Self Defense

2023 Editor’s Choice Award – S&W M&P FPC carbine

S&W M&P FPC carbine

The folding PCC bar has officially been raised

I probably shouldn’t admit it, but I have generally looked on the pistol caliber carbine (PCC) as a solution to a non-existent problem. After all, if you are going to use a carbine versus a pistol, why not just accept the bone-crushing recoil of something like 5.56 NATO instead of a less effective pistol caliber round? But I now will admit to perhaps being a bit myopic in my view. Why? The new On Target Editors’ Choice Award-winning 9mm S&W M&P FPC carbine. Providing a nearly original take on the traditional AR-style 9mm PCC, the FPC combines compactness, reliability, and accuracy all in one very neat and affordable package.

Other stand-out features aside, the big news with the FPC is that it folds into a nice, compact 16-3/8” package. And, more importantly, it folds to the side rather than over the top, meaning there’s no optic interference. A 16.25” barrel — threaded to 1/2×28 for a suppressor — rides within a forend equipped with M-LOK accessory cuts and a full-length Picatinny optic rail.

At first glance, the S&W M&P FPC looks something like the odd marriage of a KelTec 2000 and a standard M&P handgun, minus any kind of fixed sights. Like the KelTec, magazines are loaded through the grip. In the FPCs case, however, the barrel folds to the left via a pivot point immediately forward of the bolt vice over the frame/receiver. Both ends are held in place stoutly until released by a lever to the right of the pivot.

The FPC ships with one 17-round and two extended 23-round M&P compatible magazines. Controls consist of a reversible mag release button, ambi bolt release, a sizeable push-button safety, and a crisp flat-faced trigger. Overall, if you’re a fan of the M&P pistol ergonomics, you’ll instantly fall in love with the new FCP.

The bolt is run via two wings immediately behind the receiver and attached to the integrated (non-removable) buffer system. At the back end of the buffer tube is a hollow stock that can take two standard-size or larger M&P magazines. These are held in place via a lever on the bottom, which pivots in the middle. Anyone familiar with the M&P series of pistols will feel right at home with the FPC, as the lower receiver is essentially an M&P frame, including the latest flat-faced trigger, reversible mag release, and exchangeable grip inserts. The only addition is a crossbolt-style safety just forward of the trigger guard. The 16-inch barrel is threaded to 1/2×28” for a suppressor or other muzzle device and resides in a handguard with Magpul M-LOK compatible slots all around, saving the top for a full-length Picatinny rail. The action and barrel are all steel, while everything else is polymer, with the upper, lower, and handguard held in place via strategically placed screws. As noted, the FPC is “optics-ready,” i.e., no sights. What it does come with are two 23-round and one 17-round magazine, plus a discrete nylon carrying case. The whole thing weighs a toy-like five pounds empty and only 16.38 inches folded. This is about as light and compact as a carbine in a significant defensive caliber can get.

For field testing, my M&P FPC was thoughtfully provided with a Holosun AEMS red-dot optic with a multi-reticle system, integrated mount, and over 50,000 hours of battery life with solar panel backup. Lack of space here prohibits a full review, but I can summarize by saying that this is an excellent optic at a value price for any carbine, regardless of caliber. Starting at 25 yards, I got the FPC dialed in quickly using some American Eagle 115-gr. FMJ, with the best a 1.75-inch group and four hits inside .75 inches from an improvised rest. Once zeroed, I moved back to 50 yards, where the FPC held groups averaging around 2 inches. Very acceptable. The FPC ate everything, with no malfunctions suffered, and the bolt locked back on each empty mag. Though it feels a bit heavy to the rear, recoil was light and manageable. Several other people on the range tried it, including a few ladies, and all were impressed. Before I knew it, we had burned through several hundred rounds more than intended, but it was enjoyable.

S&W may very well have created the perfect backpack gun with the FCP. The carbine deploys from the folded position and is ready for action extremely quickly, and recoil is light and manageable, leading to fast and accurate follow-up shots. Reliability was 100 percent with all ammo throughout testing.

Having now seen the light, I can envision a niche for the S&W M&P FPC for people such as newer shooters, backpackers, home defenders, and anyone who just wants to have some range fun. For an MSRP of $659, the FPC is cheaper than many handguns out there and a real bargain considering everything it includes. Just add an optic (or BUIS) and lots of ammo. See the new FPC at your nearest dealer, or to find out more, contact Smith & Wesson; Tel.: (800) 331-0852; Web: www.smith-wesson.com — Guy Coursey