pcc

Foxtrot Mike VFM-9 Foldy Boi

Foxtrot Mike Foldy Boi 9mm PCC

The Blue-Collar Sub-Gun Review

  Let’s be real, most of us aren't looking to drop three months’ mortgage on a "Gucci" PCC just to have it sit in a safe. You want something that runs every time, fits in a backpack or under a truck seat, and doesn't require a specialized degree to maintain. The VFM-9 "Foldy Boi" is exactly that—a rugged, purpose-built tool that punches way above its price tag. Here’s the breakdown for the guy who values performance over "clout."

  So lets just clear the air up front, this was sent to me for review from FM Product. I called Foxtrot Mike and specifically asked for the Foldy Boi. I have built a number of 9mm PCC’s and have always had a hard time getting them to run reliably. I did my research before giving him a call and had questions. How does the mass buffer system work? How does it suppress? Is it reliable with all ammo? Can I have one? How strong is the integrated folding system?

  So we are going to start out with a few facts:

1. Portability: The "Truck Gun" King

The "Foldy Boi" name isn't just a meme. Unlike other ARs that need a bulky $200 adapter bolted onto the back, this folding mechanism is machined directly into the receiver.

• The Benefit: It’s rock-solid. No wiggle, no extra parts to loctite, and it cuts the footprint down small enough to fit into a standard 15-inch laptop bag or a tool bag.

• The Reality: It’s a "backpack gun" that actually fits in a backpack.

2. Reliability: It Just Works (With Glock Mags)

If you own a Glock, you’re already halfway there. The VFM-9 is built around the Glock magazine platform, which is the gold standard for reliability and affordability.

• The LRBHO: A lot of cheap 9mm ARs don't lock the bolt back on the last round. It’s annoying and slows you down. Foxtrot Mike’s Last Round Bolt Hold Open is built like a tank—it works every single time, even with cheap Magpul or ETS mags.

3. Ergonomics: Not Your Standard AR

4. The standout feature is the Forward Charging Handle. Instead of reaching back by your face like a standard AR-15, you rack this thing up by the handguard, sort of like an MP5 or a FAL.

5. Why it matters: It’s faster to clear malfunctions and easier to manipulate if you’re in a cramped space (like inside a vehicle). Plus, it’s non-reciprocating, meaning it stays still while you’re firing so no thumb-smacking.

  Now lets get to some specs on what I am calling the “KING OF TRUCK GUNS”

  • Manufacturer: Foxtrot Mike Products.

  • Platform: VFM-9B (dedicated 9mm).

  • Caliber: 9mm Luger.

  • Operating System: Straight Blowback.

  • Magazine Compatibility: 9mm Glock-style magazines.

  • Weight: Approximately 5 lbs for the full pistol; the complete lower receiver alone is approximately 2.25 lbs.

  • Length: 21 inches extended; reduced to 14 inches when folded (7-inch total reduction).

Barrel & Upper Receiver

  • Barrel Length: 5.2 inches

  • Barrel Material: 41V50 Premium Match Grade steel, vacuum stress relieved, and Melonite coated.

  • Barrel Twist: 1:10.

  • Muzzle Thread: 1/2 x 28 (Standard on newer VFM-9 uppers).

  • Handguard: M-LOK free-float rail with a 1.3-inch internal diameter.

  • Charging Handle: Dual charging options (front and rear) available on VFM-9 models. 

Lower Receiver & Folding System

  • Material: Machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum.

  • Folding Mechanism: Integrated hinge built directly into the lower receiver (not an add-on adapter).

  • Controls: Fully ambidextrous safety selector, bolt catch, and magazine release.

  • Trigger: Curved Mil-Spec trigger.

  • Last Round Bolt Hold Open (LRBHO): Integrated into the lower receiver.

  • Magwell: 3D machined extra-wide flared magwell for faster reloads.

  • Finish: Type III Hardcoat Anodized.

  • Buffer System: Proprietary Recoil Mitigation Buffer (RMB) designed for an A5-length buffer tube.

  • Recoil Mitigation Buffer (RMB): This is a heavy, one-piece buffer weighing approximately 9.4 to 10.6 oz. Unlike standard solid buffers, it uses a sliding body mechanism with internal reciprocating masses that act as a "deadblow" to prevent the bolt from bouncing off the barrel during high-speed operation.

  • A5-Length Buffer Tube: The Foldy Boi uses an A5-length tube (approx. 7.75 inches), which is longer than a standard carbine tube. This extra length allows for the use of the longer proprietary buffer while maintaining proper bolt travel for reliable cycling 

  • Integrated Folding Hinge: Because the hinge is built directly into the 7075-T6 billet lower, the buffer features a special extension to bridge the gap of the folding mechanism.

  • Recoil Spring: It typically ships with a .308 carbine flat-wire spring or a high-strength round-wire spring. This stiffer spring is critical for controlling the heavy bolt of a blowback system.

  • Non-Firing Folded: Note that because the buffer and spring must stay in the tube, the firearm cannot be fired while folded. The system includes a latch to keep the bolt from sliding out when the hinge is open.

  The VFM-9 isn't a safe queen. It’s a tool. It’s built for the guy who wants a compact, reliable 9mm system for home defense or travel without paying the "luxury tax" for a European brand name. It’s American-made, over engineered in the right places, and priced for people who work for a living. I always try to review firearms that the average person can afford. This Little folding PCC fits the itch of who I am. I have taken it apart, changed out parts with standard AR parts and fired it. It ran. I replaced the parts back with the original for the review. For a quick note you can use a FRT trigger, suppress it and let it rock and roll for a lot of fun. I have a little more than 1200 rounds through it. I started off by taking all my carry ammo and rotated it through. It was a mix of 115gr to 147gr of hollow points. I read on the internet somewhere that you needed to allow a 200 round break in but I am not sure if this is in the owners manual. I had a bunch of flat nosed pure lead 9mm ammo that I do not remember the weight and it fed them perfectly. Did I mention that it takes Glock style mags? The last round bolt hold open is a nice touch compared to other PCC’s.

  So is the VFM-9 "Foldy Boi" the perfect truck gun or king of the PCC’s? Well in my eyes it is. You compare it with one of the 3 barrel length options, 5”, 7” or 10”, price, reliability, and the lifetime customer support and this is all you need. So why spend three times as much to say you have a clone of something when you can have the controls of your standard AR, less the front charging system? You still have plenty of rail space in a M Lok configuration to add your favorite accessories. I had no issues with my PCC, it chomped down everything I fed it, it fit in my backpack and I carried it in public this way. I actually laid it in the front seat of my truck and covered the whole thing with my cowboy hat while folded. It checks off all the boxes I have for a truck gun. It is small, accurate, reliable and I enjoy showing it off to friends and people at the range. I know a lot of writers put a lot more specs or technical data in their reviews, but I just felt this one needed an honest working man's review. I guess this is more of how I feel about it. I would recommend the Foxtrot Mike VFM-9 "Foldy Boi" to anyone looking for a truck gun, especially if you carry a handgun that uses the same mags. That just makes a combo you can't beat.  

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

  • American made

  • True integrated folder

  • LRBHO

  • Compact

  • HK style charger

  • Glock mags 

  • Fits in a backpack

  • Price point

Target Market:

  • Glock guy on a budget

  • The guy who needs a rifle style gun as a commuter gun

  • Home defense

  • Range junkie

  • The guy who shops at Tractor Supply or your local Coop that still needs to feed his animals and his firearm.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • CALIBER: 9MM

  • OPERATING SYSTEM: STRAIGHT BLOWBACK 

  • BARREL LENGTH: 5"

  • BARREL TWIST: 1:10

  • BARREL MATERIAL: 41V50 PREMIUM MATCH GRADE 41v50 BARREL, VACUUM STRESS RELIEVED, MELONITE COATED WITH A HONED CHAMBER

  • MUZZLE DEVICE: MICRO BLAST DIFFUSER

  • MUZZLE THREAD: 1/2 X 28

  • UPPER & LOWER RECEIVER: BILLET AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING 

  • HANDGUARD: 4" M-LOK FREE FLOAT TYPE III HARD BLACK ANNODIZING

  • CHARGING HANDLE: MIL-SPEC CHARGING HANDLE IN REAR, FM 4 POSITION IN FRONT

  • PISTOL GRIP: THRIL

  • BUFFER: 9.4 OZ FM RECOIL MITIGATION BUFFER

  • BUFFER TUBE: A5  

  • BRACE: INTEGRATED FOLDING ADAPTER W/ SBA3

  • TRIGGER: CURVED MIL-SPEC 

  • CONTROLS: AMBIDEXTROUS 

  • LENGTH (INCHES): 21" (14" Folded)

  • WEIGHT (LBS): 4lbs 13oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black, remember this is a working man's gun. 

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing, at least on the VFM-9

Link to other reviews:

Blowback9 on YouTube 

PewPew Tactical 

Price point:

MSRP =  $599 - $779

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Foxtrot Mike and use code “GGR” for 10% off

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Recoil Mitigation Buffer

  • Zero bolt bounce

  • Fully Ambidextrous

  • AR Trigger compatibility

Cons:

  • I really couldn't find one

Score: 9.00 Amazing

Hi-Point 995

I have a relationship with Hi Point firearms.  In 2012 I purchased a Hi Point JCP .40 caliber handgun because I was intrigued by the amount of drama I read about it on the internet. I discovered they were a solid choice for their price tag with pros and cons.

When we started the 2nd is For Everyone:Diversity Shoot I contacted Hi Point Firearms asking for catalogs, swag, tees and hats. They shipped a huge container of Hi Point branded merch and swag saying they support the 2nd Amendment rights of all Americans.

In 2017 they sent the Hi Point 995WC  9mm carbine to use during the 2A4E Diversity Shoot events. There was no agreement to do a review, they sent it to help in our mission to introduce all people to firearms and I was to return it to Hi Point after a specified time frame. At the end of that time frame they sent me a receipt. It read "Keep up the good work. PAID IN FULL"

I have become friends with the people at HP but as you can see it's been years since I've received that carbine, and this is my first written review. I will give you the pros and cons about this firearm.

Hi Point Firearms carbines come in a variety of pistol calibers, .380ACP, 30 Super Carry, 9mm, 40S&W, 45 ACP and 10mm.  They have state compliant carbines and even carbines that are Canadian compliant. Hi Point carbines also come in a variety of colors Black, OD Green, Flat Dark Earth, Woodland Camo, Desert Digital camo, Muddy Girl, a flag version in OD Green and a flag version in FDE. The 10mm version is available in Kryptek Yeti. 

Hi Point sent me the 995WC, which is a 9mm blowback operated pistol caliber carbine with a 16 inch barrel, the latest models are threaded 1/2x28. This pistol caliber carbine has an overall length of 32 inches at 6.25 pounds. The "WC" in the name stands for their woodland camo hydro dipped coating.

  The 995WC comes with adjustable peep sights, sling attachments, a sling, sight adjustment tool/disassemble tool, a chamber flag, trigger lock and one 10 round magazine (not compatible with the HP C9 pistol). It also has a spring loaded recoil pad (I almost left this out as a feature because I never noticed it, but some reviews mention it as if it's a problem. It's a non issue.) Out of the box you must install the sling swivels to attach the sling. I never installed the sling because my purpose is for range use only and slings aren't needed for that purpose.

I made the rookie mistake of not cleaning or oiling the brand new carbine (this will come to haunt me later). I took it directly to the range, loaded it with ammo and proceeded to zero the fully adjustable peephole sights. I really felt comfortable that the good sight picture the peep sights provided would make the gun easy to shoot precisely and range time proved me correct. I have to give this carbine credit, it shoots tight groups. When testing the accuracy of rifles and carbines I usually shoot seated using my range bag as a rest. That's how I fired these groups.  At 25 yards, using regular full metal jacket range ammo, I got 10 shot groups the size of a quarter. That's the result of multiple trips. I turned in 10 shot groups at 50 yards the size of a poker chip using a variety of Full Metal Jacket ammo from manufacturers like Federal, PPU, Magtech and Winchester. Wolf, Tula and Barnaul steel case ammo were not as accurate as brass case ammo, but I find that's usually the case.  They were still good groups just not as tight. I have never fired hollow point ammo because self defense and hunting aren't my reasons for requesting the carbine from Hi Point Firearms. This carbine was going to be used to introduce people to firearms for the first time. I wasn't interested in whether it could feed a variety of hollow point ammunition.

Around Christmas of 2017 I took the 995WC on a range trip and fired steel case ammunition. At this point I had taken it on multiple range trips and multiple Diversity Shoots, all without cleaning it. Then I  fired a shot and the empty case stuck in the chamber. I used a rod attempting to knock it out. The rear of the case popped off leaving the remains of the case stuck in the chamber. Nothing would dislodge the stuck case. Just dandy. I called Hi Point to use their lifetime warranty. This warranty covers the Hi Point firearm, regardless if you're the first owner or the third owner.  The warranty is for the life of the firearm. The Hi Point rep told me they were closed from Christmas till January 2nd. He said they would get it back to me after the holidays. I received the carbine back before the end of the first week of the new year with a new barrel. I became the first person to break a Hi Point carbine (years later a YouTuber named Garand Thumb would become the second person). Since then we have fired thousands of rounds through the carbine at our "2nd is For Everyone: Diversity Shoot" events at various ranges throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Let me give you the pros of this carbine:

While it is a tough gun that holds up to regular use and inattentive handling it isn't a firearm designed to go through the rigors of a military grade firearm. That isn't a pro or a con, no one claims the Hipoint carbine is a duty weapon.  The hydrodip Woodland camo finish is still like new after years of use by myself, multiple instructors, and hundreds of attendees at 2A4E Diversity Shoots. The only scratches are where I detached the front sight from the barrel. The gun runs like a champ with a little lube. I've only run a patch down the barrel to clean it and I spray it with lube. The price is low enough for most people to purchase one as a range plinker or for more serious use.

The Hi Point 995WC also has some cons:

The factory 10 round magazines are the most dependable magazines as far as I've read and watched from other reviews. I have had no issues with the multiple magazines that I've been using for years. I must stress these aren't military grade magazines that can be dropped on the concrete continually. When used in outdoor training I've dropped them on the ground without issue but I've never tossed them on the floor at an indoor range. ProMag extended 15 round magazines are garbage. I purchased three, before NJ mag capacity laws restricted us to 10 round magazines, all three went into the trash can at the range on their first day. The failures to feed were continuous. Their failure rate escalated from comical to frustrating to violent. I enjoyed stomping them on the concrete. Promags are a no go for me. The RedBall Sports magazines hold 20 rounds, but I can't legally own them in New Jersey. Other reviews on the RedBall mags are mixed. The trigger is mushy like the trigger on their pistol line. There's not a distinctive, crisp wall or reset. Get used to the trigger and you will be rewarded with hit targets & tight groups. As I stated, the fixed sights it comes with are great. Adding a red dot optic with the fixed sights in place creates a crowded sight picture. I found it easier to remove the fixed sights and just use a red dot. The picatinny rails are plastic but I've never had an issue with losing zero with the red dot or having my flashlight come loose. The sling isn't a "Tactical" sling, it is designed to sling over your shoulder for a stroll in the woods. I didn't install their sling because this gun is meant to be shot by shooters at an indoor range, the sling would get in the way. Another con is the charging handle and chambering a round. When you open the box the gun arrives in, the charging handle is taped inside. It's not attached to the gun. It's a threaded hex bolt and a knurled handle that spins around the bolt. You must install it into a threaded hole in the slide. LOCTITE it in place or it will work itself loose. Pull the charging handle to the rear with some vigor to chamber a round. This is a blowback operated carbine. To load the round into the chamber the slide must compress the springs moving the bolt far enough rearward to pick up the first round in the magazine. I got comfortable with this operating system within two range trips. The last and biggest con for me is how many steps are involved in the disassembly to clean the gun thoroughly. They include the Takedown tool in the box. I've lost it…twice. A screwdriver or punch can be used in its place. Even the instructions say you don't need to disassemble it to clean it for 1500- 2000 rounds. I've had thousands of rounds go through mine without a detailed disassembly and cleaning. The disassemble isn't complicated, it's just more steps than military style firearms that are designed for regular field maintenance. Lastly, adding aftermarket parts seems like a recipe for future issues. The only aftermarket product I recommend is the High Tower Armory MBS 95 chassis that turns the 995 into a bullpup carbine. A separate review will be forthcoming on it in the future.

Overall the Hi Point 995 is a solid 9mm blowback carbine for the price you pay. Hi Point carbines are inexpensive Pistol Caliber Carbines that work best with their 10 round factory magazines and cost less than any other PCC on the market. Hi Point Firearms aren't military grade firearms but will take normal rough handling. It's an inexpensive carbine that will be monotonously dependable and accurate with minimal care, occasional cleaning and lubrication. PCCs that work dependably from other manufacturers cost multiple times the price of a Hi Point. I definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a fun range toy, a dependable low priced defensive tool or internet troll bait (this is my favorite).

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Hi Point pistol caliber carbines are inexpensive firearms that offer a lot of dependable bang for the buck in a plethora of pistol calibers. 

Target Market:

This is a fun range gun, self defense firearm and hunting carbine if your state allows using pistol caliber cartridges to take game. It's also a good "truck gun", "cabin gun" that can be left locked up for use as an emergency or backup carbine because it doesn't need a lot of maintenance and the price is less than the most inexpensive AR15 complete upper. Available in 380, 30 Super Carry, 9mm, 40S&W, 45 ACP and 10mm.

YouTubers, regardless of subscriber count, have been using Hi Point Firearms as a method to get lots of  views/followers and create controversy on their channels and social media pages since firearms content came to social media. 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Threaded barrel standard (on newest models, except Canadian models)

  • Thumb magazine release

  • All-weather, polymer skeletonized stock

  • Raised soft rubber cheek-piece

  • FREE trigger lock, sling and swivels

  • 100% American-made parts and assembly

  • Internal recoil buffer in stock

  • 10-round magazine

  • Flat black receiver shroud

  • Manual thumb safety

  • Fully adjustable sights (rear peep & post front)

  • Picatinny rails

  • Last round bolt hold open 

  • All Hi Point Firearms come with a lifetime warranty that covers the lifetime of the gun. It doesn't matter if you're the first owner or fourth owner.

  • Magazines are inexpensive. 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

The finishes are numerous Black, FDE, OD Green, Muddy Girl, Woodland Camo, Desert Digital Camo and Kryptek Yeti in 10mm

Link to other reviews:

Honest Outlaw Hi Point YouTube review

Garand Thumb Hi Point 995 review

Classic Firearms Manufacturers Review 

Price point:

MSRP = $399 for the 995WC 

Retail = $320 at Palmetto State Armory

I need it now! Availability:

Hi Point Firearms

Palmetto State Armory

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Inexpensive 

  • Tough carbine that stands up to rough use

  • Multiple calibers available 

  • Accurate 

  • Dependable, inexpensive factory magazines 

  • Everything is included in the box to immediately use the gun. Other accessories aren't necessary to run the gun. 

  • A warranty that last the lifetime of the gun

  • Works with full metal jacket range ammo from various manufacturers in multiple weights (115 grain, 124 grain and 148 grain).

Cons:

  • It's built from inexpensive materials so it's not military grade. 

  • The disassembly is more complicated than many military firearms than some users are accustomed to. 

  • Factory 10 round magazines are the most dependable. Extended 20 round RedBall Sports magazines have a checkered reputation and Promags are not recommended. 

  • The picatinny rails are plastic.

Score: 7.50 Good

8.50 for a firearm in this price range

Favorite Link:  Nutnfancy "Hi Point 995 TS: Ugly is as Ugly Does"

Velocity Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) Trigger

  Velocity Triggers has come out with a new trigger in their MPC (Marksman Performance Choice) line. This particular trigger is for pistol caliber carbines (PCC) that use AR15 trigger assemblies. I am a big fan of the original MPC trigger. I have also become a fan of the PCC trigger. They informed me at SHOT 2019 about the new trigger, so I requested one for review.

  The PCC trigger has the same features of the original MPC line. Probably the most notable is the ⅜” wide trigger shoe. Besides being wider than the average trigger shoe, it is available in a wide assortment of shapes and colors. This time I asked for a green flat, grooved, with finger stop shoe. I also have a curved radiused and flat radiused that can be swapped on in place of the original shoe. Yes, different shoes are available and can be installed on the trigger assembly. No more being stuck with a single shoe design. Additional shoes can be purchased individually. The shoe attaches with an allen screw. One big advantage to this attachment style is that the shoe can also be pivoted. I have mine pivoted just slightly so that the pad of my finger sits flat on the shoe. 

  Since a PCC functions differently than a standard AR, Velocity designed the trigger differently. The most notable difference is how the hammer is designed. It has a definite curved shape to it with more material. The disconnector is also slightly different. When laid out next to one another, it is easy to see the differences. Standard AR triggers don’t always work in the PCC”s. This is because the bolt has so much more mass. The mass can cause a standard trigger to bounce off the disconnector and cause a double fire. I’ve had this happen with non-pcc triggers. The Velocity PCC trigger does not have this problem. It has ran flawlessly for me.

Standard trigger on left, PCC trigger on right

  Velocity triggers’ have great trigger pulls, and the PCC is no exception. The PCC trigger has a pull weight of 4lbs and is non adjustable. When I measured it, it was an average of 4lbs, so it is consistent. As with all their triggers, it has zero creep, a smooth break, and positive reset. Along with that, there is also very little overtravel. Part of the reason the trigger has such a nice feel is that they Nickel Teflon coat the internal parts. This nickel teflon provides a superior resistance to wear, corrosion and friction. So to say it again, the PCC trigger has an excellent trigger pull. The trigger will also work with standard caliber AR’s.

  As an added bonus, Velocity sent some extras also. They sent a 3-hole Sentinel trigger guard in green. The Sentinel is made from aluminum and has more room for gloved hands. Also in the package was one of their new “Wicked” extended magazine releases. It looks like a face with straight teeth. When you see it, you’ll get the idea.  

  I used the PCC trigger in a standard AR lower. This lower usually runs a Stern Defense Glock mag adaptor, but I also used an ENDOMAG. The trigger functioned great with either system. I had zero failures to fire and zero double fires. I would say that’s a win. Purposeful double and triple shots were very well controlled also. 

  This PCC trigger is impressive! It did everything I wanted it to. If you are looking for a PCC trigger, or any other AR drop in trigger, go give Velocity Triggers a look. They keep impressing me with their products

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

4lb single stage Pistol Caliber Carbine trigger

Target Market:

PCC shooters wanting a good trigger

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 4lb trigger pull

  • ⅜” trigger shoe, various shoes available

  • Drop in

  • Nickel Teflon coated

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different Shoe designs and colors

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

None found

Price point:

MSRP = $189.95

I need it now! Availability:

Velocity Triggers or Black Bag Resources

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Crisp break

  • Tactile reset

  • Different trigger shoes

  • Drop in

  • Nickel Teflon coated

  • Designed for PCC’s

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Only available in 4lb pull

  • Writing on trigger

Score: 8.50 Great

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Favorite Link:   Radian Weapons