Choosing the right handgun can feel like navigating a minefield. With countless options, it’s easy to get lost in specifications and features. Today, we’re putting two titans of the concealed carry world head-to-head: the FN 509 Compact and the Glock 19.
Both the FN 509 Compact and the Glock 19 boast impressive reputations for reliability and performance. They’re both incredibly popular choices for both civilian self-defense and law enforcement applications. But which one is the better choice for you?
This comparison will delve into the key aspects of each firearm, including ergonomics, accuracy, features, and overall value. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of both the FN 509 Compact and the Glock 19 to help you make an informed decision and choose the best pistol for your needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | fn 509 compact | glock 19 |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 12/15/17 rounds | 15/17/33 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.7 inches | 4.02 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.8 inches | 7.36 inches |
| Height | 4.8 inches | 5.0 inches |
| Width | 1.2 inches | 1.26 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 23.5 oz | 23.63 oz |
| Action | Striker-fired | Striker-fired |
| Frame Material | Polymer | Polymer |
| Sights | 3-dot | 3-dot |
| Trigger Pull | 5.5 – 7.5 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Safety | Trigger, Firing Pin, Drop | Trigger, Firing Pin, Drop |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Dimensions
- Fn 509 Compact: Slightly smaller overall than the Glock 19, offering a more concealable profile. Its dimensions make it easier to carry concealed, especially for those with smaller hands or who prefer a more compact firearm. However, this compactness may sacrifice some grip comfort for larger hands.
- Glock 19: The Glock 19 is a compact pistol, but larger than the FN 509 compact. It strikes a balance between concealability and shootability. Some find the Glock 19 a better fit in the hand, though it may be less easily concealed than the FN 509 Compact.
- Winner: fn 509 compact
Weight
- Fn 509 Compact: Typically lighter when unloaded, contributing to its ease of carry. This reduced weight can make a difference in all-day concealed carry scenarios. However, the difference in weight is often minimal.
- Glock 19: Slightly heavier than the FN 509 compact, but the difference is minimal. This extra weight can help with recoil management for some shooters. It’s often not a significant factor in carry decisions.
- Winner: fn 509 compact
Magazine Capacity
- Fn 509 Compact: Typically ships with magazines holding 12 or 15 rounds, offering a good balance of capacity and concealability. Extended magazines are available.
- Glock 19: Comes standard with 15-round magazines, with larger capacity options available. This offers a competitive capacity without sacrificing too much in terms of concealment.
- Winner: Glock 19
Trigger
- Fn 509 Compact: Features a generally good trigger for a striker-fired pistol, often described as having a crisp break. Some users may prefer aftermarket trigger upgrades.
- Glock 19: The Glock 19’s trigger is often criticized for its less crisp feel and longer pull. Many users upgrade the trigger.
- Winner: fn 509 compact
Ergonomics and Grip
- Fn 509 Compact: The FN 509 series often has a more ergonomic grip with aggressive texturing, providing a secure hold. Some users find the grip more comfortable than the Glock, though this is subjective.
- Glock 19: While functional, the Glock 19’s grip is sometimes criticized for its blocky shape. Aftermarket options are available to improve grip.
- Winner: fn 509 compact
Sights
- Fn 509 Compact: Generally comes with good quality sights, often including three-dot or tritium night sights. Upgrades are readily available.
- Glock 19: Typically comes with Glock’s standard sights, which many users find basic and less desirable. Upgrades are common and readily available.
- Winner: fn 509 compact
Aftermarket Support
- Fn 509 Compact: Has a growing aftermarket, but still lags behind Glock in terms of available parts and accessories. Variety is increasing.
- Glock 19: Enjoys vast aftermarket support, with a huge selection of parts, accessories, and customization options. This makes it easy to tailor the gun to your needs.
- Winner: Glock 19
Reliability
- Fn 509 Compact: Known for its reliability and robust construction, the FN 509 compact is typically very dependable. Reports of malfunctions are rare.
- Glock 19: Renowned for its legendary reliability and ability to function in adverse conditions. The Glock 19 has a proven track record.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Concealability | fn 509 compact |
| Capacity | glock 19 |
| Ergonomics | fn 509 compact (Subjective) |
| Aftermarket Support | glock 19 |
| Trigger | fn 509 compact (Subjective) |
| Overall Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Caliber: Both pistols are chambered in the popular 9mm Luger cartridge, offering a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil.
- Action: Both utilize a striker-fired action, a common and reliable mechanism for semi-automatic handguns.
- Frame Material: Both pistols feature polymer frames, which contribute to their lightweight nature and durability.
- Magazine Release: Both have a magazine release on the side of the grip, allowing for quick magazine changes.
- Sights: Both pistols typically come equipped with 3-dot sights, providing a standard and easy-to-acquire sight picture.
- Concealed Carry: Both are suitable for concealed carry, offering a balance of size and firepower.
Fn 509 Compact Vs Glock 19 Buying Guide
Ergonomics and Handling
The FN 509 Compact and Glock 19 both offer comfortable ergonomics, but with distinct feels. The FN 509 Compact often feels slightly more refined in hand, with a more aggressive grip texture that some users find advantageous for control. The Glock 19, on the other hand, boasts a more straightforward and arguably simpler design. The grip angle differs slightly, which can influence how naturally each pistol points. Ultimately, the best choice depends heavily on individual hand size and preference, and the need to test both in person is recommended before making a final decision.
Size and Concealability
Both pistols are generally considered compact, but there are subtle differences in their dimensions. The FN 509 Compact, true to its name, is often marginally smaller overall, making it potentially easier to conceal for some users. The Glock 19, while a compact pistol, offers a slightly larger frame. This difference is not massive. Both pistols can be effectively concealed with the right holster and clothing choices. The choice here comes down to a matter of degrees, and how important the smallest possible size is to the user. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Trigger and Accuracy
Trigger feel is a crucial aspect of pistol performance. The Glock 19 typically features a simple, consistent trigger pull, known for its reliability. The FN 509 Compact’s trigger is often praised for being crisper, with a shorter reset. Accuracy between both pistols is very good, and is more dependent on the shooter. Both pistols are capable of excellent accuracy with proper practice. The best trigger for you will depend on your personal preference and shooting style, so consider trying both before committing.
Magazine Capacity and Reloading
Both pistols offer ample magazine capacity for self-defense purposes. The Glock 19 typically ships with magazines holding 15 rounds, while the FN 509 Compact usually ships with magazines of a similar capacity. Magazine availability and aftermarket support are excellent for both platforms. Reloading is intuitive and straightforward with both pistols, and the magazine release buttons are well-placed. The choice of which pistol is better here is a matter of personal preference.
Reliability and Durability
Both the FN 509 Compact and the Glock 19 are renowned for their reliability. Glock’s reputation for durability is legendary, and the Glock 19 is built to withstand harsh conditions. The FN 509 Compact is also a robust and well-built firearm, designed to meet rigorous standards. Both pistols are made with high-quality materials and are built to last. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for both pistols to ensure optimal performance and longevity, as with any firearm.
Price and Value
Price is an important consideration when selecting a firearm. The Glock 19 is often considered to be more affordable, particularly due to its widespread availability and the extensive aftermarket support. The FN 509 Compact may sometimes come at a higher price point. However, the exact price will vary depending on the retailer and any included accessories. Both pistols offer excellent value for the money, considering their performance, reliability, and features. The best value ultimately depends on individual budget and priorities. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy fn 509 compact If…
- You prefer a slightly more compact pistol for easier concealment.
- You like the ergonomics and grip texture of the FN 509 series.
- You appreciate the improved trigger feel often found in the FN 509 models.
- You want a pistol with a more aggressive grip texture for better handling.
Buy glock 19 If…
- You prefer a larger capacity magazine.
- You value the Glock’s reputation for reliability and simplicity.
- You want a pistol with a wide availability of aftermarket parts and accessories.
- You are familiar with the Glock platform and its manual of arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in size between the FN 509 Compact and the Glock 19?
The FN 509 Compact is generally slightly smaller overall, including length, height, and width, making it potentially easier to conceal. The Glock 19, while still a compact pistol, offers a slightly larger frame. This difference is not massive, and the impact on concealability will vary based on the individual and chosen holster. The difference is more apparent in the FN 509 Compact’s grip.
Which pistol has a better trigger pull?
This is subjective, but many shooters find the FN 509 Compact’s trigger to be slightly crisper with a shorter reset, which can contribute to faster follow-up shots. The Glock 19 has a more simple and consistent trigger pull, which is known for its reliability and predictability. The best trigger for you will depend on your personal preference and shooting style. Try both to compare.
How does the magazine capacity compare?
Both pistols typically ship with magazines holding a similar number of rounds, usually around 15. Magazine capacity is usually not a deciding factor in choosing between the two. However, magazine availability and aftermarket support are excellent for both platforms, with various magazine sizes available for each. This gives you a lot of options to choose from.
Are parts and accessories readily available for both pistols?
Yes, both the FN 509 Compact and the Glock 19 benefit from extensive aftermarket support. Glock 19 parts and accessories are incredibly easy to find, due to the popularity of the platform. The FN 509 Compact also has a good level of aftermarket support, although it may not be quite as extensive as the Glock 19. Both pistols are highly customizable. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which pistol is better for concealed carry?
Both pistols are suitable for concealed carry. The FN 509 Compact’s slightly smaller size may give it an edge for some users. However, concealability depends on factors like body type, holster choice, and clothing. The Glock 19 is also readily concealable. The best choice is the one that fits you best and is most comfortable to carry. Consider trying both.
How do the ergonomics of the FN 509 Compact and Glock 19 compare?
The FN 509 Compact often feels slightly more refined in hand with a more aggressive grip texture. The Glock 19 has a more straightforward design. The grip angle differs slightly, which influences how naturally each pistol points. The best choice depends on individual hand size and preference. The best thing to do is to test both and see which one feels better.
Which pistol is generally considered more affordable?
The Glock 19 is often considered more affordable, primarily due to its widespread availability and vast aftermarket support. The FN 509 Compact may sometimes have a higher price tag. However, prices vary depending on the retailer and included accessories. Both pistols offer excellent value for the money, considering their performance, reliability, and features. The best value is a matter of personal preference.
Final Verdict
The FN 509 Compact and Glock 19 are excellent compact pistols, each with unique strengths. The Glock 19 offers legendary reliability and a vast aftermarket, while the FN 509 Compact provides a refined feel. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Consider grip feel, size, trigger preference, and budget when making your decision.
Winner: Glock 19