Smith & Wesson 10mm Folding Carbine: Review

Smith & Wesson isn’t new to the pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) rodeo—but when they showed up with a folding version back in February 2023 chambered in 9mm, folks noticed. Why? Because it worked. It was accurate, reliable, and folded in half like a tactical taco. Toss in a 17-round mag and two 23-rounders, and S&W basically said, “Here’s your new truck gun, enjoy.”

But now? Things just got serious. Fast-forward to March 18, 2025, and S&W decided it was time to unleash the beast: a 10mm version of the folding FPC. That’s right, the round that’s one step below starting a forest fire now has a folding home. Hunters perked up. Hikers smiled. Backpackers took notice. And bear-country campers said, “Well, finally.”

A 16.25” barrel, folding down to 16.5” overall? You had folks reaching for their wallets before the press release even ended. This isn’t just a novelty, it’s a genuine tool for the outdoors, for home defense, or heck, even for when your HOA meetings get a little too rowdy.

The 9mm FPC was fun. It filled a niche. But 10mm… oh buddy, that’s a whole different breed of cat. You’re not plinking soda cans anymore; you’re laying down rounds that could put down a hog or keep a black bear thinking twice. Run a 180-grain jacketed hollow point or a 200-grain hard-cast flat point through a 16” barrel and you’re getting velocity—and terminal ballistics—that a handgun just can’t touch.

I haven’t seen exact sales numbers yet (it just dropped less than a month ago), but something tells me these things are flying off the shelves. And I’d bet a case of .22LR that folks are snapping them up faster than a politician backtracking after a hot mic moment.

I’ve got a Springfield Armory XDM Elite 10mm with a 4.5” barrel, and you bet I’m going to stack it against the FPC. I set up my Garmin Xero C1 Pro chrono, loaded some factory rounds, and got to work.

Spoiler alert: the longer barrel gives you a solid velocity bump—especially with rounds like Magtech. Federal and Winchester? Not as spicy as expected, but the Magtech zipped along nicely. And while you can definitely take this out to 50 or even 100 yards, I did most of my testing at 25 yards, standing, because if I’m being honest… that’s how most of us will use it in real life. The gun was accurate, fast, and surprisingly soft-shooting for a 10mm.

Let’s be honest. Lugging around a full-length 30-inch carbine through the woods sounds fun—until you actually do it. Your arms get tired, it bangs into everything, and your buddy starts judging you silently while pretending to be “minimalist.” Now imagine taking that same carbine and folding it in half so it fits in a backpack. Suddenly, it’s a go-anywhere, do-anything solution.

Why carry a pistol when you can carry something better and just as compact? And once it’s unfolded, you’re working with full 10mm ballistics, a longer sight radius (or red dot if you’re modern), and way better handling. It folds fast—faster than a liberal running from a gun debate—and it’s ready for action at a moment’s notice.

If you camp, hike, or even fish in bear country (Alaska, I’m lookin’ at you), this thing makes sense. It’s only 5.7 pounds and comes with three 15-round mags. You’re not hauling an M1 Garand through the woods here—you’re packing serious power in a tight, lightweight package that won’t beat you up.

Toss it in the included carry bag or strap it to your back with the included sling. If Smokey shows up angry, you’re not out there negotiating with a fishing rod—you’re putting 10mm downrange with purpose.

Maybe your idea of wilderness is navigating a Walmart parking lot. That’s cool. This carbine’s still got you covered. Use it for home defense. Keep it folded under the bed or next to the nightstand. Keep it in the truck folded up like a stealthy surprise package. And when needed, unfold and unleash—faster than most people can send a text.

10mm is overkill for two-legged threats? Maybe. But I’d rather have “too much gun” than “oops, ran out of gun.” At home or on the road, this FPC makes a great companion.

S&W didn’t skimp here. You get:

• Optics-ready top Pic rail (throw on a red dot, scope, or backup irons)

• M-Lok handguard (lights, lasers, bottle opener? Your call)

• Integrated recoil buffer (makes 10mm surprisingly manageable)

• Reversible mag catch (lefties rejoice)

• A folding mechanism that actually works and locks solid

Specs Breakdown: 10mm FPC

• Barrel: 16.25″

• Length: 30.6″ (folds to 16.5″)

• Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz

• Capacity: 15+1 (three mags included)

• Action: Blowback

• Safety: Cross-bolt

• Optic Ready: Yes

• MSRP: $699 (but I’ve seen them online for $575)

• Threaded barrel? Yep. Suppress away.

• Legal in CO and VT (because apparently that’s all we’re allowed to have nice things in anymore)

Handling this carbine is like carrying a .22… if that .22 had a bad attitude and hit like a freight train. It’s slim, easy to shoulder, and doesn’t feel like you’re hauling bricks.

At the range, it was fun to shoot—recoil was entirely manageable. The red dot made rapid follow-up shots simple, and the groups were better than I expected from standing offhand at 25 yards. You won’t be winning benchrest competitions, but you can sure put holes in whatever’s charging at you—or threatening your beef jerky stash.

Competition? What Competition?

There are a few other options:

• Kel-Tec SUB2000 – 9mm or .40 S&W. Folds like a lawn chair. $578–$621.

• Ruger LC Carbine – 10mm or .45 ACP. Nice, but $1049 MSRP.

• Ruger PC Carbine – Only 9mm, takedown not foldable. $779.

Let’s be real: the S&W FPC is hitting the sweet spot for power, portability, and price.

In a world where pistol-caliber carbines are more popular than electric scooters in Portland, the 10mm FPC isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a legit tool. Whether you’re walking into the woods, walking into Walmart, or just want a truck gun that folds in half and punches above its weight class, this little beast delivers.

S&W is on to something, and if they keep it up, we might just forgive them for the M&P 15-22 jamming fiasco (maybe).

What do you think? Is 10mm the new king of the folding PCC kingdom? Let me know below—unless you’re one of those “9mm is enough for everything” types. In that case, bless your heart.