When it comes to exploring the rugged terrain of America’s wilderness, I take preparation seriously. Whether it’s dense timber in Colorado or remote rivers in Alaska, the possibility of encountering wildlife is always on the horizon. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, I’ve learned that carrying a reliable defense pistol isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessity. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the FN 510 Tactical chambered in 10mm to the test during my elk hunting trip in Colorado as well as a salmon fishing adventure in Alaska. Here’s how it went.
My Journey to a Full Freezer
Every year we find ourselves looking at one big hunt that is going to stuff our freezers for the following year. In years past we’ve chased bison in South Dakota, cow elk in New Mexico, and caribou in Alaska. This year, we decided to double up on our trips. Our first adventure took us to Valdez, Alaska reeling in silver salmon. After that, we put boots on the ground in Colorado in search of Elk that would not only be worthy trophies but also allow us to feed our friends and family for months.
Part of the planning process for any hunt I go on is to determine the potential dangers I could encounter and how I plan to address them. As someone who has had run-ins with grizzlies in the past, I am hyper focused on the gear I bring for personal defense in the wild. This year, the FN 510 Tactical was my top pick to keep me safe.
Range Time
Before I left for Alaska, I traveled to the range to put the FN 510 Tactical through its paces. While I didn’t need to zero a red dot prior to my trip, I always try to get as much trigger time as possible with my defense pistols, new or not. I need to get the reps in to build my confidence that if I should need to draw down on a 600+ pound grizz or black bear, I won’t be fumbling with my pistol. Training is a no brainer, but there are plenty of hunters out there who only hit the range once a year to confirm zero. That just isn’t me.
Recoil Management
The 10mm is known for its above average recoil, but the FN 510 Tactical’s design mitigates much of it. The recoil was manageable, allowing for quick follow-up shots—a crucial aspect in defensive situations.
Trigger Performance
The trigger pull averages 6.5lbs. with a clean break and a tactile reset. It’s not a match-grade trigger, but it provides a consistent and reliable pull suitable for a defensive pistol.
Accuracy
At 25 yards, the pistol produced tight groupings. The combination of good sights, a reliable trigger, and ergonomic design contributed to the accuracy I obtained.
First Impressions of the FN 510 Tactical
Features at a Glance
- Caliber: 10mm Auto
- Operation: Striker-fired, double-action
- Barrel Length: 4.71″ cold hammer-forged, threaded barrel
- Magazine Capacity: 15 or 22 rounds; includes (1) 15-rd and (1) 22-rd magazine or (2) 10-rd magazines
- Sights: Tritium lamp steel dovetail sights, suppressor-height
- Optics Ready: Yes, with FN’s Low-Profile Optics Mounting System
that accommodates all major optics footprints - Frame: Polymer with enhanced grip texture and interchangeable backstraps
- Safety: Integrated trigger safety and passive firing pin safety
The FN 510 Tactical has a look all to itself which is immediately apparent when you first lay eyes on it. The grip texture is aggressive without being abrasive, which provided me with a firm hold even in wet conditions—a feature I appreciated during the wet conditions of the Alaskan coast and unexpected Colorado downpours we experienced.
Performance in the Field
Ergonomics and Handling
The pistol’s ergonomics are reminiscent of the FN 509 series but scaled to accommodate the heavier hitting 10mm round. The interchangeable backstraps allowed me to customize the grip to my hand size, which is crucial for me as I have above average meat hooks.
Capacity Matters
One standout feature for this application is the magazine capacity. With options for 15 or 22 rounds, the FN 510 Tactical offers one of the highest capacities available for a 10mm pistol. When you’re in bear country, having those extra rounds can make all the difference. You never hope to find yourself in a position to have to draw on a predator, but if you spend enough time in the outdoors you are not likely to escape at least one defensive situation.
A couple of years ago, while hunting mule deer in Wyoming, I experienced a bluff charge by a grizzly bear. It was dark, and we were on horseback, packing out my harvest. The bear emerged from the brush, charging to within 15 feet before retreating. What made this experience nightmare fuel was the fact that we had to use red headlamps while on horseback. Imagine a 600-pound grizzly bear charging you and all you can see is red glowing eyes as your bitter end draws near.
That experience solidified the need to always, no matter the situation, have a defense pistol with me in the wilderness which can take down the largest 4-legged threat in that area. The FN 510 Tactical, with its improved capacity and features, adds another layer of confidence should such an encounter happen again.
The FN 510 Tactical remained comfortably holstered on my hip throughout my adventures. The pistol’s weight was balanced, and it didn’t impede my movement through the varied terrain. I was able to harvest my largest elk bull to date and I did so with comfort knowing I had a capable pistol on my hip.
Optics Ready Slide
The pistol comes optics-ready, featuring FN’s Low-Profile Optics Mounting System. This allows for mounting a variety of red dot sights without adding significant bulk.
Suppressor-Ready Barrel
The threaded barrel is a welcome feature for those who wish to attach a suppressor or muzzle device. While not practical for bear defense, it’s a nice addition for range sessions or other applications.
Build Quality
The slide is machined stainless steel with a durable finish, capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. Front and rear cocking serrations provide a solid grip for slide manipulations, even with gloves or in wet conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Capacity: 15 or 22-round magazines offer exceptional capacity for a 10mm.
- Ergonomics: Comfortable grip with customizable backstraps.
- Optics Ready: Easy to mount a variety of red dot sights.
- Reliability: Performed flawlessly while at the range.
Cons
- Size and Weight: It’s a full-sized pistol, which might be cumbersome for some users.
- Recoil: While manageable, it may be difficult to manage for those unaccustomed to 10mm.
Final Thoughts
The FN 510 Tactical has earned its place in my pack out as a capable and comfortable wildlife defense pistol. Its combination of capacity, reliability, and ergonomics makes it well-suited for the unpredictable challenges of the wilderness. Whether you’re trekking through big timbers in search of elk or navigating the rivers of Alaska, this pistol offers the peace of mind that comes from being well-prepared.
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