New For 2025: FN Reflex XL

by
posted on January 26, 2025

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.

Angled right-side view of the all-black FN Reflex XL.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.

A Holosun EPS Carry red-dot sight atop the FN Reflex XL's slide.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. 

Right side view of the black FN Reflex XL with an extended magazine.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.

Left side view of the FDE-finished FN Reflex XL.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.

Latest

NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, Atlanta
NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, Atlanta

The Rifleman Report: New Developments

Our official coverage of new products for the current year is set for next month, but we included two substantial new developments in this issue that have the potential to make significant ripples in the firearm business even before then.

Arkansas To Begin Mandatory Gun Safety Lessons In Schools

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law requiring public and open enrollment public charter schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction beginning during the 2025-2026 school year.

Adams Arms Set To Relaunch

Alexandria Pro-Fab, a contract machine shop based in Minnesota, announced that it has purchased the assets of Adams Arms, along with all of the company’s intellectual property, and it plans to relaunch the company in the second quarter of 2025.

I Have This Old Gun: Bayard Auto Pistol

The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.”

The Armed Citizen® March 31, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New For 2025: Benelli USA Nova 3 Tactical

This latest update to Benelli’s pump-action shotgun gives users a few upgrades over previous generations, making the new NOVA 3 the most exciting pump-gun yet to come from the Italian maker.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.