Since WWI, organized crime, anarchism, terrorism, wars and other forms of violence have presented ever more complex and difficult challenges for personal security in a world that has become increasingly overpopulated and urbanized. Sadly, great grandpa’s .38 revolver just doesn’t have the deterrent value or firepower to deal with many of these threats. To confront these challenges, firearms manufacturers have developed smaller-size enhanced personal firearms (EPFs) to meet the need for greater effectiveness in close-range engagements. EPFs are high-capacity pistols and carbines chambered for pistol cartridges. They offer a higher ammunition capacity and greater effective range than most sidearms.
Shooting the B&T APC9K Pro
Early EPFs like the German MP18 submachine gun cleared the trenches late in WWI. A generation later, EPFs like the MP40, the Sten Gun, PPS 43 and the M3 Grease Gun saw extensive use in WWII.
But only a few EPFs were strictly full-auto. Today, select-fire EPFs play a significant role in executive protection, law enforcement and military special operations. In addition, EPFs like the semi-auto version of the APC9K PRO made by Bruegger and Thomet (B&T) in Thun, Switzerland, are becoming increasingly popular among civilians.
B&T originally produced high-quality firearm accessories. Then in 2004 it began manufacturing complete guns built around a modular chassis design, easily accessorized according to the buyer’s needs. One of their latest EPFs is the APC9K PRO pistol, which retails for $2,450 and is one of the smallest EPFs on the market. The gun tested for this article is a semi-automatic only “civilian” configuration of the APC9K PRO, which is available in states and localities where high-capacity arm brace semi-auto pistols are legal. The test gun is chambered in 9mm. Versions of the basic APC design are available in .45 ACP and .40 S&W, but I prefer the 9mm model because my main sidearm is also chambered for that cartridge.
Gun Details
There are a number of reasons why it makes sense for a civilian to choose a pistol-caliber EPF with an arm brace instead of a rifle-caliber firearm for close-range personal defense. First, the 9mm round has less muzzle blast and flash, along with a lower risk of over penetration compared to many firearms chambered for rifle calibers. That remains important when using the firearm inside homes with thin alls under conditions of low light. Most EPFs are also much shorter and more maneuverable than most rifle-caliber guns.
Consequently, they point faster and are less prone to a gun grab. These factors remain important when defending against home invasion crimes and robberies of small businesses, especially when taking on multiple armed offenders. In such situations, a gun that allows a defender to quickly place fast, accurate fire on several targets improves his or her chances of survival and also helps reduce the risk of collateral damage. Lastly, a braced EPF might be legal for concealed carry in some jurisdictions (check your state and local laws first). In those places, EPFs can be excellent truck guns or guns for off-body concealed carry.
Design & Construction
The U.,S. Army and police forces in the United States, along with six separate European nations, have already adopted various versions of the APC9. So I expected the APC 9K to comprise a well-made gun. Everything about this firearm, from the back of the brace to the crown of the muzzle, shows manufacturing with great care. The upper receiver shows no tool marks, sharp edges or corners on its exterior or interior. The polymer lower receiver was well-made and sturdy. It held the ambidextrous fire control group, and the bolt release and other controls were very positive in their functioning.
There is little chance that recoil could dislodge the magazine or that the safety could accidently be bumped into the off-safe position. The single-stage trigger operated smoothly and had a soft break at just over 5 pounds. In addition, the SB folding arm brace that came with this EPF was equally well-made. It is lightweight and attaches to the rear of the chassis with a sturdy pin that can be drifted out to remove the brace. The arm brace hinge locks up solidly and is very unlikely to open due to recoil or physical activity.
User-Friendly Features
In addition, the APC9K PRO has a number of features that aid in adapting it to its owner’s needs. These include a loop on the brace hinge for attaching a one- or a two-point sling and a set of sturdy flip-up, fully-adjustable polymer “emergency sights.” In addition, the barrel is threaded for a suppressor, and its thread protector is also a three-prong coupler for those who prefer suppressors with quick-attach mounts. There is also a full length M1913 Picatinny rail on the top of the gun and 2.5-inch accessory rails on the sides and bottom of the chassis near the muzzle. The bottom rail is fitted with a combination hand stop and sling attachment. Lastly, there are dual, folding non-reciprocating charging handles.
Accessories
The whole point of an EPF is that it is a “personal” firearm that can be adapted to the needs of its user, and B&T makes a wide variety of accessories for the APC9K PRO. My needs mostly involve either home defense in a suburban environment or personal security during a hurricane evacuation. Given that most crimes of violence occur at night and because storm-related emergencies often involve power outages, I chose to mount a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro reflex sight, which retails for $600, and a Crimson Trace Railmaster PRO light/laser, which retails for $390.
The DeltaPoint sent to me by Leupold was night-vision compatible and had a 2.5-MOA red-dot reticle. It was mounted on a Leupold AR mount, which retails for $70, and sighted in at 25 yards. The DeltaPoint delivered sharp, clear images, and the dot was easily visible in the bright Florida sunshine. The Crimson Trace Railmaster PRO that was chosen has a green laser and a 100-lumen white light. The green laser was easy to see in the dark, even when the Railmaster’s light was used. It was also very good for point shooting with the brace tucked under my arm. Together these accessories extend the capabilities of an already good system.
The Firing Line
After sighting in the APC9K PRO at the Flagler Gun Club, it was tested for muzzle velocity and muzzle energy. I also shot it at 50 yards and 65 yards to see how it would group at a distance. The ammunition used was Norma 108-grain MHP, Speer Gold Dot 135-grain Carry Gun HP, Black Hills 115-grain FMJ and Tula 115-grain FMJ. Finally, I ran a speed drill and two scenario-based drills. Reliability was flawless throughout the live-fire testing.
With respect to muzzle velocity and muzzle energy, the APC9K PRO performed just like most other 9mm handguns with 4- to 6-inch barrels. Muzzle velocities were 1,158 to 1,262 fps., and muzzle energies ranged from 348 ft-lbs to 405 ft-lbs. This gun clearly preferred the hollow-point loads at 50 yards. That’s why when I went to the 65-yard range I selected the two hollow points for testing. The Speer Gold Dot’s groups averaged 6.13 inches. The Norma MHP average group size was 6.63 inches. This was good enough to reliably put hits on the torso with a center of mass hold. With this gun, the key to accuracy is to find a load it likes and then test it at various distances to determine its maximum effective range.
Practical Drills
All tactical drills were performed at 15 yards. The first was a timed six-shot body armor drill on three armed targets. Starting from low ready, fire one center chest shot and one head shot on each target. Average time for three repetitions of this six-shot drill was 7.28 seconds as measured by my Competition Electronics shot timer. Drill number two was a timed scenario. Imagine you’re a member of a protective detail and someone breaks through the inner ring of protection and is about to stab the protectee. You need to quickly bring the gun up from low ready, disengage the safety and fire one head shot. Five repetitions of this drill produced an average time of 1.87 seconds with all shots in the head. The third drill was an untimed home-invasion drill.
Imagine that you are in the basement cleaning your guns. You hear a scream from a second floor bedroom and then a gunshot. At this point, you load your APC9K PRO and quickly go upstairs. After clearing the kitchen, you use the refrigerator for cover as you scan the dining room and immediately see an armed stranger descending the staircase. When he refuses to drop his gun, you quickly fire two shots to his chest and one to his head. All shots in all of the drills struck the perpetrator in vital areas.
Now You’re Ready
For close encounters of the worst kind it’s hard to beat an EPF, and the 9mm B&T APC9K PRO is one of the best-handling and reliable of those I’ve used. It might not be a long-range firearm, but with the right load it delivers more close-quarters firepower with greater speed and accuracy than just about any traditional handgun. For more information, visit bt-arms.com.
Specifications: BT APC9K PRO
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 5.4 inches
- Overall Length: 13.5 inches folded, 22 inches extended
- Weight: 6 pounds (empty)
- Brace: SB Tactical arm brace
- Sights: Folding adjustable polymer
- Action: Semi-auto
- Finish: Matte black
- Capacity: 30+1
- MSRP: $2,450
This article originally appeared in the April-May 2021 issue of Tactical Life magazine. Get your copy or digital subscription at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
