Examining the Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson's New FPC 9mm Carbine: Is It Worth Buying?
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Written by UnitegGunGroup
Smith & Wesson has recently released a new Pistol Caliber Carbine called the FPC, specifically designed for covert carry. The M&P FPC folds in half, similar to the popular SUB-2000 from Kel-Tec, making it a compact and lightweight option for storage and transport. But is the new S&W M&P FPC worth considering for personal protection and covert carry? Let's take a closer look at its features and weigh the pros and cons.
First, let's examine the design of the Smith & Wesson FPC. It weighs only five pounds and has an overall length of 30.3 inches. With a simple push of a lever, it folds in half, reducing its length to just 16.3 inches for easy storage. The FPC uses blow-back operation and feeds from standard M&P 9mm 17- and 23-round magazines, making it compatible with your carry pistol if it's also a Smith & Wesson M&P.
The 9x19mm chamber allows for firing a wide variety of modern defensive and target/training loads.
The FPC also includes several features worth noting. At the muzzle, there are 1/2x28 barrel threads for easy mounting of a muzzle device or sound suppressor. The 16.3-inch barrel is surrounded by a polymer M-LOK handguard, which allows for easy mounting of modern accessories.
The M-LOK slots enable sling mounts and mounting a white light. A M1913 rail on top of the carbine allows mounting of iron sights and optics.
The Smith & Wesson FPC's most significant advantage over the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 is its folding mechanism. By folding horizontally to the side rather than vertically, optical sights do not get in the way when you fold it, making it easier to store and transport. When folded, the FPC's barrel assembly is held in place by a friction fit between the charging handle and handguard. To unfold, you simply grasp the handguard and unfold it until it locks back into place.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson FPC is an interesting option for personal protection and covert carry. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport, and its compatibility with standard M&P magazines is a plus. However, the polymer handguard may not be as durable as other materials, and you cannot fold it with a round in the chamber.
Ultimately, whether the Smith & Wesson FPC is right for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
First, let's examine the design of the Smith & Wesson FPC. It weighs only five pounds and has an overall length of 30.3 inches. With a simple push of a lever, it folds in half, reducing its length to just 16.3 inches for easy storage. The FPC uses blow-back operation and feeds from standard M&P 9mm 17- and 23-round magazines, making it compatible with your carry pistol if it's also a Smith & Wesson M&P.
The 9x19mm chamber allows for firing a wide variety of modern defensive and target/training loads.
The FPC also includes several features worth noting. At the muzzle, there are 1/2x28 barrel threads for easy mounting of a muzzle device or sound suppressor. The 16.3-inch barrel is surrounded by a polymer M-LOK handguard, which allows for easy mounting of modern accessories.
The M-LOK slots enable sling mounts and mounting a white light. A M1913 rail on top of the carbine allows mounting of iron sights and optics.
The Smith & Wesson FPC's most significant advantage over the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 is its folding mechanism. By folding horizontally to the side rather than vertically, optical sights do not get in the way when you fold it, making it easier to store and transport. When folded, the FPC's barrel assembly is held in place by a friction fit between the charging handle and handguard. To unfold, you simply grasp the handguard and unfold it until it locks back into place.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson FPC is an interesting option for personal protection and covert carry. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport, and its compatibility with standard M&P magazines is a plus. However, the polymer handguard may not be as durable as other materials, and you cannot fold it with a round in the chamber.
Ultimately, whether the Smith & Wesson FPC is right for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.