B&T APC9
B&T AG (Brügger & Thomet) · Submachine Gun · In Production · 2011
Also known as: Advanced Police Carbine, SCW, Sub Compact Weapon
Overview
The B&T APC9 is a select-fire submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by B&T AG (Brügger & Thomet) since 2011. This Swiss-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this submachine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2200 g (77.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2620 g (92.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Folded Length | 360 mm (14.17") |
| Barrel Length | 175 mm (6.89") |
| Height | 230 mm (9.06") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 595 J (439 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1000 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Trigger Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Hydraulic Buffer System, Non Reciprocating Charging Handle, Dual Charging Handles, Ambidextrous Controls, M Lok Handguard, Picatinny Rail, Adjustable Iron Sights, Glock Magazine Compatible
Variants
- B&T APC9K — Compact
- B&T APC9 PRO — Enhanced
- B&T APC9 SD — Suppressed
- B&T APC9 G — Glock Magazine
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 2019 · as Sub Compact Weapon (SCW)
- United States Air Force · adopted 2020
- Austrian EKO Cobra · adopted 2014
- São Paulo Military Police · as APC40
- São Paulo Civil Police · as APC9 Pro-G
- Ukraine State Bureau of Investigation
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2011-present
Over 1,000 units delivered to U.S. military, with additional law enforcement sales worldwide
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Karl Brügger
Notes
The hydraulic buffer system is the key innovation, reducing felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to traditional blowback systems. During prototyping, the weapon initially had a fire rate of 1,800 RPM before the buffer system was refined. The PRO variant features enhanced ergonomics and auto-folding charging handles.
Background
The original design for the APC was literally scrawled on a napkin by Karl Brügger, who was daydreaming about what a modernized, easy-to-work-on MP5 would look like. When the U.S. Army tested submachine guns in 2019, they completely disassembled each gun, mixed all the parts together, then reassembled them to simulate field conditions - only the B&T guns worked flawlessly afterward.