The FN 502 Tactical stands out as a groundbreaking firearm in the tactical rimfire market, combining innovative features, adaptability, and accessibility. Designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced shooters, the FN 502 serves as a practical training tool while delivering a satisfying shooting experience.
Overview and Design
Manufactured by FN America in partnership with Umarex, the FN 502 Tactical is a .22 LR pistol with a hammer-fired single-action mechanism. Its ergonomic design and compact frame are inspired by the FN 509 series but include unique features that make it a standalone model. At just 23.7 ounces, it is lightweight yet robust, boasting a polymer frame and an aluminum slide available in flat dark earth (FDE) or black finishes.
The pistol measures 7.6 inches in length with a 4.6-inch threaded barrel, enabling compatibility with suppressors or compensators. It also features suppressor-height sights for co-witnessing with micro red-dot optics, making it a truly optics-ready firearm.
Key Features
1. Optics-Ready Slide:
The FN 502 Tactical includes polymer mounting plates, allowing users to attach a variety of optics. The plates are designed for durability while maintaining a lightweight profile, an essential feature for rimfire pistols.
2. Threaded Barrel:
The barrel comes pre-threaded with a 1/2×28 TPI pitch, making it ideal for suppressors or compensators. This fixed-barrel design ensures reliable cycling even with attachments, enhancing the pistol’s versatility.
3. Magazine Options:
The FN 502 includes both a 10-round and a 15-round magazine, catering to different needs. The high-capacity magazine features a faux extension for added grip and usability.
4. Comfort and Ergonomics:
The grip design accommodates a wide range of users, including those with smaller hands, making it an excellent choice for beginners, women, and younger shooters. Its textured grip enhances control, and bilateral controls (manual safety, slide stop, and magazine release) ensure accessibility for both right- and left-handed users.
Performance and Shooting Experience
On the range, the FN 502 Tactical delivers exceptional reliability and accuracy. It is compatible with a wide range of ammunition types, from standard velocity to subsonic rounds. However, it may struggle with ultra-low-energy rounds like the CCI Quiet subsonic ammunition.
The trigger mechanism, while functional, has room for improvement. Testers noted some overtravel and a longer reset compared to other models. Despite this, its 2.5-pound trigger pull is light and manageable, making it suitable for tactical training and recreational shooting.
Practical Applications
The FN 502 Tactical is marketed as a tactical trainer, mimicking the controls and ergonomics of larger centerfire pistols like the FN 509. This makes it ideal for practicing shooting fundamentals without the cost and recoil of larger calibers. Additionally, its threaded barrel and optics-ready slide allow users to customize the firearm for various scenarios, including competition shooting and varmint control.
Final Thoughts
The FN 502 Tactical is more than just a rimfire pistol—it’s a versatile, feature-rich firearm suitable for training, recreational shooting, and even tactical applications. While it may not be perfect, its combination of affordability, innovation, and performance makes it a standout choice for shooters of all levels.
For those seeking a reliable, adaptable, and fun-to-shoot .22 LR pistol, the FN 502 Tactical is a worthy investment. Its blend of modern features and practical design ensures it will remain a favorite in the firearms community for years to come.
