Smith and Wesson Response PCC: First Look

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Smith and Wesson Response PCC: First Look

The new Smith & Wesson Response could be an interesting option for those looking to enter the pistol caliber carbine market.

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October 19, 2023
By Guns & Ammo Staff
Smith and Wesson have announced their first MSR-style pistol caliber carbine (PCC), named the Response. Chambered in 9mm, the Response has a 23+1 capacity out of the box and ships with two 23-round M&P double-stack magazines. The carbine uses Smith’s FLEXMAG system, which consists of interchangeable magwell adapters that allow the firearm to use different S&W magazines, along with the mags from other manufacturers like Glock. Included with the Response at release are two FLEXMAG kits that let both M&P magazines and G17/G19 magazines be used.


“The Smith & Wesson Response is our solution for the PCC shooter that enjoys MSR platforms and prefers interfacing capabilities with various pistol magazines available in the market today. Its compatibility with the vast network of MSR aftermarket accessories allows the user to easily customize the Response to their specific preferences and needs. Smith & Wesson listened to the consumer and our goal was to deliver a completely versatile pistol caliber carbine that would be a perfect companion to your sidearm. This design is our response,” said John Myles, Senior Product Manager.

The Response has a 16.5” threaded barrel, polymer handguard with Picatinny-style rail and M-LOK slots, MAGPUL MOE SL stock, flat face trigger, and an M&P grip with four interchangeable palm swell adapters. It has an overall length of 35-3/8 inches fully extended and weighs just under 6 pounds.

The new Smith & Wesson Response could be an interesting option for those looking to enter the PCC market, considering its feature list and price tag. MSRP $799.
 
Very interesting rifle. I was going to buy the FPC but don't want to have to run M&P magazines when I have tons of Glock mags. If they can bring it in NR I'd definitely be interested in a carbine with controls similar to the AR and a lighter weight than the Ruger PCC(.
 
I would be SHOCKED if the RCMP doesn't call it an AR variant.

But if they don't, I want it!

FPC came in at $999, so I would expect this to run ~$1200 in an NR version.

 
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I dig the polymer actually. Keeps it light, which helps justify the chambering IMO. Many MSR-styled PCCs are just as heavy as their rifle-cal counterparts, so they feel kind of... neutered/inferior. In my mind, a PCC should be lighter and handier than even an intermediate rifle. Hence why I really like the Sub2k/FPC concept and pdws.[/QUOTE

I agree. I got the FPC which is mostly polymer and the 15-22 (now prohib SMH) and it’s light but not flimsy at all.
 
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I need it yesterday, I thought. But then... polymer upper and lower and handguard, rear charging handle... why?
 
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I need it yesterday, I thought. But then... polymer upper and lower and handguard, rear charging handle... why?

It looks like they grabbed the 15-22 and made it a 15-9.

Not sure how it would hold up.

The 15-22 in the safe has over 22k rounds down the barrel. That’s when we stopped counting bricks. Accuracy will be an interesting investigation over many rounds sent.
 
I dig the polymer actually. Keeps it light, which helps justify the chambering IMO. Many MSR-styled PCCs are just as heavy as their rifle-cal counterparts, so they feel kind of... neutered/inferior. In my mind, a PCC should be lighter and handier than even an intermediate rifle. Hence why I really like the Sub2k/FPC concept and pdws.
 
I dig the polymer actually. Keeps it light, which helps justify the chambering IMO. Many MSR-styled PCCs are just as heavy as their rifle-cal counterparts, so they feel kind of... neutered/inferior. In my mind, a PCC should be lighter and handier than even an intermediate rifle. Hence why I really like the Sub2k/FPC concept and pdws.

Totally agree, on all counts. IMO, an ideal PCC design would sit somewhere between a pistol in a chassis and an intermediate rifle cartridge MSR.

Honestly, I was expecting this rifle to be a bit lighter than it is, considering all the polymer. But if the balance is good, that would go a long way to making it feel right, and make it a good alternative to the many overweight (and nose-heavy) PCC options on the market.
 
Heavy bolt perhaps? I can't see where else the mass would hide. If so then felt recoil may be softer creating some upside over PCCs of similar overall weight?
 
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