Gun Of The Week: FN 510 Tactical

In recent years, the 10 mm Auto has become more popular, and several makers have expanded their offerings to accommodate the cartridge. In its previous handgun lines, FN offered several models chambered for the .40 S&W cartridge based on the 10 mm Auto, but only recently has FN accommodated the full-power cartridge. This model is also a testament to the success and strength of FN’s 509 platform, which was developed for military use and has since become a cornerstone of the company’s commercially available handgun line. Watch the video below to see the FN 510 Tactical in use on the range.

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In particular, this FN 510 builds on the company’s earlier FN 509 Tactical, which we’ve covered before. The hallmarks of FN’s Tactical series of handguns include its threaded barrel, suppressor-height sights, extended magazine capacity and a unique slide cover plate that provides generously sized wings to protect the rear sight. All of these elements are present in the FN 510.

One of the stand-out features of the FN 510 Tactical is the inclusion of a lengthy 22-round extended magazine, making this one of the highest-capacity 10 mm handguns on the market. A 15-round flush-fit magazine also ships with the pistol, providing an option for more compact carry. Ten-round magazines are also available for owners living in states with magazine-capacity restrictions.

In terms of controls, the FN 510, like the 509, is one of the most lefty-friendly designs out there, thanks to the gun’s bilateral magazine release buttons and slide-stop levers. A takedown lever is located on the left side of the frame. Since the gun makes use of a hinged trigger safety, there is no manual safety on the gun. FN also gives owners the option to customize grip fit through the use of interchangeable backstraps, and two backstraps are included with the pistol. A four-slot Picatinny accessory rail on the frame’s dustcover also provides further customization options for those looking to add a light or laser.

At the top end of the FN 510 Tactical, FN has milled the slide to accommodate its Low-Profile Optics Mounting System. A cover plate incorporating the rear protective sight wings ships from the factory, but if you want to add a red-dot sight, FN includes four mounting plates that accommodate most red-dot footprints on the market. The system also allows most mounted optics to sit low enough to view the iron sights through the optic window.

On the range with the FN 510 Tactical, you’ll notice the gun’s unique grip texturing, which combines three different patterns at work in strategic areas in order to solidify the gun’s position in a shooter’s hand. Considering the added power of the 10 mm cartridge, this is a welcome benefit. We found the gun to be a pretty comfortable shooter, despite the chambering, and enjoyed having 23 rounds of 10 mm Auto on tap with this extended magazine. That’s a lot of power in a handgun-size package.

FN 510 Tactical Specifications

Manufacturer: FN Firearms

Action Type: double-action, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol

Chambering: 10 mm Auto

Barrel: 4.71"

Frame: polymer

Slide: steel

Magazine: 10-, 15- and 22-round detachable box

Sights: tritium; post front, square-notch rear

Trigger: 6-lb. pull

Overall Length: 8.3"

Height: 6"

Weight: 32 ozs.

MSRP: $1,139

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