Best Red Dot for FN 509 In 2023

Hello there, fellow firearms enthusiasts! It’s a beautiful day, and today I will be talking about the best red dot for FN 509 Tactical.

The FN 509 Tactical is a fantastic firearm built for reliability, accuracy, and performance. It was initially designed for the U.S. Army’s MHS competition, and it sports a cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel, a polymer frame, and a striker-fired autoloader. It also has a threaded barrel and a 24-round magazine capacity, making it an excellent choice for competition shooting and self-defense.

As someone who has spent countless hours testing different optics, I can tell you that the right choice can significantly improve your shooting experience.

What to Look for in a Red Dot Sight for the FN 509 Tactical

When choosing a red dot sight for your FN 509 Tactical, you should keep a few key aspects in mind.

1. Compatibility

First and foremost, the sight must be compatible with the FN 509 Tactical. Not all red dots fit all handguns, so you should always double-check this. I’ve found that most sights that have a Trijicon RMR footprint work well with the FN 509 Tactical.

2. Durability

Durability is another crucial factor. Given the FN 509 Tactical’s capabilities, it’s likely to see some rigorous use, so you need a sight that can withstand the gun’s recoil and harsh environmental conditions. Trust me. I’ve tested sights that failed after a few hundred rounds. It’s not a pleasant experience.

3. Brightness Settings and Clarity

Brightness settings and clarity of sight are also essential. You want a sight that provides a clear, bright dot in various lighting conditions. I’ve used excellent sights in indoor ranges but fell short in bright sunlight. The best sights provide a clear, crisp dot in all environments.

4. Battery Life

A sight with long battery life is desirable. You don’t want to be in the middle of a competition or a self-defense situation and have your sight’s battery die. Look for a sight that offers at least 1-2 years of battery life in a medium setting.

5. Ease of Use

Finally, the sight should be easy to use. Adjusting the windage, elevation, and brightness settings should be straightforward. It should also be easy to install and remove the sight from the gun without requiring specialized tools.

Top 5 FN 509 Tactical Red Dot Sights

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – Best for Serious Shooters

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a heavy-duty, robust sight perfectly suited for serious shooters who demand reliability and performance. The sight is crafted from rugged 7075-T6 aluminum, lending it exceptional durability to withstand tough shooting conditions and heavy recoil. Trijicon’s patented design diverts the impact force away from the lens, providing increased durability.

This sight offers an automatic brightness mode and eight manually adjustable settings. This adaptability ensures a clear and crisp sight picture, regardless of the lighting conditions. From the darkest corners of an indoor shooting range to the brightest days in the field, the RMR Type 2 delivers a consistent performance.

The battery life is another strong point of the RMR Type 2. It boasts an impressive lifespan of up to 4 years in a medium setting, offering a sense of reliability and continuity that serious shooters will appreciate.

However, like any product, the RMR Type 2 has drawbacks. Some users might find the automatic brightness setting inconsistent in certain lighting conditions. Also, adjusting the windage and elevation settings can be fiddly, requiring a small flat-head screwdriver.

Pros

1. Exceptionally durable due to the 7075-T6 aluminum construction.
2. A wide range of brightness settings for versatility in various lighting conditions.
3. Long battery life of up to 4 years on a medium setting.

Cons

1. Automatic brightness settings can be inconsistent.
2. Adjustments to windage and elevation can be somewhat selective.

2. Holosun HS507C – A Versatile Alternative to Trijicon

The Holosun HS507C is an excellent alternative to the Trijicon RMR Type 2, offering multiple reticle systems and impressive features. The standout feature is the multiple reticle system, which includes a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA ring. This gives shooters the flexibility to adapt to a variety of shooting scenarios.

This sight also offers a ‘Shake Awake’ function, which automatically powers down the sight when not in use and powers it back up when it detects motion. This function extends battery life and ensures the sight is always ready when needed.

Another impressive feature is the solar fail-safe, which allows the sight to operate on solar power if the battery fails. This provides an extra layer of reliability, especially during extended outdoor shooting sessions.

However, despite its strengths, the HS507C has a few cons. For instance, some users have reported difficulty in switching between reticles. Also, while the construction is solid, it may not be as robust as the Trijicon RMR Type 2.

Pros

1. Multiple reticle system provides flexibility in various shooting scenarios.
2. The ‘Shake Awake’ function conserves battery life.
3. Solar fail-safe offers an extra layer of reliability.

Cons

1. Switching between reticles can be challenging for some users.
2. Although solid, the build may not be as robust as other options, like the Trijicon RMR Type 2.

3. Vortex Venom – Bang for Your Buck

If you’re looking for a sight that delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank, then the Vortex Venom is worth considering. This compact and lightweight sight punches way above its weight class, offering features you’d expect from higher-end models.

The clarity of Venom’s fully multi-coated lens is truly impressive. You get a clean, wide field of view, which makes target acquisition a breeze. During my testing, I remember that the sight was quick to get on target, and the 3 MOA dot was bright and clear, even in challenging light conditions.

One feature I particularly liked was the top-load battery system. It’s a small thing, but changing the battery without removing the sight from the firearm is a significant convenience. Trust me. It saves you from the hassle of re-zeroing your sight after a battery change.

The Venom also offers ten brightness settings, which I found more than enough to handle any lighting situation. But I want to note that the buttons for changing the brightness levels are a little small, which can be tricky if you’re wearing gloves or your hands are cold.

While the Vortex Venom has features and offers excellent value for money, it’s imperfect. The windage and elevation adjustments could be more robust, and some users have reported that the sight loses zero after heavy recoil.

Pros

1. High-quality, fully multi-coated lens for a clear, wide field of view.
2. Top-load battery system for convenient battery changes.
3. Ten brightness settings to handle a range of lighting conditions.

Cons

1. Small buttons for brightness adjustments can be tricky to use.
2. Windage and elevation adjustments could be more robust.
3. Some users report the sight losing zero after heavy recoil.

4. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro – Built Like a Tank

The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, let me tell you, is built like a tank. It’s a sight designed to take a beating and still deliver top-notch performance. I’ve put this sight through the paces on my FN 509 Tactical, and it’s proven its worth.

First things first, the sight picture is superb. The DeltaPoint Pro offers a wide field of view and a bright, clear dot. This comes in handy when you’re trying to acquire targets quickly. The clarity and brightness of the dot remained consistent, whether I was shooting on a sunny outdoor range or in a dimly lit indoor setting.

One standout feature I must mention is the motion sensor technology. It’s pretty neat – the sight powers down after a period of inactivity to save battery, but as soon as you pick up your firearm, it powers back on instantly. It’s always ready when you are, which I found super convenient during my testing sessions.

Now, onto the build. The sight is rugged and reliable. It’s clear that Leupold has made durability a top priority, and it shows. The sight held up admirably under heavy recoil and stayed zeroed in throughout.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The battery compartment is on the bottom, so you’ll need to remove the sight to change the battery. This can be a bit of a hassle and will require re-zeroing after the change.

Pros

1. Wide field of view and a bright, clear dot for easy target acquisition.
2. Motion sensor technology for instant readiness.
3. Robust build that can withstand heavy recoil.

Cons

1. The battery compartment is on the bottom, requiring sight removal for battery changes.
2. Re-zeroing is necessary after the battery change.

5. Trijicon SRO – Large Field of View

The Trijicon SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) is a game-changer in the field of view. If you value a broad, unobstructed sight picture, you’ll appreciate what the SRO brings.

While testing the SRO on my FN 509 Tactical, I was genuinely impressed by how much the large, circular sight picture improved my shooting. The generous field of view makes target acquisition incredibly fast and intuitive. You can keep both eyes open and maintain full situational awareness, making this sight particularly useful for dynamic shooting situations.

Like its cousin, the RMR, the SRO is built to last. It features a rugged housing that can withstand the recoil of even the hardest-hitting calibers. The SRO held zero throughout my testing and performed reliably under various conditions.

The top-loading battery compartment is a feature I enjoyed. No need to remove the sight for battery changes, which keeps you from having to re-zero each time.

Now, let’s talk about the flip side. The SRO’s large window, while a significant advantage in terms of view, could potentially be a weak point if subjected to heavy impact. Also, some may find the larger size a bit cumbersome for concealed carry.

Pros

1. Large field of view for quick target acquisition and situational awareness.
2. Rugged construction that can handle heavy recoil.
3. Convenient top-loading battery compartment.

Cons

1. A large window could potentially be a weak point under heavy impact.
2. Larger sizes may not be ideal for concealed carry.

Conclusion

Choosing the best red dot sight for your FN 509 Tactical depends on your needs, preferences, and shooting style. Each red dot sight mentioned – the Trijicon RMR Type 2, Holosun HS507C, Vortex Venom, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and Trijicon SRO – offers unique features and advantages that cater to different shooting scenarios.

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro are excellent options if you prioritize durability and reliability. The Trijicon RMR Type 2’s robust construction and versatile brightness settings make it a reliable choice. At the same time, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro’s motion sensor technology and wide field of view provide innovative features for serious shooters.

For those seeking versatility and value for money, the Holosun HS507C and Vortex Venom stand out. The Holosun HS507C’s multiple reticle system and solar fail-safe feature offer flexibility, while the Vortex Venom’s compact design and top-load battery system provide convenience without compromising performance.

If an expansive field of view is your priority, the Trijicon SRO offers an exceptional sight picture, making target acquisition lightning-fast and maintaining situational awareness.

Good Luck!

FAQs

Are red dot sights compatible with the FN 509 Tactical?

Yes, many red dot sights are compatible with the FN 509 Tactical. It’s crucial to ensure that your sight has the appropriate mounting system or footprint that matches the FN 509 Tactical’s slide.

Can I co-witness iron sights with a red dot sight on the FN 509 Tactical?

Yes, co-witnessing iron sights with a red dot sight on the FN 509 Tactical is possible. However, this will depend on your specific red dot sight and iron sight setup. Some red dot sights allow for a lower 1/3 co-witness or absolute co-witness with the iron sights.

How long do the batteries last in these red dot sights?

The battery life of red dot sights can vary depending on factors such as the brightness setting, the type of battery, and the specific sight model. However, many red dot sights offer battery lives ranging from several months to several years on average settings.

Can I use these red dot sights for competition shooting and self-defense?

Absolutely! The red dot sights mentioned in this article suit competition shooting and self-defense applications. They offer quick target acquisition, improved accuracy, and ease of use, making them valuable tools in various shooting scenarios.