I just bought mine, FDE. Slimness and weight are important to me, I prefer this grip to the Shield. My FNX-9 pointed me to the 503, and I am a S&W fan as well. I will take a single stack over a double for my daily, here in FL I wear light suits to work. Also, peeps are yacking about capacity. Train, and train some more… Remember, every bullet fired has a lawyer attached to it.
@@igorg.8624 I carry mine everyday in a Desantis Tuck II, very comfortable. The recoil is so manageable my wife stepped up from the .380, she now has her own 503. My only complaint is, they are not the easiest to take down. Especially when new, they are so tight.
The problem with being a gun enthusiast or arm chair warrior we are always looking for a sharper sword despite the fact our current sword has never landed a deadly strike. Truly, what real improvements could be made in a firearm of this size with so many offerings already available. I think many of us just buy because we can't help ourselves, women have shoes and real men have guns and one for one our hobby's are vastly more expensive.
Some will probably be offended but truth is you nailed it. Personally I try to avoid the capacity discussion because it devolves into an endless loop. I don’t disagree that in some scenarios more capacity is better but since retiring from the military I find now days I just need a solidly reliable carry gun. The subcompact market is litterly hit or miss. I have a Walter PPS M2 I trust as well as my HKVP9SK but with a much smaller form-factor and I need to put a lot of rounds through them before I trust them. Specifically, I’m talking about my Sig P938. Nice size but I don’t trust it.
It's a solid pistol and I'm glad FN released this for FN fans who want a small pistol for conceal carry. The grip texture is great, size is great for conceal carry, and it will probably snag less due to the design (which I personally never really had with any pistols but many so care about that). I do think it's a little overpriced for what you get ($450 last time I saw it at a gun store), but you're paying for FN quality and the brand. I never fired it but I'm assuming it's great given FN's track record. I'm an HK fanboy and I would love a variant of the VP9 in this size (and a Glock 19 size or a high capacity microcompact size as a matter of fact). Do I wish the FN 503 came with a 10 round flush fit capacity? Obviously yes, but these tiny single stack still has a place in today's market. When I was working at Scheels the past 2 summers before school started again, these types of pistols (Glock 43, Ruger LC9s/Pro, M&P Shield, Walther PPS M2, APX Carry, SCCY CPX, ect) sold way more over the microcompacts simply because of their price or new gun owners don't care about more capacity. To gun guys like us we obviously want more capacity in the smallest package and are willing to pay more for it, but many casual gun owners don't care.
@@bblwarrantydepartment981 that's how I feel as well but many others have disagreed with me. They've used the P365 SAS and all the internal hammer revolvers as examples when I argued with a few people about this before.
Like my 503 that I recently bought from Academy for less than $300.00...too good of a deal to pass up and I've got other pistols for concealment even in light shorts( Florida). Very accurate and easy to conceal. Nice trigger.
I was checking out all the You Tube Channels regarding this firearm. I bought it yesterday (used/barely) and took it to the range to try it out today. I was not a Happy Camper. I had 8 rounds in the magazine and loaded one in the pipe. First shot was accurate, second shot never happened. Click. 5 out of 6 attempts with 8+1 failed. It did work every time with just a full magazine. Whenever it had 9 rounds, the 2nd shot failed. I originally wanted to buy a Sig 365 and I will be returning this and getting the Sig as I originally intended. I did switch out the ammo and it still failed to fire. Monday morning back to the dealer.
Why come out with the old single-stack 9mm design when inexpensive "stack and a half" pistols like the Sig P364, Hellcat, etc are available with higher capacity? I'm guessing this will be a poor seller.
Great pistol, everybody crying about capacity, where do you live ? Ukraine? Some liberal democrat gun free zone, defund the police shit hole ? Down here in republican, pro- gun Florida, it's plenty.
This video helps me to think about additional variables when talking about self defense and concealed carry. I might not exactly go for the 503 but being comfortable with your piece is top priority so I would have to consider it based on that alone!!
Yes, FN makes good stuff, but in this case WHY? 6 or 8 capacity? ... I've got a Ruger LC9s that only weighs 17oz., and standard cap. is 7rds, and there's a 9rd mag available. Today you can get the EC9s for about $275. It's the same but with integral sights. This FN makes no sense.
I think im finna get one im lookkng for a subcompact 9 and this one looks more concealable then the 43x and the sig 365 especially when you dont want to holster it but just want to put it in you zip up joggers and take a stroll through the park just waiting 4 the alligators 2 run up on you wrong way
Was not a fan of this pistol when I held in-hand at my local shop. I did not fire it, but with the other options I have in small 9MM pistols, I just couldn’t justify the price for this one. I love FN’s products, and my 509T is an EXCELLENT pistol, but I do feel they missed the mark and are behind the 8-ball when it comes to the micro-9 market. Great review nonetheless!!
I'm having issues with my fn 503 not feeding properly. It will sometimes chamber a round and then spit one out with the magazine still in position. So when I take the magazine out a round will fall out of the handle of the gun. I'm apprehensive to shoot it because I don't want to damage the gun or have any accidents. Any advice would be great
@@marvinstanley1515 after playing with mine for the past few days I've come to the conclusion the fn 503 has a terrible magazine design. The part of the magazine that holds the bullet in place at the top of the mag is too small and doesn't have enough gripping the round keeping it in the magazine. You take the magazine out of the gun and shake it hard enough an round will pop out and fly across the room. None of my Glocks, taurus, smith and Wessons or keltecs or anything I've ever had has had this issue.
FN failed with this pistol. It would make no sense to buy this. My P365X holds 12+1 with the flush mags and with the extended it's 15+1. Capacity is probably the most important thing following reliability.
How is capacity more important than reliability? Your gun could have the highest capacity, but if it isn't reliable, it's worthless. So your comment makes no sense
@@BOB-wx3fq Explain the active shooter at the mall in Indiana where Elijah Dicken fired 10 shots and had 8 hits to take down the one shooter. If he had the 503 the shooter would've still been alive and shooting people. Often times there are more than one attacker that you need to defend yourself against. Watch Active Self Protection and see how many rounds it takes to stop most of the suspects. It's almost never just a couple.
I just bought mine, FDE. Slimness and weight are important to me, I prefer this grip to the Shield. My FNX-9 pointed me to the 503, and I am a S&W fan as well. I will take a single stack over a double for my daily, here in FL I wear light suits to work. Also, peeps are yacking about capacity. Train, and train some more… Remember, every bullet fired has a lawyer attached to it.
I'm thinking of picking up a 503 for concealed carry (IWB appendix). How do you like this model so far.
@@igorg.8624 I carry mine everyday in a Desantis Tuck II, very comfortable. The recoil is so manageable my wife stepped up from the .380, she now has her own 503. My only complaint is, they are not the easiest to take down. Especially when new, they are so tight.
I just got it and took it back. Holding it was like squeezing razor blades in my hand. Way too aggressive.
@@NeverComplyEver that’s too bad.
@@igorg.8624 I carry in my front pocket with a Desantis pocket holster...503.
The problem with being a gun enthusiast or arm chair warrior we are always looking for a sharper sword despite the fact our current sword has never landed a deadly strike. Truly, what real improvements could be made in a firearm of this size with so many offerings already available. I think many of us just buy because we can't help ourselves, women have shoes and real men have guns and one for one our hobby's are vastly more expensive.
Some will probably be offended but truth is you nailed it. Personally I try to avoid the capacity discussion because it devolves into an endless loop. I don’t disagree that in some scenarios more capacity is better but since retiring from the military I find now days I just need a solidly reliable carry gun. The subcompact market is litterly hit or miss. I have a Walter PPS M2 I trust as well as my HKVP9SK but with a much smaller form-factor and I need to put a lot of rounds through them before I trust them. Specifically, I’m talking about my Sig P938. Nice size but I don’t trust it.
I just bought this for $299. What a steal.
@@d3cd3c20 at Academy? I’ve tried today and last week, but it shows out of stock.
@@ghostface1417 yes. I just checked, I’m showing it as available.
@@ghostface1417 you have to pick it up though.
It's a solid pistol and I'm glad FN released this for FN fans who want a small pistol for conceal carry. The grip texture is great, size is great for conceal carry, and it will probably snag less due to the design (which I personally never really had with any pistols but many so care about that). I do think it's a little overpriced for what you get ($450 last time I saw it at a gun store), but you're paying for FN quality and the brand. I never fired it but I'm assuming it's great given FN's track record. I'm an HK fanboy and I would love a variant of the VP9 in this size (and a Glock 19 size or a high capacity microcompact size as a matter of fact). Do I wish the FN 503 came with a 10 round flush fit capacity? Obviously yes, but these tiny single stack still has a place in today's market. When I was working at Scheels the past 2 summers before school started again, these types of pistols (Glock 43, Ruger LC9s/Pro, M&P Shield, Walther PPS M2, APX Carry, SCCY CPX, ect) sold way more over the microcompacts simply because of their price or new gun owners don't care about more capacity. To gun guys like us we obviously want more capacity in the smallest package and are willing to pay more for it, but many casual gun owners don't care.
Snagging is a non existent issue
@@bblwarrantydepartment981 that's how I feel as well but many others have disagreed with me. They've used the P365 SAS and all the internal hammer revolvers as examples when I argued with a few people about this before.
Like my 503 that I recently bought from Academy for less than $300.00...too good of a deal to pass up and I've got other pistols for concealment even in light shorts( Florida). Very accurate and easy to conceal. Nice trigger.
Great combo- sticky holster and the 503. Great review
Everyone that was able to obtain a 503 for around 300, you made a great investment. I haven't seen one for under 450 yet.
I was checking out all the You Tube Channels regarding this firearm. I bought it yesterday (used/barely) and took it to the range to try it out today. I was not a Happy Camper. I had 8 rounds in the magazine and loaded one in the pipe. First shot was accurate, second shot never happened. Click. 5 out of 6 attempts with 8+1 failed. It did work every time with just a full magazine. Whenever it had 9 rounds, the 2nd shot failed. I originally wanted to buy a Sig 365 and I will be returning this and getting the Sig as I originally intended. I did switch out the ammo and it still failed to fire. Monday morning back to the dealer.
Did you get 2 magazine releases with your 503? I currently have the one in the video installed, but came with one that looks smaller.
Why come out with the old single-stack 9mm design when inexpensive "stack and a half" pistols like the Sig P364, Hellcat, etc are available with higher capacity? I'm guessing this will be a poor seller.
Just came to say the same thing. I'm confused on it all.
P364 and AR 13s are my favorite too haha
@@alexstrings I also like the Walther ??$ and SW Force Field. They have been doing it longer and for less.
Great pistol, everybody crying about capacity, where do you live ? Ukraine? Some liberal democrat gun free zone, defund the police shit hole ? Down here in republican, pro- gun Florida, it's plenty.
This video helps me to think about additional variables when talking about self defense and concealed carry. I might not exactly go for the 503 but being comfortable with your piece is top priority so I would have to consider it based on that alone!!
That's my carry gun
Great video. That looks like an SA XD-s.
Picking one up. Had the Beretta Apex and didn’t care for it
Its 299 at academy I bought one hopefully not to disappoint
I’m wondering if I should gamble on it for the price I’m seriously considering
I got one for 300 as well 😁
You will be disappointed. I got a refund as soon as it came to the store and I got to hold it.
Enjoyable gun forsure he's tweaking on some statements but nice video .
I cant find the sticky holster for my 503 can anyone help ?
Yes, FN makes good stuff, but in this case WHY? 6 or 8 capacity? ... I've got a Ruger LC9s that only weighs 17oz., and standard cap. is 7rds, and there's a 9rd mag available. Today you can get the EC9s for about $275. It's the same but with integral sights. This FN makes no sense.
I think im finna get one im lookkng for a subcompact 9 and this one looks more concealable then the 43x and the sig 365 especially when you dont want to holster it but just want to put it in you zip up joggers and take a stroll through the park just waiting 4 the alligators 2 run up on you wrong way
You finna miss shooting sideways
Was not a fan of this pistol when I held in-hand at my local shop. I did not fire it, but with the other options I have in small 9MM pistols, I just couldn’t justify the price for this one. I love FN’s products, and my 509T is an EXCELLENT pistol, but I do feel they missed the mark and are behind the 8-ball when it comes to the micro-9 market. Great review nonetheless!!
I'm having issues with my fn 503 not feeding properly. It will sometimes chamber a round and then spit one out with the magazine still in position. So when I take the magazine out a round will fall out of the handle of the gun. I'm apprehensive to shoot it because I don't want to damage the gun or have any accidents. Any advice would be great
I have the same problem 😢
@@marvinstanley1515 after playing with mine for the past few days I've come to the conclusion the fn 503 has a terrible magazine design. The part of the magazine that holds the bullet in place at the top of the mag is too small and doesn't have enough gripping the round keeping it in the magazine. You take the magazine out of the gun and shake it hard enough an round will pop out and fly across the room. None of my Glocks, taurus, smith and Wessons or keltecs or anything I've ever had has had this issue.
For $299 it’s a good glove box gun for me.
Thanks for not letting the slide slam home on an empty chamber. Avoid excessive dry firing an FN without a snap cap.
Dry firing does nothing to center fire guns
@@blackcatgats I never worry about dry fire on striker guns. Now rimfire is different.
Nah I think this was a swing and miss from FN, especially in such a crowded market with so many better options
I can't imagine getting this over say something like the p365. I wonder why Beretta and FN are releasing this now.
The pew pew
FN failed with this pistol. It would make no sense to buy this. My P365X holds 12+1 with the flush mags and with the extended it's 15+1. Capacity is probably the most important thing following reliability.
How is capacity more important than reliability? Your gun could have the highest capacity, but if it isn't reliable, it's worthless. So your comment makes no sense
@@FJB1776 You obviously can't read.
I would say concealability would be second.. if you look at stats most gun fights really don't call for more than a couple rounds
On sale 299 academy sports
@@BOB-wx3fq Explain the active shooter at the mall in Indiana where Elijah Dicken fired 10 shots and had 8 hits to take down the one shooter. If he had the 503 the shooter would've still been alive and shooting people. Often times there are more than one attacker that you need to defend yourself against. Watch Active Self Protection and see how many rounds it takes to stop most of the suspects. It's almost never just a couple.
FN looks good but Glock 43 is the best !
Walther PPS M2 FTW