Features & Specs
I won’t go through all the features, since we covered a lot of those bases in the first review of this platform. Instead, I’ll focus on what I think works well here. The polymer construction keeps things light, which is a huge plus. M-LOK on the rail also helps reduce weight while giving you plenty of areas to add whatever accessories come to mind.
It folds in half easily, touts extra storage for an additional two magazines, and carries over the M2.0 grip texture. Some argue this grip texture on their handgun lineup is too aggressive, but I think it works particularly well on this platform.
I love that it comes with three 15-round magazines. I wish more manufacturers would supply three mags with their guns. It’s a good capacity, especially for 10mm, and mags are interchangeable with the M&P M2.0 10mm handgun. Since I already have one of those, that gave me five mags ready to rock on the range.
The transport case that S&W includes is a nice touch and goes the extra mile. I like its discreet appearance and the included shoulder strap. No one would ever know it’s not just another bag.
Before we get into the shooting, let’s look at the specs of the M&P FPC in 10mm:
- Caliber: 10mm
- Capacity: 15+1
- Length: 30.6 inches
- Folded Length: 16.5 inches
- Barrel Length: 16.25 inches
- Height: 8 inches
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Width: 2.5 inches
Intro Shots
From the first shots through the last, I’ve been impressed by the ability of this platform to swallow recoil. One of the reasons I love PCCs is for their ability to stay flat-shooting and controllable even in rapid-fire scenarios. I didn’t expect the 10mm variant to make a huge difference, but I did think I’d be able to feel it more than 9mm. Compared to other blowback PCCs I’ve shot like the Keltec SUB2000, the difference in recoil was hardly noticeable.
The ambidextrous charging handle is easy enough to use, but it’s a bit awkward to actuate if you’re trying to keep your gun on target. There is also a bolt stop/release feature, but I found it nearly impossible to drop the bolt with it. Perhaps it needed more break-in time, but the controls on some S&W guns have been tough for me, and that could be the case here.
The only other feature I wasn't fond of after my initial shooting was the cross-bolt safety. It's in a bit of an awkward position for me and it feels a bit stiff. Again, this is something that might break in over time, but I'll always have to break my grip to actuate it.
Finally, I appreciate the thoughtfulness of adding the magazine storage, but when you stow loaded mags there, it makes the gun unbalanced. I would think the extra weight of 10mm makes this problem more pronounced than with the 9mm version. Still, for the right use case, it is handy. I also found releasing the magazines to be a bit awkward, but I’m sure with more time and training, I could find a better rhythm.
Extended Range Time
The best part about 10mm is the sheer power and enjoyment you get from shooting. Unlike 9mm, which can sometimes fail to flip the steel on a shooting tree, there is no question when the 10mm comes out of a 16.25-inch barrel. While 10mm can fatigue the hand after a long range day with a handgun, that simply isn't the case with the PCC platform.
I put 350 rounds of a mixture of Remington and Federal Syntech through the gun. During that time, I was always pleased with the performance and how enjoyable the platform was to shoot in this chambering. I had a single malfunction toward the end of my time with the FPC – a failure to chamber a new Remington round. It was easily cleared, and I went back to my fun.
I didn’t add much to the FPC outside of the Vortex optic up top. I switched between a Crossfire and a Sparc Solar. Both optics held up well to the extra punishment that 10mm delivers, but if I had to choose one it would be the Sparc Solar. I think the combo makes for an excellent companion deep in the woods.
Use Cases
Ronbo’s review already covered how he thinks this is a fantastic truck gun. I don’t think the caliber swap changes anything about that argument; however, I don’t think that’s where this gun really shines. If I were doing any sort of serious backcountry hiking, hunting, or camping, especially the farther north I go, this would be my go-to firearm.
There are a few reasons for this. One, 10mm is a potent round capable of taking down most every animal in North America. Two, with the three provided 15-round magazines, there is enough ammo to take down a pack of wolves, though let’s hope you don’t find yourself in a John Ottway situation. Three, with the ability to store the magazines in the stock, you can effectively carry everything together and never worry about mags getting lost or separated.
Finally, four, because you must fold the gun to store it in the bag, it is inherently safe. Even with a fully loaded mag inserted, you needn't worry about a negligent discharge, because you have to snap the stock into place to fire.
I tested carrying this on a small hike and transporting it in a couple of 5.11 bags in addition to the bag it came with. There is no doubt that the 5.11 bags are the more comfortable option. I was surprised at how easy this firearm was to carry in the Skyweight 24L Pack, which is not aimed at firearms transportation. Because of the polymer construction, it carried easily, and I could have rearranged the bag to carry more personal belongings on the bottom. I don’t think you’d want to take this bag on a 100-mile hike deep into the forest, but it shows the versatility of the gun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Platform eats 10mm recoil with ease
- Light polymer construction makes it easy to carry in a bag
- Folds in half for easy storage
- Carry over M&P2.0 stylings and magazines is a plus
- Lots of room for attachments
- Easy storage in the buttstock
- Three magazines included
- Discreet carrying case included
- Lots of fun at the range
Cons:
- Bolt hold open/release function hard to use on the bolt release
- Unbalanced when fully loaded magazines are added to the buttstock
- Bolt release from the buttstock is a bit awkward
- Not a huge fan of this cross-bolt safety
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’ve enjoyed straying off the 9mm PCC path and indulging in something with a bit more umph. The S&W FPC in 10mm proved both reliable and a lot of fun to shoot at the range. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a PCC, especially one chambered in 10mm. It would make a great truck gun, hiking companion, or defender of the domicile. It’s versatile, and that’s why I recommend getting your hands on one if you can.
