FNH 502 Review - First-Time Buyers Guide

The FN 502 is a semi-automatic rimfire pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle (LR), developed by FN Herstal and distributed in the U.S. by FN America.

Designed as a lightweight, optics-ready trainer inspired by the FN 509 series, it blends premium ergonomics, a crisp single-action trigger, and modern tactical features like a threaded barrel and co-witness day sights.

With 10- or 15-round capacity, ambidextrous controls, and excellent reliability, the FN 502 is one of the most advanced .22 LR pistols available today—serving as both a cost-effective training platform and a fun range gun.

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The FNH 502 Tactical represents a bridge between serious tactical training and accessible recreational shooting. As one of the first .22 LR pistols to feature an optics-ready slide, it delivers a shooting experience that mirrors the FN 509’s ergonomics and handling—making it ideal for shooters who want a rimfire version of their defensive sidearm.

FN Herstal, a Belgian manufacturer with a 130-year legacy, is renowned for designing military-grade firearms like the FN SCAR, P90, and Five-seveN. The FN 502 continues that legacy by offering rimfire performance wrapped in the same tactical DNA as FN’s duty weapons.

Released in 2023, the FN 502 gives both new and experienced shooters a chance to practice with an affordable caliber while maintaining the feel and features of a professional-grade pistol. Its purpose spans training, plinking, and suppressed shooting, with models tailored to each role.

FN 502 Specifications

Specification	FN 502 (MRD / Tactical)
Type	Semi-automatic rimfire pistol
Caliber	.22 Long Rifle (LR)
Action	Single Action Only (SAO), hammer-fired
Capacity	10+1 (MRD) / 15+1 (Tactical)
Barrel Length	4.0 inches (MRD) / 4.6 inches threaded (Tactical)
Overall Length	7.0 inches (MRD) / 7.6 inches (Tactical)
Height	5.4–5.8 inches
Width	1.4 inches
Weight (Unloaded)	22.5–23.7 ounces
Frame Material	Polymer (FN 509-inspired design)
Slide Material	Aircraft-grade aluminum and steel
Sights	Co-witness day sights (optics compatible)
Safety	Ambidextrous manual safety, internal safeties
Rail	Picatinny rail for lights/lasers
Manufacturer	FN Herstal (Belgium) / FN America (USA)
Year Introduced	2023

 

FN 502 Design & Build Quality

The FN 502 looks and feels like its centerfire sibling, the FN 509, but is chambered in rimfire. This was a deliberate decision—to give shooters an identical control layout, grip angle, and feel while significantly reducing cost per round.

Frame and Slide Construction

The polymer frame provides a solid yet lightweight feel, while the anodized aluminum slide ensures durability without adding excessive weight.

FN’s craftsmanship shows in the machined slide cuts, front and rear serrations, and the target-crowned barrel designed for accuracy.

Ergonomics and Grip

Borrowing directly from the 509’s frame design, the grip texture strikes a perfect balance between traction and comfort.

Shooters praise its natural point of aim, and the backstrap contour allows a solid purchase for both small and large hands.

Controls and Safety

The FN 502 features fully ambidextrous controls—slide stop, safety levers, and mag release—making it ideal for left- or right-handed users.

Its single-action-only trigger breaks around 4.5–5 lbs, offering a clean pull and short reset.

Optics & Accessory Compatibility

FN’s Low-Profile Optics Mounting System™ accepts popular micro red dots like the Holosun 407K, Shield RMSc, and Vortex Venom.

Both MRD and Tactical models feature co-witness day sights, and the Tactical adds a ½x28 threaded barrel for suppressor attachment.

The inclusion of a Picatinny rail under the dust cover supports lights and lasers, making the FN 502 a complete training tool or home-defense option in rimfire form.

FN 502 Variants & Model Differences

The FN 502 lineup includes two primary configurations, each designed for specific user needs:

• FN 502 MRD – Compact 4" barrel, optics-ready, 10-round magazine, ideal for range use or training.

• FN 502 Tactical – 4.6" threaded barrel, 15-round magazine, suppressor-ready, includes taller co-witness sights.

Comparison to Similar Rimfire Pistols

The FN 502 competes in a growing category of tactical-style .22 LR handguns. It’s often compared to:

• Taurus TX22 – More affordable, but lacks the same slide quality and optics system.

• Ruger Mark IV Tactical – Extremely accurate, though heavier and less similar to modern centerfire ergonomics.

• Walther P22 Q – Compact and lightweight, but doesn’t match the FN 502’s build quality or optics readiness.

The FN 502 stands out as a training companion for serious shooters who want their rimfire pistol to feel like their defensive firearm.

Performance

Accuracy

With a target-crowned barrel, stable sight picture, and crisp trigger, the FN 502 delivers 1.5–2-inch groups at 25 yards using quality ammunition like CCI Mini-Mags or Federal AutoMatch. Optics-ready models further tighten accuracy potential.

Recoil and Control

As expected from a rimfire pistol, recoil is virtually nonexistent. The slide cycles smoothly, and the low bore axis minimizes muzzle movement. Shooters describe it as “laser-like” in target transitions.

Reliability

In over 10,000-round community tests, the FN 502 demonstrated excellent reliability—particularly with high-velocity ammo.

Some users reported occasional stovepipes with lower-power rounds, but these are rare after break-in. The Tactical’s heavier slide manages suppressor use well, though expect more gas blowback when shooting suppressed.

Trigger Feel

The SAO trigger provides a clean, predictable break with a short, audible reset. It’s designed for both precision and speed, ranking favorably against the Taurus TX22 and outclassing most budget rimfire options.

Ammunition Compatibility

The FN 502 performs best with high-velocity .22 LR loads that generate consistent cycling energy.

Recommended Loads:

• CCI Mini-Mag 40gr CPRN – Best reliability and accuracy balance.

• Federal AutoMatch 40gr – Economical and consistent.

• Winchester Super-X 36gr HP – Reliable expansion for small-game or defense.

• CCI Standard Velocity 40gr – Excellent for suppressor use; minimal noise and recoil.

Notes:

• Subsonic loads may occasionally short-stroke unsuppressed.

• The pistol runs cleanly for roughly 300–400 rounds before requiring a wipe-down due to .22 LR’s dirty burn characteristics.

FNH 502 Use Case Suitability

Concealed Carry

While technically compact, the FN 502 is not intended for serious concealed carry due to its rimfire caliber.

However, it’s an excellent training analog for the FN 509 or other duty pistols—mirroring grip angle and control placement perfectly.

Home Defense

The FN 502 can serve in a backup or training role for home defense. The optics-ready capability, rail mount, and 15+1 capacity (Tactical) make it adaptable for low-light training and practice.

Competition and Training

This pistol shines as a training and rimfire competition gun. Its lightweight recoil and fast handling make it ideal for Steel Challenge, Rimfire Steel, and practical accuracy drills.

Outdoors and Recreation

The FN 502 is a fantastic plinker—accurate, quiet when suppressed, and easy for new shooters to handle. Its reliability with standard ammo also makes it useful for small pest control.

Best Holsters for FNH 502 Guns

A proper holster enhances both training and comfort. The models below fit the FN 502’s tactical frame. Alien Gear FNH 502 holsters are polymer (boltaron) made.

Belt Holster

Provides secure retention and fast access for open carry or range practice. Ideal for shooters who prefer an on-belt setup with a sturdy draw platform.

OWB Paddle Holster

Quick to attach and remove, this design balances retention and accessibility. The paddle configuration allows rapid holster changes during range or class sessions.

 

FN 502 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Optics-ready design with co-witness day sights.

• Threaded barrel (Tactical) for suppressor use.

• Excellent accuracy for a rimfire handgun.

• Fully ambidextrous controls.

• Great ergonomics modeled after FN 509.

• Reliable cycling with quality ammunition.

• Smooth, crisp single-action trigger.

• Low recoil—ideal for beginners and training.

Cons:

• High price compared to other .22 pistols.

• Occasional brass ejection toward shooter.

• Minor sight loosening under heavy use.

• Some gas blowback when suppressed.

• Subsonic ammo may cause inconsistent cycling.

Final Verdict

The FNH 502 is more than just a rimfire pistol—it’s a training-grade precision tool built with the same tactical DNA as FN’s centerfire lineup.

Whether you’re a new shooter learning fundamentals or a seasoned operator maintaining skills affordably, the FN 502 delivers premium ergonomics, reliability, and performance in a fun-to-shoot platform.

Its optics-ready slide, threaded barrel, and crisp trigger make it one of the most feature-complete .22 pistols on the market. While the higher price may deter casual plinkers, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who value build quality and training realism.

Best for:

• Serious shooters who own an FN 509 and want a matching trainer.

• New shooters wanting a low-recoil, feature-rich firearm.

• Tactical users looking for suppressed training options.