In 2008, The Dark Knight was #1 at the box office, a recession would start, and someone threw his shoes at President Bush. And at SHOT Show 2008, the internet broke with the folding Magpul FMG-9 subgun.
Clearly inspired by other covert firearms such as the ARES FMG and the UC-9/DEB M21, the Magpul FMG-9 initially appears to be a large flashlight. And while a flashlight that large in 2020 is unusual, it still wouldn’t garner more than a quick glance. Realistically, it just has to look not like any sort of weapon.
While there were a handful of working models produced (we even ran into one at B+T in Switzerland) it mostly saw life in videogames and airsoft. But now? Years after Magpul scrubbed any presence of the Magpul FMG-9 from their webpage, they’ll be bringing it to market.
Magpul teamed up with premium firearms producer ZEV Technologies to bring the Magpul FMG-9 out of videogames and into your hands on the range. It won’t be called the FMG-9, but the FDP-9 and FCP-9.
FDP-9 / FDC-9
That is Folding Defensive Pistol and the Folding Defensive Carbine, both chambered in 9mm. ZEV took their modular OZ9 (read our review here) internals and paired them up with the Magpul chassis. The FDP-9 is a “large format” pistol–so what of the carbine?
After receiving an approved BATFE Form 1 (here’s a walkthrough) you’ll be able to legally assemble conversion kit parts to bring it to its covert-carbine glory. Yes, we fully anticipate that nearly each and everyone will be converted to an SBR–ours certainly will. There is a possibility that ZEV will produce factory SBR FDC-9s as well.
Magpul will not be selling them directly, they’ll only be available from ZEV Tech themselves or a stocking dealer. And unfortunately, it will be 2022 until we see one. Pricing will be released in Q3 2021.
Here’s what Magpul has to say about it:
At SHOT Show 2008, Magpul® introduced a folding concept gun based on the Glock® operating system. It deployed single-handedly from a compact, simple form factor into a short-barreled carbine that was easier to handle and easier to employ accurately than many typical handguns. It also provided its own safe storage method by folding into itself to form a case. At the time, this concept firearm was intended to be just that…a concept.
In 2019, ZEV Technologies® released their OZ9 modular pistol, which is compatible with Glock-style operating systems, using a unique receiver block that’s independent of the pistol’s grip and allows users to change grip frames to suit their needs.
Shortly thereafter, Magpul and ZEV began working together to bring the folding gun concept to life using a proprietary variant of the ZEV OZ9 operating system and a Magpul chassis. Since then, we’ve been refining designs and obtaining required legal approvals. The result: The ZEV Technologies Folding Defensive Pistol-9 (FDP-9) and Folding Defensive Carbine-9 (FDC-9), both offered in 9x19mm.
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.
The ZEV FDP-9 and FDC-9 firearms won’t be ready until next year, but we wanted to share them with the world a little early. We’ve already crossed the most significant hurdles to bringing this concept to life, and we’ll be sharing a lot more about it throughout the upcoming year.
The ZEV Technologies FDP-9 and FDC-9, brought to you by ZEV and Magpul. Coming in 2022.
Quick Q&A from Magpul
Q: What is the FDP-9?
A: The ZEV Technologies FDP-9 (Folding Defensive Pistol) is a cased, folding pistol that can be safely stored off-body and immediately put into operation by the user. The FDP-9 is a handgun based on the Glock operating system and will be purchased in the same manner as any other handgun. The FDP-9 does not have an arm brace functionality.
-Q: What is the FDC-9?
A: The ZEV Technologies FDC-9 (Folding Defensive Carbine) is a carbine derivative of the FDP-9. The FDC-9 is an NFA-classified SBR and will require a $200 transfer tax. It incorporates a buttstock into the folding storage cover to enhance accuracy and stability.
Q: What calibers will be available?
A: The FDP-9/FDC-9 will be available in 9x19mm.
Q; What magazines does the FDP-9/FDC-9 take?
A: 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.
Q: Can I buy a kit to convert my existing ZEV OZ9?
A: No. 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.
Q: Can I convert my FDP-9 to an FDC-9?
A: Yes, upon receipt of an approved ATF Form 1. FDC-9 conversion kits will be available to retrofit your existing FDP-9 cover to a stock. A factory SBR version may be offered in the future.
Q: Does the FDP-9/FDC-9 have a safety?
A: Yes, it has a manual safety that can be applied in the folded or unfolded position.
Q: Who makes the FDP-9/FDC-9?
A: ZEV Technologies is the firearms manufacturer. Magpul makes the chassis components; ZEV makes the key firearms components and assembles the firearm. The complete firearm will be sold by ZEV and will be available through their network of dealers and distributors.
Q: How much will the FDP-9/FDC-9 cost?
A: Pricing is not set at this time. Pricing info will be available around Q3 2021
URL: www.zevtechnologies.com/
URL: www.magpul.com
MORE FROM MAGPUL
- For those using magnified optics, Magpul has Offset Iron Sights. Read more here.
- Magpul released two new stocks to their already diverse lineup in 2020. Read more.
- Magpul has their own Knives: hard to find, cost a penny, and are really cool.
- New in 2021:
