Not quite a panic buy, but I picked this FN 509 Compact Tactical up since I realized I didn't have any RDS-capable pistols. I like RMRs a lot, but they're a bit taller than the Viper, plus their mount is also a little higher—not to mention very pricey for new ones.
Panic 1911's
9mm & 45acp both Norinco
Thank you to the 2 EE sellers that worked to complete the sale.
I didn't understand the appeal of the full size 509 tactical. especially not at the price point. The 509 is $600, and the trigger is one of the worst on the market. I bought one the moment they hit the shelves, before any trigger kits were available. I tried to love it so badly. But just couldn't. The Tactical has the same trigger, bigger sights, a longer threaded barrel and a cutout, for more than double the price... couldn't get on board with that, purely because of the trigger. But for some weird reason, this compact tickles the ol' dingler the same way the full size FNX 45 Tactical does.
I found it at Nordic Marksman here in Nova Scotia—it was only a few days from order submitted to pistol received. I realized I didn’t have a RDS-capable pistol recently and somewhat unexpectedly I picked this one up. I had an FNX Tactical a few years ago and really liked it but moved away from RDS pistols for a few years. This one’s kind of the little cousin of the FNX, I’d say.
Very cool! Good video too.I found it at Nordic Marksman here in Nova Scotia—it was only a few days from order submitted to pistol received. I realized I didn’t have a RDS-capable pistol recently and somewhat unexpectedly I picked this one up. I had an FNX Tactical a few years ago and really liked it but moved away from RDS pistols for a few years. This one’s kind of the little cousin of the FNX, I’d say.
And speaking of little, I was surprised at how small it is—I know for something with “Compact” in its name I shouldn’t be surprisedbut it’s smaller than it looks in pictures…think Glock 19 with shorter grip frame. I’ve got small hands, and even with the thumbrest magazine my hand barely fit. I do find the grip quite comfortable, though, and the combination of textures makes for a very secure grip—it’s also something I liked about the FNX, too.
The trigger pull, as other owners would have noted, is a little challenging. Mine is a smidge less than 7 lbs, and feels a little mushy to me. I like Glock triggers a lot—I’ve likely fired more rounds through Glocks than any other type of pistol—and this is similar to me, although not as positive (although it does have a nice tactile reset). I have noticed a significant improvement in the feel with some range time and dry fire practice at home.
When I first started my search I figured I’d put an RMR one the pistol—I’ve owned a few and really like them, plus they’re plenty tough. However, I like how the Viper is a bit smaller, and also sits a little lower on the pistol. I have no doubt that the RMR is a better sight, but this will be a range-fun pistol for me so I don’t necessarily need the added toughness. One thing I don’t like about the Viper is that there are “unlocking” screws that need to be loosened before adjusting the sight, and they’re blocked by the rear sight. That means unmounting the sight before adjusting it—a headache but one that hopefully I should only have to do once. I co-witnessed the dot on the front sight but after the range trip it needs a bit of adjustment.
I had it out to the range last week for the first time—I hadn’t shot an RDS pistol in about five years so it took a bit of adjustment on my part. Another thing I forget if I’ve been away from shooting for a bit (this was my first time out in three months) is I don’t grip the pistol tight enough, and with small pistols I find it’s even more important to have a good, firm grip. After I did that the groups tightened up nicely. I’m looking forward to more trigger time with it.
