The B&T APC9 was designed and engineered to meet the military and law enforcement standards. It is the semi-automatic variant of the APC submachine gun, which the US and allied militaries used.
Today, let us look at the civilian version of this pistol-caliber carbine, the B&T APC9 Pro.
RELATED: T3 Carbine | Night Vision Veteran and Pioneer
B&T APC9 Pro: The Best Submachine Gun?
About B&T
Have you ever heard of the Swiss company, B&T?
Well, if you are not familiar with this firearms manufacturer, don't worry. You are not alone! Some shooters also haven't heard of this company, which is based in Switzerland. They are very well known in Europe but not so in the US.
But to give you a background, B&T used to stand for “Brugger & Thomet”, which was the company's original name.
However, when the “T” in B&T left, they shortened the company name and used the acronym “B&T.”
The company was founded in 1991, and their main business was to manufacture accessories for the firearms of Heckler & Koch (H&K).
H&K rebranded the suppressors that B&T manufactured, and they sold them together with their guns. So, if you are familiar with those iconic H&K silencers, they are actually B&T products!
Eventually, B&T started to manufacture their guns and import them into the US. And among their quality firearms is the APC9.
Brief History of the B&T APC9 Pro
The APC stands for “Advanced Police Carbine.” It uses a 9×19 mm Parabellum caliber and has 15, 20, 25, and 30 rounds. It is larger than a personal defense weapon but smaller than an M16 rifle.
The APC9 is a series of submachine guns. B&T first introduced this in 2011.
In fact, it made an appearance in the movie “White House Down.” It was used by all of the mercenaries, especially by a US Secret Service special agent portrayed by Channing Tatum, for pretty much the entire film.
The original APC9 did not make it into the police and military contracts until B&T made some adjustments to the platform.
Then, the company won the US Army Subcompact Weapon solicitation last 2019. It was also the year that the B&T APC9 Pro first appeared.
The APC9 Pro highlights the following modern features:
- different carbine stock options
- non-reciprocating, foldable charging handle
- redesigned lower receiver options
- added M-LOK slots
- three safeties (drop safety, ambidextrous safety, and trigger safety)
In addition, this firearm offers several buttstock options. You may have:
- standard fixed position
- side folder
- telescoping option
Gun Specs
- Caliber: 9 mm
- Capacity: 30+1
- Control: Ambidextrous
- Finish: Black matte
- Number of magazines: 1
- Operation: Semi
- Overall length: 15.15 in
- Packaging: Hard case
- Receiver: Polymer lower
- Sight: Folding low profile adjustable sights
- System: Closed bolt blowback
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
Barrel
The first thing you will notice with the B&T APC9 Pro is its 6.68-inch barrel, as it comes with a tri-lug setup.
You have to consider this if you want to attach a suppressor or install a muzzle device to your firearm. You might need to use an adaptor to provide you with the threads necessary to attach gun accessories.
The handguard is non-removable, but the polymer receiver is interchangeable. This lets you select which type of magazine you want to feed your carbine.
Another good thing is that you get to choose among the following lower receiver options:
- stock APC9 lower receiver
- SIG Sauer P321 lower receiver
- GLOCK lower receiver
This means that you can fire your APC9 Pro in your favorite magazine style!
RELATED: 5 Of The Best 9mm Carbines To Own
Fire Control Group
The fire controls of the B&T APC9 Pro, like the charging handle, selector lever, and bolt release, are all ambidextrous. Plus, B&T duplicated the controls on both sides!
You may swap the lever that charges the bolt to either left- or right-hand side of the receiver. The magazine release is on the same spot on either side, and the safety selector is identical, too!
This means that your hand dominance and preference are king here!
The bolt release is located above the magazine release, which is similar to SIG MPX and MCX. Meanwhile, the bolt catch, which you won't find in other guns, is behind the magazine and under the trigger guard.
This can make it easy for you to find the controls, as well as operate them from both sides.
However, you may find the fire control group a bit small, and you might have a hard time manipulating them if you are in a hurry.
Additionally, you might mistake the bolt release for the magazine release since the two are near each other. These two buttons also have almost the same feel.
But other than these minor complaints, the B&T APC9 Pro does not have many faults.
Performance
If you were to put around a thousand rounds through the B&T APC9 Pro at the range, it would run mostly okay.
The recoil impulse of APC9 Pro, particularly when suppressed, is soft, minimal, and quite restrained. You will feel a tiny thud, but this won't derange your rapid succession firing.
However, its ergonomics are not as smooth as its closest competitor, the SIG Sauer MPX.
But other than that, you will find the B&T APC9 Pro fun and pleasant to shoot.
Overall Verdict
The B&T APC9 Pro is the upgraded version of the APC Classic. So you can expect that the proven features, as well as the reliability and accuracy of the APC Classic, are all in the APC9 Pro. Plus, it brings a new level of adaptability and performance to the table.
Furthermore, if you are a fan of pistol-caliber carbines or submachine guns, then you will enjoy your time with this gun. It is a blast to shoot and a great substitute for AR-15 rifles.
Yes, you might experience some minor hiccups along the way, but these won't tank your overall experience with the gun.
Watch this video by Range Toyz to check out the other variant of APC submachine gun, the APC45:
If you want a compact, reliable, and accurate 9mm carbine, the B&T APC9 is an excellent option. It is the end product of Swiss precision and state-of-the-art materials.
But is it the best submachine gun out there? You decide!
Loading ...Do you think that a pistol-caliber carbine is ideal for home defense? Would you use the B&T APC9 as your self-defense weapon? Please let us know in the comments section below!
Up Next:
- Aero Survival Rifle: Is It The Perfect Pistol-Caliber Survival Carbine?
- What Equipment to Use in a Rifle Or Carbine Match
- 5 Steps To Restore Your Gun Rights In Washington State
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.
