFLEX vs REFLEX XL MRD
Both share FN’s internal hammer-fired SAO system, slim 1.0-inch frame width, and 11+1 flush or 15+1 extended capacity. The distinction between the two lies in slide length and optic compatibility.
While the base Reflex features iron sights and a 3.3-inch barrel (6.2″ overall length), the XL MRD extends the barrel to 3.8 inches (6.75″ overall length) and includes a slide direct-cut for Shield RMSc-footprint optics. This added slide mass and sight radius increases velocity, controls muzzle flip, and improves accuracy without altering the concealed grip footprint.
FN Concealed Carry: Common Questions
What red dot optics fit directly on the FN Reflex MRD and FN 309 MRD?
The FN Reflex MRD slide is direct-cut for Shield RMSc and Holosun K-series footprints (such as the 407K/507K) without needing adapter plates. The FN 309 MRD features a direct-mount slide that accommodates the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and Shield RMS footprints.
Is the FN Reflex striker-fired or hammer-fired?
Despite its smooth, striker-like exterior appearance, the FN Reflex utilizes an internal single-action-only (SAO) hammer-fired operating system. This internal hammer design produces a crisp 5-pound trigger break and noticeably reduces the force required to manually rack the slide.
How does the FN 309 MRD differ from the FN 509 Compact?
The FN 309 MRD uses an internal hammer-fired SAO action with a slide that FN states is 25% easier to rack than the FN 509 Tactical. The 309 MRD offers 16-round flush and 20-round extended capacities in an approachable, budget-friendly platform, whereas the 509 Compact is built on FN’s duty-proven striker-fired architecture.
Will an FN Reflex fit in a holster made for an FN 509?
No. The FN Reflex has a slim 1.0-inch frame width and unique trigger guard geometry, while the FN 509 measures 1.35 inches wide. Using an improper holster compromises trigger guard coverage and passive retention; always select a holster engineered specifically for your FN model.
