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As I mentioned before, last summer I decided to switch to a micro-compact pistol for my everyday carry (EDC). I ended up with Springfield Hellcat Pro and the Sig Sauer P365 X Marco. This year a buddy of mine bought the FN Reflex XL. While the Reflex series was introduced in April 2023, the XL version was released this year and introduced at the 2025 shot show.

Now I am familiar with Springfield and the Sig Sauer line ups as I have a few of each. But FN America is new to me, so I was excited when he allowed me to shoot his new prize. As I was with the Hellcat and X-Macro, I was pleasantly surprised with the Reflex XL. This pistol is VERY nice. Although the Reflex is like the other Micro compacts it was easier to shoot and felt good in my hands. Let’s go over them.

Details First

Overall, the FN Reflex XL is slightly larger than the other two but the size difference between these micro-compacts are minimal. In my hands they feel very similar to each other.

All three are 9mm pistols. The Hellcat and the X-Macro are striker-Fired but the Reflex has an Single Action Only (SAO) internal hammer. The average shooter may not notice the difference between a striker-fired pistol and one with an internal hammer, but there is a difference that we will discuss later.

Dimensions

Description	Reflex XL MRD	Hellcat Pro	P365 X Marco
Barrel	3.8 in	3.7 in	3.7 in
Length	6.75 in	6.6 in	6.6 in
Height	5.2 in	4.8 in	5.2 in
Width	1.1	1 in	1.1 in
Weight	21.5 oz	21 oz	21.5 oz
MRSP*	$719	$649	$699

Capacity

All three of these micro carry pistols utilize a double-stack magazine design, allowing for impressive capacity in a micro compact pistol. Compared to the single-stack micro pistols of the past, these designs strike a balance between firepower and concealability.

The Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro and the Springfield Hellcat Pro both come with a 17+1 round capacity, offering full-size handgun capacity in a micro compact footprint. The FN Reflex XL has the highest capacity of the three, with an 18+1 round magazine. While the larger magazine maximizes firepower, it does impact concealability, making it more challenging. The Reflex XL also comes with a 15-round magazine, which sits flush with the grip and makes it more practical for concealed carry.

One key factor to consider is how the magazine length affects grip comfort and control. The longer magazines, like the 17-round in the X-Macro and Hellcat Pro, as well as the 18-round in the Reflex XL, offer a more secure grip, making the pistol easier to control during rapid fire.

While capacity is important, it ultimately comes down to the user’s priorities. If maximum firepower is the goal, the Reflex XL with its 18-round magazine is a strong contender. If a balance between concealability and capacity is preferred, the X-Macro and Hellcat Pro both offer a compelling option with their 17-round magazines.

Shootability

I did not know what to expect from the FN as it was my first time shooting it when I took all three to the range. After the first 50 rounds through the FN and mixing in the X-Macro and the Hellcat, I found that I really like all three of these pistols, but I was impressed by the FN Reflex. They have pros and cons to each. The sighting system for the Springfield Hellcat makes sight alignment easy. The trigger on the FN Reflex XL is smooth and responsive and the Sig Sauer P365 ergonomics make the pistol feel great in my hands.

Sights

One of the standout features of these micro carry pistols is their compatibility with red dot optics. While all three allow for co-witnessing, the Hellcat Pro provides the best sight alignment due to its distinctive U-shaped rear sight. To achieve optimal sight picture with a red dot, a set of co-witness sights would be necessary for all three pistols.

Each firearm is equipped with a Tritium-based front sight, with the Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro and Springfield Hellcat Pro featuring a green front sight, while the FN Reflex XL comes with an orange front sight. The X-Macro utilizes a 3-dot sighting system, whereas the FN Reflex XL has a blacked-out rear sight, which can help reduce distractions and improve focus on the front sight.

For optics, I tested each pistol with different red dots. The Hellcat Pro bundle came with the Crimson Trace 5 MOA red dot, not my favorite, but it gets the job done.

I mounted a Holosun 507K X2 on the Sig P365 X-Macro, a fantastic option for the price. I especially like its multi-reticle system, which allows switching between a halo, dot with halo, or standalone red dot. Subjectively, I found it offered faster sight acquisition compared to the Crimson Trace.

The FN Reflex XL was mounted with the Holosun EPS Carry MRS, which seemed to be the best performer of the three. It’s also the most expensive, featuring, according to FN America, an enclosed emitter design, a multi-reticle system (MRS), and an aspheric lens that provides a clearer sight picture with minimal distortion.

Without a red dot, my preference leans toward the Hellcat Pro, thanks to its U-shaped rear sight and high-visibility green tritium front sight, which together offer a fast and intuitive sight picture.

Maybe a future blog on red dot optics is in order!

Trigger Pull

As I’ve mentioned in my previous review of the X-Macro and Hellcat Pro, the trigger is the first thing I notice on any firearm. Trigger control is one of the most important fundamentals of marksmanship, whether for competition, defensive use, or just shooting at the range.

With the FN Reflex XL now in the mix, my opinion on the best trigger has shifted. While the X-Macro’s trigger features a short take-up and a crisp break, the Reflex XL’s trigger feels even more responsive. The difference is subtle, but in side-by-side testing, I found the FN trigger to have a slight edge.

Springfield lists the Hellcat Pro’s trigger pull at 7.0 lbs, though my own tests averaged 6 lbs, 5 oz. The X-Macro, by comparison, averaged around 5 lbs, 4 oz. FN America rates the Reflex XL’s trigger between 4.5 to 5.5 lbs, but when I tested it with my Wheeler Pro Digital Trigger Gauge, it averaged 3.5 lbs. This was immediately noticeable at the range where on a few occasions, the break surprised me as I applied steady pressure.

In my last micro carry comparison, I noted that I didn’t enjoy the heavier trigger pull of the Hellcat Pro. However, there needs to be a balance between safety, control, and shootability. A heavier trigger, like that of the Hellcat, reduces the risk of accidental discharge by requiring deliberate intent of pulling the trigger. In contrast, a lighter trigger, like the Reflex XL’s, enhances speed and precision but demands extra trigger discipline.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. I prefer a balanced trigger pull around 4.0 lbs for my EDC, while others may opt for a heavier or lighter trigger depending on their comfort level and carry method.

Recoil

I had my wife shoot all three pistols to get her opinion on recoil. As expected, she found all three to be snappy with noticeable recoil. Personally, I found the recoil manageable across the board, allowing for quick follow-up shots and fast shooting.

The FN Reflex XL felt slightly less snappy than the Hellcat Pro and X-Macro, which could be attributed to its internal hammer system versus the striker-fired design of the others. However, the difference was subtle and not enough to declare one significantly better than the other.

Ergonomics, Grips and Features

The ergonomics of these three pistols were well thought out, but each has subtle differences that may influence a shooter’s preference.

As with the Hellcat and X-Marco, the FN Reflex XL allows for some customization with interchangeable backstraps. I installed the largest one for a better fit. While this worked well for my hands, shooters with smaller hands might find the grip too aggressive. The Reflex XL has the most textured grip of the three, providing excellent control, though those with more sensitive hands might find it rougher than the Hellcat Pro or X-Macro. Both the Hellcat Pro and X-Macro offer a comfortable grip with a slightly less aggressive texture. Of the three, the X-Macro’s extended beavertail and deep undercut allow for a particularly high, firm grip. Not that the grip on the others do not allow for a firm high grip, the X-Marco just seems better to me.

A feature I immediately noticed was the Reflex XL’s magazine release. It ejects the magazine with noticeably more force than the other two, making reloads quick and effortless. The Hellcat Pro and X-Macro also eject their magazines cleanly, but the FN’s release is the most forceful of the three.

Accessory rail space varies slightly between the pistols. The Reflex XL has a single-slot rail, the Hellcat Pro features a two-slot rail, and the X-Macro has the most with three slots, allowing for greater flexibility when mounting lights or lasers.

Striker-Fire vs Internal Hammer

One of the biggest standouts of the FN Reflex XL is its exceptionally easy slide manipulation. Compared to the Hellcat Pro and X-Macro, the Reflex XL’s slide requires noticeably less effort to rack. My wife immediately noticed this difference as well, finding it significantly easier to pull back the slide on the Reflex. This advantage comes from its internal hammer-fired system.

In a striker-fired pistol, pulling the trigger releases a spring-loaded pin (the striker) to hit the primer, and the slide is under greater tension because the recoil spring and striker spring work together to keep it in battery. In contrast, the Reflex XL has a hidden internal hammer that swings forward when the trigger is pulled. Because the hammer spring operates independently and doesn’t contribute to slide resistance the way a striker system does, the Reflex XL’s slide requires less effort to rack, making it an excellent option for those who struggle with slide manipulation.

Overall, all three pistols offer excellent ergonomics, and there are no major design flaws in any of them. The differences come down to grip texture, slide manipulation, and accessory rail options, making it a matter of personal preference.

Conclusion

The purpose of this comparison was not to declare one pistol superior to the others but rather to highlight their differences and strengths. Initially, I favored the Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro over the Springfield Hellcat Pro based on its trigger pull alone. However, after adding the FN Reflex XL to the mix, my perspective has shifted.

Each of these micro-compact pistols brings something unique to the table. The Hellcat Pro stands out with its excellent sighting system and balanced ergonomics. The X-Macro offers a well-rounded package with a solid trigger, high capacity, and comfortable grip. The Reflex XL impressed me the most with its incredibly smooth trigger, easy slide manipulation, and high magazine capacity, making it an excellent contender in this category.

That said, the best choice ultimately comes down to individual preference and priorities. If you value a lightweight, crisp trigger, the FN Reflex XL might be the best fit. But if you prefer a tried-and-true balance of ergonomics, capacity, and shootability, the X-Macro remains a top-tier option. And, if you want a great all-around performer with intuitive sight alignment, with a deliberate trigger, the Hellcat Pro is an excellent choice.

Whether your priority is concealability, capacity, or overall handling, each of these pistols offers something worthwhile. The best way to determine which one fits your needs is to take them to the range and see how they perform for you. Your everyday carry firearm should inspire confidence, and that confidence comes from choosing the pistol that feels right in your hands and performs reliably when it matters most.

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