FN Reflex
FN Herstal · Pistol · In Production · 2023
Also known as: Reflex, Reflex MRD
Overview
The FN Reflex is a micro-compact, 9x19mm Parabellum concealed-carry pistol introduced by FN America in 2023. It distinguishes itself from the striker-fired crowd that dominates the micro-9 class by using an internal hammer-fired, single-action-only (SAO) ignition system. FN's stated rationale is twofold: the internal-hammer SAO design yields a cleaner, lighter trigger pull (rated 4.5 to 5.5 pounds) while also producing a slide that is markedly easier to rack than typical striker guns, an important benefit for recoil- and grip-strength-sensitive shooters. The pistol measures 6.2 inches overall with a 3.3-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel featuring a recessed target crown and polished chamber and feed ramp, stands 4.27 inches tall, and is just one inch wide at the slide. Empty weight is 18.4 ounces (about 522g). It ships with an 11-round flush magazine and a 15-round extended magazine, and a 10-round option is offered for restricted markets. Standard sights are a high-visibility three-dot setup with a tritium front insert ringed in orange. The Reflex incorporates multiple redundant safeties. An optics-ready variant, the Reflex MRD, adds a milled slide for direct-mount micro red dot optics.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 522 g (18.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 157 mm (6.18") |
| Barrel Length | 84 mm (3.31") |
| Height | 108 mm (4.25") |
| Width | 25 mm (0.98") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 11 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 340 m/s (1115 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 431 J (318 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Internal Hammer Block, Trigger Safety, Drop Safety, Multiple Redundant Safeties
- Features: Internal Hammer Fired, Single Action Only, Micro Compact, Slim 1 Inch Slide, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Recessed Target Crown, Tritium Front Sight, 3 Dot Iron Sights, Reversible Mag Release, Flat Faced Trigger, Easy Rack Slide, Extended Magazine Option
Variants
- FN Reflex MRD — Optics Ready
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2023
Production
Production years: 2023-present
Manufactured by FN America in Columbia, South Carolina
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
MSRP at launch was approximately $614. The defining feature is the internal hammer-fired single-action-only (SAO) action, rare among micro-compact 9mm pistols which are overwhelmingly striker-fired; FN markets this as delivering a better trigger and an easier-to-rack slide. Capacity is 11+1 with the flush magazine or 15+1 with the extended magazine; a 10-round flush magazine is available for capacity-restricted states. The Reflex MRD variant is optics-ready with a milled slide. Width is just 1 inch at the slide. Trigger pull rated 4.5-5.5 lb (approximately 20-24 N).
Background
FN bucked the micro-9 orthodoxy with the Reflex: while nearly every competing pocket 9mm is striker-fired, the Reflex hides an internal hammer for a single-action-only trigger, a choice FN says yields both a crisper trigger break and a slide light enough for weaker hands to rack with ease.