Smith and Wesson FPC Range Report and 250 round Review

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Finally made it out to the range with this new carbine, it was shot at 25m, 50m and 100m , using a Vortex Spitfire 1X, I'm happy with the results and accuracy for what this is. Everything was shot sitting with front bag used

I zeroed it with 124 grain Blazer brass, the rest of the day it was a mixture between 115 grain reloads and Federal 115 grain aluminum cased

Started out at 25m





Moved to 50m, circles are 3inch splatter targets



Had a FTE with the aluminum cased, 6th round fired on third mag





Moved out to 100m for the heck of it, circles are 7inch splatter targets, only was using a 1X Vortex Spitfire prism for the results speak for themselves



She's a dirty girl!









After about 200 rounds, I noticed the thread protector was about halfway off, make sure yours is tight



These are really annoying and get in the way, did not use them, would be nice to adhere them to the mag somehow



All in all Iam very happy with the purchase, I would love to try it out with 3X or 5x Prism sight ( I have Astigmatism)

Will report back to this thread with more rounds down range.
 
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Appreciate the write-up! I really want one of these and you're just adding to the "pro" pile! I wonder how the FPC would fare with Barnaul steel-cased... probably not well after seeing the aluminum.

For the magazines, you'd probably do just fine ditching them altogether if you don't care about the look. If not, I'd try dabbing some super glue on the inside and on the bottom of the spacer (where-ever it contacts the inside of the magazine and the bottom of the baseplate), it should at least keep it from flopping around.
 
Great re[ort and results
Your results look a lot the same as mine. I also had a FTE using alum cased ammo not one hiccup using brass.
I was using a UTG leading red dot 1x and a Beretta spiral comp.
I too am happy with the purchase as I miss shooting my CX4 storm.
I should also note for those concerned, I`m a lefty and no issues at all with ejection spray or brass.The built in deflector is the charm.
 
Another note; I tried industrial grade super glue on the mag thingies, it dosn`t work, they all broke free after the first mag loading.
 
I took mine out as well this weekend. Only 50 rounds through it but it was surprised at the accuracy at 50 yds using a Holosun red dot with a riser. No issues with functioning but again, only one box of Blazer 124 grain. The only thing I had some issues with was if you got your cheek weld/face a bit too far forward, the charging handle would graze your face. Anyone else notice that?
 
...The only thing I had some issues with was if you got your cheek weld/face a bit too far forward, the charging handle would graze your face. ...

It's designed as a non-reciprocating charging handle, but you can see it moving on some guns during cycling. Saw it on a few of the early review videos, I think someone like IV8888 actually commented on it.

Not sure if it's happening just due to inertia of the charging handle itself during the recoil impulse, or if the charging handle has just a bit too much contact with the bolt/buffer and is getting dragged along during cycling. If it's inertia, you might find that changing your shoulder contact / posture helps (maybe "limp shouldering" makes it worse, for example). If it's contact with the bolt/buffer, then maybe too much friction will move the charging handle with the bolt/buffer during the cycling of the action. It might resolve itself as the rifle breaks in. Or try lubing the snot out of those contact surfaces, or polish them to reduce the friction.
 
Another note; I tried industrial grade super glue on the mag thingies, it dosn`t work, they all broke free after the first mag loading.

I'd imagine both the magazines and the spacers would have mold release agent on them. The right kind of adhesive should have no problem with the plastic.



...For the magazines, you'd probably do just fine ditching them altogether...

You might get problems with over-insertion if you don't use the spacers. I recall at least one video reviewer having the issue.
 
I have had similar results with mine, which I got 2 weeks ago. It is a great plinking gun, but not for anything "serious".

The good:
- fun to shoot :d
- 3 mags. Mag release is where it should be, like a pistol.
- does not include cheap sights that would get in the way of my preferred optic anyway. I know some see that as a negative, I like it.
- the folding mechanism is solid and latches well into place, we will see in the long run.
- IMHO is looks better than the Rugger PCC.
- long enough that my face is not in the way of the ejection (I am a lefty). I have had smoke and un-burned powder residue to the face with other smaller carabines.

The bad:
- safety: I HATE push through safeties, and since I am left handed, it is the wrong way around. I mostly ignore it.
- since there is no rail moulded on top of the receiver, only on top of the barrel, use of a magnifier is impossible. It would be too far forward for proper eye relief.
- the mag thingies... Just make the grip longer and forget these things.
- the charging handle does not stay in place on the last round. The recoil kick is harder since it stays back, so the handle does not stay in place. The little notch holding it is very small.
- the barrel thread protector unscrews on its own.

The meh... not good, not bad, just meh...
- the mags storage in the butt stock. I will never use that, so make the stock smaller. And the mags release buttons are cross-side, not intuitive (press on the left side to extract the right mag, and vice-versa).
- the stock tube finish is parkerised (I think?), so it is hard to clean (paper towels leave some residue).
- the forend is split down the middle, on the vertical. I added a vertical front grip, and it was tough to get it screwed on while having to remove one side. I may have done it improperly... But accessories will mostly be added under the forend, so why make it split there?
- the trigger is ... ok. Could be better, but its not that bad.

So a great little range / plinking 9mm carabine. Aftermarket will most probably fix many of the small issues.
I have only tried it with brass ammo, I will try with Barnault Wednesday.
 
It's designed as a non-reciprocating charging handle, but you can see it moving on some guns during cycling. Saw it on a few of the early review videos, I think someone like IV8888 actually commented on it.

Not sure if it's happening just due to inertia of the charging handle itself during the recoil impulse, or if the charging handle has just a bit too much contact with the bolt/buffer and is getting dragged along during cycling. If it's inertia, you might find that changing your shoulder contact / posture helps (maybe "limp shouldering" makes it worse, for example). If it's contact with the bolt/buffer, then maybe too much friction will move the charging handle with the bolt/buffer during the cycling of the action. It might resolve itself as the rifle breaks in. Or try lubing the snot out of those contact surfaces, or polish them to reduce the friction.

I gave it a rudimentary cleaning but probably should give it a more thorough one, especially in the action. The contact with the charging handle did not actually hurt so that makes sense if it a result of the inertia of the recoil impulse, as you mentioned. But it was a bit distracting. It was easily resolved by keeping my face back a tiny bit more. And yes, it may sort itself out after a break in period. Appreciate the comment.
 
What are the mag thingies used for?

The grip length of the FPC is short so that you can use M&P Compact magazines. The spacers take up the extra length of the standard M&P magazines. They give a continuous gripping surface all the way down to the mag floorplate. You can use the gun without them, but there is the risk of over-inserting the magazine.
 
The grip length of the FPC is short so that you can use M&P Compact magazines. The spacers take up the extra length of the standard M&P magazines. They give a continuous gripping surface all the way down to the mag floorplate. You can use the gun without them, but there is the risk of over-inserting the magazine.

Thanks for the explanation. In that case would a dab of silicone on each side of the mag anchor the spacer OK? If the clearance between the spacer and mag body is reasonably small silicone should be enough and you can cut it to remove the spacer if needed.


Mark
 
I can’t believe you guys are complaining about the charging hamdle moving while firing. You guys are getting the MP7 experienct om the cheap!!!
 
Range day report. I fired 100 rounds of Barnault Steel cases and all went well.

I also tried a couple ways of dealing with the safety with my shooting hand (lefty). It is very easy to push the safety on, less so to push it off. I have to move my hand forward, almost off the grip, wrap my index around the trigger guard and push it. Do any of you have other suggestions? How do right hand shooters push it on?
 
It's a common problem with safeties located at the front of the trigger guard. Some designs are reversible, most aren't.

I don't like breaking my firing hand grip, so I'd use my support hand. At least with the relatively neutral balance of the FPC it won't disrupt your overall hold as badly as some others.
 
If you have a friend in the US order some Compact base plates. All the 10 rd mags for the FS and Compact have the same metal portion. The only difference is the length of the plastic base. The plastic bases are not that expensive. You will end up with a Compact grip which for my Medium Large glove sized hands work using the Compact Pistol. When I got my Compact I got one Compact Mag and two FS mags with those spacers. I know have five FS Mags wearing the Compact base which gives me a flush fit on my Compact pistol.

Take Care

Bob
 
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