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FN Reflex MRD vs. Glock 43X MOS: Do We Have A New Concealed Carry Champion?
The FN Reflex MRD was unveiled in mid-2023 and entered the ring to take the crown of the best subcompact pistol on the market. It faced stiff competition, though, with the Sig Sauer P365, Glock 43X MOS, and Smith and Wesson Shield Plus.
Many have chosen the 43X as their trusty carry companion. Source: reddit
However, the FN Reflex has its challenges. It’s competing against two of the most renowned names in the pistol-making industry and lacks aftermarket support, a significant disadvantage.
It’s a huge deal breaker for shooters who are getting into guns for the first time. Of course, aftermarket support is coming along, but nowhere near as close as the two giants of the pistol game.
But, stock for stock, how does the FN Reflex stack up against the competition?
That’s what we’re going to talk about here.
Size Comparison
It doesn’t take a genius to tell you that the FN Reflex is smaller than the Glock 43X. This can be good for concealment since the short overall size will keep printing to a minimum, thus making for a great summer carry (hint hint).
Size Comparison of the Glock 43X and FN Reflex. Source: handgunhero
But this can also be a problem for shooters with bigger hands. If you’ve ever shot the P365, you’d be right in the ballpark regarding size. Of course, FN has larger magazines that it can accommodate and give your fingers the extra real estate, but the grip is still short.
Again, that could be a good or bad thing. It all depends on what the shooter is looking for. If they want a summer carry small enough not to print in a thin shirt, the Reflex gives them that. But if they want a more comfortable grip, they may lean towards the 43X.
Barrel Length
The Glock 43X uses a 3.41-inch barrel, whereas the FN Reflex has a shorter 3.3-inch barrel. Why does that matter? How does it correlate to the shooter’s experience within that close of a length gap?
Honestly, it doesn’t.
FN is famous for its barrels, and the one in the Reflex is excellent. The Glock 43X barrel isn’t bad by any means and is sure to last longer than most shooters will ever shoot in their lifetime.
Which is more accurate? That all depends on you.
At this length, you can expect a more snappy recoil response from either pistol and some decent muzzle flash.
Don’t let barrel length deter you. When it comes to concealed carry pistols, many will have short barrel issues like extra felt recoil, snappiness, and unburnt powder.
Just the way it is.
Features
Features are among the most scrutinized parts of a pistol. Shooters want to have attachment options, and they don’t want to spend additional money just to add a sight or weapon-mounted light. Thankfully, the 43X MOS and the Reflex MRD both feature optic cut slides from the factory and accessory rails.
The Reflex is a great size for an IWB holster. Source: reddit
Where the Reflex is going to stand out is the trigger and sights. It’s not hard to beat Glock’s factory sights or trigger, but the Reflex’s are truly exceptional. The clean and crisp trigger is best-in-class, and FN went ahead and added a front night sight. Hard to complain about either of those upgrades!
Magazine Capacity
The Reflex offers a 15-round magazine that extends past the grip and fits in a way that makes larger hands more comfortable.
On the other side, Glock — well, it’s Glock. From the factory, you get a 10-round magazine with the 43X. That’s barely anything to write home about when you consider getting a 15-round magazine from the factory with the Reflex.
The 43X does have plenty of larger magazines available, but they are aftermarket or extended and not in a good way. The best option is Shield Arms’ 15-round magazine, but you have to change out the magazine catch if you want it to work reliably.
If you want more mag for the money, I would go with the FN Reflex.
Who’s The Winner?
This is the question we’ve all been waiting for. When you put the two side by side, which one is better? In my opinion, I’d go with the FN Reflex.
It’s easier to conceal, has a higher magazine capacity, a better trigger, and more appealing aesthetics. Yes, looks matter to me.
I would only use the FN Reflex with the 15-round magazine, though. That’s the only way I can get the best fit in my hands. This is different for some, but those with larger hands can understand.
Gotta give the W to the FN Reflex. Source: reddit
Conclusion
Comparing the Glock 43X and the FN Reflex is tough. Both are great pistols and shine bright for their own reasons, so choosing one over the other is not the easiest decision. In the end, it all comes down to which one offers more to suit your needs.
You really can’t go wrong with either one.
Be good and take care.
