Magpul Is Actually Making Its Folding Pistol Thanks to ZEV Tech

Two Fridays ago we jumped on call with the team at Magpul. It was the end of Magpul’s 2021 product launch week. The call was kind of shrouded in mystery, so we all knew Magpul had something else up its sleeve. We also had a pretty good idea what was coming. Before we got on the call, we all agreed with genuine excitement that we were finally getting the Magpul Waffle Maker. Turns out, we couldn’t have been more wrong. The Magpul team wasted no time bringing up a certain video from SHOT Show 2008. At that point, we knew what it was: the Magpul folding pistol.

ZEV Tech & Magpul Team Up for Folding Pistol

Back at SHOT 2008, Magpul unveiled a concept folding pistol. It generated a ton of hype at the time and gained a cult-like following over the years. Articles as recent as 2020 debated whether or not we’d ever actually see the pistol. Here’s the original video, which still lives in the deep recesses of YouTube:

Turns out, we will. Magpul partnered with ZEV Technologies to make the pistol a reality. Before you start asking, “When are we getting it?” Slow down, because Magpul told us 2022 at the earliest. So there’s still plenty of time before this hits the market. And honestly, what’s another year at this point?

Anyway, the official title for the gun is the ZEV FDP-9. In this instance, “FDP” stands for “Folding Defensive Pistol.” It’s all based on ZEV’s OZ9 pistol, which laid the ground work for making the concept come to life.

Our friends at Personal Defense World have the full first look. If you want the complete picture, go there and check out their story. However, there’s some Q&A Magpul provided us for those with any questions. So, we decided to put it in one place for you.

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. It 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 its network of dealers and distributors.