FN's 509 Midsize MRD is a 9mm striker-fired pistol with a 4-inch barrel, a 7.4-inch overall length and a polymer frame that brings it to 26.8 ounces. This version has no manual thumb safety; the trigger carries the safety. The slide uses FN's Optics Mounting System, a set of plate adapters that lets it accept a range of miniature red dots, and fixed three-dot sights are fitted. The frame adds front slide serrations, a loaded chamber indicator, controls on both sides and a rail for a light. It ships with two 10-round magazines.

Those 10-round magazines are what make this a sensible Connecticut order: the pistol arrives at the dealer in a configuration that matches the capacity figure on this page, with nothing to swap. It covers both carry and home defense at a midsize footprint, and the backstraps let you fit the grip before the first range trip. There is no fixed waiting period; the dealer transfers once DESPP returns an authorization number.

Key features

• Striker-fired 9mm, 4-inch barrel, 26.8 ounces
• 10+1 capacity, two 10-round magazines
• FN Optics Mounting System with plate adapters
• Trigger safety, no manual safety
• Fixed 3-dot sights, accessory rail, loaded chamber indicator

Ships to a Connecticut FFL dealer, where you complete the transfer after the background check clears.