By Chad Adams
Over the last few years, the pistol-caliber carbine market exploded, driven by new sporting competitions, smart designs and the continuation of everything AR in our market. One of the latest entries, the Smith & Wesson Response, aims to deliver a fairly stacked feature set arguably right around what most would consider an entry-level price point or just above.
Several of the major firearm manufacturers play in the PCC space now, ranging from the full-featured Springfield Armory SAINT Victor to the PDW-like KUNA. Even Henry produces a retro wood and blued version reminiscent of the old Camp Carbine in its Homesteader.
But the Response fills a very specific category, one that pairs the carbine to the pistol folks carry for defense or sport. The modern day legacy of the Single Action Army paired with a lever-action carbine of the same caliber, the Response employs M&P commonality in both caliber and magazine.
S&W Response FlexMag System
The genius of this system comes with the addition of the FlexMag magazine well adapters. The Response ships with an M&P mag well installed, but also with a Glock FlexMag, enabling users to switch over the platform to accept Glock-pattern magazines. It begs to run the ubiquitous 33-round Glock mag to get the most out of this carbine. For those running Sig pistols, S&W offers that FlexMag system as well as an aftermarket item.
The Response employs an adjustable Magpul MOE SL Carbine Stock, a mid-tier offering, but a solid choice. It offers adjustability in length of pull and a familiar Mil-Spec-like orientation. The forend features a smaller outside overall diameter, along with aggressive texturing for a sure grip. A bevy of M-LOK slots provide positioning for accessories.
For M&P pistol users, the Response really shines, bringing in a pistol grip with the feel, and even the interchangeable backstraps, from the M&P line. Pair that with the magazine commonality, and you get a loadout of the same magazines running both your pistol and carbine, along with the feel of your daily carry or duty gun.
A threaded, 16.5-inch barrel comes fitted with a knurled thread protector, making the Response easily ready for a can. A full-length Picatinny rail accommodates a wide selection of optic choices. Polymer upper and lower receivers keep the weight down, at 94 ounces shipped. A straight blowback design, there’s a lot to like about this basic, but solid configuration.
Running & Gunning the S&W Response
I ran a few hundred rounds through the Response recently, utilizing the M&P FlexMag and magazines, topped with the new Trijicon MRO SD red dot and 3X Magnifier. The Magnifier proved handy during the sight-in session, where the carbine printed acceptable accuracy. Not a real tack driver, but plenty accurate enough in the 3-MOA range shooting only magazine-supported off the bench. It would no doubt shrink those down a bit in a true benchrest session.
But the handiness of the system showed when I started shooting and moving. Getting out on the flat range, engaging multiple targets and on the move, the lightweight carbine showed its worth. Fast and nimble, target-to-target transitions were extremely quick, with very little muzzle climb. In fact, I often had to slow myself down to avoid driving through the next target.
After firing your last round, the bolt in the Response locks back on an empty magazine, thankfully, via a FlexMag-specific follower transfer component. A feature that proved unobtainable voodoo for a long time on some PCCs. The Response also delivers the right mix of AR-like feel, with the positioning of the magazine release, safety lever, flat-faced trigger orientation, M-LOK forend and top Picatinny rail. If you own an AR, you’re ready to rock the Response.
I burned through a whole bunch of 9mm running various drills on paper. The Response proved plenty accurate enough, very nimble and a lot of fun to get on the trigger. Next range session will switch over to the Glock FlexMag, and fitted with a can.
Cost: $799
Pros: A pretty solid feature set for an entry-level PCC. I loved the small overall diameter on the handugard. This carbine runs hard and fast very naturally.
Cons: Most folks will likely want to update some components here, including the trigger and possibly the stock. That eats into the value a bit, but still pretty solid.
