The Rimfire Report: Smith & Wesson FPC 22 – 1,000 Rounds Later

February 8, 2026
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Smith & Wesson's FPC 22 has been turning heads since its debut as a compact, folding .22LR carbine designed for easy storage and transport—think backpack-friendly without sacrificing shootability. After the author's rigorous 1,000+ round test, firing bulk Federal ammo through this odd little platform, it's clear the FPC is no mere novelty. While the reviewer remains loyal to Ruger's iconic 10/22 and 11/22 Takedown for pure plinking bliss, the FPC's reliability shines through extended sessions, handling high-volume rimfire without the hiccups that plague lesser designs. This isn't just a toy; it's a testament to S&W's engineering prowess in delivering a 16+1 capacity folder that folds to 16.5 inches, optics-ready out of the box, and priced under $500—making it an accessible gateway for new shooters or a stealthy truck gun for veterans. What elevates the FPC in the 2A ecosystem is its subtle rebellion against anti-gun narratives. In a world where folding braces and compact rifles face regulatory scrutiny, this handgun-caliber carbine (HCC) skirts the drama while offering pistol-like ergonomics with carbine stability—perfect for home defense drills, SHTF backups, or introducing kids to firearms without overwhelming recoil. The author's growing affection after hundreds of rounds underscores its evolution from curiosity to collection staple, outpacing competitors like the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 in user-friendliness and feeding reliability. For rimfire enthusiasts, it's a smart hedge against centerfire ammo shortages, proving .22LR's enduring utility as the ultimate trainer and survival round. Implications for the pro-2A community? The FPC 22 reinforces why rimfire innovation matters: it democratizes marksmanship, bolsters training regimens, and quietly expands the right to bear arms by being unassuming yet capable. As supply chains stabilize post-pandemic, expect more shooters to adopt it for its versatility—pair it with a suppressor for whisper-quiet sessions, or customize with M-LOK accessories for tactical tweaks. If you're still on the fence, this real-world endurance test screams add to cart, signaling S&W's FPC as a rimfire disruptor that's here to stay, keeping the Second Amendment vibrant one plink at a time.

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Smith & Wesson’s FPC 22 has been turning heads since its debut as a compact, folding .22LR carbine designed for easy storage and transport—think backpack-friendly without sacrificing shootability. After the author’s rigorous 1,000+ round test, firing bulk Federal ammo through this odd little platform, it’s clear the FPC is no mere novelty. While the reviewer remains loyal to Ruger’s iconic 10/22 and 11/22 Takedown for pure plinking bliss, the FPC’s reliability shines through extended sessions, handling high-volume rimfire without the hiccups that plague lesser designs. This isn’t just a toy; it’s a testament to S&W’s engineering prowess in delivering a 16+1 capacity folder that folds to 16.5 inches, optics-ready out of the box, and priced under $500—making it an accessible gateway for new shooters or a stealthy truck gun for veterans.

What elevates the FPC in the 2A ecosystem is its subtle rebellion against anti-gun narratives. In a world where folding braces and compact rifles face regulatory scrutiny, this handgun-caliber carbine (HCC) skirts the drama while offering pistol-like ergonomics with carbine stability—perfect for home defense drills, SHTF backups, or introducing kids to firearms without overwhelming recoil. The author’s growing affection after hundreds of rounds underscores its evolution from curiosity to collection staple, outpacing competitors like the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 in user-friendliness and feeding reliability. For rimfire enthusiasts, it’s a smart hedge against centerfire ammo shortages, proving .22LR’s enduring utility as the ultimate trainer and survival round.

Implications for the pro-2A community? The FPC 22 reinforces why rimfire innovation matters: it democratizes marksmanship, bolsters training regimens, and quietly expands the right to bear arms by being unassuming yet capable. As supply chains stabilize post-pandemic, expect more shooters to adopt it for its versatility—pair it with a suppressor for whisper-quiet sessions, or customize with M-LOK accessories for tactical tweaks. If you’re still on the fence, this real-world endurance test screams add to cart, signaling S&W’s FPC as a rimfire disruptor that’s here to stay, keeping the Second Amendment vibrant one plink at a time.

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