Folding guns, a cool concept that we are continually drawn to. SHOT Show saw Magpul and ZEV’s joint venture, the FDP (Folding Defense Pistol) and FDC (Folding Defense Carbine), move closer to reality. During a visit to their booth, the guys at ZEV ran me through the FDP’s features. The FDP will launch in 9x19mm and weighs in at 3 lbs unloaded. The folding pistol is based on a chassis similar to ZEV’s OZ9 (though not the same). It will have an ambidextrous charging handle but the FDP won’t be threaded for a suppressor on launch but that may be something that’s in the pipeline. The carry handle position can be adjusted

The FDC will be a short-barrelled rifle (SBR) and will replace the FDP’s QD sling loop on the rear of the weapon with a buttstock that will sit against the gun’s front face when folded. Both the FDP and FDC can be carried loaded with a 15-round compact magazine. It can be deployed with the flick of the wrist – well the push of a button – very slick.

ZEV & Magpul FDP (Matt Moss/TFB)

Here’s what Magpul and Zev have to say about the development of the FDP/FDC:

It’s been two years since we announced the partnership between ZEV Technologies and Magpul to create the Folding Defensive Pistol and the Folding Defensive Carbine. We’re pivoting to final testing and production planning, and the plan is for the FDP-9 and FDC-9 to be available through ZEV Technologies in 2023. The classification of the FDP-9 means you’ll be able to purchase it like any other handgun, while the FDC-9 is classified as a short-barreled rifle. You’ll be able to convert your FDP to an FDC with an added conversion part after you receive your approved form 1, or by purchasing it as a factory SBR with an approved form 4.

Testing and producing a project of this scale is a huge part of the process that can’t be rushed. Unlike the original folding concept firearm, which merely allowed the demonstration of an idea, the FDP-9 is a complete redesign of that concept meant to increase durability, reliability, practicality, and to incorporate important safety features and regulatory compliance features necessary to create a very real and usable firearm. We’re preparing for the release in 2023 and we’re looking forward to sharing the final product that so many have waited for since the concept was first shown more than a decade ago.

ZEV & Magpul FDP (Matt Moss/TFB)

ZEV & Magpul FDP (Matt Moss/TFB)

ZEV say they’re in the fine-tuning stage and hope to have the FCP on the market by Q4 of 2023, with an MSRP under $1,500 but a final price is still to be set.

Don’t forget to check out TFBTV’s video on the FDC here.

TFB and TFBTV’s coverage of SHOT Show 2023 is proudly sponsored by 5.11 Tactical. Click here to check out their new products.