The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has selected FN America’s FN509 MRD-LE as its new duty pistol. The trials included a variety of performance evaluations, including accuracy, ergonomics and a 20,000-round-count endurance qualification in which the FN 509 MRD-LE surpassed with zero malfunctions.
“Exceeding all of the requirements LAPD sought in their new duty pistol was a high-performance standard to meet,” said Chris Cole, vice president of Sales and Marketing at FN America. “With over a million rounds fired in development, the FN 509’s reputation for durability is proven here again, giving LAPD officers a superior handgun they can depend on in the most demanding policing environments.”
The double-action, 9 mm-chambered pistol features FN’s patented Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System. Adapted from the original development for the U.S. Army’s handgun trials, it provides officers added precision and sighting versatility.
“LAPD needed the ability to quickly and securely mount a variety of duty-rated micro red dots to their service pistols to improve the accuracy potential of their handguns and their officers,” said Charles “Bucky” Mills Sr., director of Law Enforcement Sales for FN America. “FN pioneered the MRD mounting technology the LAPD required, enabling precision shot placement and immediate target engagement no matter the environment.”
The pistol features a precision, hammer-forged, 4-inch barrel with recessed target crown, high-performance, conical striker and flat-faced, duty-rated trigger. The FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System with co-witness tritium 3-dot iron sights, delivers rapid sight acquisition and consistent shot placement. Magazine capacity is 17 cartridges.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is one of the largest and most elite law enforcement agencies in the country, with roughly 10,000 uniformed officers, and we are proud that they have chosen the FN 509 MRD-LE as their next duty pistol,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO of FN America. “The FN 509 MRD-LE is the only choice for agencies seeking an extremely capable and versatile duty pistol platform with proven reliability, accuracy and optic interoperability. Serving the men and women of an outstanding law enforcement agency like the LAPD brings great pride to everyone at FN, we look forward to supporting their police force with a remarkable handgun platform their officers will rely on every day.”
