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 never disappoints.
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 second-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 handguns have to do with compact, conceal carry handguns?
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 309 MRD (2026)
The FN 309 MRD was introduced at SHOT SHOT 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).
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, which are 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 XCS, Streamlight TLR-7, Nightstick TCM10, and similar-sized lights.
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.
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.
Holsters Options
There are a ton of holsters out there for FN handguns, and Safariland makes some of the best. For concealed carry, the IncogX, Species, and Schema are all great IWB holsters. 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.
Why choose FN America for Concealed CArry?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does FN Herstal’s history with the military matter for civilian concealed carry?
Many civilian shooters place their faith in brands that have been vetted by military and law enforcement agencies. FN Herstal has a century-long reputation for reliability and durability, giving users confidence that their self-defense firearm is built to professional standards.
How does the FN Reflex compare to the Glock 43 and Glock 19?
The Reflex is FN’s smallest 9mm CCW option. While it is similar in overall size to the Glock 43, its grip is slightly wider to allow for a higher magazine capacity (11 or 15 rounds). Notably, when using the 15-round extended magazine, the Reflex holds the same amount of ammunition as a Glock 19, despite being a much smaller sub-compact firearm.
What are the key features of the FN Reflex XL MRD released in 2025?
The Reflex XL MRD is a “micro-compact” that offers a larger frame for better handling while remaining easy to conceal. It features:
- A 3.8-inch barrel and a height of 5.2 inches.
- Impressive magazine capacities of 10, 15, or 18 rounds.
- An optics-ready slide compatible with RMSc, Shield, and Holosun 507K footprints.
- An accessory rail patterned after the Glock 43X, making it compatible with popular lights like the Streamlight TLR-7.
Which FN model is best for a user who wants the feel of a duty gun in a concealable package?
The FN 509 Compact is the ideal choice. It maintains the same 1.35-inch thickness and ambidextrous controls as the full-sized 509 duty pistol but has a shorter grip and barrel. This allows the user to maintain the same “feel” and muscle memory as their full-sized service weapon while making the firearm much easier to hide for daily carry.
What makes the new FN 309 MRD special compared to other compact handguns?
While most modern compacts are striker-fired, the FN 309 MRD (released in 2026) uses an internal hammer-fired system (like the Reflex) with a single-action-only trigger. This pistol has several specific advantages, including its overall size and expected price point of under $500.
