FN Awarded Joint $383M Foreign Military Sales Contract for M16A4 Carbines
FN Awarded Joint $383M Foreign Military Sales Contract for M16A4 Carbines
(McLean, VA – April 30, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded a five-year, firm-fixed price Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract to supply M16A4 carbines through the U.S. Army. The contract was a split award with another company and has a potential value of up to $383 million.
Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military. In addition to the M4 and M4A1, the company currently holds contracts for the FN M240 medium machine gun and its variants; the FN MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM, and various other contracts.
FN Remains Fully Operational During COVID-19
FN Remains Fully Operational During COVID-19
(McLean, VA – April 03, 2020) FN America, LLC would like to inform its customers that the company has been designated as an essential business to the Defense Industrial Base by the Department of Defense and the state of South Carolina. The company’s production facility, based in Columbia, South Carolina, remains open and is operating at full capacity to deliver against FN’s multiple military contracts and customer orders. FN’s two other locations in Virginia also remain open and at full operation, as well.
“As COVID-19 continues to impact our nation, our employees, their families and our customers are at the forefront of our thoughts and actions during this unprecedented time,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America. “Because we are designated as an essential business by our state and by the Federal government, we remain open and continue to produce but have taken measures to ensure the safety and security of our team while we operate under these circumstances. Our customers depend on us each day to supply them with dependable, reliable firearms and we will continue to support them.”
“In response to this outbreak, FN has established a COVID-19 response task force to implement measures above and beyond recommended guidelines, ensure employee safety while on the job and keep our teams informed as we work to minimize disruption to our daily operations. Additionally, FN has implemented telework for those who are able to work remotely and introduced a new program called Patriot Pay.”
“The Patriot Pay program provides a temporary wage increase to FN employees who are working onsite at the company’s production facility directly engaged in manufacturing operations. In addition to this wage lift, employees have flexible leave schedules to care for themselves or their families should they need to, as well as other benefits.”
“During these uncertain times, as our nation responds and adjusts to this unprecedented pandemic situation, please rest assured that FN stands ready to support its customers with the dependable, reliable firearms they expect.”
FN Awarded U.S. Army Contract for M4 and M4A1 Carbines
FN Awarded U.S. Army Contract for M4 and M4A1 Carbines
(McLean, VA – February 20, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to supply the U.S. Army with M4 and M4A1 carbines, with a potential value of up to $119 million.
FN-produced M4A1 Carbine
Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military. In addition to the M4 and M4A1, the company currently holds contracts for the FN M240 medium machine gun and its variants; the FN MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM, and various other contracts.
For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.fnamerica.com.
Red Dot Compatible
The FN 509 MRD ships with all the tools to mount the most popular red dot models. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
Anyone who regularly prefers a red dot atop their pistol knows the frustration of having to swap out parts in order to achieve that aesthetic on a regular gun. FN takes out that middle man by bringing a slide already cut for optics and all the parts required to fit the most popular red dots on the market — including Trijicon which is what I paired with this pistol.
The Trijicon mounts easily to the FN 509. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
Adding the Trijicon RMR was easy as all screws were included in the FN’s package. It was a matter of just following the instructions and getting it properly mounted via the included plates. The bonus to this design is that no thread lock is needed to ensure the optic is secure. As for performance, the mounting plate seats the RMR just right so that it co-witnesses with the FN’s iron sights. This is handy in the event of depleted batteries or if you’re like me and sometimes just don’t want that optic. Of course, if the red dot isn’t your thing, you can simply opt to forgo it with a plate cover that is pretty inconspicuous.
FN Announces Spring Rebate and Bonus Gear Offers
FN Announces Spring Rebate and Bonus Gear Offers
(McLean, VA – January 31, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce new consumer offers for the spring season on the FN Five-seveN and FN 509 Tactical pistols, beginning February 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020.
Customers who purchase any eligible model of FN Five-seveN pistol in black or flat dark earth (FDE) during the promotional timeframe can receive a $75.00 cash rebate, payable via check. Customers who purchase any eligible new model FN 509 Tactical pistol, including limited exclusive colors, can receive a Streamlight TLR-7A gun light with high switch, valued at $225.00.
To review the program’s full terms and conditions, eligible models list or to redeem purchases for these two offers, please visit www.fnamerica.com/promo. To learn more about the FN Five-seveN or FN 509 Tactical pistols, please visit fnamerica.com.
FN Introduces New FN 509 Compact MRD Optics-Ready Pistol
FN Introduces New FN 509 Compact MRD Optics-Ready Pistol
(McLean, VA – December 20, 2019) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the release of the smallest addition to the FN 509 family of pistols, the FN 509 Compact MRD, an optics-ready compact pistol featuring the company’s patented FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System, further expanding the optics-ready FN 509 models to four.
FN 509 Compact MRD FDE with Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
The FN 509 Compact MRD is chambered in 9mm and is striker-fired. It features a 3.7-inch barrel and compact slide, and is available in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes. The patented optics mounting system allows for a low-profile, direct mount through a carefully developed plate system that perfectly positions the optic so that the focal point allows for a low-profile mount and co-witness with the all-black iron sights that minimize interference with the optic.
FN 509 Compact MRD BK
The frame, reduced in overall size for concealability, features a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail that accepts most compact pistol lights, improved controls to aid in manipulation, improved texturing on the two included backstraps for better recoil management, and a new flatter faced trigger allowing for more controllable trigger press and cleaner break.
Each pistol ships in a branded soft-sided, zippered case with FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System plate kit, one 12-round magazine with pinky extender and one 15-round magazine with grip sleeve or in an all 10-round magazine configuration for states with magazine capacity restrictions. The FN 509 Compact MRD also has the capability to accept all higher capacity FN 509 magazines with use of a sleeve. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the FN 509 Compact MRD pistol is $799.00 and is available to purchase through authorized retailers.
Contact your dealer today to inquire about the all-new FN 509 Compact MRD optics-ready pistol or use the FN Dealer locator at fnamerica.com.
FN Announces New Caliber and Color Options for FN SCAR 20S
FN Announces New Caliber and Color Options for FN SCAR 20S
(McLean, VA – January 14, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the popular FN SCAR 20S long-range, precision rifle, released in 2018, is now available in 6.5 Creedmoor. This new chambering also accompanies new color options for the platform with the rifle now offered in a matte black finish as well as the company’s signature flat dark earth (FDE).
The 6.5 Creedmoor-chambered rifle will feature a 20-inch, 1:8” righthand twist barrel with SureFire ProComp 762 muzzle device. The barrel is made from FN’s proprietary machine gun steel and is cold hammer-forged and chrome-plated for extended life.
FN SCAR 20S 6.5 CM FDE
Like the 7.62 FN SCAR 20S, the rifle features an extended monolithic receiver with ample space to mount optics, Geissele Super SCAR trigger with an average of 4lb. trigger pull, FN MK 20 SSR precision stock that is adjustable for length of pull and comb height, as well as the Hogue grip. Both the FN SCAR 20S in 7.62 and 6.5 Creedmoor accept the 10- or 20-round FN SCAR 17S magazines.
The 6.5mm Creedmoor has taken the long-range shooting market by storm with its increased efficiency, reduced recoil, availability and price of high-quality match-grade ammunition coupled with a cartridge design that is inherently accurate. FN first prototyped the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge in the FN MK 20 SSR or sniper support rifle when USSOCOM announced plans last year to explore the cartridge for future adoption.
FN SCAR 20S 6.5 CM BK
FN SCAR 20S 6.5 CM Specifications:
| Product Number | 38-100542 (Black); 38-100543 (FDE) |
| Caliber | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Barrel Length | 20 inches |
| Twist Rate | 1:8″ RH |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel, hammer forged, chrome plated |
| Muzzle device | Surefire ProComp 762 |
| Sights | None provided |
| Stock | SSR Precision Adjustable for LOP, comb height |
| Forearm | M1913 rails at 3, 6, 9 o’clock |
| Weight | 11.5 pounds (with empty magazine, no optics) |
| Length | 41.125″ – 43″ |
| Width | 2.73″ |
| Height | 8.03″ |
| Length of Pull | 13.125″ – 15″ |
| Magazine | One 10-round magazine |
| Trigger Pull | 3.5 – 4.5lbs. two-stage Geissele Super SCAR |
| MSRP | $4,499 |
FN Announces New Carbines for Law Enforcement
FN Announces New Carbines for Law Enforcement
(McLean, VA – January 21, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the release of a new carbine in two barrel length options specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s law enforcement agencies and officers. The FN 15 SRP G2 carbine, available in both 11.5 and 16 inches, is an advanced MIL-SPEC carbine configured to offer the latest in industry technology and accuracy in every mission.
FN 15 SRP G2 11.5″
The carbine’s lightweight design, extended handguards and sight-ready configuration provide maximum top-rail space and multiple M-LOK and quick-detach (QD) points delivering the utmost in configurability. Each configuration is equipped with low-profile, folding metal sights, chrome-lined barrel with pinned low-profile gas block as well as MPI-inspected and marked M16-style bolt carrier.
FN 15 SRP G2 16″
FN 15 SRP G2 Carbine Specifications:
| Product Number | 36-100578 (11.5″); 36-100558 (16″) |
| Caliber | 5.56x45mm |
| Barrel length | 11.5 or 16 inches |
| Operation | Semi-automatic only |
| Twist Rate | 1:7″ RH |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel, button-broached, chrome plated |
| Muzzle device | A2-style flash hider |
| Sights | Low-profile, folding metal front and rear sights |
| Stock | 6-position, collapsible buttstock |
| Forearm | Free-floated handguard with full-length 12 o’clock picatinny rail with (5) built-in QD points |
| Handguard Length | 10.5” (11.5” barrel); 15” (16” barrel) |
| Weight | 5.6lbs (11.5”); 6.25lbs (16”) (with empty magazine, no optics) |
| Length | 27.5-30.75” (11.5”); 31.9-35.2” (16”) |
| Magazine | One 30-round magazine |
| Trigger Pull | 4.75-7.75lbs |
| MSRP | Price upon request |
FN to Showcase Next Generation Marksmanship Training Solutions at I/ITSEC Conference
FN to Showcase Next Generation Marksmanship Training Solutions at I/ITSEC Conference
(McLean, VA – December 02, 2019) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce on behalf of parent company, FN Herstal, S.A., that it will showcase next generation marksmanship training solutions, which directly support improved Squad Lethality, at the 2019 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) held December 2 – 6, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. I/ITSEC 2019 will be the first exhibition of FN’s latest technological advancements in training capabilities and the companies will have a significant presence at the world’s largest simulation and training event.
The first of these technologies includes the FN Expert marksmanship training device that provides highly accurate marksmanship instruction to both shooters and coaches, training them on fundamental shooting skills such as sight picture, breathing and trigger squeeze. The wireless system aids in building shooter stability, muscle memory and providing feedback following the shot, and is capable of dry-fire and live-fire training on virtually any rifle or carbine, as well as select pistols.
Additionally, FN is developing immersive marksmanship training capabilities which leverage the ‘Weapon as a Sensor Platform’ (WASP) concept. To demonstrate these capabilities, FN will offer an augmented reality Close Quarters Battle (CQB) in a shoot house environment, where attendees will be able to participate in training exercises, in real time, with real or surrogate firearms equipped with the FN Expert and other devices.
Lastly, the FN FCU Mk3 Fire Control Unit virtual reality trainer, where attendees will be able to fully experience the performance of FN’s fire control unit, allows for adjustment of trajectory, altering range and more, in real time. The FN FCU Mk3 Fire Control Unit provides a complete sighting and aiming solution for 40mm low velocity and medium velocity grenade launchers. It easily calculates trajectory and gives an adjust point of aim, enabling the grenadier to obtain first round hits in all conditions.
To learn more about FN’s marksmanship and training capabilities, please visit booth 1481 at the I/ITSEC Conference or visit www.fnenovation.com. More information about FN Herstal and FN America’s product lines is available at www.fnherstal.com and www.fnamerica.com respectively.
Variants
Several variants of the FN 509 have been made available:
- Tactical – 4.5-inch (110 mm) barrel length, 17- and 24-round magazines, available in black or FDE, threaded barrel, raised sights (to accommodate a suppressor), with low-profile optics mounting system (for a red dot sight).
- Midsize – 4.0-inch (100 mm) barrel length, 15-round magazines, available in black, with a midsize frame intended for concealed carry
Midsize MRD – as above, with low-profile optics mounting system.
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- Compact MRD – 3.7-inch (94 mm) barrel length, 12- and 15-round magazines, available in black or FDE, with low-profile optics mounting system.
Also available are an inert training pistol, and a Simunition (simulated ammunition) pistol.
The subcompact FN 503, introduced in March 2020, uses the “design, performance and reliability standards” of the FN 509.
Specifications
| Specification | FN 509 | FN 509 Tactical | FN 509 Midsize | FN 509 Midsize MRD | FN 509 Compact MRD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel length | 4.0 in (100 mm) | 4.5 in (110 mm) | 4.0 in (100 mm) | 3.7 in (94 mm) | |
| Overall length | 7.4 in (190 mm) | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 7.4 in (190 mm) | 6.8 in (170 mm) | |
| Overall width | 1.35 in (34 mm) | ||||
| Height | 5.56 in (141 mm) | 5.75 in (146 mm) | 5.2 in (130 mm) | 4.8 in (120 mm) | |
| Weight | 26.9 oz (760 g) | 27.9 oz (790 g) | 26.5 oz (750 g) | 25.5 oz (720 g) | |
| Magazine capacity | 17-round | 17-round | 15-round | 12-round | |
| Optics mount | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black or FDE | Black or FDE | Black | Black or FDE | |
| Reference |
For all variants, 10-round magazines are available for states that restrict capacity.
For the Tactical variant, 24-round extended magazines also available.
For the Compact MRD variant, 15-round extended magazines also available, which increase height to 5.2 in (130 mm).
FN 509 Midsize Now Available in Flat Dark Earth
FN 509 Midsize Now Available in Flat Dark Earth
(McLean, VA – April 07, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the availability of the FN 509 Midsize MRD in flat dark earth (FDE), now the latest in the optics-ready FN 509 line-up to be offered in FN’s signature color.
FN 509 Midsize MRD now available in flat dark earth (FDE).
The FN 509 Midsize MRD FDE, equipped with the company’s low-profile optics-mounting system, is FN’s solution for those who want the performance, controllability and capacity of a Standard model but want a smaller frame that is more easily concealed.
The FN 509 family of pistols are all striker-fired and chambered in 9mm. Each pistol features FN’s signature cold hammer-forged barrel with recessed target crown, enhanced slide serrations for easier slide manipulation, aggressive grip texturing to ensure secure grip while shooting and much more.
The FN 509 Midsize MRD FDE ships in a soft-sided case with 15- or 10-round magazines and all optics mounting hardware. The pistol is available to retailers today and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $799.00.
FN Introduces FN 503 Slim 9mm Pistol for Concealed Carry
FN Introduces FN 503 Slim 9mm Pistol for Concealed Carry
(McLean, VA – March 17, 2020) FN America, LLC is pleased to introduce the FN 503, a slim 9mm striker-fired pistol designed specifically for concealed carry.
FN 503 Slim 9mm Pistol
Using the design, performance and reliability standards of the FN 509 family as inspiration, the FN 503 has been purpose-built to conceal quickly and discreetly without compromising on the features and performance FN customers require – like it’s 3.1-inch barrel with recessed target crown to ensure dependable accuracy; enlarged controls and soft recoil that make the FN 503 comfortable and controllable to shoot; and, FN 509-style low-profile iron sights.
The all-new skateboard tape-style grip texture provides all-day carry comfort and the all-metal trigger, arguably the best in its class, breaks crisply and consistently with an average of 5-pound trigger pull, resulting in a carry pistol with trustworthy dependability and reliability.
The FN 503 ships with one 6-round magazine with pinky extender and one 8-round magazine with grip sleeve in FN’s standard soft-sided zippered case. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the FN 503 is $549.00.
Detailed specifications:
• Caliber: 9mm
• Operation: Striker fired
• Capacity: (1) 6-round with pinky extension; (1) 8-round with grip sleeve
• Length: 5.9 inches
• Height: 4.6 inches
• Weight: 21 ounces
• Width: 1.1 inches; slide width 0.9 inches
• Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
• Twist Rate: 1:10 RH
• Sights: Low-profile, snag-free, three-dot iron sights with FN 509 dovetail
• Trigger Pull: 5-7 pounds
• MSRP: $549.00
The Basics
The FN Ships in a fabric case with interchangeable backstraps as well as mounts and screws for various optics. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
The FN 509 MRD is a 9mm chambered striker-fired handgun sporting a 4-inch barrel on a 7.4-inch length. Weighing 26.5-ounces, the FN 509 Midsize is comparable to the Glock 19 in size and brings a nice weight to those interested in concealed carry. The gun has enough heft that it manages recoil nicely without weighing gun owners down when carrying.
Shipping alongside a fabric case and two 15-round magazines, the handgun opts for a stippled grip area that feels good in the hand. It’s not overly aggressive so as to shred your palms while shooting but it also provides a nice contact area while gripping the gun. Speaking of nice features, FN brings an extended mag release to the 509 MRD. Protruding a little further from the frame, the mag release is easily engaged with the thumb and offers a nice tactile feel that you can easily find along the frame.
The FN 509 Midsize MRD offers an extended mag release and a nice texture to its stippling. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
Rounding out its basic features the FN 509 MRD also offers an accessory rail for those that want to trick out this gun with all the bells and whistles like lasers and lights, but the accessory rail isn’t what we’re here for. It’s that optics ready design that really takes the cake.
Range Performance
FN brings an optics ready midsize pistol out to play with the new FN 509 Midsize MRD. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
On the range, the FN 509 MRD performed flawlessly with no hiccups or issues. Feeding it a variety of ammunition, the MRD did just fine gobbling up and spitting out rounds downrange. Its midsized design worked well in mitigating the recoil from the 9mm chambering. Even better, that Trijicon optic stayed nicely in place. Over the course of several days at the range, I fired a volley of rounds and didn’t have to mess with the optic at all. It sat right where I placed it.
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 co-witnesses with the iron sights. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
My only quibble with the design is a trivial one and really comes down to the fact that I don’t prefer red dots. Suffering from astigmatism, red dots cause more problems than they help solve so having an optic to contend with was a nuisance. Again, it’s easily remedied by removing the optic, but without a resealable parts pouch, I had to worry about losing screws and plates. At the end of the day, I recommend those with astigmatism or those averse to red dots on pistols forgo the MRD model and step down to the regular, old 509 Midsize.
