The products companies launch are always rather interesting. In many cases, companies spend years designing, prototyping, and developing a product before it releases. That means long-term forecasting is necessary to determine if a product will be successful. In the firearm world, this can be quite the challenge. Outside circumstances such as the economy, political climate, and community trends are unpredictable. That’s why when Smith & Wesson released the FPC (Folding Pistol Carbine) on the last day of February many enthusiasts felt mixed emotions. On the surface, the FPC is something unique. It combines attributes of the Kel-Tec Sub-2000 and Ruger PC-9 Carbine. It maybe the ultimate “survival” or “backpack” style gun on the market—especially if the user already uses S&W M&P full-size pistols. It stores well, takes common magazines, and is chambered in a popular caliber. There is something to say about utilizing a carbine chambered in the same caliber as a pistol. Logistically, it makes things efficient.

Moving on, what are the main features? At the surface, the FPC is a 9mm, direct-blowback carbine. The lower is essentially an M&P 2.0 frame with the recently updated flat-face trigger (Smith must have had extras laying about). The forearm is near rifle length with M-LOK slots on three sides and a solid Picatinny rail on top. The barrel meets the 16” requirement and has a threaded muzzle (1/2x28) for suppressors. The FPC ships with three—one 17-round and two 23-round—M&P double-stack magazines. A unique feature is that two magazines can be stowed away in the stock. There is also a quick-release button that has to be engaged in order to release the magazines from the stock, which gives extra security so they don’t prematurely fall out. To round everything out, Smith ships the FPC with a carrying bag, making this very much a backpack gun.

Time will tell of the FPCs popularity. Recently, Smith has judged the market well with entries like the M&P 5.7 and M&P Metal, but missed with the M&P12 shotgun. The FPC will most likely gain a following with those that already use Smith handguns but might prove hard to convert other followers. The Kel-Tec and Ruger mentioned earlier have the advantage of being offered in different magazine compatibilities or shipping with different mag wells (mainly Glock), which has aided with their success. The FPC should be hitting dealer shelves relatively soon, with an MSRP of $659.

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