Intro
Compare Fn 509 and Glock 19 pistols, weighing pros and cons, reliability, and accuracy in this detailed handgun comparison, covering concealed carry, self-defense, and shooting performance.
The world of handguns is a vast and complex one, with numerous models and brands vying for attention. Two of the most popular and highly regarded handguns on the market today are the FN 509 and the Glock 19. Both of these firearms have gained a significant following among law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters alike, due to their exceptional performance, reliability, and durability. In this article, we will delve into the details of each handgun, comparing and contrasting their features, advantages, and disadvantages, to help you make an informed decision when choosing between the FN 509 and the Glock 19.
The FN 509 and the Glock 19 are both compact, striker-fired pistols designed for concealed carry and self-defense. They are chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, a popular and widely available caliber. Both handguns have a reputation for being highly reliable and accurate, making them suitable for a variety of applications, from law enforcement and military use to civilian concealed carry and target shooting.
One of the key differences between the FN 509 and the Glock 19 is their design and ergonomics. The FN 509 features a more traditional, curved grip shape, with a pronounced palm swell and a distinctive "hump" at the back of the frame. This design provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing shooters to maintain control of the handgun even in adverse conditions. The Glock 19, on the other hand, has a more angular, rectangular grip shape, with a less pronounced palm swell and a smoother, more rounded frame. While some shooters prefer the Glock's grip shape, others find it less comfortable and more difficult to control.
Design and Features
In terms of features, the FN 509 and the Glock 19 have several key differences. The FN 509 features a manual safety lever, located on the frame, which allows shooters to engage or disengage the safety with their thumb. The Glock 19, on the other hand, does not have a manual safety, relying instead on its trigger safety and internal safeties to prevent accidental discharges. The FN 509 also features a loaded chamber indicator, which provides a visual and tactile indication of whether a round is chambered. The Glock 19 does not have a loaded chamber indicator, although some models may feature a small window on the side of the slide to allow shooters to visually inspect the chamber.
Trigger and Action
The trigger and action of a handgun are critical components, as they can greatly affect the shooter's ability to accurately and safely engage targets. The FN 509 features a double-action-only trigger, with a smooth, consistent pull and a distinct reset. The Glock 19, on the other hand, features a striker-fired trigger, with a shorter, lighter pull and a more pronounced reset. While some shooters prefer the FN 509's trigger, others find it too heavy or too long, preferring the Glock 19's shorter, more crisp trigger pull.Performance and Reliability
In terms of performance and reliability, both the FN 509 and the Glock 19 have excellent track records. The FN 509 has been tested extensively by law enforcement and military agencies, and has proven itself to be highly reliable and accurate in a variety of environments and conditions. The Glock 19 has also been widely adopted by law enforcement and military agencies, and has a reputation for being highly reliable and durable. However, some shooters have reported issues with the FN 509's reliability, particularly in terms of its ability to function with certain types of ammunition. The Glock 19, on the other hand, has a reputation for being able to function with a wide variety of ammunition, including reloads and low-quality factory ammunition.
Maintenance and Accessories
Maintenance and accessories are also important considerations when choosing a handgun. The FN 509 and the Glock 19 both have relatively simple maintenance requirements, with easy-to-clean and lubricate components. However, the FN 509 has a more complex takedown procedure, requiring shooters to remove the slide and barrel in order to access the internal components. The Glock 19, on the other hand, has a simpler takedown procedure, with a single pin that can be removed to allow access to the internal components. In terms of accessories, both handguns have a wide range of options available, including holsters, sights, and optics.Accessories and Customization
In terms of accessories and customization, the FN 509 and the Glock 19 both have a wide range of options available. The FN 509 has a number of factory accessories available, including night sights, optics mounts, and tactical lights. The Glock 19 also has a number of factory accessories available, including night sights, optics mounts, and tactical lights. In addition, both handguns have a wide range of aftermarket accessories available, including custom triggers, sights, and slides.
Comparison of Key Features
Here is a comparison of some of the key features of the FN 509 and the Glock 19: * Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum * Barrel length: 4.0 inches (FN 509), 4.02 inches (Glock 19) * Overall length: 7.4 inches (FN 509), 7.28 inches (Glock 19) * Height: 5.5 inches (FN 509), 4.99 inches (Glock 19) * Width: 1.2 inches (FN 509), 1.18 inches (Glock 19) * Weight: 25.5 ounces (FN 509), 23.07 ounces (Glock 19) * Magazine capacity: 17 rounds (FN 509), 15 rounds (Glock 19) * Sights: Fixed (FN 509), fixed (Glock 19) * Trigger: Double-action-only (FN 509), striker-fired (Glock 19) * Safety: Manual safety lever (FN 509), trigger safety (Glock 19)Shooting Experience
In terms of the shooting experience, both the FN 509 and the Glock 19 are highly regarded for their accuracy, reliability, and shootability. The FN 509 has a smooth, consistent trigger pull and a distinct reset, making it easy to shoot accurately and quickly. The Glock 19 has a shorter, lighter trigger pull and a more pronounced reset, making it easy to shoot quickly and accurately. However, some shooters may find the FN 509's trigger too heavy or too long, while others may prefer the Glock 19's shorter, more crisp trigger pull.
Aftermarket Support
Aftermarket support is also an important consideration when choosing a handgun. The FN 509 and the Glock 19 both have a wide range of aftermarket accessories available, including custom triggers, sights, and slides. However, the Glock 19 has a more established aftermarket support network, with a wider range of accessories and customization options available. The FN 509, on the other hand, has a smaller but still significant aftermarket support network, with a number of manufacturers offering custom accessories and modifications.Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the FN 509 and the Glock 19 are both highly regarded handguns with excellent performance, reliability, and durability. While they have some key differences in terms of design, features, and shooting experience, both handguns are well-suited for a variety of applications, from law enforcement and military use to civilian concealed carry and target shooting. Ultimately, the choice between the FN 509 and the Glock 19 will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as your budget and shooting style.
Handgun Image Gallery
What is the main difference between the FN 509 and the Glock 19?
+The main difference between the FN 509 and the Glock 19 is their design and features. The FN 509 has a more traditional, curved grip shape and a manual safety lever, while the Glock 19 has a more angular, rectangular grip shape and no manual safety.
Which handgun is more reliable, the FN 509 or the Glock 19?
+Both the FN 509 and the Glock 19 are highly reliable handguns, but the Glock 19 has a reputation for being more reliable and durable.
What is the best handgun for concealed carry, the FN 509 or the Glock 19?
+The best handgun for concealed carry depends on your individual needs and preferences, but the Glock 19 is generally considered to be a more popular and widely used option for concealed carry due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Can I customize my FN 509 or Glock 19 with aftermarket accessories?
+Yes, both the FN 509 and the Glock 19 have a wide range of aftermarket accessories available, including custom triggers, sights, and slides.
What is the warranty and customer support like for the FN 509 and the Glock 19?
+Both the FN 509 and the Glock 19 have excellent warranty and customer support, with a wide range of resources and services available to help you maintain and repair your handgun.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the FN 509 and the Glock 19, and has helped you make an informed decision when choosing a handgun. Whether you are a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, it is essential to carefully consider your needs and preferences before making a purchase. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with us, and to ask any questions you may have about these handguns. By working together, we can create a community of informed and responsible gun owners who are passionate about firearms and committed to safety and responsibility.