FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine

In the world of firearms, reliability and capacity are paramount. The FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises both, delivering a robust and high-capacity feeding solution for the popular FN 509 series. This isn’t just another magazine; it’s a critical component ensuring your firearm functions flawlessly when it matters most.

I’ve relied on FN firearms for years in various tactical scenarios and competitive shooting events. My need for additional reliable magazines, especially those with a higher capacity than the standard 10-round versions (due to state restrictions I previously faced), led me to acquire several of these FN 509 17-round magazines. I needed to increase my on-hand capacity without sacrificing reliability.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The stainless steel body exudes quality, and the flat black finish gives it a tactical aesthetic. The anti-tilt follower is a welcome addition, a feature often overlooked but crucial for consistent feeding.

Compared to aftermarket magazines, like those from ProMag or ETS, the FN magazine immediately felt superior. I’ve experienced feeding issues with cheaper alternatives, making me value factory magazines for their guaranteed compatibility and reliability. This one felt better than those in terms of construction and materials.

My first impression was one of quiet confidence. I wasn’t blown away by any revolutionary design, but I was reassured by the evident quality and the FN America name. This felt like a magazine I could trust my life to, unlike some of the more budget-friendly options on the market.


Real-World Testing: Putting FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range, focusing on rapid-fire drills and malfunction clearing. I wanted to simulate high-stress scenarios to see how it performed under pressure. I used a variety of 9mm ammunition, including FMJ and hollow points, to assess its feeding reliability with different bullet profiles.

The magazine performed flawlessly even after multiple rapid reloads and simulating close quarter combat scenarios. There were no failures to feed, no double feeds, and no issues with the slide locking back on empty. Even in the dusty range environment, the magazine continued to function without a hitch.

The FN 509 magazines instilled confidence immediately. They loaded smoothly and ejected cleanly, providing a positive first use experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, across numerous range trips and even a defensive pistol course, the FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine has proven its worth. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of rust or corrosion, and the finish remains intact despite repeated insertion and removal from magazine pouches. The magazines are still running strong.

I’ve put several hundred rounds through each magazine, and they continue to perform with the same reliability as when they were new. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth and a light application of lubricant keeps them running smoothly.

Compared to previous experiences with aftermarket magazines, the FN magazines are in a different league. They consistently outperform cheaper alternatives, providing a level of reliability that is essential for defensive or tactical applications. They never give me cause for concern.

Breaking Down the Features of FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: FN America. This assures factory-level quality and compatibility.
  • Gun Make: FN Herstal. This is the parent company known for producing high-quality firearms.
  • Gun Model: FN 509. This magazine is specifically designed for this model pistol, ensuring perfect fit and function.
  • Caliber: 9mm Luger. This is a common and versatile pistol cartridge.
  • Magazine Capacity: 17 Round. This is a high-capacity magazine, offering a significant advantage in situations where increased firepower is needed.
  • Color: Black. The magazine’s black finish provides a tactical look and helps to reduce glare.
  • Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel. This offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance, vital for long-term reliability.

These specifications are crucial for ensuring the magazine’s reliable feeding and long-term durability. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, and the 17-round capacity provides a significant tactical advantage. The factory FN America construction guarantees compatibility and minimizes the risk of malfunctions.

Performance & Functionality

The FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs its job admirably. It feeds rounds smoothly and consistently, ensuring reliable cycling of the FN 509 pistol. The magazine locks the slide back reliably after the last round is fired.

Its greatest strength is its reliability; I’ve never experienced a malfunction directly attributable to the magazine. A minor weakness might be the increased length compared to standard-capacity magazines, which could affect concealment for some users.

The magazine exceeds expectations. It delivers the reliability and performance promised by a factory magazine, proving its worth in both training and potential defensive situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s design is simple and functional. The stainless steel body feels robust and well-made. The flat black finish adds a touch of tactical appeal.

The magazine is easy to load, and the anti-tilt follower ensures smooth feeding. There is no noticeable learning curve; it functions just like any other high-quality pistol magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability. The magazine is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use and exposure to the elements. I expect it to last for many years with proper care.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a cloth and occasional lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. The magazine disassembles easily for more thorough cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine does not require any additional accessories for basic functionality. Some users may find magazine pouches helpful for carrying multiple magazines, but this is a matter of personal preference.

The magazine is compatible with standard FN 509 magazine pouches and carriers. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, but it works seamlessly with all standard FN 509 accessories.

Pros and Cons of FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine

Pros

  • Exceptional reliability; ensures consistent feeding and cycling.
  • High-capacity; provides a significant tactical advantage with 17 rounds.
  • Durable stainless steel construction; offers excellent corrosion resistance and long-term durability.
  • Factory magazine; guarantees compatibility and minimizes the risk of malfunctions.
  • Easy to maintain; simple cleaning and lubrication keep it in top condition.

Cons

  • Increased length compared to standard-capacity magazines; may affect concealment for some users.
  • Pricier than aftermarket options.


Who Should Buy FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine?

The FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for:

  • Tactical shooters: Those who need a reliable, high-capacity magazine for defensive or competitive shooting.
  • Law enforcement: Ideal for officers who rely on the FN 509 as their duty weapon.
  • Home defense: A must-have for anyone who wants to maximize their firepower in a home defense situation.

This product might not be necessary for those who only casually shoot their FN 509 or live in areas with magazine capacity restrictions. Those who prioritize maximum concealment may also prefer standard-capacity magazines.

A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch to carry extra magazines comfortably and securely.

Conclusion on FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine

The FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a reliable and high-capacity feeding solution for the FN 509 pistol. While it may be more expensive than aftermarket alternatives, the peace of mind that comes with a factory magazine is well worth the investment.

The price is justified. It provides a significant tactical advantage, is extremely reliable, and offers long-term durability.

I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone who owns an FN 509 and wants to ensure the highest level of performance and reliability. Don’t compromise on quality; equip your FN 509 with the FN America FN 509 9mm 17 Round Pistol Magazine and experience the difference. You can’t go wrong with the real deal.

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