Although both are lightweight and soft shooting, the M&P FPC and the Response PCC are significantly different in operation. Both offer advantages over a 9mm pistol in that they are easier to shoot and provide superior ballistic performance. A close examination of their features should help you decide which PCC is right for you. 

The M&P FPC is aluminum framed, with a polymer M&P pistol grip that serves as the magwell. The 16.25-inch barrel is housed in a polymer handguard with M-LOK slots below and on either side as well as a continuous rail up top. The muzzle is ½-28 threaded. The stock holds two additional magazines for ready access to the two supplied 23-round M&P magazines or the 17-round M&P magazine for a total of 63+1 rounds. 

Pressing the left side of the release latch unlocks the magazine on the right side of the stock and vice-versa. While this may seem counterintuitive, with a little practice, it’s easy to do. The magazine catch is ambidextrous for easy manipulation with either hand. Having two additional magazines on board is comforting from a self-defense standpoint and convenient at the range. 

Like an M&P pistol, the M&P FPC’s interchangeable palm swell ensures you can best fit the firearm to your hand for optimal comfort and control. If you’re a fan of M&P pistol ergonomics, the M&P FPC will feel right. 

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But the M&P FPC’s claim to fame is that it folds in half for easy storage and concealment. Measuring just over 30 inches open, the M&P FPC is only 16.375 inches folded. Since the M&P FPC folds horizontally, it won’t interfere with optics mounted atop the rail. 

To fold, push forward on the release above the triggerguard with your right thumb and pull the forend toward you. It pivots 180 degrees to the left. (For safety, the FPC won’t fold if there’s a round in the chamber). 

When folded, the ambidextrous charging handle locks the carbine. To open the M&P FPC, pull back on the charging handle to release spring tension and swing the forend to the right until it locks into position. Despite being foldable, with a polymer handguard, the M&P FPC feels rock solid. 

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The blowback-operated M&P FPC features an integrated recoil buffer system. This makes for a soft shooting, controllable carbine. While the grip feels like that of an M&P pistol, the trigger is stiffer. However, since the M&P FPC affords additional points of contact with your cheek and shoulder, a lighter trigger isn’t necessary to deliver accurate hits on target. 

Since portability is the main selling point, it makes sense that it ships with its own carry bag. The zippered bag’s Velcro straps secure the firearm in place. Additional storage compartments provide convenient storage for accessories. The bag comes with a shoulder strap for easy transportation. Since the bag doesn’t scream “tactical,” it won’t garner unnecessary attention. 

The M&P FPC is a solid choice for convenient storage and easy concealment. With a MSRP of $699, it’s as affordable as most 9mm pistols while being far easier to shoot accurately, especially at distance. 

Despite the M&P FPC’s advantages, not everyone needs a PCC that folds. Some prefer their PCC to be more AR-15 like, which is where the Response PCC comes in. Yet despite its familiarity and compatibility with AR-15 accessories, the Response PCC is as unique as the M&P FPC. 

The blowback-operated Response PCC looks like an AR-15 except for the backswept magwell, which is what sets it apart. The Response features Smith & Wesson’s Flexmag system that allows it to run on M&P, Glock (17, 19), and SIG Sauer P320 magazines. It ships with two 23-round M&P magazines as well as a Glock magazine adapter. The SIG magazine adapter is sold separately ($39). 

The Response PCC consists of polymer upper and lower receivers. Like the M&P FPC, the Response PCC’s handguard has plenty of M-LOK slots and a rail for accessories. At 16.5 inches, the Response PCC’s barrel is slightly longer than that of the M&P FPC. It too is ½-28 threaded to accept a suppressor. 

Interchangeable backstraps enable you to customize the pistol grip. Like an AR-15, the grip is just that, a grip. It doesn’t function as the firearm’s magwell the way the M&P FPC’s pistol grip does. 

The Response PCC’s crisp, flat-faced trigger broke at 2.4 pounds, making it easy to deliver rounds on target. Consistent with the AR-15 platform, the Response PCC utilizes a selector switch located on the left side of the lower receiver. Also like an AR, the magazine release is on the right side. Unlike the M&P FPC, the Response PCC uses a Magpul buttstock that’s adjustable for length of pull. 

While the Response PCC doesn’t fold, it delivers AR-15 functionality with the benefit of accepting a variety of pistol magazines. The Response PCC has a MSRP of $799, which is $100 more than the M&P FPC. 

Based on chronograph results, these PCCs will fire 9mm projectiles about 200 to 250 fps faster than a 4-inch-
barreled pistol. This increase in velocity translates to better penetration, which is important for self-defense. However, PCCs produce considerably less felt recoil than rifles. As such, many consider PCCs the ultimate defensive firearm. 

Both the M&P FPC and the Response PCC performed well at the range. Both proved reliable and accurate. Both are comfortable to shoot, although the Response PCC will feel more natural in the hands of AR-15 aficionados. 

It’s nice that both offerings run on readily available pistol magazines. Not only is this convenient and cost effective, but it also provides interchangeability with the magazines from your pistol, assuming you carry an M&P, Glock, or a SIG P320. 

If you’re already equipped with M&P pistol magazines and want a folding PCC for compact storage and concealment, the FPC is the clear choice. If you are looking for AR familiarity, an adjustable length of pull, and the ability to run Glock or SIG pistol magazines, you can’t beat the Response PCC. 

M&P FPC

• Type: Blowback-operated semiauto
• Cartridge: 9mm
• Capacity: 17+1, 23+1 rds.
• Overall Length: 30.4 in.
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Length of Pull: 14.5 in.
• Barrel: 16.25 in., 4140 CM steel, 1/2×28 threaded
• Grip: Polymer
• Frame: Aluminum 
• Safety: Cross bolt
• Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs.
• MSRP: $699
• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson smith-wesson.com

Response PCC

• Type: Blowback-operated semiauto
• Cartridge: 9mm
• Capacity: 23+1 rds.
• Overall Length: 32.13 in.
• Weight: 5 lbs., 9 oz.
• Length of Pull: Adjustable
• Barrel: 16.5 in.
• Grip: Polymer
• Frame: Polymer
• Safety: Selector Switch
• Trigger Pull: 2.4 lbs. (tested)
• MSRP: $799
• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson smith-wesson.com