FN 510 MRD 10mm 4.1-inch FDE Striker-Fired Pistol

About this product

The FN 510 MRD is a full-size, striker-fired pistol chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge, designed from the ground up for optic-ready duty, wilderness carry, and high-volume defensive training. It's built to manage the power of the 10mm round with a 4.1-inch crowned barrel and a Flat Dark Earth polymer frame. This isn't a converted .45 or 9mm platform; it's a purpose-built system that recognizes the 10mm's specific demands on the slide, frame, and magazine body.

What is the FN 510 MRD 10mm used for?

The FN 510 MRD serves as a formidable all-terrain handgun for shooters who need terminal performance beyond 9mm, whether for backcountry defense, duty carry, or high-intensity competition. Its 4.1-inch barrel delivers a practical balance of velocity and concealability, while the MRD-ready slide allows for immediate mounting of popular optics like Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C patterns. With a total weight of 31 ounces, it has enough heft to mitigate heavy 10mm loads without becoming burdensome during long wears.

How does the FN 510 MRD compare to the Glock 20?

The FN 510 MRD offers superior out-of-the-box refinement and a more modern feature set for the 10mm shooter compared to a stock Glock 20. Its optic cut is milled directly into the slide steel, avoiding the need for adapter plates required by many aftermarket Glock MOS solutions, and its trigger breaks at a crisp 4.5 pounds versus the Glock's 5.5-pound standard. The Glock 20 holds its edge for aftermarket support and sheer parts commonality, making it the better choice for a builder or tinkerer, while the FN 510 is the definitive tool for someone who wants a 10mm that's ready for serious use without immediate modification.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The FN 510 MRD weighs 31 ounces unloaded and its overall length is 7.7 inches. The 4.1-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides a sight radius conducive to effective iron sight use, while the polymer frame keeps the unloaded weight manageable for all-day carry. With a slide width of 1.4 inches, it's compatible with standard holsters designed for other full-size duty pistols, reducing the barrier to adoption for shooters familiar with platforms like the FN 509 series.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not a viable option for the budget-conscious or the first-time shooter intimidated by cartridge power and price. The 10mm Auto round is significantly more expensive to feed than 9mm—expect to pay $0.65 to over $1.00 per round for defensive and full-power loads. If your primary use is home defense within drywall environments or you want a low-recoil platform for hundreds of practice rounds per month, consider a quality 9mm like the Stevens 334 rifle chambered in .308 or a dedicated shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge for more appropriate applications.

What's in the box?

The FN 510 MRD ships with two 15-round magazines, a premium soft case, a cleaning brush, and two interchangeable grip backstraps. The magazines are the critical component—they are proprietary, steel-bodied, and feature witness holes, reflecting FN's understanding of the 10mm's pressure curve and the need for reliable spring tension. The inclusion of the second backstrap allows a shooter to adjust the circumference substantially, accommodating medium to large-sized hands.

Is the FN 510 MRD worth it at $819?

At $819, the FN 510 MRD justifies its price for the shooter who values a turn-key, duty-grade 10mm pistol from a manufacturer with direct military-contract experience. It delivers performance that would cost over $1,100 to replicate by starting with a Glock 20 and adding a professional slide cut, suppressor-height sights, and a refined trigger. For generalist shooters or those who prioritize ammo cost above cartridge capability, this specialized tool's value proposition will not hold. For a different form of long-range capability at a similar price point, consult our review on the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win.