Tis the season to purchase gifts for those we love.
This year you may want to take a cue from Uncle Sam.
He’s beginning to send out new sidearms to men and women serving our country.
In 2017, the American gun consumer has become the beneficiary of the Army’s multi-year MHS process. Nearly every major manufacturer has released a new or updated striker fired polymer handgun very similar to their entry to the MHS contract competition.
Because the Army had specific requirements, many of these handguns are quite like one another. It’s been fun to see the unique characteristics revealed by each company’s take on the Army’s request. They are very similar and yet each company has some nuanced design elements that are distinct from their counterparts.
I really like FN’s take.
Heck, I like FN in general.
My 509 test subject has proven 100% reliable.
I like the grip texture and geometry better than the FNS. The overall sensation of quality seems more robust than the previous FNS, and truth be told a bit better than several of the other offerings. To my eye, the 509’s components seem to be higher quality than the contract winner’s.
I like the aesthetic of the 509 too. The trigger feels a little heavier than my previous FNS, but the break is clean and overall the 509 has a nice-enough trigger.
However, I personally shoot all the other offerings a bit more naturally than the 509. When this is analyzed, I think it comes down to the sight picture. I tend to shoot a little low with the 509. This could be easily overcome, but out of the box I shoot the M&P 2.0, the Sig 320, and the Glock 19 a bit faster and easier than the FN. Truthfully, I shoot the FNS a little quicker as well. The funny thing is that I like the 509 so much that I’ve considered taking the time to either replace the sights or overcome the slight obstacle. It’s that good. If there was a 509 compact that was say Glock 19 sized, I may not be able to talk myself off the ledge.
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be offering the cheat codes for those significant others who want to surprise their gun enthusiast loved one with an outstanding gift this holiday season.
I’ll be submitting lots of ideas spanning the gamut from stocking stuffer on up. Let me begin by recommending that if you’re a spouse that buys guns, consider making your own MHS selection for your loved one.
You really can’t go wrong with any of this year’s MHS offerings:
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The F-N Awesome 509
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The Refined Gen 5 Glock 19
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The Perfected M&P 2.0 Compact
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The Upgraded SIG P320 Compact
