Which FN Reflex Pistol Is Right for You?

I’ve been shooting the FN Reflex pistol on and off for over a year now. I did a  first impressions review of FN’s inaugural entry into the micro-compact category and have found it to be impeccably reliable and quite easy to shoot – even for newbies. Over the last year, FN has slowly updated the platform to include optics-ready versions as well as versions featuring a manual safety – the most hotly requested feature after the Reflex’s initial release. FN was generous enough to send out both an original no-manual safety variant, as well as one of the new manual safety variants for a head-to-head review. Today I’ll share some of my thoughts about them and give you guys some of my reasoning about which one makes a better carry pistol. 

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• FN’s New Micro Compact Pistol: The FN Reflex

Which FN Reflex Pistol Is Right for You?

Specifications and Features

Just as a quick refresher, the FN Reflex is a micro-compact 9mm handgun designed primarily for concealed carry and personal defense duties. Its main claim to fame is that it uses a single-action internal hammer system instead of the typical striker-fired system found on a majority of 9mm micro-compact pistols. The intention here is to give the user a crisp, short trigger pull in a modern CCW package. Both Reflex variants share identical dimensions, weigh around 18.4 ounces unloaded, and feed from 11-round flush-fit (11+1) or 15-round extended (15+1) magazines. However, they differ in their slide cuts (for optics) and external manual safety features.

Fundamental Differences Between the Two Variants

The MRD version of the Reflex features a slide cut for mounting micro red dot sights, which is a pretty common inclusion on most micro-compact pistols these days. The iron sights on this model are the same height as the non-optics version. However, the optics cut is deep enough and sits low enough that you have at least a partial co-witness with most red dots on the market – especially since many come with rear irons themselves these days. Right out of the box, it is compatible with Shield RMSc, Holosun K-pattern optics, the SIG RomeoZERO, and Swampfox’s Sentinel micro red dot optics. All of these optics will mount directly to the slide without the need for a wasteful and convoluted plate system. This version, like the original, doesn’t have a frame-mounted manual safety, relying solely on the pistol’s internal safeties for secure operation in addition to the hinged trigger safety mechanism.

By contrast, the non-MRD Reflex is a traditional iron-sight-only pistol and ships with a frame-mounted thumb safety that I feel is way too stiff and small. To its credit, it’s highly unlikely that the ambidextrous manual safety will get caught on anything during a hasty draw. It also might be a better fit for those of you who are reeling at the thought of carrying a single-action firearm cocked and locked without a manual safety. With an average pull of around 3.5 lbs, I can understand the mindset of having the extra peace of mind that manual safety brings to the carry aspect of the firearm even if it’s a bit stiff. Aside from optic readiness and the manual safety feature, both pistols share the same compact footprint, trigger geometry, holster pattern, and capacity.

Which Reflex Do I Like?

After a solid month of routine range trips, I’ve found that even though it’s somewhat annoying to operate, the version featuring the manual safety and no-optics would still be my preferred choice were I to permanently put a reflex into my carry routine. Even after a month of shooting and 500+ rounds through each firearm, the safety is still extremely difficult to activate with your thumb or index finger and almost always requires that you completely break your grip to use your support hand to activate the safety. However, the reverse is true when it comes to the draw. While the safety still makes a tactical and audible click when deactivating, it’s not so loose as to feel ineffective while also not being anywhere near as stiff as trying to put it into safe.

The MRD without the safety in contrast is much more pleasant to shoot at the range. Although not everyone likes red dot optics on their handguns, they’re a major advantage in the repeatable accuracy department, especially for those who are starting to see a degradation in their eyesight as they get older. The MRD comes with all of the plates and hardware you’ll need to mount virtually any red dot optic on it. You can also opt for a version with a manual safety as well, which is how I would probably order a Reflex pistol if I were to own one myself. The only real downside to the optics-ready version in my opinion is the slightly higher asking price for the option to mount a red dot – something companies are doing less and less for micro-compact pistols.

While I’d rather nix the safety altogether and have the version with a micro red dot mounted to it, if it were a choice between these two pistols, I would probably opt for the one with the manual safety, even if it means sacrificing the red dot capabilities. I am just personally not comfortable carrying such a light single-action trigger inside of my waistband, especially when the Reflex’s trigger safety is 80% of the trigger shoe itself. Since the deactivation of the safety is not an issue, using it in an emergency would still be viable and since you’ll be carrying the gun a lot more than you’ll be shooting it, I conclude that it’s the only logical option for me. Another logical consideration you might want to make is that if you do opt to get a red dot equipped Reflex – the footprint can quickly balloon in size when combined with the extended 15-round magazines and a weapon light.

Which FN Reflex Pistol Is Right for You?

Deciding between the variants of the reflex is primarily going to hinge on your preference for your level of safety, as well as what you plan on doing with your Reflex the most. If you’re more interested in just having the Reflex around to shoot at the range then it’s a much easier sell without the manual safety. Bolder shooters looking for the simplest possible draw-and-fire sequence may favor the MRD no-safety version, however. Based on people’s reactions to the initial release of the Reflex without a manual safety, I think anyone who values or is accustomed to external safeties—particularly those transitioning from a 1911-style or other safety-equipped platform—will gravitate toward a non-MRD or MRD model with a manual safety over one without a manual safety simply because of the light single-action trigger.