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I was considering both of these along with the M&P 2.0 and i have to say there are some really great choices on the market right now. I chose the 509 LE model with the 3 mags and night sights and love the damn thing. I’ve been a Glock guy for years and own several. They really need to up their game if they want to keep up with the competition.
Nice. I'm more of a 1911/classic guns guy. I currently EDC a 1911 in commander sized cocked and locked appendix IWB. Although here lately have started carrying a 92x Compact W/red dot & laser/light combo. I've carried Glocks for a while too and I like striker fired guns too, and have always admired both FN and H&K and I was thinking about picking up another full-sized range toy and I was thinking in my mind between 3 guns. The 509 Tactical or the H&K VP9 OR I was also thinking about getting a High-power soooooo about all of them are the same price point, with the FN probably being most expensive to the High-power being the least (specifically the Springfield SA35 Hi-power is the one I want, I would get a FN but their more expensive and the triggers are worse so im going with the Springfield.)
I recently put 150 rounds through both the VP9, and 509 midsize. While both are very nice firearms, my shot placement with the 509 was a bit better at 8 yds. In my opinion, you will not go wrong with either however, the 509 is the unsung hero here. Don't sleep on it.
I have the VP9 in green and black and I have the VP9SK. I am just a big HK guy. I’m left handed so looked at them both I just really love the paddle. I really love that ergonomics the VP9 feel in my hand. I love the way the VP9 shoot all the way around. Absolutely nothing wrong with the FN 509 it is also a great gun just not my choice for me
I have connected with very few pistols the way I have with my VP9. I'm shooting the best groups of my life with it so the trigger is not a problem...for me. It took me about five reloads to wish ALL my pistols had those charging...ears? Handles? Whatever, I love them! Great comparison but as much as I'd like to give the FN 509 a chance (I was impressed with the build quality of my FNS9, not so much the actual shooting.) I can't see a reason to throw the 509 up against my VP9 and P320. Shot my P320 Compact at an IDPA match Saturday and it was a real sweetie so other variants will soon follow. We will see how the VP9 does next month. Another great job with such a difficult and subjective comparison!
Thank you very much Jake! That's awesome that the 320 did well in competition. They really knocked it out of the park with it. I agree on the charging handles. I wish all guns had them as well. Cheers!
I really enjoy the comparison vids that you bring so much good detailed info...I hope someday to get to shoot both of em...thanks for the info and vid...Good stuff...
Great, Honest Video. I have several H&K's. One FN-X. with the three 17rd. mags. The FN-X is a nice firearm. I prefer the H&K. Yes they may cost more, but, they never Jam, Stove Pipe or Miss fire. I haven't fire the FN-X as much as the H&K, and haven't had any issues with the FN-X The H&K is made in Germany. The Quality and Fit are Top Shelf. Bottom Line, You will be happy with either one. Thank You, Renee
For the Vp9 I discovered that a little gun grease on the linkage for the trigger completely eliminated any studder before hitting "the wall". Once I did that everything was incredibly smooth and predictable. Swapping the springs with a Mcarbo set lowered poundage to 3.5lbs and now it feels like a bb gun....but easier. Its crazy smooth and easy to pull on repeat shots. I dont shoot competitively but I feel more confident I could when the time comes. My one and only complaint for any HK pistol is that there are no aftermarket parts or accessories. Theres no PDW conversion kits compatible with HK. You cant even get longer barrels if you wanted them. Its really frustrating since the VP9 is my favorite pistol to shoot. Meanwhile my Glock 19 out of the box has a trigger so bad I thought it was a factory reject. But I can get a 16" barrel no problem and a multitude of butt stock options. I really wish people would start making their accessories compatible with HK.
Good video, From an LE perspective, carrying exposed in a retention holster, I like the tall sights for the ability to find them quickly and also easily charge the weapon one handed.
I love FN firearms, but I haven't tried the 509 yet. I do have an HK VP40 that I am very fond of though. Looks like you did better shooting with the HK, that last target was excellent! I'm sure they would both be great, but I'm with you on the HK.
I'm not sure about HK. But I know one of the clones that is set to come out, is looking to offer an upscaled VP clone in 45. Doubtful on the 10mm... Unfortunately Well I know the VP9 had issues with 9. And the fix is to go to the 40's recoil spring. And that's for 9mm, which almost always means that the 40's stock recoil spring isn't really sufficient. I like 40. And on most of the 40's I have purchased I've had to upgrade the recoil springs to get it sprung properly. Otherwise the slide is cycling too fast and the extraction is occurring prematurely. Have you checked out your spent 40 cases? Are you getting primer strike smears with your VP40?
Bought both but the 509 midsize came with the mrd set up so I put a Trijicon rmr type 2 3.5 with the slide cut for the optic it was easy to mount took less than 10 minutes now with my old eyes I can pick up the dot and I have fun at the range. Thank You very much for the review
I have to say the VP9 has one of my favorite triggers due to the crispness of the break and the forwardness of the break. Mine’s not heavy. It is wonderful in hand. I can really connect with it.
KS gun guy after you do a few more verses videos you should let the winners battle it out. Kind of like the playoffs in football. At the end of it all we will be left with the best pistol (according to your opinion) that would be fun
How far away is the target? You need to let Rick Holm at Lazy Wolf Guns do his action work to it and install his new flat trigger. It’s amazing!!! It unlocks God mode on the VP9. It’s that good.
Nice video. There's a couple out there detailing how you can fix the gritty trigger take-up with polishing of certain parts in the slide like the striker and striker block.
The Gun Dock had the FN 509 LE for just under $400 shipped yesterday. I couldn't resist. Thankfully I jumped on it quick because they sold out within 30 minutes.
For the most part, I'd rather have the VP9. Butttt I want the 509 recoil spring. If I could have Glock simplicity inside a VP9 frame and slide it would be perfect.
Two really nice guns (one of which I’m about to buy.....509) and one great video! Thanks again for such in-depth comparison videos. These are some of my favorite type of gun videos.....besides the regular reviews of course! LOL
Am I the only one that would rather have the 509? I sold my vp9 after about 500 rounds. Just didn't care for it. Love my 509 and my CZ p10c which is what I sold my vp9 for.
You are not alone the only thing good about the vp9 is ergonomics. I also sold one after about 500 rounds. I have other hk’s you couldn’t pry out of my hands. But not impressed with the vp9 at all. I also have the fns9 that has been nothing short of stellar. But to each their own. That’s why we have choices it’s not the same for everyone
I use and carry the 509 as my duty firearm. You are certainly not alone as quite a few LE agencies are making the switch away from Glock and this has been a top choice for quite a few.
A 509 compact would interest me more than a VP9SK. Simply because of the sleeker design and likely more standard capacity. The SK is a monster for only 10 rounds. It must be what it feels like to live in a ban state, lugging around a larger pistol with a 10 round limit.
I hear you Chad. I was disappointed about the 10 rounds in the sk but I hear a 13 round mag is on the way. Aside from that both the sk and big brother are awesome and tough to beat. A 509 compact would be very cool though. Thanks and cheers!
KSGunGuy 01 Actually beside the new 13 rnd mag. They're offering a 15 rounder (both with grip adapter sleeve) available for the SK now. They're showing it on an ad in my newest copy of American Rifleman
That "catch " you speak of is a burr that needs to be removed. It's not common but happens on some production runs. There are many videos on it and the corrections. I'm fortunate to not have it in any of the 4 I own. I took 600 grit paper and water sanded the sharp edge of the glove grove and stopped the finger blisters 👍. Just sharing my experiences with my go to gun.
Thanks for the info HardTarget! I'll definitely check those vids out. I had it on the sk as well but it went away after about 250 rounds. Great to hear about the groove too! Thanks for sharing as always brother! I learn so much from you guys. Cheers my friend!
Your welcome...a small rough edge on the pivot point of the trigger just gotta sand or file it lightly till smooth. 5 minute job and you'll be loving it. Check the forums, I bet they'll just send another to drop in if you want but the disassembly of the trigger dingus is a pain in the ass.
Michael, I have yet to find the perfect trigger. I will say the PPQ is about as close as I've found but there are many that have good qualities. Cheers!
Good comparison video. I’d have to go with the 509 but I’m a FN fan. The 509s fit my hand like a glove. And I’m not gonna lie I did put an apex trigger in both my 509s.
I just subscribed to your channel.. waiting on my permit in NJ .. ugh.. these are the 2 I’m deciding between.. great reviews.. hope they are in stock when I’m ready
Good review. I have both the VP9 and the VP9SK. Between the two I actually shoot the SK a little better. Both have night sights. Nevertheless I intend to add the FN to my collection as well. But if I could only have one I'd pick the SK.
VP9 lost out to a PPQ but did choose the VP40 after some serious shooting comparisons. Sweet gun, trigger is sweet also, not like you had here with the 9 on take up...weird. Had to take it out to check and make sure lol.
There is a little take up for sure but I find the VP series trigger to be among the better triggers (not the best) in the market. Glad you like the 40! Cheers
Super review. New viewer, and now new subscriber. I see what you did there (and I have to agree): 'At the end of the day, I prefer night sights', too! :)
@@adriannunez8868 Wow! That is Really Hard question. I love the CZ's trigger. I also Love the way the H&K feels, and that trigger is Great too! But, idk, there is just something about that FN. The trigger isn't great, but man oh man. It just works altogether so well! I have to say. The FN 509M .
I've only held the 509 and it felt ok, but imo they should have went with the stippling on the frame for the whole grip.That said, i have shot my buddy's VP9 and i really like it.So, i'd go with the VP9. Thanks for the comparison KS.
I would like to see you shoot from the reset to S/A NOT to go to thr start position. How do they work after the reset, can I pull the trigger and have them fire right away S/A.?, YOU don't show that.
Bad luck of the draw on your vp9 trigger. Mine breaks and resets flawlessly whether in action or slowly to display to the next man. Vp9 all day, but anyone liking the 509 you won't be disappointed as well it's also a good shooter.
Awesome video. I love the 509s design, but there's something about the VP9 & PPQ that is aesthetically beautiful with their flush slide stops, & design. If I had to choose one and run out the door, it'd be the 509 for the simple fact that it carries more rounds. I still plan on buying both.
That's awesome Christen! I hear you about round count but agree that the VP9 and PPQ are fantastic in their design. Keep me posted when you get them! Cheers
If VP9 trigger is just okay, then which brand has better trigger? Only PPQ is right with VP9. CZ P10 and Sig P320 have very good triggers as well. IMO, VP9 and PPQ have the best trigger in striker fired gun world
I like my vp9 trigger alot ...but sig p320 upgraded flat trigger on there X-line is pretty sweet alittle better imo. But it is a alittle bit more money. All those guns you mention have good triggers tho!
pretty hard to decide but it's definitely all about the trigger and grip texture for me since I have sweaty hands all the time (hyperhidrosis) the vp9 appears to have the better trigger for me but the 509 has a better grip texture especially where the thumb rest. too hard to decide
While I own and like my vp9 optic cut....I am a bit hesitant to carry it loaded on my person. While the pistol does have a striker block safety....it engages the striker in the same place as the sear. What this boils down to is that if that striker breaks where it engages the sear....the striker block safety will do nothing to stop gun from firing. All my other guns with a safety plunger engage the striker or firing pin at a different point than the sear....for redundancy. Although it is unlikely....steel parts do fail and if the striker on the VP9 fails....your gonna put a hole in something....
Thank you very much! Since I’ve done the tactical review, I would probably go with it over the VP9, but I do still love the HK. It’s a great gun. Cheers!
Thanks for the reply! You've recently become one of my favorite youtube channels. I look forward to watching your channel grow as more people discover your content.
Thank you and great question Shawn! If I remember correctly, the 509 cutouts are the same as Smith and Wesson M&Ps. You might want to check TruGlo's website, but they should work. Thank you and cheers!
The FN 509 is a FNS 2.0 in my opinion and I also hate the valley under the trigger on the VP9 and i also hate the paddle mag release. I’ll stick with my tried and true Glock Gen 4 & Gen5 9mm’s! 👍🏻
Always wanted an FN but after just scoring my dream pistol (well, one of 3, but the one I wanted the longest) the Hk P30LS I can’t not get the vp9 match next (wel after I score a nice revolver like the Chiappa white rhino or maybe Kimber k6 both 3” models) but either a cz ghost for the right price, Walther ppq5 match or beretta 92/m9 (the newer highly modded ones and a gun im veeeery familiar with same with the Hk uspc.45 and Hk 45c) I got a colt gold gup in primo condition that someone offered me for my Kimber tle ii because he wanted night sights 🤣, to be fair I told him he could get some installed but only a tool passes up a colt gold cup. Same with a p30l for $650 AFTER taxes like…. John Wicks chosen gun indeed! I own 6 strikers, Glocks mostly and an mp pro which was only produced briefly but operates very well and the shield performance center and mp 2.0 and soon the shield plus which is probably the best little carry u can have I admit I liked it even over the Hk sk I would like to point out few guns fire double taps accurately more than my p2000 lem or my sig 226 DAK I got for cheap (tho I plan on converting that to da sa at some point). For me I just loove the sa trigger on the 30l the take up is overly bitched about (tho most right wing gun nuts are the biggest pussies I’ve ever met bahahaha) the trigger is buttery smooth and really encourages a proper trigger pull Not spongy like a Glock not that any of the trigger pulls on these. But the vp9 felt great not as good as the shield performance center trigger but damn close and this was a highly abused rental not that I think it matters as Hks are forever. Plus while I love my modular sig 250 I am not vibing the 320 at all so something like this FN seems like I should put it on the list of potentials!
I haven't noticed the catch on the trigger you mention in my VP9 but maybe I had it and broke it in I don't know. I also shoot the VP9 better than my glock and sig believe it or not. It really is a great gun but must go with the LE the plastic sights on the regular suck.
Thank you for the comments Gary! Not all had the catch but it does usually go away after some good use. I agree that the VP9 is an exceptional shooter and it's definitely a channel favorite. Agreed on the LE version as well! Thank you and cheers brother
I went with the VP9, I can’t get comfortable with the FN grip and texture. To me the texture and shape just makes the gun unusable. I even like the Glock grip better than the FN. 😂 so who knows, I guess that’s why it’s so good we have all these great choices available to us.
I have both. I originally bought the VP9 when HK gave 4 free P30/VP9 mags with new purchase. Then a Gunbroker dealer had FN 509 early this year for under $400 brand new.
@@dsd-downshiftdave8056 I have to say the VP9 b/c it fits better in my hand. I love FN pistols but the FN 509 isn't comfortable in my hands. It was brand new under $400 so I couldn't pass it up. Now I see used ones on Gunbroker going for over $500.
I have the H&k Vp9 and i felt the valley blister from mine after about 300 rounds aswell. I took my gun apart and a dremel and sandwheel later no valley for finger pinch.
Thanks for the video dude, good stuff. I would take the 509 over the vp9. I hevent shot a vp9 tho but I've held them and dry fired them. The size to capacity ratio really turns me off from Hk, imo of it holds 15 rounds it should be smaller (glock 19 sized). I shot a friend's 509 a week or so ago and it was pretty nice, I would definitely change the sights tho those things are way too high. But anyway thanks again for the education and entertainment, like always I enjoyed watching
Thanks Shawn and many agree with you! Yeah those sights are oddly high. At the end of the day they are both great but the VP9 just feels right in my hands. Thanks as always and cheers brother!
I look at the vp9, as what glock should have done with the 19x, longer barrel, shorter grip, which gives you the vp9 but better sights, grip and trigger than glock.
