Design of the 5.7x28 mm FN began at FN Herstal, S.A., in the 1980s, when the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was in search of pistol ammunition with better performance than the 9 mm NATO.

FN 509 Standard, optics-ready MRD model or MRD-LE qualify for a $75.00 consumer rebate while a purchase of an FN 509 Edge Series™ or Tactical model qualifies for $100.00 consumer rebate.