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Fns vs 509

53K views 35 replies 18 participants last post by  0119 
#1 ·
Anyone else selling their fns for the 509? I love my FNS but due to lack of aftermarket support...I'm jumping ship.
 
#4 · (Edited)
According to FN, they have already solicited and worked with aftermarket companies to gather the support - something needed for the MHS

And when i decide to buy my next handgun, this might be on the short list. I've been wanting to get in to 9mm. Rather than an FNS or anything else, i might go with this.

Differences from what I've read

Change in materials to meet requirements of MHS
Different baseplates for magazines
Different coating on magazines
Smaller grip with 2 included backstraps and 1 large included aftermarket
More stippling
Aftermarket support
Different sites
Improved recoil
Not fully verified - better trigger

A buddy had seen the video and shared it with me yesterday, and it seems to be the most informative review I have seen of the 509 platform.

Apparently Larry Vickers was involved in the design changes in the beginning phases. Here's his video with a guy from FN discussing the handgun.
 
#6 ·
Aftermarket options for almost any FNH semi-auto is very limited, and for the newest models, virtually non-existent. With MOST polymer guns, the biggest issue is trigger and sights, and the FN series triggers aren't terrible to start with, and can be improved with tips here and on You Tube. Sights are increasingly available from most sight makers, and holsters are increasingly available. (FN can claim they will get better after-market support, but I suspect that's wishful thinking. They can offer specs to suppliers, but until a lot of people buy the FNH guns and decide after-market parts are needed, they're simply not going to be out there.)

There are a LOT of parts out there for Glocks but, generally speaking, except for springs (and in a few cases magazines), there's not much available for most other guns. So FNH weapons aren't unique in that respect.
 
#7 ·
FN converted the FNS to compete in the MHS trials but they didn't win the contract. Now they are trying to make money off the design in the LEO and consumer markets. This doesn't make the FNS any better or worse in my opinion. The issues listed above seem to be the issues they wanted to address (as per the FN guy in the video):

Different baseplates for magazines - Why? How can a baseplate be improved?
Different coating on magazines - This is a downgrade, FNS magazines have a fantastic coating
Smaller grip with 2 included backstraps and 1 large included aftermarket - both backstraps work fine for me
More stippling - Unnecessary
Better slide serration - Unnecessary
Aftermarket support - I'll believe it when I see it. And I have everything I need and want for my FNS-9 and FNS-9C
Different sites - Unnecessary, we have three dot and night sight versions of the FNS series already.
Improved recoil - FNS is known for having soft, handleable recoil, I find it hard to believe it is significantly reduced with the 509.
Not fully verified - better trigger - We'll see, but I don't have trouble with my triggers as they are. They may have been slightly gritty before, but after a few hundred shots they have smoothed out very well.

I don't see any real improvements and I can't imagine it feels much different. It may be a game changer for you guys, but for me the FNS series is just fine. And lastly, take into account that the FNS is almost half the price ($650 msrp for the FN-509)... well, are you getting $250 value in those 'improvements'? And it only comes with two magazines where-as the FNS series, until recently, shipped with three. Any used FNS pistols will no doubt be paired with the three mags... This 509 won't sell well in my opinion.
 
#10 ·
I'll take a look at the 509 when my LGS gets one in stock, and maybe rent it to see how it stacks up against my FNS 9. Funny thing is that I shoot my 9c a lot better than the 9. If all the internal tweaks make the 509 better for me to shoot than the 9, I'll trade. But I doubt I will shoot the 509 better than the 9c . . . love that little f'n gun . . . We'll see.
 
#11 ·
Magnificent_Stranger said:
I don't see any real improvements and I can't imagine it feels much different. It may be a game changer for you guys, but for me the FNS series is just fine. And lastly, take into account that the FNS is almost half the price ($650 msrp for the FN-509)... well, are you getting $250 value in those 'improvements'? And it only comes with two magazines where-as the FNS series, until recently, shipped with three. Any used FNS pistols will no doubt be paired with the three mags... This 509 won't sell well in my opinion.


Did the FNS semis sell well? Not until they lowered the prices.

While I traded several guns for the FNS models I got, I (in effect) "paid" a lot more than many did -- as the values used for the trades were loosely based on the purchase prices of the guns involved. They weren't selling THAT cheaply back then.

The FNS models were originally offered in the same general MSRP range as the 509 and similar Glocks when first introduced -- and it's only been in the last year or so that the price has significantly dropped. I wouldn't be surprised to see the 509 selling for a lower street price when it actually hits the market in larger numbers. If FNH wants to get into the U.S. marketplace, it'll probably have to sell it for a good bit less.

As for your other comments above re the 509 vs. FNS -- it's all conjecture on your part. I don't understand how anybody can say either gun is better or worse than the other without a hands-on, detail examination and, perhaps, live fire...

I can appreciate that you're satisfied -- I am too -- but you must also realize there aren't THAT MANY FNS owners out there, and a new gun from a credible gunmaker (with many of the same features) may get some new buyers.
 
#24 ·
As for your other comments above re the 509 vs. FNS -- it's all conjecture on your part. I don't understand how anybody can say either gun is better or worse than the other without a hands-on, detail examination and, perhaps, live fire...
Not so sure about that. Common sense goes a long way especially today with everything being engineered with a plan of limited lifespan and quick obsolescence. It only takes an eyeball to see that the finish of the FNS/X mags is exceptional and the finish on 509 mags is average at best. Review of nearly everyone posting on the 509 sub forum and youtube indicates a disappointing trigger. Is it that they expect the typical 509 owner, much like a glock owner feels the passion of gutting it and customizing it. Other than a chance to address a mag release and aggressively finished grip that so so many complained about, what does the 509 really represent?
 
#14 ·
If it is available in a larger grip I would like that. My FNS .40 long slide is slightly small for my hand, but the plus to that is I can wear gloves and comfortably shoot it, so it may be a perfect fit actually. I hope to the 509 expands into a long slide and a.40 cal too. The new texturing to the 509's grip is a welcome sight. I'm not fond of the overly aggressive front part of the regular FNS grip. On one of the 509 vids they demonstrate the trigger reset. I could tell by watching it that the grit in the take up of the trigger is present on the 509 too. While the trigger break and reset on the FNS is great, that grit is just annoying. I won't be purchasing it since I can barely notice a difference in recoil between the 9mm and my FNS .40 long slide. Why would I shoot 9 when my .40 is such a mild recoiling shooter. The 509 went to a dual spring guide rod too. I don't know if that will make any significant change on recoil impulse or not. As far as I can tell, the dual guide rod spring is the only internal change I know of. I'm guessing the meat of the pistol will remain the same as the FNS. The big changes seem to be on the exterior of the pistol. I'm just not big on 9mm, or four inch barreled pistols - unless it's a CCW pistol.
 
#17 ·
Anyone else selling their fns for the 509? I love my FNS but due to lack of aftermarket support...I'm jumping ship.
I'm new to the FN world. Is there not a lot of options for aftermarket support for the FNS? Just curious because I just ordered the FNS 9C.



Try to order simple things like recoil springs and guide rods for routine change, you'll never find them.
 
#18 · (Edited)
According to some of the things I've been reading on the web, it appears that FNH is trying to get a number of after-market vendors to support their guns.

APEX is coming out with a new trigger for the 509 and it will supposedly work in the FNS, so that's a step in the right direction. If they start getting other vendors to get involved, things may turn around.

And as I've noted here and on other forums, Glock guide rods are available with separate recoil spring (a two-piece unit rather than a fully spring-captured assembly) and the size and design of the Glock recoil assembly is almost identical to the FNS/FNX units. I may try one of those sets out in the future -- if I need a recoil spring. I'd just have to figure out what weight and length to use for my two FNS-40s (40 and 40L).
 
#20 ·
I will not consider the FN 509 until FNH USA proves they are not going to drop the MSRP like they did the on the FNS which screwed over the owners who purchased the pistol early on. Additionally, aftermarket support must be there if not there is no point and people need to be able to purchase consumables like recoil spring assemblies or parts. Finally, FNH USA screwed over the customers whom purchased the FNP-45 Tactical which was on the market for a very short time and not to mention the FNP owners. I realize the need to come out with improved products but not at the expense of the customer and at least build a product that can be in the market place for at least 10+ years. The FNP was introduced in 2006 then the FNX was introduced in 2010 (FNX replaced FNP) and the FNS was introduced in 2012 then the FN 509 was introduced in 2017 (FN 509 a replacement for the FNS?). Will there be a FN 509C or Longslide 5”? The sad thing is I was not an early adopter because I wanted the market to stabilize but I still got nailed on the FNS price drop, but it is only money that can be replace, at least until you retire (unless you have a large retirement fund or won the lottery).
 
#21 ·
The same can be said for any firearm early in it's release. I paid over $440 for an M&P Shield when it first released and now you can buy the same pistol for $225 after a $75 rebate, since they are blowing them out to make room for the 2.0 I'd guess. Firearms are like computers as they tend to be devalued/obsolete from the day you leave the LGS with them(with exceptions of course). If you want the newest, coolest gun then buy it knowing it won't be the newest, coolest for long... just another hazard of our disposable society I guess?
 
#22 ·
The 509 is very pricey, because the internet guys are selling this gun for $550-$565. Ridiculous.Think I will keep my 9 and 9c. Shot my FNX9 today and was not to terribly happy w/ it. Shot my CZ-P07 today right along side the FNX9 both for the first time, and the the P-07 was much more comfortable the the FN. Also shot better w/ the CZ.Thinking of buying a CZ P10C if I can find one reasonable.
 
#23 ·
Well got my CZ P-10C this week and being a guy 72, and have always shot triggers at first knuckle., this gun has got to go. When shooting this gun properly w/ the pad of finger, shoots like a dream. I have shot w/ first knuckle and won't shoot right for me dry firing. Haven't shot it yet and won't. Staying w/ my hinged triggers and selling this 1 week old gun. First $525.00 takes it home face to face local. This is what I paid for it at Center target shooting in London Ky. My home is in Sycamore Il. Gonna buy a FN 509.EMAIL is rgcelia@aol.com
 
#25 · (Edited)
WaltSherrill said:
As for your other comments above re the 509 vs. FNS -- it's all conjecture on your part. I don't understand how anybody can say either gun is better or worse than the other without a hands-on, detail examination and, perhaps, live fire...
0119 said:
... Common sense goes a long way especially today with everything being engineered with a plan of limited lifespan and quick obsolescence. It only takes an eyeball to see that the finish of the FNS/X mags is exceptional and the finish on 509 mags is average at best. Review of nearly everyone posting on the 509 sub forum and youtube indicates a disappointing trigger. Is it that they expect the typical 509 owner, much like a glock owner feels the passion of gutting it and customizing it. Other than a chance to address a mag release and aggressively finished grip that so so many complained about, what does the 509 really represent?
UNTIL you get hands on an FN-509, and make your own judgments based on usage, it's conjecture. You may just have to wait until you can get hands-on to be sure. Until that happens, you've only got the judgments of others to rely on... and as we saw in the MAC test of the 509, not everybody with an opinion is a good source of information.

As for common sense: it's not always as common or as sensible as some would have us believe. And not everything today is designed with planned obsolescense in mind: cars, guns, TVs, and most other electronic devices, for example, are much more reliable and longer-lived than they were in years past, and are, in many ways less expensive to maintain, especially when you look at the comparative values of the dollars then and now. Inflation is a real kick in the butt.

Re: the FN-509 less-pretty mags. Because the FN-509 was designed as a true service pistol (for the U.S. MHS Program), it may be that the finish of the magazines wasn't supposed be shiney or pretty -- just practical. The specs for the MHS program were pretty clear and very specific on several such points.

The FNS trigger isn't especially exciting, for that matter, and it may be almost identical to the FN-509. (I have an FNS-40L that had with trigger work done before I traded for it, and it's pretty good, but not super; and I have a standard FNS-40 that is totally stock. I prefer the 40L. As soon as Apex has their trigger kit ready (any time now) which they are developing at FNH's request, I'll get one and try it out. It seems that the two guns have some of the same internal parts.

(Every Glock and the two M&P Pros I've owned had various after-market upgrades, the most recent Glock has a $150 Apex Trigger System. These upgrades make a big difference, making good guns better. If you don't need or want a better trigger you don't have to spend the extra money.)

RE: aggressively finished grip. Some folks complain about the FN-509 grip texture and others offer praise. I know how to make some of the aggression go away with sandpaper or a file, and if it were a problem for me, that's what I'd do -- scuff it up to tone it down. A slip-on Handall grip/wrap would may a harsh grip problem go away. They aren't that expensive.

Hickock45 was complimentary of the FNS-9, but he loved the FN-509. And he's a pretty harsh judge of guns -- and a big Glock fan.
 
#29 ·
This is about the same difference between the Sig M11 and P228.....people are enamored by the thought of getting the same design as .mil but I dont see how making one to fit the transgendered and small-handed female troops is any advantage to me. Of course I bought the FNS because it fit my hand, has high capacity, shoots better than a stock Glock and had better sights. YMMV
 
#30 ·
I'm happy with my two FNS-40s, (one an "L" and one standard.) I have a 9mm conversion barrel for the standard size. I have no interest in getting an FN-509, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't consider one if I didn't have the two FNS-40s, already. It's probably NOT a big improvement over the FNS-40, and I'm happy with mine. But I don't think FNH is really focused on selling FN-509s to existing FNS customers. (The FNS line didn't really start to sell until FNH really lowered prices. I suspect this new gun gives them a "start-over" point, and it looks as though it's being sold for LESS than the MSRP, in the $500 range at many locations. I think they'll sell a bunch of them -- especially if they continue to get good reviews -- MAC tests ignored -- as it may be a good alternative to the Glock line.)
I couldn't care less if this (or any gun) is the same as a military model...
 
#31 ·
0119 said:
Hickok45 also mentioned he felt the 509's grips weren't aggressive enough!
That's not exactly what he said. In context, he's pretty positive about the grips and serrations. Here's a partial transcript:

Hickock45 said:
The Grip is really neat... [when talking about the serrations and how they vary depending on where they're located] They're not so aggressive they scratch you. I wish they were a little more aggressive, to tell you the truth... but most folks find them just right...It [the grip] just feels good. I like the grip... It really does give you some friction. They did a good job on it.
 
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