B&T® SPC9 PDW self-loading rifle / caliber 9×19

The Swiss company B&T developed a series of 9mm self-loading rifles called SPC9 in response to a tender from a certain European police authority. The requirement was: a 9mm carbine with control characteristics and ergonomics similar to the AR platform (reasons are found below). The SPC9 series can be described as lightweight, reliable, balanced, accurate, safe and modular.

Reasons for a 9mm carbine

Why did the mentioned European police authority announce a tender for a 9mm carbine similar to the AR platform? There were two reasons for this. The first was the cost of ammunition, as the 9mm variant is certainly cheaper than the .300 AAC or 5.56 calibers. Additionally, standard police shooting ranges were equipped with bullet traps that were not designed for common rifle ammunition, but only for pistol ammunition.

Three-lug mount

The functions of the SPC9 rifles, such as the three-lug barrel attachment, are time-tested. This solution is used in some popular self-loading rifles for which Swiss company B&T has been producing suppressors for almost 30 years. According to the manufacturer, it uses this system because it believes it is the best available mounting system for 9mm self-loading rifle suppressors.

Recoil-dampening design

Thanks to its design, the B&T SPC9 PDW rifle has a low level of perceived recoil. This is primarily due to the innovative hydraulic recoil buffer at the end of the barrel. This buffer significantly reduces the level of recoil, even though the weapon is surprisingly lightweight and compact.

Also for Glock magazines

If you combine the SPC9 platform with the appropriate pistol grip, it is automatically compatible with all Glock 9mm magazines. This increases flexibility and ensures higher interoperability between individual companions. Besides that, this solution can potentially save on armament expenses.

Elements taken from the AR platform

Some elements of the SPC9 rifle, such as the telescopic stock and grip, were taken from the classic AR platform. The stock is six-position adjustable and can be replaced with any other AR stock available on the market. You can also replace the standard pistol grip that comes directly from Swiss B&T on the SPC9. You can choose from options by companies like Magpul, BCM and others.

Pistol grip from B&T APC9

One of the most popular series from Swiss company B&T is the APC9, from which the SPC9 rifle inherited, among other things, its pistol grip. The APC9 series, among other achievements, won the U.S. Army tender for a subcompact weapon (SCW). The SPC9 pistol grip is compatible with B&T polymer magazines, known for their reliability. Another configuration offers a combination with Glock magazines.

Benefits you need to know about:

• perfect combination of multiple types of weapons
• pistol grip from APC9
• telescopic stock from AR
• for Glock or B&T magazines
• due to the 9mm caliber, suitable for training on standard shooting ranges
• cheaper ammunition costs compared to rifle calibers
• low level of perceived recoil