S&W FPC restricted vs non-restricted

[CanuckShooter]

I'm debating between the restricted and non-restricted versions of the FPC and am looking for some input in case there are some pros and cons I've overlooked. They're both basically the same price.

Restricted pros:
- shorter 16.25" (vs 18.6") barrel that looks a little better and doesn't stick out past butt stock when folded
- comes with 1x17rd and 2x23rd mags pinned to 10rds instead of the blocked Canadian 10rd mags with tall floorplate that you have to fight with to get the 10th round in and slam in the gun when fully loaded to 10 due to the spring pressure

Non-restricted pro:
- no ATT restrictions

Which would you guys get? Am I missing anything? I'm leaning toward the restricted, but I will admit that non-restricted does have that intangible "feel good" quality due to no ATT restrictions, even though for my use case there is no practical difference.

It seems that anytime a rifle comes out, the first thing question everybody asks is "non-restricted?". The restricted versions might as well be radioactive as no one wants the touch them with a ten foot pole. I get it though. I envy people who live in a rural area that allows them to get more use out of their non-restricteds.

Thanks

 

[trebor2880]

If you are only interested in using it at a regulated gun range, go for the restricted.

But for such a small difference in a shorter barrel length, it's not worth it IMHO.

 

[thegazelle]

For me, for the FPC the shorter barrel and the better magazines was not enough incentive for me to get the restricted, probably for the same reason I don't generally buy the shorter barrel restricted versions of certain guns I own/owned (ie. FX9, Kriss Vector, etc.) - it's the nature of the restricted guns and the government knowing what I have, but also the onerous conditions that apply to storage and transport. In this case the barrel length difference is marginal. But that's just me.

Given what I have seen in the past number of years with the gun laws in Canada, I may pass on any other restricteds unless it is a gun that ONLY comes in restricted and is compelling enough a proposition for me functionally and for my utility purposes. For me, shorter barrels have never been enough compelling reason for me to make the purchase, but that's probably just my own personal preference coupled with the implications of owning a restricted, which carries more hassles than it's worth (again, from my perspective, at least)

As an aside, it is interesting that the restricted comes with different magazines. To date, I haven't been able to find either the 17/10 or 23/10 mags in Canada for sale individually at any common retailer.

 

[alpining]

Non-restricted.

Don't forget the additional hassles for storage and transport of restricted firearms.

 

[CanuckShooter]

Thanks for the replies so far.

It wouldn't bother you guys that the muzzle is extending 2+ inches past the butt pad when the gun is folded? The barrel length is the only real drawback of the non-restricted version for me. On a folding rifle an extra 2.25" of barrel is a bigger deal. On a non-folder I wouldn't really care. This is kind of a sticking point for me on this particular gun. I'm trying to justify it for the trade off of more freedom.

The pinned mags that come with the restricted version are definitely a nice bonus IMO, but can be bought separately. They're fun, and so much better to load. Blocked 10rd S&W mags are a total PITA to get the tenth round in. I can't stand them.

I don't know that I agree with the statement that "if it's restricted the gov't knows you have it, but not so with non-restricted". It seems that if originally bought from a retailer, non-restricteds can in theory, be tracked through PAL verifications.

Transportation of restricteds is not a major deal breaker to me as I transport all my guns in cases so they don't get dinged up, but I definitely agree that it's nice not have to worry about case and trigger locks. I could just take it to the range in the zip up case it comes in.

I do understand the reticence people feel buying a restricted firearm when a non-restricted is available, since I obviously share it. I prefer the freedom of a non-restricted rifle. I'm just stuck on the barrel length thing.

 

[rabbitfire]

slightly off topic (about the track through PAL verification): if I sell my non-restricted to others, do I need to put the firearm s/n or detail information during the PAL verification on rcmp's website? if no detail information is required, then the private sale is more 'flexible'

 

[alpining]

slightly off topic (about the track through PAL verification): if I sell my non-restricted to others, do I need to put the firearm s/n or detail information during the PAL verification on rcmp's website?...

For NR, the process is a license verification only. No details regarding the firearm, or number of firearms.

 

[alpining]

...It wouldn't bother you guys that the muzzle is extending 2+ inches past the butt pad when the gun is folded? The barrel length is the only real drawback of the non-restricted version for me. On a folding rifle an extra 2.25" of barrel is a bigger deal. On a non-folder I wouldn't really care. This is kind of a sticking point for me on this particular gun. I'm trying to justify it for the trade off of more freedom....

Personally, I don't fold folding guns (or take down takedown guns) unless I'm cleaning them or packaging them for shipping. I've just never had a real use for that kind of feature, so for me it's a pointless gimmick that adds weight, bulk, and an unnecessary potential failure point. I'll only tolerate it if a particular firearm has other features that make the compromise worth it. But lots of guys just like to have the feature as an option, and some even say they use the feature. That's fine, different strokes for different folks.

I agree that the extra barrel length on the NR version is unfortunate, but you get used to weird Canadian-compliant features after a while. It's a compromise I am willing to make for the convenience of the rifle being NR.

The 16" barrel that the FPC design is built around is already longer than it should be anyway - It's only that long in order to avoid SBR restrictions in the US. Practically speaking, I think most semiauto PCCs make much more sense if they have 6-10" barrels.

FWIW, the factory S&W 10-rd magazines can be modified to work properly - Last time I did this, the best solution was to trim the "feet" of the magazine followers just the right amount to allow loading 10 rounds plus just enough extra so you can seat the full magazine on a closed bolt. Go slow - If you remove too much material and can get an 11th round in the assembled magazine, you've made it into a prohibited device.