Gun Of The Week: FN Reflex XL MRD

We first saw the FN Reflex in 2023, and as FN America’s first micro-compact handgun, it came with a host of desirable features. It also became one of FN’s most affordable handgun models, as the company aggressively marketed itself to the growing group of armed citizens across America. To keep pace with the developing needs and interests of today’s handgun enthusiasts, in 2025, FN upsized the Reflex to an XL model, which offers a bit more capability while still remaining concealable. Watch our video above to see this larger version of FN's Reflex in use on the range.

Like the original Reflex, the FN Reflex XL is a polymer-frame handgun with a single-action, internal-hammer-fired operating system. This mechanism allows the Reflex platform to stand out in the market, because unlike most micro-compacts that are striker-fired, the hammer-fired Reflex offers a cleaner trigger pull. Other shared features between the two guns include a tritium-illuminated front sight for low-light use, an accessory rail on the frame’s dustcover and a reversible push-button magazine release. This XL model also shares the optics footprint located atop the slide for red dots with a Shield RMSc or Holosun 507k footprint.

However, the XL version takes the original Reflex dimensions and turns them up a notch. For starters, the grip frame is nearly a full inch longer than that on the original Reflex, and that means that this XL model can accommodate a 15-round flush-fit magazine. FN also provides an 18-round extended magazine with the Reflex XL. To put that into perspective, you’re getting the same capacity as a Glock 19 or even a Glock 17 in a handgun that’s still smaller, thinner and easier to carry.

Compared to the original Reflex, the barrel length of the XL is longer by half an inch, and that offers a bit more capability and velocity from your 9 mm Luger defensive loads. The lengthened slide also offers a bit more stability for folks who choose to stay with their iron sights versus mounting a red dot. Another notable change for the Reflex XL is the addition of interchangeable backstraps, accessories that were not available on the original Reflex design. Each gun ships with two backstraps, sized “small” and “large,” giving owners the ability to customize the grip fit for more comfortable, consistent placement.

When we hit the range with the original FN Reflex, we remarked at how shootable this little micro-compact really was, and we attributed that to the great ergonomics and texturing found on the grip frame. In the XL model, these elements were even more effective, making this one of the most comfortable-shooting carry guns on the market today. For those who appreciate the design elements of FN’s micro-compact and feel comfortable carrying a little bit more in exchange for a lot more capacity and capability, the FN Reflex XL is a must-try option.

FN Reflex XL Specifications
Manufacturer: FN America
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 3.8" cold-hammer-forged stainless steel
Frame: polymer; FDE finish
Slide: stainless steel; FDE finish
Magazine: 10-, 15-, or 18-round detachable box
Sights: steel, drift-adjustable, three-dot; tritium front, U-notch rear
Trigger: hammer-fired, 5-lb. pull
Overall Length: 6.75"
Height: 5.2"
Width: 1.08"
Weight: 20 ozs.
MSRP: $719