I was going to buy this firearm but now that I know about it's problems firing underwater I'll have to pass. I can't tell you how many times I've been ambushed underwater in the past by henchmen. So for now it's back to my trusty Walther PPK. Cheers and a good day to you gentlemen!

I am underwater as we speak

I appreciate the honesty and thoroughness in your reviews, but with my lifestyle, I don't believe it will be a problem and have made the Midsize my carry. Keep up the good work.

Had a 509 for a while and it was a good gun. Once I decided to go with the P320 platform I sold it off. I used to run the FNS as well and it was a great gun in 40SW. I think the FNS, FNX and 509 are very quality built and would serve well. I also take into consideration the company's customer service. I always had great service from FN when needed.

Thank you for this review. I've been wondering about this firearm. Outstanding review as always!

Great job uncovering that water issue. Hydrophobic. Love it!

Outstanding review. Thank you for posting.

Well done. Best 509 review on KZfaq!

Nice job with the breakdown of the updates. I do like the FN products.

Excellent review. Thank you.

I'm glad this model came out because it made the FNS go on sale:)

Just bought one. Love it so far

Notice: this truly is an awesome gun and I don't intend to "sling mud" (or sling water in this case) by any means or devalue those that use this gun. I do feel that it is important to note the issues that I had with this gun to give you a perspective as an end user of this weapon. Depending on your own carry situation and environment the issue I pointed out may not be a big deal. As a LEO around a lot of water, it is an issue for me so take it within context. Either way, this is good information to know if you happen to carry this weapon. I also did a full water test on this gun, which can be viewed here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b92bhJV_tKubgqc.html

Excellent review Justin Helmsing

Great video sir and thank you very much for being out there protecting us

Haven’t shot my firearm in the pool in awhile. Need to get the FN 509 out and do some under water exploring and target shoot. 😂 I do own the 509 and the midsize. Enjoy them both even if they’re not effective in the pool. Good review though but not a deal breaker for me. Back to under water pool training. 😉

I'll remember to bring my spear gun instead of my FN when underwater firing...

Great review!! And thanks for the information

Great overview and I agree, the water is an issue. Hell, I've worked on duty in downpours where my glock was waterlogged.

I've been carrying the original 509 for 3 and a half years. It's an excellent carry pistol. I do agree that it does have hydro lock issues when submerged. However, on one occasion I fired it at the range in pouring rain with absolutely no issues. I also agree if part of your duties is to patrol a park with bodies of water then perhaps it's not the best duty weapon. Gr8 honest review. 🔫 🇺🇸

Very good information! Thanks!

This is the first video of yours I’ve seen. You are great at making a presentation. Hope you are an instructor for your department. If not, you should be. Looking forward to seeing more of your vids. Thanks. Stay safe! 🇺🇸

Never have I fired any of my guns underwater, so I just bought a 509 MRD. Love it.

Nice review as always. I have an FNS 9 and love it. I was thinking about the 509, the compact will seal that deal for me. S/F.

Thank you.....very informative video! I own a FNS40 and a FNSC. I like both but I had to put a extended slide release on my FNS40 and you need to be a bodybuilder to rack the slide on the FN9SC. I bought the 9SC for my wife. I ended buying her a Walther PPQ9SC as a replacement. Numerous complaints and FN doesn't seem to care about the issues.

I really enjoy mine and carry it daily! The water thing doesn’t bother me. Good review by the way.

As normal, this is an excellent review!

I own/shoot Glock 19, CZ P-10, Sig 320, and the 509. F&N 509 is the best out of the box in my hand. To be a finalist for the US military, should make a statement. I’m confident 3 years later there would be a different review. BTW, they all are great hand guns. It’s a matter of personal preference. I’m not submerging any of mine!

@J Helmsing, does your 509 Midsize have the new FN OEM striker installed (resembles the Apes replacement striker)? I am curious if the new striker addresses only the breaking issue, or if it also addresses the water channeling issue.

good review, i already have a 509 tactical, dont know if i want a midsize one, but very tempting

Great video!

I have all three 509 models and it seems that with each new model the grip texture is more aggressive. The texture of the midsize is the best of any factory (out of the box) pistol that I have shot or held.

MRD newbie question..... Regarding your 509 compact (which is MRD ready)...... With the elevated sights, does that affect aiming technique at all?

I have the 509 standard and I do get erratic ejection with 115gr. Should I change the spring to the yellow? Does the yellow recoil hit harder with 124gr or +p? Good video

Thanks great video, i agree with your assessment for law enforcement about the water . For me its a home defence/range gun , im willing to bet its far more likely any gun will have a malfunction of any kind before my 509 malfunctions due to a water soaked striker channel.

That's why I always carry hammer fired guns !! I also only use metal guns, cuz I'm old school cool !

Awesome review sir! Literally planning to pick up this FN mid size pistol. How does felt recoil of FN 509 mid size compare to your Gen 5 G19?

So we need to find a way to eliminate the water log issue. Maybe a modification to the striker or drilling a small relieve hole under the striker channel. Like Glocks have.

Really informative review, sir! I have been on the bubble about acquiring the 509 mid-size for a while and this was very helpful. I have a question that you may or may not be able to answer, though. I have a CZ P-07 and I absolutely love literally every aspect of it. How do you think the 509 compares to the P-07?

I really want to see the FN509 midsize sitting next to the FNS9c and the comparison between the two! I have the FNS9c and the regular 509 and I am wanting to upgrade. :D

Strangely, the FNS 40 Longslide does not seem to have the water issues. Any idea why?

Great review J I was really looking forward to the updates w/ the compact. I like this gun but with the water problems I wont buy it. Lazy on FNs part honestly, this isnt new information they should have fixed that...

Funny you had an issue with mag release, me too, but only when trying to drop the mag! Very difficult with slide closed! Easier with slide locked back? Thanks for reminding to un arm myself before bathing!!!

Wonder if the apex striker would help on the water log.

Well, very solid review! You, Hickok45, Sootch00, etc.are in agreement regarding the trigger out of the box. Not a great trigger, until it gets fired to a couple hundred rounds. Everyone, that I watch says, "It feels like this gun just wants to shoot"? Guess, it has a mind of its own, lol! The water issue perhaps could be clarified, slightly? I'm in Florida, go into a store or restaurant or wherever, you come out into a monsoon! So you are soaked to the skin. Now, folks shouldn't really panic since your gun getting wet is different than being submerged in water! I held off on buying a 509 or FNS 9 because of the size. Yes, FNS 9 does come in a compact model, but I don't care for the large mag sleeve built into the FNS 9 Compact, but that's me. The other TWO downfalls on ANY FN carry pistols is spare mag prices and no real Customer Service! The gun has an issue you, "Pay the bill""! Shipping and most the time the repair bill itself! This is primarily due to the fact they service military and law enforcement worldwide, so a single customer, oh well we are NOT their, "Bread and Butter"! Colt isn't much better! Great review! Thank-you! Best to ya',,,,!

How does this FN 509 fit in your Glock 19 holster?

Highly recommend throwing a apex 5lbs trigger, its an amazing a addition. Then put a red dot and it becomes a amazing handgun.

I hear ya for the military submission part with the water submersion, but for the avg citizen, it's good to go imo.

Thanks for the video! So does the "FNS-9 compact" have the same water problem? Based on your older video I'm considering the FNS-9c. Thanks J!

Saltwater or Freshwater? Or is it both? Just asking because I live on the coast and did not if this was a problem just for the inlanders?

Can you recommend on carry and beginner shooters?

Great review , i had a g19 gen 5 but i needed to sell it at the time , i loved that gun so much because of the size and the sleek new black design on the slide , i wanted to buy a brand new glock 19 gen 5 , i was really decided , but then i saw this video and i am really thinking about getting the FN , my only question is , wich one is more comfortable to conceal carry ? , i compare both and overall fn is just a little bit almost anything more heavier wider and taller , does that make it uncomfortable?? i had the sig p320 compact and that one was really uncomfortable compared to the glock , can you give me your opinion on that

Now I’m not sure if I bought a more expensive model but mine has the trijicon night sights so mine aren’t just painted but mine looks just like yours I wonder if they changed it because people were complaining

It’s on my buylist so glad you reviewed it. Would you take this or the G19 G5 if you could only buy 1?

Mine is arriving this week.

Hmm...would clearing the round by racking the slide clear the water log? If so, I might just just rack the slide after coming out of the water and a Achilles heel becomes a 1 round penalty.

Interesting flaw. Would love to know how the G19 compares and whether you run Maritime cups on yours, J?

A awesome gun

Great video. My 509 midsize will be here Saturday. I think I’ll try dunking it and then shooting it and see what happens. Overall really looking forward to firing the pistol.

nice review. would the FNS-9 mag work in 509 mid-size? thanks.

Would you recommend this as my first piece? I have shot my buddy’s 19x and I really enjoy it and do pretty well with it.

I have the 509 mid size and used to carry it all the time…..until, I’m a bit over weight and when carrying while driving I’ve noticed the mag release button will get pushed in sometimes and the mag would pop. It’s a great gun but I now carry my full size 1911 which is also a great gun.

Thanks man, you just saved me some dough.

Excellent review! Great video as well from you as always .I was so close to buying the full size 509 but the magazine release was terrible at the ones that were at my local gun store .

Damn I was going to purchase this one so I could take it on my next SCUBA dive but ill just stick to my hi point 40 aka my problem solver

So many nice handguns so little money.

I have an FNS 9C and I have to tell you, I feel really iffy everytime I go scuba diving with my SEAL buddies. If I come out of the water and have to engage ISIS, I am a little nervous, like, do I have 2 seconds to let the water drain out of my striker channel?

Never dropped my 509 in a bucket of water and then tried to run it. I have smithing skills so if mine fails the water test I will have a solution by the time the sun sets tomorrow. The 509 midsize has way to many good things going for it to not correct the water issue if mine has it. I already completely polished my trigger group and am getting a clean glass break at 4.7lbs. I’m wondering if this water issue is something that’s happening with every 509, a few or just a single handgun. It’s been out long enough now that if this was happening with every 509 I would have heard about it by now I would think. I’ll find out soon enough.

Thanks. I was going to make this my swimming pistol.

Wonder why the FNS Longslide version doesn't seem to have the same water submersion issues? Anyone know why?

XI just got the 509 Tactical, I wonder if it's different. Glock 19X has the Maritime parts inside for water drainage so it could pass the MHS trials.

I have the 509 Tactical and the 509 Midsize MRD. I replaced the striker in both with the Apex striker so that should fix the issue. I’ll have to try.

You did a good comparison to the Glock. However, If I wanted a Glock 19-ish (standard compact size poly-striker) non-Glock, the prime alternative would seem to be the Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact. That gun seems to have many of the same advantages as this gun (better ergos), but with likely a better trigger, and better third party support. Do you see anything about this gun that would recommend it over the Smith?

The flaw is mentioned at 15:19

anyone know if fn changed the locking block pin and polymer frame design interface to make the pin user serviceable and reusable in the midsize? I like the other changes to this gun, but that pin would be a big one for me to even think about purchasing this pistol.

Most fire striker pistol have a difficult time shooting in submerged water. The only reason glock does well, is because the have their own protection technology called maritime spring cups, to get some help with the water issue. No other pistol provides that. I own glock, and fn 509, both have pros and cons, 19x malfunction under muddy water. Watch videos on it. I love both equally. Just be a cool guy and carry all 4.... -g19x -fn 509c -cz p10c -ruger lcr 9mm revolver 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

You still have the gun or did u trade it .

the vid was made 5 years ago....do you still have the same appreciation for the FN 509 as you did when you made the video? I am currently looking for my first firearm......trying not to just buy a glock like everyone else does

Yes I spend most of my days underwater, so this is a major issue.

I had the same problem with mine and the yellow spring, if I use the stock spring that issue went away. That is the reason the 509 was "oversprung" to resolve that issue so some maritime cups would be an easy fix I'm thinking...

Does the fns 9c have a problem with the striker and water?

I don't make a habit of jumping in a pool with a gun on, nor do I think that the "normal" non-LEO person does either. I've heard about the water problem, and it holds about as much weight as a thimble full of water for me. In all the years I've been carrying a firearm, I've yet to get one drenched.

Is 679 a fair price for this pistol?

FN usually doesnt have major flaws so its extremely rare for FNs and S&Ws to have 1 specific flaw but FN and S&W period are good Pistol companies i do FN S&W and Browning to be exact for Pistols im wanting a FN 509 and FN 45

Don't drop yer FN in the best Belgium beer - Duvel 666. You wont be able to shoot the bartender. But seriously, great real world information Jay . Poor engineering of the striker channel and slide drainage. Your observations are valid. 👮‍♂️🚨🗽✌️🎯🇺🇲

Just when I finally decide on a gun, up pops something like this... It's not like firing after submersion would ever have even occurred to me, but it's not the best news. I would have thought the testing before they submitted it to the army would have included water tests? I know Hickok45 really likes it, and I'll basically just be plinking with it like he does, so it's definitely still a possibility...

I find another flaw, my striker broke 4 days ago... And FN, missing in action...

What sights are on your FNS ?

The water issue is not that a big deal for me, and in one of the tests I saw a Glock fail a couple of times too, but the weak striker is a real concern.

Ive shot my 509 tactical plenty of times in the rain out at the range... worked just as good as any other day. Now i havent stormed the beaches of Normandy yet were id be jumping off a boat swimming onto the beach head and slaying Nazis but ill consider switch pistols now when that day comes thanks your video.

I doubt water would be an issue unless just rain alone causes failure don't think I would drop it in a puddle.

For the people making fun of the water thing... I fell into to the lake yesterday accidentally... my Glock 43 that I was carrying would work after that if anything had happened.... I’m must pointing out that this is a more realistic thing than people give it credit for. I love FNs, but he’s right, you never know what will happen.

I think the water is only an issue when you have the gun completely submerged. If your in a rain even a pretty good rain I think the gun would function fine. It's only when there is enough water to slow down the striker is when it will fail.

I can see how you could hit that mag release under recoil. I am a lefty and I rarely reverse a mag release. The only pistol I have had trouble with are the M&P pistols. 9mm, 45 ACP, full size down to Shield I have had issues with dropping the mag under recoil. While it has been more or less of a problem with the different sizes and calibers of M&P pistols (the .45 Shield being the worst) I have never dropped a mag in another brand of pistol with the right handed mag release. I can't explain it but just something I have noticed.

Strange this is the only channel that has found a problem with the 509 everyone elses 509 works great

Kinda like you said at the end, not a recall cuz it's not not.sl operating condition. I've sot it in the rain and no issues. Being totally submerged for a short period of time is what'll do it. I guess in all reality you never know, but I'm not too worried about it.

Cool gun, but I just struggle to find a reason why I should buy it over other options. I know there's a lot of Glock haters, but I don't have any issues with my G19 besides the stupid half moon cuts (mine came with Ameriglo night sights). When I first started looking at guns I was really hung up on triggers but after a lot of dry fire practice and a bit of range time and some competitons I got to the point where I don't really care if you know what I mean? If I find a gun with a nice trigger that's cool, but I'm still going to hit what I aim at with a Glock. I would like to switch over to DA/SA guns eventually but right now stuff is so hard to find.

Im surprised that FN has not fixed this water problem.

Im sold :D

its fine not a issue AT all....