APC 45 Pro

The B&T APC 45 Pro is an advanced, high-performance personal defense weapon (PDW) and submachine gun (SMG) chambered in .45 A***** (Automatic Colt Pistol), designed and manufactured by Brügger & Thomet (B&T). As the .45 A***** counterpart to the popular APC9 Pro and APC10 Pro, the APC45 Pro is a premium weapon intended for military, law enforcement, and special operations forces, as well as tactical civilians in areas where PDWs and suppressors are legal.

Designed to provide superior stopping power, reliability, and precision, the APC45 Pro incorporates many of the same advanced features as other APC models, but with enhancements tailored specifically for the heavier recoil and increased terminal ballistics of the .45 A***** cartridge. The APC45 Pro is suited for high-stress tactical scenarios, close-quarters combat (CQB), urban warfare, VIP protection, and specialized military applications.

General Overview of the B&T APC45 Pro

• Model Name: B&T APC45 Pro
• Type: Submachine Gun (SMG) / Personal Defense Weapon (PDW)
• Manufacturer: Brügger & Thomet (B&T)
• Country of Origin: Switzerland
• Caliber: .45 A***** (11.43×23mm)
• Action: Gas-operated, blowback, closed bolt
• Frame Material: Polymer lower receiver, aluminum upper receiver
• Finish: Matte black, flat dark earth (FDE), or other tactical finishes
• Intended Use: Military, law enforcement, tactical use, personal defense
• Market Segment: Military, law enforcement, special operations, tactical civilian use

Key Features of the APC45 Pro

1. Chambered in .45 A*****: The .45 A***** cartridge offers superior stopping power compared to smaller calibers like 9mm or 10mm, making the APC45 Pro an excellent choice for engaging high-threat targets, even those wearing light body armor. The .45 A***** also delivers a heavy recoil impulse, which can be both a strength (in terms of terminal ballistics) and a challenge for controlling sustained fire, which is why the APC45 Pro incorporates advanced recoil management features.
2. Enhanced Recoil Management System: Given the heavier recoil of the .45 A***** cartridge, the APC45 Pro is equipped with an advanced recoil system that helps mitigate muzzle rise and felt recoil, improving accuracy and control during rapid and sustained fire. This system makes it easier to maintain target focus and fast follow-up shots, which is especially important in close-quarters combat (CQB) scenarios.
3. Picatinny Rail and Modular Accessory Mounting: The APC45 Pro comes with a Picatinny rail system along the top, sides, and bottom of the receiver, providing ample room for mounting various tactical accessories such as optics, flashlights, laser aiming devices, and foregrips. The rails are MIL-STD-1913, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of military-grade or law enforcement accessories.
4. Suppressor Compatibility: One of the standout features of the APC45 Pro is its suppressor-ready design. The weapon has a threaded barrel (typically 1/2×28 or M13.5×1 LH) for easy attachment of suppressors. When paired with a suppressor, the APC45 Pro significantly reduces the weapon’s sound signature and muzzle flash, making it ideal for covert operations, stealth missions, or situations where discretion is necessary. The .45 A***** round, when suppressed, retains a high degree of effectiveness while maintaining a relatively quieter report than smaller calibers.
5. Modular, Folding Stock: The adjustable folding stock of the APC45 Pro is a key feature that makes it highly adaptable for various operational scenarios. The stock can be adjusted for length of pull and folded to reduce the weapon’s overall length, which is ideal for use in confined spaces, urban environments, or vehicle operations. The stock design ensures comfort and control even during prolonged use, while the folding mechanism makes it easy to carry and store.
6. Ambidextrous Controls: The APC45 Pro is equipped with ambidextrous controls, allowing both left- and right-handed users to operate the weapon with ease. This includes the magazine release, safety/fire selector, and charging handle. This feature adds to the weapon’s versatility, ensuring it can be efficiently used by a wide range of operators in dynamic situations.
7. Cold-Hammer-Forged Barrel: The cold-hammer-forged barrel ensures that the APC45 Pro maintains precision and reliability during both rapid and sustained firing. Cold-hammer forging is known for producing durable, highly accurate barrels that resist wear and degradation over time, even under heavy use in harsh environments. This contributes to the weapon’s overall longevity and performance.
8. Improved Trigger System: The APC45 Pro features a high-quality trigger system designed for crispness and short reset, allowing for more responsive firing. This is particularly important in rapid engagements, where precise control over trigger pull is crucial to maintaining accuracy and speed in dynamic situations.
9. Magazine Compatibility: The APC45 Pro uses .45 A***** magazines, typically with a 25-round capacity, although higher-capacity magazines (such as 30-round or more) may also be available. The magazine well is designed for quick reloads, ensuring fast and efficient magazine changes during intense operations.
10. Ergonomic Design: The APC45 Pro maintains the ergonomic design found in B&T’s APC series, featuring a pistol grip and adjustable cheek riser to maximize comfort and control. The lower receiver is made from lightweight polymer, while the upper receiver is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum for a balance of strength and lightweight performance.

Specifications at a Glance

• Overall Length: Approx. 16.5 inches (419 mm) (with stock extended)
• Barrel Length: Approx. 8 inches (203 mm)
• Weight: Approx. 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) (empty, with magazine)
• Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds, compatible with 20- or 30-round magazines
• Rate of Fire: 800 RPM (full-auto)
• Action Type: Gas-operated, blowback, closed bolt
• Sights: Adjustable iron sights (flip-up), optional optics mounting (Picatinny rail)
• Threaded Barrel: Yes, for suppressor attachment (typically 1/2×28 or M13.5×1 LH threading)
• Recoil System: Advanced recoil reduction for better control during sustained fire

Design and Construction

• Frame and Materials: The lower receiver is made from lightweight polymer to reduce weight, while the upper receiver is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for superior durability and resilience under tough conditions.
• Ergonomics: The ergonomic pistol grip, folding stock, and adjustable cheek riser are designed to provide comfort during extended use. The weapon is balanced for easy handling and quick target acquisition, especially in close-quarters combat.
• Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of military, law enforcement, and tactical use, the cold-hammer-forged barrel, high-strength frame materials, and advanced recoil system ensure that the APC45 Pro performs reliably in all conditions.

Performance

• Accuracy: Despite the heavier recoil of the .45 A***** round, the APC45 Pro maintains excellent accuracy thanks to its cold-hammer-forged barrel and advanced recoil mitigation system. The weapon’s high-velocity rounds make it effective for engaging targets at medium ranges, while still offering sufficient stopping power at close quarters.
• Handling: The adjustable folding stock, ergonomic design, and ambidextrous controls ensure that the APC45 Pro is easy to handle in various operational environments, including urban warfare, CQB, and vehicle operations.
• Suppressor Compatibility: The .45 A***** cartridge, when suppressed, offers quiet but powerful performance. The APC45 Pro, when paired with a suppressor, significantly reduces muzzle flash and noise, making it ideal for stealth operations, VIP protection, or covert missions.
• Recoil Control: The APC45 Pro features an advanced recoil management system that helps to mitigate the heavier recoil of the .45 A***** cartridge, allowing the shooter to maintain control during rapid fire and accurate follow-up shots.

Target Audience

• Military and Special Forces: The APC45 Pro is designed for military and special operations units that require a highly effective weapon for urban operations, close-quarters combat, and specialized missions where stopping power is critical.
• Law Enforcement and SWAT: The APC45 Pro is ideal for SWAT teams and counter-terrorism units that need a compact, powerful weapon capable of engaging high-threat targets with greater ballistic performance than 9mm.
• Private Security and VIP Protection: The APC45 Pro is an excellent choice for private security and VIP protection personnel who require a discreet, powerful, and suppressor-compatible weapon for close-quarters engagements or high-risk protection assignments.
• Tactical Civilians: In areas where PDWs and suppressors are legal, the APC45 Pro is a top-tier choice for tactical civilians who require a compact, powerful, and modular weapon for home defense, self-defense, or sporting purposes.

The B&T APC45 Pro is a highly versatile and powerful PDW designed for modern military, law enforcement, and specialized tactical operations. With its .45 A***** chambering, advanced recoil management, and modular design, it delivers superior stopping power, accuracy, and reliability for close-quarters engagements and covert operations. Whether used in urban warfare, VIP protection, or stealth missions, the APC45 Pro is a formidable tool for any high-risk scenario, offering tactical flexibility, performance, and discretion.