I Carry: FN 509 in a Galco Combat Master Holster

Welcome to another episode of "I Carry," Shooting Illustrated's weekly video series covering the guns and gear needed to put together a potential everyday-carry kit. Today, we have an FN America FN 509 in a Galco Gunleather Combat Master belt holster. We also have a Coast G32 flashlight, an Ontario Knife Company Dozier Arrow folding knife, a 5.11 Tactical Casual belt and a Galco CLMC Carry Lite Magazine Carrier.

FN America FN 509 (MSRP: $649)

Designed with the US Army’s Modular Handgun System competition in mind, the new FN 509 incorporated elements of the solicitation along with input from law enforcement and firearm industry contacts to produce a handgun suitable for hard work. Along the way, extensive testing of this new pistol confirmed its fit for duty—FN claims testing in excess of one million rounds for the 509 platform.

Because of the MHS solicitation, the pistol needed to accept 17-round magazines, meet a maximum length requirement and be configurable to different hand sizes (among other parameters). Accordingly, the 509 has a full-size grip, 4-inch barrel and two swappable backstraps—it sounds an awful lot like numerous other pistols we’ve featured here on I Carry. Unlike a good number of those, however, there’s no trigger-based blade-safety, but the other, hinged variety—good if you prefer a solid trigger-face for your user/pistol interface, as I do.

A solid platform, extensive testing and an eminently usable size—what’s not to like about the FN 509? If there’s any one thing, it would be the scarcity of gear for this pistol. Granted, that’s in comparison to the Glock G19 and Smith and Wesson M&P that have been around for many years. However, holster fits are added on a regular basis, but it’s a little bit more difficult to find a 509 holster. They’re out there, but you’ll need to spend a couple extra seconds searching.

Galco Combat Master Belt Holster (MSRP: $92)

Galco has been on the forefront of the FN 509 gear, however, and offers numerous options for this pistol. The Combat Master holster is one of the company’s “bread-and-butter” holsters, with nearly two dozen manufacturers and well over 100 separate models available. Constructed of premium steerhide, the Combat Master offers a built-in, grip-forward cant, full barrel coverage and fits belts up to 1 ¾-inch wide.

Galco CLMC Carry Lite Magazine Carrier (MSRP: $24)

Built in conjunction with Galco’s existing Carry Lite line, the single magazine carrier offers an inexpensive yet sturdy option for carrying a backup magazine. Constructed of center-cut steerhide, a single one-way snap loop secures the CLMC carrier to belts up to 1 ¾-inch wide.

5.11 Tactical Casual Belt (MSRP: $39.99)

Holding this gear together is 5.11 Tactical’s Casual leather belt. This all-purpose belt is constructed of full-grain leather, reinforced with the company’s PermaStiff insert, and features a finished-brass buckle. This is a casual belt equally suited for the office or for casual use on the weekend, and is barely more expensive than a standard dress belt.

Ontario Knife Company Dozier Arrow Knife (MSRP: $78.95)

A Bob Dozier design, the Ontario Knife Company Arrow folding knife makes a fine addition to any EDC kit. G10 scales allow a firm, secure grip on this lightweight knife, and the spear-point, D2 tool steel blade can be deployed with one hand using a thumb stud. A liner lock helps close the 3.6-inch blade, and when open the Arrow measures 8.2 inches long.

Coast G32 Flashlight (MSRP: $30)

Three hundred fifty lumens in a light that costs barely more than a box of premium ammunition? You have our attention. Coast’s G32 flashlight has high and low modes, which offer 355 and 110 lumens respectively for run times of 47 minutes and 4 hours, 15 minutes. 6.4 inches long and 5.6 ounces, the G32 is a little on the long side, but gives you plenty to hang onto. Additionally, the lamp can be focused as a spotlight or opened up to act as a floodlight, and a reversible pocket clip keeps it handy.