The FN 503 Slim Line 9 mm came out on March 17, 2020.
After much anticipation, FN America launched its first entry into the slim 9mm pistol category with the 503 in March 2020.
This super-slim striker-fired autoloader pistol was designed with concealed carry in mind.
The FN 503, inspired by FN’s legendary heritage, is the company’s first entry into the slim 9mm pistol market. The FN 503, roughly the size of your hand, conceals quickly and discreetly without compromising on features or performance. The excellent trigger and soft recoil of this slim 9mm pistol make the FN 503 comfortable and controllable to shoot.
“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,” the iconic gunmaker said.
Here’s what you need to know:
FN 503 SPECS:
FN’s first entry into the sea of slim-line pistols on the market breaks down like this:
- CALIBER: 9mm
- OPERATION: Striker fired
- MAG CAPACITY: 6 or 8 Rd.
- WEIGHT: 21 oz.
- BARREL LENGTH: 3.1″
- OVERALL LENGTH: 5.9″
- TWIST RATE: 1:10 RH
- HEIGHT: 4.6″
- WIDTH: 1.1″
- TRIGGER PULL: 5 – 7 lb.
- SIGHT RADIUS: 5.1
503 FEATURES:
The FN 503 is a seriously slim 9mm and features an advanced texture for a secure, comfortable grip. The slide has low-profile iron sights to prevent snags and utilizes the same dovetail as the FN 509 series of pistols. The 503 has a loaded chamber indicator and rear cocking serrations for easy slide manipulation.
How does it stack up on the range and side-by-side with some of the most popular concealed carry pistols?
Sizing the new FN 503 pistol to comparably-sized handguns like the Springfield Armory Hellcat and the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield, the most noticeable difference is the beefy wide grip.
The advanced texture provides a tight, aggressive grip of the pistol despite its thin profile.
Flipping the guns horizontally, you can definitely tell that the length of the grip of the FN 503 doesn’t affect the width of the gun itself.
When FN says the 503 is a slim-line pistol, they aren’t kidding!
This gun is crazy thin, check it out between the Hellcat and M&P9 Shield.
How does she do on the range?
Let’s find out!
Pew Pew Tactical:
Johnny’s conclusion?
FN never really makes a bad gun and the FN 503 is no exception. Outside of a short break-in period, it has been reliable and great to shoot. The truly amazing trigger makes this a much nicer gun to shoot out of the box than many other options on the market right now.
How about a tabletop review?
MarksmanTV:
Mrgunsngear:
Mike took the new FN 503 single stack 9mm pistol out for a spin and breaks down its features, outlines how it compares to a Glock 43, and shares what he thinks of it overall.
THOUGHTS?
What do you think? With an MSRP of $549, has FN brought a true contender to the table with the 503? What do you like about it? Will you look for one to shoot the next time you head to your local range? Do you think FN has provided a worthy challenger to the Hellcat, Shield, the Sig Sauer P365, or even the Glock 43?
Sound off in the comments, we want to hear from you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jenn Jacques is a fierce 2A defender, concealed carry advocate, fishing enthusiast, avid hiker, hunter, and an all-around great gal with a gun. As a former Private Detective, Jenn put those skills to good use, fighting for gun rights in her home state of Wisconsin before becoming the first female editor of a 2A/Gun News site and moving on to become a publication writer, popular multi-media guest, and respected news expert.
Jacques has completed hundreds of hours of firearms training including USCCA’s Street Encounters and Low Light/No Light Training, she is a graduate of the Gunsite Academy, and was named a S.A.F.E. Summer Local Champion of Firearm Safety by NSSF’s Project ChildSafe.
A staple in the firearms industry since 2009, Jenn is proud of her professional accomplishments and to be raising her three children with her husband John who is also an avid hunter, 2A supporter, and an amazing father.
You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or shooting at any number of gun ranges across this great country.
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©MTC Holsters, LLC and CrossBreed Holsters Blog, 2020.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jenn Jacques and the CrossBreed Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
