In February 2023, FN entered the micro-compact 9mm market with the original Reflex, a single-action, internal‑hammer-fired pistol lauded for its crisp 5-pound trigger, light slide charge effort, and slim 1-inch width. With premium quality and features like a cold hammer-forged barrel, 10+1 round capacity, extended magazine options, ergonomic design, and an optics-ready MRD model, the Reflex quickly became a hot seller for FN. This is what we thought we were reviewing; however, the brand new FN Reflex XL MRD arrived at our FFL for review instead.
Even though the size and concealability of the Reflex format sold well, buyers wanted an upsized compact option with high capacity that preserved the super slim profile. Cue the 2025 FN Reflex XL MRD. A carefully engineered micro-compact that lengthens barrel and grip just enough — without surrendering extreme concealability. Launched officially at the January 2025 SHOT Show, the XL MRD expanded capacity and improved ergonomics and shootability.
Listening to the Market and Evolving
Proliferation of micro-compact 9mm pistols like the SIG P365 spawned a race to miniaturize 9mm CCW pistols, but there were trade-offs. Generally these super-thin mini-compacts are a bit punishing and not fun to shoot, and they typically lack the control of the compact standards like Glock 19-sized formats. The format indeed did trade off a lot in the race for concealability. The market wanted a thin, full-capacity gun that delivered both concealability, control and shootability. Packing this capacity into a micro-compact format has been challenging. The majority of competitors like the Ruger Max-9, Sig 365XL and Glock 48 only pack 10- to 12-round capacity, and many of these competitors are dimensionally larger as well. FN’s Reflex XL MRD is sitting competitively in a unique position, delivering a flush-fit 15-round magazine and 1-inch width that only the Springfield Hellcat Pro’s features match. Even the single-stack Glock G43 is still 1.06 inches wide. Only the unique KelTec PR57 offers anything slimmer with more capacity.
Internal Hammer vs. Striker Fired
FN’s Reflex 9mm remains unique in a market dominated by striker-fired guns. Its internal hammer design, concealed within the slide, enables a crisp trigger without the heavier spring demands and mushy trigger feels of striker systems. From a testing perspective, this is an exceptional trigger that definitely supports a higher level of accuracy, confidence and control — a feat many micro-compact striker-fired competitors struggle with. In this size of firearm, the shooter needs as many ergonomic and trigger control advantages as possible, and the Reflex XL delivers that. A smoother pull and surprisingly easier slide manipulation set it apart.
The very light slide cocking effort is going to sell this model to new and lower-hand-strength shooters — with a recent shoulder injury, I appreciated it as well. Another simplified function and improved safety feature is that the take-down process only requires a slide lock back and take-down switch flip without a trigger pull. I would rank the Reflex MRD very high on ease of manipulation and disassembly.
Ergonomic Refinements
FN equipped the XL with ergonomic improvements, such as two interchangeable backstraps to satisfy small/medium and large hands, a new palm swell, aggressive undercut trigger guard, and an extended beavertail. The enhancements improve grip and recoil control significantly regardless of hand size, especially for extended range use. It also features an accessory rail compatible with Glock 43X MOS lights and holsters. I actually enjoyed range testing this gun far longer than I thought my hands and patience would manage. Paired with the ergonomics and outstanding trigger, FN has delivered a micro-compact that is fun, controllable, accurate and easy to shoot for extended periods. A single range testing day pushed beyond the 300-round mark — I was still comfortable and simply ran out of ammo.
Size and Capacity Boost
The XL adds just half an inch to both barrel length and grip height dimensions, creating more space for a full-fisted grip and better recoil management. Typically micro-compacts are not guns for large hands; however, the large backstrap does provide a comfortable option. It also upgrades the capacity from the original’s 10+1 to a flush 15+1 or an extended 18+1, making it one of the highest-capacity compacts in its class.
Optics-Ready Slide (MRD), Upgraded Sights and Additional Features
The MRD variant comes pre-cut for popular micro red dots (Shield RMSc/Holosun 507K footprint) with an included cover plate. The slide includes forward and rear serrations for easy manipulation, paired with rugged front tritium night sight (orange-ringed front, U-notch rear). Controls are well-positioned and intuitive, including a reversible magazine release. Fit and finish of FN’s cold hammer-forged barrel was excellent, delivering reduced fouling during our testing, even with range-quality ammo.
Range Performance and Ergonomics
The Reflex XL MRD strikes a balance between compact concealability and manageable shooting that delivers full-sized comfort for extended range sessions. Recoil was extremely soft for a gun this weight and size, and the gun did not deliver the flippy recoil like most micro-compacts. The longer barrel and grip reduce felt recoil and allow for full-hand control, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate than with other micro-compacts.
I experienced very impressive accuracy thanks to the longer sight radius and crisp, predictable 4.6-pound single-action-only trigger (according to my Timney Trigger Gauge). Hornady TAP ammunition delivered 15-yard 1.5-inch 16-round groups. Based on this performance, it could easily fill the duty of a lightweight crossover trail gun.
After testing, shooting and carrying the gun for almost a month, I can say the Reflex XL delivers everything I could want — full capacity, ultra-slim profile, and all-day comfort for my high-noon appendix carry position. Though there are not many holsters available, the G43 Falco leather holster conformed enough to work perfectly, since the Reflex XL is approximately the same size as a marginally thinner Glock G43. The Reflex XL format really is phenomenal to shoot and carry, and the Reflex helped me realize we have a clear market gap of capacity and slim micro-compacts. As a hard-core Glockophile, I have to give applause-level credit for a format that is innovative and delivers something that still delivers full-sized control with ultra-slim CCW comfort and concealability.
The FN Reflex XL MRD isn’t just a bigger version of the Reflex — it’s the result of thoughtful design evolution. FN listened to shooters and addressed the pain points of the micro-compact craze, offering a true hybrid pistol that balances size, control, optics capability and modern carry capacity. Its carry-friendly size and confidence-boosting shootability make it a top-tier EDC option.
FN Reflex XL MRD Specifications
● Caliber: 9 mm Luger
● System: Internal hammer-fired, single-action-only
● Barrel: 3.8-inch cold hammer-forged stainless, recessed crown
● Overall Length: 6.75 inches
● Height: 5.2 inches
● Width: 1.08 inches
● Weight (unloaded): 20 ounces
● Trigger Pull: ~4.5–5.5 pounds
● Magazine Capacity: 10, 15 (flush), 18 (extended) +1
● Sight Radius: 5.55 inches
● Sights: Tritium night sights – front (orange ring), U-notch rear
● Optic Footprint: Shield RMSc / Holosun 507K
● Rail: Glock 43X MOS-compatible accessory rail
● Backstraps: Interchangeable (small and large)
● Safeties: Internal passive (firing pin block, trigger safety)
● MSRP: $719
