FN America
FN America brings Belgian military engineering to the civilian market, and the pedigree is unmistakable. The FN SCAR has served special operations forces worldwide. The Five-seveN pistol fires a bottle-necked 5.7x28mm cartridge developed for NATO. The FN 509 competes at the top of the duty-pistol market. These aren’t firearms designed around marketing—they’re purpose-built weapons adapted for civilian ownership. Impact Guns carries the full FN America lineup including the SCAR 17S, 509 series, Five-seveN, and FN 15 rifles.
Read our full FN America Buying Guide ↓
FN SCAR—Special Operations Battle Rifle
The SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) was developed for U.S. SOCOM and has seen extensive combat deployment. The civilian SCAR 17S in 7.62x51mm (.308 Winchester) is the most sought-after version, offering a short-stroke piston operating system, folding adjustable stock, free-float rail system, and match-grade accuracy in a package that cycles reliably under any condition. The SCAR 16S in 5.56 NATO is the lighter companion. Both feature fully ambidextrous controls, side-folding stocks for compact storage, and a fit and finish that reflects genuine military contract standards. The SCAR 17S is one of the most capable semi-automatic rifles available to civilians.
FN 509—Duty Pistol Series
The FN 509 was developed as part of the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System trials and emerged with a platform that’s earned strong respect in the duty-pistol market. The 509 Midsize MRD (Miniature Red Dot) features a factory-optics-ready slide, 15+1 capacity in a compact frame, and FN’s cold hammer-forged barrel. The 509 Tactical adds a threaded barrel and raised suppressor-height sights for suppressor use. The 509 Compact Logic is purpose-built for concealed carry with a slim profile and 10- or 12-round magazines. All 509 variants share FN’s military manufacturing standards—the same that produce pistols issued to law enforcement agencies across the country.
FN Five-seveN—The 5.7x28mm Pistol
The Five-seveN is one of the most distinctive pistols in the world, firing the bottlenecked 5.7x28mm cartridge developed alongside FN’s P90 submachine gun. The 5.7x28mm round is notable for its high velocity (2,000+ fps from the Five-seveN’s 4.8-inch barrel), flat trajectory, and low recoil despite its penetrating capability. The Five-seveN holds 20+1 rounds in a pistol that weighs just 1.6 pounds loaded. Available in standard and Tactical configurations, the Five-seveN has a devoted following among shooters who appreciate its unique ballistics and high capacity. It pairs naturally with the FN P90/PS90 carbine for a matched caliber system.
FN 15—Military-Spec AR-15
The FN 15 series are FN’s civilian AR-15 rifles, built to the same manufacturing standards as the M16A4 and M4A1 rifles FN produces under military contract. The FN 15 Military Collector M4 replicates the M4A1’s specifications as closely as civilian law allows. The FN 15 Tactical and Patrol variants offer configured options for duty and sport use. FN’s cold hammer-forged barrels on the FN 15 are the same specification as military production—a genuine differentiator from most civilian AR-15 manufacturers. For buyers who want the closest thing to a real M4 in a semi-automatic configuration, the FN 15 is the answer.
FN PS90—The Bullpup Carbine
The PS90 is the civilian semi-automatic version of FN’s P90 personal defense weapon, chambered in 5.7x28mm with a 50-round translucent top-mounted magazine. The bullpup design places the action behind the trigger for a compact overall length despite a 16.04-inch barrel. The PS90 pairs with the Five-seveN pistol as a matched caliber system—one of the few pistol/carbine combos where both firearms are purpose-designed around the same cartridge. It’s a niche product, but for 5.7 enthusiasts and those who want something genuinely unique, the PS90 is unlike anything else on the market.
Where to Go Next
FN SCAR fans can explore the dedicated FN SCAR 17S page for more detail. For 5.7x28mm ammunition to feed your Five-seveN or PS90, visit our 5.7x28mm ammo page. For broader rifle comparisons, see our Rifles category.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FN America known for?
FN America (Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre) is a Belgian-American firearms manufacturer best known for supplying the US military — the M4/M16 rifle, M249 SAW, and M240 machine gun are all FN products. In the civilian market, FN is known for the FN Five-seveN pistol, FN 509 duty pistol, FN SCAR rifle series, and FN PS90. Their Columbia, South Carolina plant manufactures for both military and civilian markets.
Is the FN 509 a good pistol?
The FN 509 is an excellent duty and carry pistol — it won the US Army's MHS evaluation before the Army ultimately selected the Sig P320 on logistical grounds. The 509's low-profile optics-ready slide, 17+1 capacity, and ambidextrous controls make it a strong choice for duty and home defense use. The 509 Compact and 509 Midsize variants cover the carry segment.
What is the difference between the FN SCAR 16S and SCAR 17S?
The SCAR 16S is chambered in 5.56 NATO — a direct AR-15 competitor on a short-stroke piston platform. The SCAR 17S is chambered in 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Win) — a battle rifle configuration for longer-range applications. Both use the same folding stock and controls. The 17S is the more popular of the two in the civilian market due to its .308 performance advantage over an AR-15.
Does Impact Guns carry FN America firearms?
Yes. Impact Guns carries FN pistols and rifles at our Ogden and Boise stores and ships to FFL dealers nationwide — including the FN 509, FN Five-seveN, and FN SCAR series. See our FN 509 and FN SCAR 17S pages for model-specific guides.