Smith & Wesson’s introduction of the Response 9mm Carbine is an exciting addition to their lineup, offering shooters a lightweight and versatile pistol-caliber carbine (PCC). While the company’s FPC (Folding Pistol Caliber Carbine) has been successful as a compact and portable option, the Response carbine is designed for a different role, delivering enhanced handling and precision for home defense, competition and recreational shooting.
Design and Features
The Response shares an AR-style design with controls that will feel intuitive to anyone familiar with the AR-15 platform. This carbine features a straight blowback operation for simplicity and reliability, a polymer upper and lower receiver and an adjustable stock. Weighing in at just under 6 pounds, the Response is light yet sturdy, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces or during rapid-fire drills.
It comes equipped with a 16.5-inch threaded barrel (1/2-28 threads), perfect for a suppressor, an M-LOK handguard for accessory mounting and interchangeable grip inserts borrowed from Smith & Wesson’s Military & Police pistol series. The carbine is configured out of the box for Smith & Wesson M&P pistol magazines and includes two 23-round metal magazines. For added versatility, it features an easily swappable adapter to accommodate Glock magazines.
Performance and Shooting Impressions
Out of the box, the Response proved fast and accurate. The flat-faced trigger, breaking at a crisp 4 pounds, provided excellent control and a positive reset. For testing, I mounted a TruGlo PR 1 red-dot sight that offered a clear, illuminated aiming point ideal for both defense and sporting use.
At the range, the carbine performed flawlessly, feeding and firing various loads without issue. Using Black Hills 115-grain FMJ for initial testing, the Response demonstrated impressive accuracy at close- to mid-range distances, with tight groupings at 10, 15 and 25 yards. Recoil was minimal, making follow-up shots fast and easy.
A move to an outdoor range allowed for 50-yard testing with defense-oriented loads. Despite the limitations of pistol-caliber ballistics at longer distances, the Response delivered consistent five-shot groupings, ranging from 1.9 to 2.6 inches.
50-Yard Accuracy Results
| Load | Group Size (5 Shots) |
|---|---|
| Black Hills 115 gr. EXP | 2.5 in. |
| Black Hills 124 gr. JHP | 1.9 in. |
| Black Hills 125 gr. Honey Badger | 2.25 in. |
| Handload 124 gr. XTP | 2.5 in. |
| Handload 115 gr. Sierra JHP | 2.6 in. |
Practical Considerations
The Response is ideal for home defense, offering ease of use for shooters of all skill levels. Unlike handguns, which require significant training to master, and most importantly, to hit what a person is shooting at, a carbine like the Response is inherently easier to handle, with greater accuracy and reduced recoil. It also provides the advantage of higher ammunition capacity and increased stability for easier aim.
For competition or pest control, the carbine performs admirably within its effective range. However, for hunting or shooting at distances beyond 100 yards, a .223 or other rifle-caliber firearm would be a better choice.
The 9mm cartridge doesn’t benefit as significantly from a carbine-length barrel as rounds like the .357 Magnum or 10mm, but the velocity increase is still valuable, typically adding 100 to 200 fps. Some have raised concerns that bullets designed for pistol velocities might expand too quickly when fired from a carbine, but testing shows this is rarely an issue. In fact, most 9mm loads demonstrate increased penetration—typically an additional two to three inches—along with slightly greater expansion at carbine velocities. Modern bullet designs, such as the Hornady XTP and Federal HST, are engineered to maintain integrity at higher speeds. Black Hills’ excellent projectiles serve as a prime example of this reliability.
Final Thoughts
Smith & Wesson’s Response 9mm Carbine combines lightweight construction, excellent ergonomics and reliable performance in a well-rounded package. Whether used for home defense, competition or recreation, the Response delivers on every front. Its compatibility with both Smith & Wesson and Glock magazines adds a layer of versatility that few carbines can match.
While the FPC remains a great option for portability, the Response offers enhanced precision and handling, making it a worthy addition to any firearm collection. For shooters seeking a reliable PCC, the Smith & Wesson Response is well worth considering.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-Auto, Blowback
- Barrel Length: 16.5 in., threaded 1/2-28
- Overall Length: 32 1/8 in. to 35 3/8 in.
- Weight: 5.9 lbs.
- Capacity: 23+1
- Stock: Adjustable
- Handguard: M-LOK
- Receivers: Polymer
- MSRP: $799
Where to Buy
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