The FN Reflex XL MRD (Reflex XL) 9mm is the poster child of design evolution. FN’s Reflex XL traces its heritage in the FN family tree back to the FN 509 Tactical.  The FN 509 Tactical spawned from FN’s experience with the US Army handgun trials. Continuing down the path from the FN 509 you find the FN FNS introduced back in 2012. The striker-fired FNS was a departure from other FN handguns such as the FNX and FNP series, which are hammer-fired designs.    

The Reflex XL returns to the hammer-fired methodology—albeit internal.  FN engineers took their experience with the Five-seveN and applied it to the Reflex XL.  The hammer is internal, not hanging off the back of the slide, moving within a slot in the frame/slide. The hammer-fired dividend was two-fold.  The Reflex XL’s frame is only an inch wide, and less strength is required from the user to rack the slide.   

The FN has sought the ideal blend of carry ability and performance with the Reflex XL.  The Reflex XL increases the effectiveness of a compact concealed carry handgun beyond what most thought capable, especially when a red dot is also mounted.    

Reflex XL — More Is Better!

A quick survey of the compact 9mm market would offer proof of an arms race among manufacturers in terms of capacity.  I label it “magazine wars.” What do I mean by this? 

Sub-compact models that originally arrived with 10 rounds or less capacity are now sporting magazines stuffed with 15-plus rounds.  Yes, this results in slightly increased grip length, however the thin profile of an inch or less is maintained.  A thin profile is one of the most important concealed carry considerations in terms of comfort, especially with IWB.   

There will be naysayers decrying that the FN Reflex XL has lost its way considering the 15-rd flush fitting magazine and oh my goodness the 18-rd magazines!  Maintaining a 3.8-inch barrel and 20-ounce weight helps to temper this.  

I would offer that if pure sub-compact was the mission, then pick another handgun that will fit your pocket with less capacity and footprint.  FN is not going to shy away from competing in the marketplace or apologize for improving or enhancing its designs albeit existing ones or weapons on the drawing board because of critics complaining of too much change.  The quest for “better” will not be held back for the sake of convenience.  

Open Your Eyes With the Reflex XL

A firearm concept that has remained constant, or stagnant if taking a harsher tone, is handgun sights.  The earliest muzzle-loading pistols feature sights that we can recognize today.  Yes, modern open sights are more refined, but the basic form is the same—align the front post with a rear notch.  This is now changing with the increasing popularity of installing miniature red dot sights (MRD) instead of the traditional iron open sights for everyday personal defense weapons, law enforcement, and military weapons.  

The FN MRD concept seeks to answer how best to enhance the handgun.  The solution arrived at was the same as most had already opted for with their rifles; add a red dot sight.  The Reflex XL arrives with an optics-ready slide compatible with micro red dot optics that share the Shield RMSc or Holosun 507K footprint.  A Vortex Defender-CCW red dot was mounted on the FN Reflex XL for this test.  

Don’t fret if you haven’t joined the red dot revolution.  High-visibility tritium front night sight with orange-painted ring paired with all-black, squared U-notch rear sights arrive installed on the Reflex XL.

Details & Features That Are Beyond Standard

The FN Reflex XL arrives with one 15-round magazine and one 18-rounder. Well done front and rear serrations ensure solid purchase when manipulating the slide.  Remember, the decision to go hammer-fired already reduces the amount of force required to manually manipulate the slide.  Both points are growing in importance as different shooters join the ranks of concealed carry practitioners.  

The Reflex XL’s 3.8-inch cold hammer forged 1:10RH barrel has a polished chamber/feed ramp on one end and a recessed target crown on the other. The polymer frame features a slimline accessory rail patterned compatible with SureFire XSC and Streamlight TLR-sub flashlight. FN Reflex XL ergonomic updates include the grip, which includes interchangeable backstraps, a new palm swell, an enhanced trigger guard undercut, and an extended beavertail. 

The pistol disassembles quickly by locking the slide open and rotating the takedown lever downward on the frame freeing the slide from the frame.  There are no tool marks evident and no lateral play in the slides fit to the frame or barrel to slide.  The barrel locks up tight when in battery.  

It operates via a slightly modified Browning’s locked breech short-recoil method with a single locking lug milled above the barrel’s chamber.  The front contour of the barrel lug cam slot has been cut square to direct counter-recoiling forces up and forward into the barrel itself to reduce stress on the lug. 

The Reflex XL’s slide mass and shape engineered to aid in increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire.  A low bore axis relative to the shooter’s hand allows for a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapid rounds are fired.  

Drills & More

Considering the FN Reflex XL MRD’s design intent as an everyday carry (EDC) handgun, it was decided to evaluate by working around vehicles, breaching facades, door entries, and other CQB activities.  Echo Valley Training Center’s onsite Hesco Shoot House and 360 Range were ideal test locations.  Various scenarios engaging targets from behind cover or on the move were utilized. 

 The natural point ability of the Reflex XL comes into its own in this realm with the Vortex Defender red dot doing its part as well.  The Vortex Defender’s rectangular lens offers a superior field of view compared to other red dot options.  The Defender’s minimal frame “disappears” when focusing on the target with the red dot. The red dot was “there” and seamlessly located at the first draw.  This is a compliment to FN choosing a direct mount method versus plates allowing the red dot to sit as low as possible on the slide.   

Magazine change drills were done for the dual purpose of getting a feel of manipulating FN Reflex XL and making sure the Vortex red dot was seamlessly picked up after reloading and back on target.  Red dot handgunners can do as nature intends for them to do — focus on the threat/target.  Both eyes open is a must when working with a red dot.  The red dot will be there.  

Moreover, because the use of a red dot is far easier than two separate protruding pieces of steel, users find they can take accurate shots beyond what was considered realistic with iron sights, especially with a compact handgun with a short iron sight radius.  Hitting man-sized steel at 75 yards is very possible with the FN Reflex XL Vortex combo.    

Sending Lead Downrange

A variety of 9mm loads were tested including Federal Syntech & HST, Hornady XTP, and Black Hills Ammunition JHP.   An ammunition can featuring a smorgasbord of random brands and types was also utilized.  Loads fired spanned 115 to 147 grain with hollow points and FMJ bullet types utilized.   Significantly, no malfunctions were experienced while test firing over 300 rounds.  

The FN Reflex XL MRD equipped with Vortex Defender red dot came into its own for precise fire at any range desired by placing the dot on the target and applying correct trigger control.  The FN Reflex XL regularly produced jagged groups at 12 yards with bullet holes touching.  The progress FN has made with the FN Reflex XL’s trigger compared to earlier models mentioned at the beginning of this article is refreshing.  Trigger pull measured 4.5 pounds.

Final Thoughts On the Reflex XL

The FN Reflex XL MRD’s ergonomics and handling characteristics were appreciated.   The grip frame with enhanced texturing and overall balance of the handgun minimized felt recoil. The key point with the FN Reflex XL is that it is eminently adaptable to individual carry needs thanks to ammunition capacity and ability to mount a red dot.  The FN Reflex XL MRD arrives ready to go right out of the box.  Kudos to FN for including the right features for maximizing performance.  

The FN Reflex XL MRD will be recognized as an amalgamation of positive features found in its FN predecessors as well as many innovative tweaks.  The FN Reflex XL benefits from lessons learned with a manufacturer intimately familiar with quality weapon production and how to tastefully improve upon a platform.  

FN Reflex XL MRD Specifications