The world of concealed carry pistols is constantly evolving, with manufacturers striving to create firearms that are both compact and reliable. FN America has recently thrown its hat into the ring with the FN Reflex XL MRD, a micro-compact, hammer-fired pistol designed specifically for those who prioritize discreet carry. This new model builds upon the foundation laid by the original FN Reflex, released in 2023, taking its strengths, and enhancing them for an even better concealed carry experience.

The FN Reflex XL MRD differentiates itself through several key improvements. A longer barrel and an extended grip are the most immediately noticeable changes, contributing to enhanced handling and improved accuracy. These modifications, however, don't come at the cost of concealability. The pistol maintains a slim profile, ensuring it remains comfortable and easily hidden, a crucial factor for everyday carry.

One of the most significant upgrades of the Reflex XL MRD is its optics-ready slide. This feature allows users to mount popular red dot sights, such as the Shield RMSc and Holosun 507K, directly onto the pistol. The ability to customize with preferred optics significantly improves target acquisition speed and overall shooting accuracy, giving users a distinct advantage. Complementing the optics-ready slide are high-visibility iron sights, including a tritium front night sight for low-light conditions and a blacked-out U-notch rear sight for quick target alignment.

FN America has focused on optimizing the Reflex XL MRD for shootability. The company says the internal hammer-fired operation provides a smooth, consistent 5-pound trigger pull, making the pistol comfortable and manageable to shoot. The easy-to-rack slide is another thoughtful design choice, ensuring the pistol is user-friendly and reliable, even for individuals new to concealed carry. This focus on ease of use makes the Reflex XL MRD accessible to a wider range of shooters.

The Reflex XL MRD comes with two interchangeable backstraps, allowing users to tailor the grip to their individual hand size and preferences. Furthermore, the addition of a palm swell, an enhanced trigger guard undercut, and an extended beavertail all contribute to improved grip comfort and better recoil control.

Chambered in the popular 9mm cartridge, the FN Reflex XL MRD offers a platform for concealed carry. It boasts a magazine capacity of 10, 15, or 18 rounds, giving users options to balance capacity with concealability. The pistol weighs in at a manageable 20 ounces, and with a 3.8-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.75 inches, it strikes a good balance between size and performance. The slim profile, measuring just 1.08 inches in width, further enhances its suitability for concealed carry.

Durability is a critical consideration for any firearm, especially one intended for everyday carry. The FN Reflex XL MRD addresses this with a cold hammer-forged barrel. Known for its exceptional longevity and accuracy, this type of barrel ensures the pistol can withstand the rigors of regular use and maintain its performance over time, providing users with a reliable tool for self-defense.

The FN Reflex XL MRD is available in both classic black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes, allowing users to select the aesthetic that best suits their personal taste. The standard 15-round magazine strikes a balance between capacity and manageability, aiding in recoil control and making the pistol easier to handle while still maintaining dimensions suitable for concealed carry. This thoughtful design consideration caters to the practical needs of concealed carriers.

With a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $719.00, the FN Reflex XL MRD positions itself competitively within the concealed carry market. This price point, combined with the pistol's impressive features, performance, and focus on ergonomics, makes it a compelling option for those seeking a dependable and easily concealable 9mm pistol.