Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 9mm Folding Carbine

About this product

The Smith & Wesson M&P FPC 9mm Folding Carbine is a 9mm Luger pistol-caliber carbine with a blowback action, designed for practical transport and compact storage. Its core innovation is the integrated folding mechanism that collapses the 16.25-inch barrel and receiver back over itself, combined with out-of-the-box compatibility with existing Smith & Wesson M&P double-stack pistol magazines.

What is the Smith & Wesson M&P FPC used for?

The Smith & Wesson M&P FPC is engineered for practical range training, defensive carbine courses, and compact-storage scenarios where a traditional rifle-length firearm is inconvenient. It serves as an excellent training analog for shooters with an M&P pistol, allowing for magazine interchangeability that simplifies logistics, and its 16.25-inch barrel provides a meaningful ballistic advantage over a handgun, with 9mm rounds gaining roughly 150-200 fps in velocity. The platform’s ready adaptability for optics and accessories via its M-LOK handguard and Picatinny rail pushes it beyond a simple plinker.

How does it compare to the Kel-Tec Sub2000?

When directly compared to the Kel-Tec Sub2000, the M&P FPC offers a more refined and shooter-friendly experience at the expense of ultimate packability. The FPC’s trigger pull is a consistent 5.5 pounds while the Gen 2 Sub2000’s often creeps in around 7.5, a significant difference for accuracy. However, the Sub2000 folds down to a slimmer 16 inches by 7 inches profile and is nearly a full pound lighter. The M&P FPC wins on ergonomics and immediate usability with its non-reciprocating charging handle and optics-ready top rail, factors that matter more on the range than in a backpack.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The unloaded weight of the M&P FPC is 5.03 pounds (81 oz), with an overall length of 30.375 inches unfolded and a folded length of 16.375 inches. The critical dimension is the folded height from the top of the rail to the bottom of the grip, which measures 7.5 inches, determining what cases or storage compartments it will fit into. The handguard itself provides 11.5 inches of M-LOK attachment surface, and the Picatinny rail section on top is 8 inches long.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a rifle for hunters seeking knockdown power or competitors in structured PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) matches where a non-folding, dedicated competition chassis like a JP-5 or SIG MPX is king. The blowback operation generates more felt recoil than a radial-delayed or roller-locked system, which matters over a 300-round practice session. If your sole need is a backpack gun that disappears entirely, the 16.375-inch folded length, while compact, is still longer than many purpose-built PDWs like the B&T APC9K. It’s also a poor choice for those living in jurisdictions with restrictive assault weapons bans that may classify its folding stock as a prohibited feature.

What's in the box?

The carbine ships with one 17-round and two 23-round M&P polymer magazines, a thread protector for the 1/2-28 TPI muzzle, and a basic nylon soft case. Crucially, it also includes three storage sleeves that mount inside the stock to securely hold two magazines total, a feature that addresses the common complaint of losing loose backup mags. Unlike some competing models like the Stevens 334 Rifle, which is a barebones hunting platform, the FPC is a complete kit ready for the range after adding an optic.

Is it worth it at $647.99?

At $647.99, the M&P FPC presents a strong value proposition for a shooter who already owns an M&P 9mm pistol and wants a complementary, capable carbine. The inclusion of three magazines (a $90 value alone), the integrated storage, and the robust aluminum receiver justify the $150-200 premium over a base-model Ruger PC Carbine or Kel-Tec Sub2000. For the shooter focused on recreational target shooting and home defense preparedness, this package eliminates the need for immediate aftermarket purchases, making it a complete system out of the box.