https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/fpc
Is this a reasonable carbine for general farm and ranch use? I have AR-15’s so, my long range needs are covered but, shooting predators killing livestock near the farmhouse is an issue. I want something effective that is more appropriate for 20` to 30 yards and is less likely to leave my property with either a bad shot on my part or a ricochet from a buried rock or something on my farm in the distance.
With a folded length of 16", it also seems reasonable to carry in the cab of my tractor or on the SxS while out repairing the fence. Basically, looking for more than a sidearm and less than a full-size rifle for closer in shooting needs.
TIA,
Sid
Blowback 9mm PPC’s are a mixed bag based on design. The big heavy bolt designed to function with a range of ammunition ends up being unpleasant to shoot or a dream. For example CZ Scorpion I own isn’t the most pleasant to shoot, while the B&T’s (APC9/GMH9) with a hydraulic buffer are a dream. The difference between the two is significant. Not saying the CZ is bad, I like to shoot it, accurate both suppressed and not, just the bolt is heavy and you can really feel it banging back and forth. The carbine version may be better as it’s heavier with the 16" barrel.
Haven’t seen or tried the S&W, but there is a PCC version from most of the majors. The KelTec runs on glock or other mags and also folds in half. Use to be lousy but they’ve released a few updated versions in the past decade or so. Try before you buy, rent at the range if possible.
The Keltecs aren’t that good and are built cheaply IMHO so, not a good comparison to anything but other cheaply built firearms. I also don’t like the top-folding of the Keltec versus the S&W FPC since optics and red dots are a non-issue with the side folder.
The longer spring in the S&W FPC is reportedly better for a softer shoulder impulse during recoil and works with a wide variety of ammunition. It also shares some commonality with the newer generation of S&W M&P pistols. Generally not a direct blow-back fan but, for a reasonable quality $500~$600 option, it looks good from some YouTube reviews which I take with not just a grain of salt but, a big pour of Morton’s from the 2lb container in my pantry! 
Comparing it to a $2K~$4K 9mm SMG/semi-auto isn’t really what I think is fair or reasonable. HK SP-5 to a B&T APC9, sure. Maybe a Beretta PMX to S&W FPC but, one is a pistol and the other is a rifle.
The real question is whether the S&W FPC lives up to the YouTube hype to a certain degree. I am not looking for a primary Self Defence option here as that roll is for a Wilson 1911, Glock, Beretta “social” shotgun, or my SR-15/SR-25 options.
