FN REFLEX

Published on February 8, 2024
Duration: 23:48

This review of the FN Reflex micro-compact pistol compares it to the Springfield Hellcat and Sig Sauer P365, highlighting its hammer-fired action as a key differentiator. While praising its excellent trigger and sights, the review notes potential issues with magazine release consistency and premature slide lock, raising concerns for its suitability as a primary concealed carry firearm at this stage.

Quick Summary

The FN Reflex distinguishes itself in the micro-compact 9mm market as a hammer-fired pistol, unlike the striker-fired Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat. It offers a crisp, light trigger pull averaging around 4 pounds and good sights. However, potential issues with premature slide lock and a sticky magazine release raise concerns for its immediate suitability as a primary concealed carry firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:29Introduction: FN Reflex Range Time
  2. 00:39FN Enters Micro-Compact 9mm Market
  3. 01:05Comparing FN Reflex to Competition (Hellcat, P365)
  4. 02:31Distinctive Feature: Hammer-Fired Action
  5. 03:51No Striker Plate: The Hammer-Fired Difference
  6. 04:45Magazine Capacity: Standard and Extended
  7. 05:02First Shots with the FN Reflex
  8. 05:53Trigger Pull Measurement (Lyman Gauge)
  9. 06:41Single Action Only Operation
  10. 06:52Extended Magazine Grip
  11. 07:15Hammer-Fired vs. Striker-Fired
  12. 09:0612-Yard Target Shooting (Federal 115gr)
  13. 10:03Observed Stoppage: Premature Slide Lock
  14. 10:42Context: Springfield Hellcat Group Comparison
  15. 13:18Comparison: Sig Sauer P365 Shooting
  16. 15:00Holster Compatibility Issues
  17. 15:48Magazine Compatibility (P365 & Hellcat)
  18. 16:54What the Reviewer Likes: Trigger & Sights
  19. 17:23Recoil Comparison (Reflex vs. P365)
  20. 18:03Potential Break-in Issue or Magazine Problem
  21. 18:10Magazine Release Button Grittiness
  22. 18:36Overall Impressions: 50/50 on the Reflex
  23. 19:13Hammer-Fired Action Praised
  24. 19:49Concerns: Magazine Release & Stoppages
  25. 21:28Readiness for Concealed Carry Questioned
  26. 22:11Performance Concerns: Malfunctions & Magazine Release
  27. 22:45Conclusion: Good for Range, Not Yet for Carry

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the FN Reflex different from its competitors like the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat?

The primary difference is that the FN Reflex is a hammer-fired pistol with an internal hammer, whereas the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat are striker-fired. This hammer-fired design contributes to a very crisp and light trigger pull, averaging around 4 pounds.

What are the reported reliability issues with the FN Reflex?

The reviewer experienced premature slide lock on several occasions, potentially due to magazine follower issues. Additionally, the magazine release button was noted to be intermittently sticky, gritty, and difficult to operate consistently, raising concerns for emergency reloads.

How does the FN Reflex compare in size to the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat?

The FN Reflex is very similar in size to its main competitors. It's slightly longer than the Sig P365 and the Springfield Hellcat, with the P365 being the shortest and the Hellcat falling in between. Height-wise, the Reflex appears to be in the middle of the three.

What is the trigger pull weight and feel of the FN Reflex?

The trigger pull on the FN Reflex is consistently light and crisp, averaging around 4 pounds. Measurements showed pulls between 3 lbs 13.8 oz and 3 lbs 15.4 oz. It's described as a single-action only trigger with no noticeable overtravel or spongy take-up.

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