Firearm: FN Reflex XL MRD (MSRP: $719)
FN America made a pretty bold move with the release of its carry oriented Reflex in 2023, adding another handgun aimed squarely at the American concealed-carry market (after its single-stack FN503). It only took a short while before the Reflex grew into the pistol we have for today’s kit, the Reflex XL MRD. Slightly longer and with a bit more capacity, the XL version follows a growing trend in the concealed-handgun market of taking a micro-compact, double-stack 9 mm pistol and giving it just a little more.
That “little more” translates into an extra half-inch of barrel over the standard Reflex, for a barrel length of 3.8 inches. Overall length also increases about a half-inch, to 6.75 inches for the XL. Weight only increases 1.6 ounces to 20 ounces total, and the width increases by less than .1 inch. The only substantial change is in the height: The XL adds nearly an inch in height over the standard Reflex, coming in at 5.2 inches. This increase allows both a full, three-finger grip as well as an additional four rounds—the standard Reflex has 11 rounds in its flush-fit magazine, while the XL has 15.
It’s worth noting that the original Reflex comes in standard and MRD versions, but the Reflex XL is only available in the MRD – Micro Red Dot – variant. The optics cut is designed to work with both the RMSc and Holosun K-series footprint, and is best described as RMS-adjacent. Instead of having two or four posts corresponding to the K-series or RMSc footprints respectively, the MRD system on the Reflex XL has two raised posts for the screw holes to keep the optic in place, but no additional projections. Two sets of screws for those posts are included for optics of different depths.
The Reflex XL maintains the same internal-hammer-fired operation of its smaller sibling, along with a reversible magazine release, single-slot accessory rail and a high-visibility tritium front sight, to name just a few similarities. The addition of an “XL” version offers increased capacity and more grip to assist in shootability, at the possible expense of concealability. If carrying a slightly larger firearm than the Reflex isn’t a concern, FN’s new Reflex XL offers a bigger small pistol as another option.
Holster: Safariland IncogX (MSRP: $95.50)
To carry the Reflex XL MRD, we’ve opted for the excellent Safariland IncogX holster for today’s kit. Designed in conjunction with Travis Haley of Haley Strategic Partners, the IncogX is constructed specifically for concealed carry with a microfiber-suede-wrapped Boltaron body, polymer belt clips, strut shims to aid in concealment and a generous sight channel to accommodate taller front sights.
The IncogX is also quite modular: it’s constructed to facilitate carry in both the appendix position we have today as well as in the standard 4 o’clock strong-side location. The belt clips allow the holster to be covered by a tucked shirt for deep concealment, and there’s an optional magazine carrier that can be attached to the rig, sidecar-style, if a spare magazine is part of your kit. There are even IncogX holsters that can accommodate pistols with mounted weaponlights.
Accessory: Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3 red-dot sight (MSRP: $135.97)
Since the Reflex XL has the ability to accept a powered optic, we’ve chosen the Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3 red-dot sight to complete today’s gear. The Mini Shot A-Spec M3 is a minimalist sight with automatic brightness detection and a 3-MOA red dot adjustable for a total travel of 80 MOA elevation and 130 MOA windage. It comes with a polymer cover that should be placed over the sight when not in use to conserve battery and the sight is designed to power back on as soon as ambient light is detected.
The Mini Shot A-Spec M3 also comes with a low-profile Picatinny rail mount, should the sight be repurposed as a backup for a rifle with a magnified optic or for use on a shotgun. It’s rated for recoil up to that of .375 H&H Magnum, has an IP55 rating for water resistance and is shock resistant for drops up to 3 feet. MSRP is less than $150, so this is a great way to get into the powered optic game without spending more than the price of the gun on the sight.
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