New For 2023: Smith & Wesson M&P FPC

Smith & Wesson's new M&P FPC is an entirely new design from the company, bringing a unique, compact pistol-caliber carbine to the company's lineup. The new 9 mm Luger-chambered design features a grip frame styled after the S&W M&P M2.0 handgun grip, and the pistol grip accepts M&P handgun magazines, including extended 23-round designs and original M&P series magazines.

The concept of a folding pistol-caliber carbine isn't a new one, with KelTec's SUB2000 being one of the more well-recognized options on the market. However, the M&P FPC differs in a number of ways, including in the folding mechanism itself. The front portion of the firearm articulates to the left side of the grip frame, which means it won't interfere with a mounted optic. In conjunction with that, the design also features a full-length Picatinny optics rail on the forward handguard, ahead of the receiver mechanism.

Another unique feature of the M&P FPC is the incorporation of a charging slide on the back portion of the gun, just behind the right-side ejection port. When folded, this unique sliding mechanism also acts as a retainer for the folded portion of the firearm when stowed. Just forward of the right-side ejection port is a quick-release latch mechanism that makes it easy to unlock the hinged portion of the firearm during takedown.

The Smith & Wesson M&P FPC is built on an aluminum receiver and equipped with a 16.25" barrel made from 4140 steel and treated with a black-oxide finish. The carbine measures 30 3/8" long when ready to fire. When folded, the overall size of the firearm measures only 16 3/8" long. The polymer stock provides a fixed 14.5" length of pull, as well as two magazine-storage slots. Simply actuating the quick-release tab for each slot allows users to quickly deploy another magazine. Unloaded, the carbine weighs just 5.03 lbs.

Each M&P FPC ships with one 17-round magazine and two 23-round extended magazines, and the entire package is contained in an included carry bag with additional storage slots and hook-and-loop fastener straps. The design also incorporates a 1/2-28 TPI threaded muzzle and four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. The suggested retail price on the new design is $659. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.