The FN 503 is a semi-automatic pistol with a hammerless mechanism, feed for a standard magazine with six 9x19 mm Parabellum rounds. The kit also includes an extended eight-round version with a grip extension. The magazines are single stack to keep the width of FN 503 as small as possible.
The manufacturer focused on the greatest streamlining of the gun, without any unnecessary protruding elements that could get caught on clothing when being drawn. Here it should be assumed that, due to its dimensions, the 503 will be carried in holsters designed for pockets. While FN has achieved its goal for the most part, the relatively large and strongly protruding slide stop, placed in a classic way, on the right side of the weapon, seem odd.
THe FN 503 is equipped with low-profile steel iron sights, compatible with the 509 model. They are mounted on the slide with classic ribbing in the back, facilitating reloading. Just behind the ejection port, on the top of the 503, a firing chamber status indicator was place. The polymer frame of the gun has been stripped of an accessory rail for attaching the flashlight. A rounded trigger guard protects the steel trigger with a built-in safety. Again, the enlarged slide stop seems out of place. The front and back of the grip have been covered with ribs for increased grip, the sides have been textured with a stippling like pattern.
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The weight of an unloaded FN 503 with a 6-round magazine is 595 g. The width of the slide is 23 mm, the total width is 28 mm (the slide stop is to blame), the barrel length is 78 mm and the overall length is 150 mm. The height is 117 mm. Trigger mechanism resistance is from 2.3 to 3.2 kg. Interestingly, the barrel was crowned for increased accuracy, and the breach and chamber were polished to improve reliability. In addition to the magazines, a lock and a manual are supplied with the FN 503, all in a textile cover with a zipper. The whole was priced at 549 USD.
