B&T (Brügger & Thomet) recently launched its all-new SPC9 series (Special Purpose Carbine 9mm) in the USA—a hybrid, if you will (perhaps even a “production Frankengun”). The B&T SPC9 sports features taken from various weapon systems developed from around the world. The SPC9 is a pistol-caliber carbine that was developed in response to a request for a police agency in Europe. That agency, B&T tells us, was looking for a cost-saving carbine chambered in 9mm over more expensive .300 Blackout and 5.56 platforms.
It has two charging handles, one that is AR-like and the other is foldable, non-reciprocating towards the front and above the barrel. Both are ambidextrous, which is very convenient for south-paw shooters as well as transitions.
The SPC9 has an AR-like buffer tube with six positions that utilizes the B&T hydraulic buffer system. It will take AR stocks as well AR pistol grips. The lower for it is similar to that of the B&T APC9 and it can be switched to accept Glock and Sig Sauer M17 magazines.
The Mag Life crew was afforded the opportunity to shoot the B&T SPC9 in its different variants today at the SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range in Boulder City. It was a low recoiling PCC, even for a 9mm. The ergonomics made it easy to use no matter which system was used. The suppressed SPC9 K was a lot of fun to shoot.
The suppressors at the booth were impressive when it comes to lowering those decibels, though any accurate and specific account of their performance will require more time on the range (preferably somewhere there aren’t dozens of other guns doing work nearby). The SPC9 with the Aimpoint on top made for a great combo and making hits on the steel targets an easy task.
With the 2022 Industry Day at the Range over with, we look forward to visiting the B&T Booth on the show floor where the guys at B&T will have much more than what they brought with them to the range.
We initially heard that the new B&T 9mm carbine series came about after an unnamed law enforcement agency in Europe had requested a 9mm carbine “with the same handling characteristics and ergonomics as the AR platform”. This was later confirmed with B&T personnel at SHOT Show’s Range Day. There were likely a couple of reasons behind the request: the 9mm round is more cost-effective than the .300 AAC and 5.56 rounds, and the bullet trap in that initial agency’s range (we’re told) could only withstand pistol ammo.
Jon Scott, B&T USA’s Vice President of Sales, said,
“As is the case with virtually every product B&T develops, the SPC9 was created because a professional entity asked us to do it. B&T developed the SPC9 series at the request of a European Police Unit, who immediately adopted it in large numbers. Since that time, several variants have been developed to meet other needs and B&T USA will be offering five variations, to start. Those are inclusive of a 4.5-inch barreled PDW, integrally suppressed PDW-SD, 9-inch Standard, integrally suppressed Standard SD, and a 16-inch carbine slated for later in the year.”
SPC9 Features
Two Charging Handles
One of the unique features of the SPC9-series is that it is equipped with two different charging handle systems. One of these is the classic handle found on AR platforms, while the other is a non-reciprocating, foldable charging handle located above the barrel. This gives the user the choice to use whatever manual of arms is preferred; both systems are ambidextrous.
Stock and Handgrip
The SPC9 comes with a telescopic stock that offers six positions, and a B&T pistol grip. Both the stock and grip can be replaced with aftermarket AR-type stocks and grips, including Magpul, BCM, or any other OEM producers on the market.
Accessory Mounting
The weapon has both a NAR and M-LOK system for positioning lights, lasers, optics, brass catchers, and handgrips.
SPC9 Lower
The lower has its genesis from the APC9, an innovative aspect that offers quite a bit of flexibility and cost savings because it can be modified to accept Glock mags, and more.
Optic
The SPC9 ships with an Aimpoint T-Series optic on a 39mm riser and mount, and the company reports that the included flip-up iron sights do co-witness with the Aimpoint.
More SPC9 Feature highlights
As B&T says, the weapon incorporates some rather unique features that are not found on other platforms and cannot see from the outside. These are:
- Barrel construction – The barrel is a cold hammer forged barrel that produces outstanding accuracy. When the first series of weapons were tested for accuracy, all weapons from the series were able to produce groups within 50mm at 30 meters with match grade 9mm ammo.
- European Safety system – The trigger system is the “European” trigger system in which the weapon can be placed on safe with the hammer forward and during the manipulation process. This is much safer than the classic AR system which the safety cannot be engaged unless the hammer is rearward. On safe, all the time is always a good policy.
- The trigger system – is a two-stage system that is opposed to the more common single stage system.
- The recoil is greatly reduced because of the unique hydraulic buffer system. This system will reduce the felt recoil big time. This hydraulic buffer system is pioneered by B&T on SMG or PCC platforms.
- Finally, the SPC9 falls within the EU Compliant category. The overall minimum length is 626mm which is greater than the 600mm length. The gun can also be delivered with 10-rnd magazine that falls within the Firearms Directive, (EU) 2017/853 published on 17 May 2017.
- The SPC9 is produced only in the semi-automatic version. Select-fire version is not available.
For a closer look, check out this video that the Military Arms Channel ran last summer, before the SPC9 became available in the U.S.
