FDC and FDP: Magpul’s Folding Gun

As you may have already heard, the FMG9 is gonna happen. Some of you may recall the FMG 9 from a SHOT Show over a decade ago (and an episode of Ultimate Weapons some year later). It was variously referred to as Magpul’s “flashlight gun” or “briefcase gun”, and it caused quite a stir — though no one could get behind it on the range, cuz it wasn’t a production weapon. Yet.

Thanks to a collaboration between Magpul Industries and ZevTech, however, that will soon (-ish) change.

It’s been more than 12 years since we first saw the FMG9. We’re looking forward to getting this on the range…but not until next year.

*sigh*

The FDP and FDC9 won’t be available until 2022.

FDP: Folding Defensive Pistol

Watch the following video all the way through (you can scroll down for the original). 

According to Magpul, the intent, with preliminary ATF approvals in place, is “…for ZEV Technologies to offer the FDP-9 firearm as a complete, large-format pistol. From there, the purchaser can enjoy the firearm as a self-enclosing large-format pistol. They may also choose to file the appropriate ATF Form 1 and, after approval, purchase a conversion kit to legally assemble it into the FDC-9. It will then be classified as a short-barreled rifle (SBR) and subject to all NFA laws. Although not certain at this time, the FDC-9 might also be offered straight from ZEV and would transfer to the purchaser as an SBR on an ATF Form 4 through their local dealer. The FDP-9 and FDC-9 will not be available from Magpul; they will be available from ZEV Technologies and through distributors and dealers that carry ZEV Firearms.”

While we haven’t put eyes on the FDP in person, contributor Nick Chen has. 

In a report on TFB, Nick says,

Looking at the teaser pictures…there are some significant design changes [from its predecessor]. First, the carry handle looks taller and has an inverted Picatinny rail. I suspect so you can keep a pistol light on it and if you want to make the FDC-9 more streamlined then removing the carry handle means the light goes with it in one swift motion.

The ejection port area has been enlarged and just below it appears to be the witness window for the serial number on the frame. The GLOCK takedown lever/bar is exposed but protected in a recess.

The FDC-9 also appears to have a frame safety on the left side just behind the slide release. The trigger does not appear to have the typical trigger safety.

There is a noticeable difference between the FDC-9 and the FMG-9. The FMG-9 has a folding hand stop/pseudo VFG.

The FDC-9 does not seem to have that instead it has what looks like an integrated hand stop somewhat like what is at the front edge of the FMG-9.”

FDC9: Folding Defensive Carbine

You’ll have to complete an ATF Form 1 if you want the carbine version, which would make more sense for a PDW anyway. The FDC9 will be classified as a Short Barrel Rifle (SBR). 

We’re not terribly wild about that (since we think the NFA should be repealed) but them’s the rules. For now. 

Here’s more of what Magpul has to say.

At SHOT Show 2008, Magpul introduced a folding concept gun that deployed single-handedly from a simple form factor into a short-barreled carbine. It was…a concept. In 2019, ZEV Technologies® released their OZ9 modular pistol using a unique receiver block that allows users to change grip frames to suit their needs. Soon after, Magpul and ZEV began working together to bring the folding gun concept to life. It involved a proprietary variant of the ZEV OZ9 operating system and a Magpul chassis.

The result:

ZEV Technologies FDP-9 and FDC-9 in 9x19mm

Remember it when the FMG9 appeared on Discovery Channel’s Ultimate Weapons? 

There will be no kits to transform an OZ9 into this configuration. While the receiver is OZ9-based, it is modified from the original and is proprietary to the FDP-9/FDC-9. The FDP-9/FDC-9 will only be available as a complete firearm.

However, upon receipt of an approved ATF Form 1, there will be a FDC-9 conversion kits to retrofit your existing FDP-9 cover to a Carbine stock.

The firearms will accept Glock 17-round pattern double-stack 9mm Magazines. The FDP-9/FDC-9 will fold into the stowed position with a Magpul PMAG 27 GL9 – Glock installed. It will not work with Glock 19-pattern (or shorter) magazines.

Pricing will be announced in Q3 2021.

FMG9: Shot Show 2008

This brings back some memories.