Adam Scepaniak 08.02.23
With regards to hid carry it’s a fiery debate that can by no means be extinguished. For many years we thought snub-nosed revolvers have been the reply. Then, we moved onto single-stack .380 Auto pistols just like the Ruger LCP, Kel-Tec P3AT, and Smith & Wesson Bodyguard. Subsequent, got here single-stack 9mm pistols just like the Smith & Wesson Defend, FN 503, and Ruger LC9. The journey of growth continued till the firearm business shattered our notion of what we thought was conceivable for carry with a wholly new class: micro-compacts. Pistols that boasted staggered-round magazines versus conventional double-stack for a uniquely small footprint with excessive capability. The SIG Sauer P365 started this micro-compact race and was shortly eclipsed by Springfield Armory and their Hellcat. Now, FN has entered the gauntlet with a handgun that trumpets extra options and magnificence than each of its direct opponents. It’s early since its introduction, however FN kicked the door in and is prompting the query already: Is the FN Reflex MRD 9mm the perfect micro-compact available on the market? Is it the brand new king of hid carry? We’re going to sort out these questions on this evaluation and allow you to resolve. Let’s dive in!
FN Protection on AllOutdoor
Specs – FN Reflex MRD 9mm
The FN Reflex MRD, and customary providing of the Reflex, are awkwardly shut in dimensions, capability, and look to its opponents as a result of they’re all racing in direction of an analogous finish aim. Additionally, you possibly can solely make a handgun so small that’s touting 9mm and nonetheless capabilities correctly. That being mentioned, the FN Reflex MRD 9mm nonetheless carries its personal distinctive aesthetic and curb enchantment. For individuals who have an interest, you will get that Peanut Butter drip (technically Flat Darkish Earth, however that’s semantics) just like the Reflex MRD we’re reviewing right here or Black. You can too go for a sans optic prepared model as nicely for those who don’t desire a micro optic and a less expensive worth level (customary $599 versus MRD $659). All the specs for the FN Reflex MRD we’re particularly reviewing might be learn beneath as introduced by FN:
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Operation: Inner Hammer Fired SAO (Single-Motion Solely)
- Journal Capability: 11+1 and 15+1 Spherical Magazines (or two 10 Spherical Magazines in restrictive states)
- Weight: 18.4 Oz
- Barrel Size: 3.3″
- General Size: 6.2″
- Twist Fee: 1 in 10″ Proper-Hand
- Top: 4.27″
- Width: 1″
- Set off Pull: 4.5 – 5.5 Lb
- Sight Radius: 5.05″
Between 2 colours, MRD (micro pink dot), customary (non-MRD), excessive capability, and journal units for restrictive states, there are 8 totally different decisions of the Reflex shooters and hid carry advocates can choose from. The MRD choices retail for $659 whereas the usual Reflex goes for $599.
- Major Options
- Max-capacity micro-compact perfected for concealment
- Optics Prepared
- Greatest-in-Class Set off
- Superior ergonomics for management and shootability
- Hammer-forged barrel
- Slide
- Slide minimize for Defend RMSc and Holosun Ok-series. Included screws make it straightforward to mount many MRD’s
- 1-inch width for consolation and concealment
- Simple grip entrance and rear slide cuts
- Low slide racking drive
- Three-dot iron sights; entrance night time sight with tritium insert and excessive visibility orange circle aids in low mild sight acquisition
- Lengthy-wearing PVD end
- Barrel
- Chilly hammer-forged, target-crowned for accuracy
- Polished chamber and ramp guarantee feed reliability
One of the curious options in regards to the FN Reflex MRD is that it’s not a striker-fired handgun. Most all of its opponents are and that’s the place FN elements methods. They’ve a single-action solely (SAO), inner hammer-fired set off mechanism. That’s the reason you’ll discover in photographs the again plate of the slide is easy, clear, and can’t be eliminated. This ingenious set off design additionally permits the Reflex to have a significantly better set off than different micro-compacts available on the market. As an alternative of working via a double-action, striker-fired mechanism the FN Reflex MRD may give us a significantly better feeling set off with a lighter pull weight.
- Body
- Inner hammer-fired SAO set off
- Clean 5-lb set off pull
- In-mold stippled grip
- Reversible journal launch
- Slim line rail mount for sub compact lights
- Magazines
- Simple-to-load magazines
- 11-rd journal with pinky and flush-fit base pads
- 15-rd journal extends body for a full-hand grip
The FN Reflex MRD is a exactly correct pistol for on a regular basis carry and perfected for deep concealment. With an inner hammer and a number of redundant safeties, the set off is the smoothest, most refined fireplace management in an FN carry pistol. Stacking tight teams heading in the right direction with match-grade accuracy is instinctive, with shootabilty besting all weapons in its class.
15- and 11-round magazines safe 26+1 rounds on the prepared, with a skinny profile that received’t print beneath cowl clothes. A multi-faceted grip texture delivers extra management at velocity whereas a slim, 1-inch slide provides all-day carry consolation.
Subject Use – FN Reflex MRD 9mm
On paper the FN Reflex seems to be like a winner, however how does it shoot?… I introduced it out to the vary together with my buddy, Alex – navy veteran, pastor, father, arms aficionado. To get the get together began, we mounted my equally new Vortex Optics Defender CCW micro pink dot. That optic has a Defend footprint so I might direct mount it proper on prime of the FN Reflex MRD slide; no adapter plates required.
The Reflex MRD slide is minimize for Defend RMSc and Holosun Ok-series micro optics which is shortly turning into an business customary footprint and I’m glad that FN is on board. Inside 1 or 2 magazines we have been capable of sight within the handgun so we might get to operating drills and testing the salt of this new carry pistol.
With two of us having fun with ventilating a number of targets down vary, we shortly acquired an honest spherical rely via this pistol inside an hour. My ammo can of 9mm rounds is just like the wardrobe closet that leads into Narnia – its a whole and utter thriller what’s in there. Nonetheless, the FN Reflex MRD devoured up the entire random ammunition we had in retailer for it like a champ. No failures occurred in any respect.
With the prolonged 15 spherical journal we had nice command and management of the pistol having the ability to name our photographs and supply ballistic consideration to no matter wanted addressing. The flush-fit 11 spherical journal is admittedly quick, however all flush-fit mags for carry pistols are usually one finger wanting an ideal grip. Usually, all of my vary enjoyable and follow is with the prolonged mags and the quick mags are for higher hid carry. I’d deal with the FN Reflex MRD the very same approach.
The texturing on the Reflex is aggressive on the perimeters and extra spaced-out/refined on the entrance and rear. Each Alex and I agreed that the aggressive stippling felt nice and afforded us higher dexterity whereas the extra refined texturing on the entrance and rear straps felt a bit slick. General, the mix of the 2 labored as a result of with a excessive spherical rely for each of us we had an ample grip.
Whereas we by no means added a light-weight to the FN Reflex MRD for this evaluation, I admire that FN has a normal Picatinny rail minimize on this pistol and never an arbitrary one which does not match lights and equipment. If this pistol makes it into my gun secure a light-weight will most positively be added. One other trait I appreciated are the slide serrations FN machined into their slide. To be blunt, some slide serrations suck and you may’t do press checks or adequately grip your slide for weapon manipulations. The Reflex however has FN-ing good slide serrations (see what we did there).
After a strong weight loss program of unknown 9mm rounds from my Narnia ammo can, a pair hours of capturing, and plenty of time dry-firing from my workplace desk whereas my canines blankly stared and watched, this pistol not solely survived, however thrived within the face of all of my exams.
Closing Ideas – FN Reflex MRD 9mm
So, what are my closing ideas on the FN Reflex MRD 9mm?… Is that this the brand new king of hid carry? To chop to the chase, if its not the king, it creates a sound argument. What it does higher than its opponents are a number of issues:
- Normal Picatinny Rail (that is extraordinarily frequent; not arbitrary)
- Defend Footprint for Micro Optics (that is extraordinarily frequent; not arbitrary)
- Hammer-Fired SAO Set off (most all opponents use a heavier double-action, striker-fired set off)
- Intelligently-Designed Slide Serrations (you possibly can grip ’em really)
- A number of Journal Sizes, Peanut Butter Drip, Correct, Entrance Evening Sight
I already personal a lot of carry weapons, however the FN Reflex – even being so carefully much like its opponents – units itself aside and forces me to deliberate whether or not I ought to promote a type of different pistols and bag this. At an MSRP of $599 – $659 relying on the model you decide, the FN Reflex is a winner; particularly the Reflex MRD.
In closing, I wish to say thanks to FN for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their FN Reflex MRD 9mm. That’s vastly appreciated. Additionally, we want to know what all of you guys and gals assume? Do you consider that the FN Reflex MRD 9mm is one thing value spending your cash on? Would you deploy one for hid carry? Take it searching? Shoot a league with it? As at all times, tell us your entire ideas within the Feedback beneath! We at all times admire your suggestions.
