One of the contenders for the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System Program, the FN 509, chosen as Shooting Illustrated 2018 Handgun of the Year, now has a new member in the series, the FN optics and suppressor ready FN 509 Tactical.

The Striker-fired FN 509 Tactical incorporates the requirements of the MHS program, which is that it should be able to use a suppressor as well as have an extended magazine. Apart from that feature, it has the company’s patent-pending Low-Profile Optics Mounting System allowing small red dot sights to be mounted on the pistol, such as the RMR.

“The FN 509 Tactical and the FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System are another leap forward in the optics-ready pistol market,” said John Keppeler, vice president of sales and marketing for FN America, LLC in a press release.

He adds that, “FN set the trend for factory optics-ready pistols with the release of the FNP-45 Tactical nearly a decade ago and we’re set to do it again with this release. From barrel to base plate, the FN 509 Tactical really is the ultimate tactical pistol.”

The pistol touts a 4.5-inch, cold-hammer forged, stainless steel barrel with 1/2 x 28 threads that can accept most 9mm suppressors in the market. The thread cap also comes with an integrated O-ring that prevents loosening during use. The 24-round magazine is nearly the same length as the slide as well.

Retail price of the FN 509 Tactical is US$1,409.00 and is available for commercial, military and law enforcement customers.