Introduction
Founded in 1991 in Thun, Switzerland, Brügger & Thomet (B&T) has become one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of small arms, silencers and tactical accessories for law enforcement agencies, armies and security services. Thanks to recognized Swiss know-how, exceptional manufacturing rigor and a constant drive for innovation, B&T has forged a worldwide reputation in the field of modern, modular weapons. The brand is renowned for its APC9 submachine guns, semi-automatic rifles and high-precision acoustic suppression systems.
Brand history and development
Origins and initial mission
Brügger & Thomet was founded by Karl Brügger and Heinrich Thomet with the initial aim of manufacturing high-end silencers for professional use. In a context of growing demand for specialized equipment, the company positioned itself from the outset in a high-end segment, banking on Swiss quality, operational discretion and reliability.
B&T soon extended its range to include other accessories: Picatinny rails, folding stocks, muzzle brakes and optical housings. It wasn’t until the 2000s that the company began to develop its own complete weapons, in particular machine pistols, rifles and multi-caliber platforms.
International expansion
In the 2010s, B&T gained increasing recognition worldwide. It wins several contracts with elite units (GIGN, SEK, U.S. Army, German police, etc.), thanks in particular to its APC (Advanced Police Carbine) and MP9 platforms. In 2019, the APC9K model is selected by the U.S. Army as part of the Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) program, reinforcing its leading position in the professional compact weapons segment.
Today, B&T exports to over 40 countries and offers a complete catalog ranging from sound suppression to long guns, training tools and tactical customization.
Emblematic product ranges
Sub-machine guns: MP9 and APC9
MP9: Inherited from the Steyr TMP, the MP9 is an ultra-compact machine pistol chambered in 9×19 mm. It stands out for its high rate of fire, compactness and light weight (1.4 kg). Equipped with an optics rail, folding stock and 15- to 30-shot magazine, it is used by many special units.
APC9: The APC (Advanced Police Carbine) series represents the heart of the B&T range. The APC9 model is a modular platform available in different barrel lengths, with smooth recoil, excellent ergonomics and closed-breech operation. It has been adopted by the US Army in the APC9K version.
Rifles and shotguns: APC308, SPR300, GHM9
APC308: Semi-automatic precision rifle chambered in .308 Win for medium-range shooting. It is widely used for tactical operations where power and precision are essential.
SPR300: Ultra-quiet subsonic rifle designed for discreet operations at close range. Ideal for urban snipers.
GHM9: Semi-automatic 9 mm platform for the civilian and police markets. More affordable, it retains B&T’s rigorous design.
Silencers and accessories
B&T is world-renowned for its suppressors. Each model is designed for optimum compatibility with modern weapons. Their reduced sound signature, durability and precision make them indispensable in sensitive environments.
The company also manufactures :
Folding or telescopic crossbars
M-LOK or KeyMod handguards
Tactical carrying cases
Conversion kits
Optics in partnership with Aimpoint or Steiner
Innovation and industrial philosophy
Swiss quality and integrated production
All B&T components are manufactured in Thun, in a state-of-the-art industrial facility. The company fully integrates the production chain: CNC machining, ballistic testing, quality control. This end-to-end control guarantees exceptional reliability for every part.
Modularity and ergonomics
B&T’s philosophy is based on tactical modularity. All platforms are designed to be easily reconfigurable: change of stock, barrel, optics, user interface. This approach makes it possible to adapt the weapon to the mission profile and the end user, whether a GIGN operator or a civilian instructor.
Research & development
B&T invests heavily in R&D, collaborating with professional operators to design weapons that are truly adapted to the field. Innovations such as the APC9’s damped breech or the SPR300 ‘s integrated silencer systemillustrate this capacity for continuous adaptation.
Comparison with other specialist brands
| Brand | Main specialty | Product strengths |
|---|---|---|
| B&T | Tactical weapons | Reliability, compactness, silence |
| H&K | Military weapons | Robustness, NATO standard |
| FN Herstal | Assault rifles | Power, innovation |
B&T stands out for its mastery of silence, extreme modularity and ergonomics designed for professionals. Although more confidential than H&K or FN, it competes with these giants thanks to its cutting-edge specialization and user-centered approach.
Use by professionals
B&T equips many forces:
GIGN (France): using the MP9
U.S. Army: APC9K selected in 2019
German and Swiss police: APC9
Scandinavian Special Forces: SPR300 and APC308
Asian intervention units: MP9 and GHM9
It also supplies equipment to private contractors, security agencies for sensitive sites and municipal police forces in several European countries.
Presence in the civilian world
Some B&T guns, such as the GHM9 or the semi-auto APC9 Pro, are available for the civilian market in countries where legislation permits. Gun enthusiasts particularly appreciate the quality of manufacture, precision and sleek design. B&T also offers civilian accessories, including approved sound moderators, and platforms compatible with IPSC or sport shooting standards.
Conclusion
Today, Brügger & Thomet is one of the most respected brands in the field of professional tactical weapons. Thanks to top-level Swiss engineering, constant attention to detail and an ability to listen to the needs of real users, B&T has established itself as a key player in elite units around the world. Whether on a counter-terrorism mission or a civilian firing range, its products embody reliability, discretion and uncompromising performance.
