Fabrique Nationale’s history with handguns goes back 125 years to the Browning-designed Model 1900. Today FN, through FN America, offers an entire lineup of modern handguns, from rimfires to the latest incarnation of the classic High Power, including models for the civilian concealed-carry market. For that particular market, they are following the industry trend of “stretching” a micro-compact pistol into a slightly larger size with their new-for-2025 FN Reflex XL MRD.
The Reflex XL takes the original FN Reflex and gives it a longer barrel/increased sight radius and a longer grip/additional capacity. Image courtesy of FN America.
The Reflex XL is based on the original FN Reflex introduced in 2023. It is a polymer-frame, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger that is fired by a single-action, internal hammer system. Other features shared with the standard Relex include a reversible magazine release, proprietary accessory rail on the dust cover and a front sight with a tritium insert. As an “MRD” model, the Reflex XL is optics ready, with its slide cut accepting optics with a Shield RMSc or Holosun 507k footprint.
As an MRD model, the Reflex XL has a slide cut that accommodates optics with a Shield RMSc or Holosun 507k footprint. Image courtesy of FN America.
The “XL” in the name comes from FN taking the dimensions of the Reflex and increasing them slightly. Overal length grows half an inch to 6.75” and the cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel is also 0.5” longer at 3.8”. Height increases almost a full inch to 5.2”. Extra grip height translates to increased round count, with the capacity of the Reflex XL growing by four cartridges to 15-rounds with a flush-fit magazine. An extended 18-round magazine is also supplied with each pistol and they can be had with two 10-round magazines for those who live in areas with capacity restrictions. Width stays the same at exactly one inch. Weight increases 1.6 ozs. for a total of 20 ozs.
In addition to a flush-fit 15-round magazine, the Reflex also comes with an extended 18-round magazine (pictured). Image courtesy of FN America.
The resulting dimensions are what FN calls “optimized for shootability while remaining concealable.” Two interchangeable backstraps, in “large” and “small” sizes, allow the owner to customize the shape of the grip to their hand size. Finish options are all black or flat dark earth (FDE). Unlike the standard Reflex, the Reflex XL is not currently offered with a manual external safety.
The Reflex XL is available in a black or flat dark earth (FDE) finish (pictured). Image courtesy of FN America.
The FN Reflex XL MRD has an MSRP of $719. For more information, see the company’s website.
