S&W’s 10mm Folding PCC Is a Game Changer

Photographs by the creator

S&W has jumped on the folding pistol caliber carbine bandwagon in a giant manner. Launched in February of 2023, the 9mm gun was successful out of the gate. It was constructed nicely, dependable, correct, and will fold in half. It got here with one 17- and two 23-round magazines. 

Quick-forward to March 18 of 2025. S&W introduced that they might be manufacturing their folding FPC in 10mm. Now, heads began turning. A 16 1/4” barreled, 16 1/2 inches-when-folded carbine in what many take into account a extra severe caliber than 9mm? Many people stated “signal me up!”. Hikers, hunters, campers, and shooters searching for transportable energy in a semi-automatic bundle had been immediately . 

I can’t say that S&W has offered tons of those — its introduction occurred lower than a month in the past (on the time of writing) – however I’ll wager they’re transferring them out the door as we converse, and with good motive. A 10mm 180-grain JHP or 200-grain hard-cast FP out of a 16” barrel could be attention-grabbing, to say the least. A comparability 

I’m wanting ahead to creating is the one with velocities recorded from my 4.5” Springfield Armory XDM Elite 10mm and people gathered from this carbine. I’ll report on velocities beneath.   

Why A Folding PCC?

I touched on some doable makes use of for such a carbine as this one above. Let’s face it… If we needed to carry round a carbine over 30 inches lengthy all day on a hike, that in all probability wouldn’t be fairly.

However… if that 30-inch size might magically flip into 16 ½” and slot in a backpack or carry bag, now we’re speaking! Why pack a carbine when a pistol would suffice? As a result of you’ll be able to. Folded, this gun can go locations a full-length one couldn’t. Plus, it packs extra punch than a pistol. With the right backpack (and even the carry bag that comes with it), it could be no hassle to offer this 10mm a journey into the woods or on a path. 

Those that benefit from the outdoor might take this tenting, particularly in areas that home toothy, grouchy critters like bears. Speak about using that super-de-duper 10mm efficiency out of an extended barrel! At 5.7 kilos, it gained’t put on you out. Plus, it comes with three 15-round magazines so you’ll be able to carry most of a 50-round field of ammo if desired. 

Fishermen, take observe… primarily for those who fish in distant areas resembling elements of Alaska. That is an possibility you would possibly need to take into account, one which is sensible. This carbine might be a part of your fishing gear – you can sling it unfolded over your shoulder. Many slings will work with the FPC – S&W even contains one within the bag. That manner, you’re prepared if hassle presents itself.

However what for those who by no means set foot within the wild? , what in case your “jungle journey” is that very recreation performed on a Swap? What if you’re searching for a gun for residence protection? Truck gun? Because the Monty Python character so aptly put it, wink-wink-nod-nod-say-no-more. This gun is superb for these roles. At residence, you can go away it unfolded and prepared (with all security guidelines noticed), after which put it within the truck folded in opposition to the passenger seat. The factor is so fast to carry into motion – unfolding it takes much less time than speaking about it – that it might go together with you wherever authorized with out worrying about getting it into motion shortly. 

Options Of The 10mm Folding PCC

Earlier than I talk about the specs, let’s study among the design options S&W engineered into this gun.

Optics prepared. You may have a pleasant, lengthy Pic rail on prime to mount no matter your coronary heart wishes.

Built-in recoil buffer system. This method handles recoil so that you gained’t beat your self up.

Reversible journal catch. Lefties, right here we go. Additionally observe the latch behind the emblem – releasing that enables the gun to fold.

An M-Lok handguard and a Picatinny rail are included. If desired, lights or lasers might be added up entrance on the handguard or barrel.

Journal storage is within the inventory with tab launch. Carry all three magazines with you. Loaded, these two magazines add some weight to the rear of the inventory. It helps tame the recoil a bit.

Suitable with M&P 10mm magazines. (ProMag makes a 20-round model; S&W’s are 15).

A carry case with a number of pockets is included. 

Equipment embrace two additional magazines, three additional backstraps, a sling, and a chamber flag.

Specs, 10mm FPC

Width 2.5 in

Size 30.6 in (unfolded; 16 ½” folded)

Top 8 in

Weight 5 lbs, 7 Oz

Caliber 10mm

Dimension Rifle

Capability 15 (3 magazines included)

Motion Blowback

Barrel Size 16.25 in

Grip Polymer

Sights None

Optic Prepared Sure

Security Cross-Bolt

Coloration/End Black

State Compliance CO, VT

Threaded Barrel Sure

Barrel Materials 4140 CM

Body Aluminum

Laser No

10lb Set off No

Inventory Fpc

Mannequin M&P FPC

MSRP: $699

The place To Purchase

Dealing with This PCC

Why would I create a separate part about how this gun handles? As a result of it’s so skinny and lightweight. I do perceive that it isn’t all that totally different than many ARs when it comes to dimensions and weight however this carbine is lighter than most, so it’s swift into motion. At underneath 6 kilos, you have got one thing right here that carries simply and doesn’t take up loads of room when folded. It feels extra like a .22 in hand.

Vary Time

As I stated above, I used to be curious in regards to the velocity acquire from this 16.25-inch barrel over the 4.5-inch one in my SA pistol. I knew it could be correct… 10mm tends to be very correct. My XDM Elite has confirmed that to me. I shall be entering into casting my very own bullets and “rolling my very own” the place 10mm is anxious, however I’m not there but, so I caught to some manufacturing facility hundreds for this evaluate. Plus, you wouldn’t care about my reloads, as a result of you’ll be able to’t shoot them… I arrange my Garmin Xero C1 Professional chronograph on the bench.

I put a pink dot on the rail and received it sort-of-sighted-in. I figured if it had been on the paper, that may suffice for this evaluate. 

Listed below are some consultant 25-yard targets. I put a pink dot on the rail and received it form of sighted in. After all, the 10mm is appropriate for greater than 25 yards, however I needed to ensure all of the pictures hit paper. I used to be proper in figuring that the POI could be off… The affect was low/left, however at the very least you’ll be able to see the accuracy potential. These had been all fired off-hand; there was no bench.

Federal 180-grain FP  1170 fps

Magtech 180-grain FP      1370 fps

Winchester “White Field” 180-grain FP    1178 fps

I used to be stunned that the Federal and Winchester hundreds weren’t any sooner. The Magtech confirmed extra velocity on this carbine than it does out of my 4.5” barreled XDM Elite. When you discover a load that this little carbine likes, you can conceivably take it looking. I might discover a good JHP or JSP, 180- or 200-grain load. Or, even higher, an Underwood or Buffalo 200-grain hard-cast load. Speak about good close-in deer medication!

What Else Is Out There?

There aren’t many competing, folding PCCs within the market… I noticed two from Ruger and the Kel-Tec SUB2000.

The Kel-Tec is out there in 9mm or .40 S&W, for $578 or $621, relying on the precise mannequin.

The Ruger LC Carbine is out there in 10mm and .45 ACP for an MSRP of $1049.

Ruger’s PC Carbine is the one carbine I noticed that comes aside – it doesn’t fold – for straightforward transport. It’s solely accessible in 9mm and prices $779. So, the S&W is a viable choice in 10mm and is priced very nicely. (I’ve seen it on-line for as little as $575).

Closing Ideas

Pistol-caliber carbines, particularly these in 9mm, are sizzling proper now. I personal two of them, and they’re useful.

However, 10mm could be a extra useful caliber… it’s deer-legal in Indiana whereas the 9mm just isn’t. Add within the velocity bump you get from the longer barrel and the higher sighting choices, and you’ll have a light-weight folding close-range deer rifle. Or a camp protector. Or a truck gun. Or a … You get it.

This PCC may be very useful – I wager S&W gained’t be capable of make them quick sufficient. What do you assume? Tell us beneath.