Brügger & Thomet TP9 Review.
After researching a few posts here on CGN and discovering - to my absolute delight - that this little carbine is not listed as a prohibited variant of the select-fire MP9, I managed to track down the official Canadian distributor and subsequently placed an order. Three weeks later, delivery notification in hand, I picked the parcel up at my local post office, the box itself took a beating, so somewhat concerned, I returned home to investigate further.
A little history on the MP9 series: originally designed by Steyr-Mannlicher of Austria to fulfill a PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) role as outlined by NATO’s requirement to arm rear-echelon, support, vehicle and special operations personnel with a lightweight defensive weapon capable of putting down a heavy volume of fire in a compact package. This requirement would later result in other innovative designs such as FNH’s P90 and HK’s MP7, however unlike their rivals, the TMP was chambered in a more conventional 9x19 mm Parabellum/Luger cartridge. Due to Austria’s restrictive firearms exportation laws and slow sales in a saturated market, production of the TMP was discontinued. Steyr also made a single-fire version of the TMP known as the SPP (Special Purpose Pistol).
In 2001 manufacturing firm Brügger & Thomet AG of Thun, Switzerland purchased all relevant patents, technical drawings and production rights to the TMP. After incorporating over 19 revisions and modifications to the original design the MP9 was introduced. The TP9 is the semi-auto only civilian version of the MP9.
The TP9 is obviously a very compact firearm with a fully folded length of 303 mm and an empty weight of 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs). This was accomplished by incorporating advanced polymers. Both the lower and upper receiver cases are molded from a high impact resistant resin polymer. This polymer is advertised as being virtually unbreakable and resistant to caustic liquids and heat. Almost 80% of the gun is constructed from synthetics. The remaining metal components are phosphate finished against corrosion.
The lower receiver contains the trigger assembly, trigger guard and forward grip. The upper houses the action, ejection system and sights.
Handling the gun I was surprised how ergonomically distributed the various controls are considering the limited “real-estate” on such a compact design. The manual safety selector is ambidextrous as is the T-shaped charging handle (similar to an AR-15).
Both the magazine release and bolt catch are within thumb’s reach; however they are not mirrored on the other side. The sliding lever bolt catch/release is somewhat difficult to move initially under the recoil spring’s tension but it smooths out after cycling the firearm several times.
Another neat feature is the ability to release the bolt by sharply striking the weapon’s rear with your palm. There’s of course the option of using the charging handle to return the bolt to its locked position, just like in an AR-15. The forward grip placement is ideal in my opinion and slightly angled forward, it is equipped with a guard, integral to the lower receiver molding that ensures the shooter's hand remains clear of the muzzle. The hollowed pistol grip which houses a double-stack magazine fits comfortably in my medium size palm. I was also impressed by how streamlined this TP9 is, the outer housing is smooth and all edges rounded, ensuring a quick and snag-free deployment. Disassembly of the TP9 is quick and done by depressing two latches at the front and one at the rear, after which the top assembly can be lifted and the internals accessed for cleaning.
Unlike the TMP/SPP, B+T chose to include a folding shoulder stock with the MP9/TP9. The stock locks solidly into its extended position. Folding the stock is accomplished by simply pushing the locking button at the end of the receiver firmly upward.
I found the stock quite comfortable and sturdy. B+T engineers also included a sling mount which is located at the rear of the lower receiver. It allows the firearm to be slung over the shoulder and torso.
The TP9 employs a clever short recoil, closed-bolt action with a rotating barrel. The bolt is held open after the last shot by a tab in the empty magazine. The TP9’s trigger is not match grade; this should be fairly obvious considering the gun was designed to engage targets at 25 m quickly and reliably. It most closely resembles Glock’s “Safe Action” system and features a trigger and drop safety designed to prevent the inertia of the trigger bar from discharging the gun. The pull is long and somewhat “mushy” but it does the job.
The TP9 features a closed peep-type rear aperture sight that’s adjustable in windage only via screw. It’s protected by two polymer shrouds. The front sight is a round post that can be corrected for elevation by disassembling the upper housing group and adjusting the screw on the inner side with a screw driver. Molded into the upper receiver is a MIL-STD 1913 rail.
The TP9 ships in a foam padded factory case with a single point sling, manual, Otis cleaning kit and multi-tool. Also supplied are two magazines (15/5 and 30/5 rnd.). The TP9 is classified as a rifle and due to its barrel length, requires a restricted class PAL. It’s available in several different colours (matte black, desert tan and O.D, green among others). B+T manufacture several accessories for the TP9 such as a brass catcher and mock suppressor. Wolverine Supplies of Virden, MB is the official distributor and I believe I paid close to $1966 with taxes and shipping. The TP9 is well worth the price IMO. I have yet to shoot it so expect a range report within the next few weeks. Interesting comparison to other similar designs can be found here: http://www.mp9.ch/index.php?id=4.
After researching a few posts here on CGN and discovering - to my absolute delight - that this little carbine is not listed as a prohibited variant of the select-fire MP9, I managed to track down the official Canadian distributor and subsequently placed an order. Three weeks later, delivery notification in hand, I picked the parcel up at my local post office, the box itself took a beating, so somewhat concerned, I returned home to investigate further.
A little history on the MP9 series: originally designed by Steyr-Mannlicher of Austria to fulfill a PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) role as outlined by NATO’s requirement to arm rear-echelon, support, vehicle and special operations personnel with a lightweight defensive weapon capable of putting down a heavy volume of fire in a compact package. This requirement would later result in other innovative designs such as FNH’s P90 and HK’s MP7, however unlike their rivals, the TMP was chambered in a more conventional 9x19 mm Parabellum/Luger cartridge. Due to Austria’s restrictive firearms exportation laws and slow sales in a saturated market, production of the TMP was discontinued. Steyr also made a single-fire version of the TMP known as the SPP (Special Purpose Pistol).
In 2001 manufacturing firm Brügger & Thomet AG of Thun, Switzerland purchased all relevant patents, technical drawings and production rights to the TMP. After incorporating over 19 revisions and modifications to the original design the MP9 was introduced. The TP9 is the semi-auto only civilian version of the MP9.
The TP9 is obviously a very compact firearm with a fully folded length of 303 mm and an empty weight of 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs). This was accomplished by incorporating advanced polymers. Both the lower and upper receiver cases are molded from a high impact resistant resin polymer. This polymer is advertised as being virtually unbreakable and resistant to caustic liquids and heat. Almost 80% of the gun is constructed from synthetics. The remaining metal components are phosphate finished against corrosion.
The lower receiver contains the trigger assembly, trigger guard and forward grip. The upper houses the action, ejection system and sights.
Handling the gun I was surprised how ergonomically distributed the various controls are considering the limited “real-estate” on such a compact design. The manual safety selector is ambidextrous as is the T-shaped charging handle (similar to an AR-15).
Both the magazine release and bolt catch are within thumb’s reach; however they are not mirrored on the other side. The sliding lever bolt catch/release is somewhat difficult to move initially under the recoil spring’s tension but it smooths out after cycling the firearm several times.
Another neat feature is the ability to release the bolt by sharply striking the weapon’s rear with your palm. There’s of course the option of using the charging handle to return the bolt to its locked position, just like in an AR-15. The forward grip placement is ideal in my opinion and slightly angled forward, it is equipped with a guard, integral to the lower receiver molding that ensures the shooter's hand remains clear of the muzzle. The hollowed pistol grip which houses a double-stack magazine fits comfortably in my medium size palm. I was also impressed by how streamlined this TP9 is, the outer housing is smooth and all edges rounded, ensuring a quick and snag-free deployment. Disassembly of the TP9 is quick and done by depressing two latches at the front and one at the rear, after which the top assembly can be lifted and the internals accessed for cleaning.
Unlike the TMP/SPP, B+T chose to include a folding shoulder stock with the MP9/TP9. The stock locks solidly into its extended position. Folding the stock is accomplished by simply pushing the locking button at the end of the receiver firmly upward.
I found the stock quite comfortable and sturdy. B+T engineers also included a sling mount which is located at the rear of the lower receiver. It allows the firearm to be slung over the shoulder and torso.
The TP9 employs a clever short recoil, closed-bolt action with a rotating barrel. The bolt is held open after the last shot by a tab in the empty magazine. The TP9’s trigger is not match grade; this should be fairly obvious considering the gun was designed to engage targets at 25 m quickly and reliably. It most closely resembles Glock’s “Safe Action” system and features a trigger and drop safety designed to prevent the inertia of the trigger bar from discharging the gun. The pull is long and somewhat “mushy” but it does the job.
The TP9 features a closed peep-type rear aperture sight that’s adjustable in windage only via screw. It’s protected by two polymer shrouds. The front sight is a round post that can be corrected for elevation by disassembling the upper housing group and adjusting the screw on the inner side with a screw driver. Molded into the upper receiver is a MIL-STD 1913 rail.
The TP9 ships in a foam padded factory case with a single point sling, manual, Otis cleaning kit and multi-tool. Also supplied are two magazines (15/5 and 30/5 rnd.). The TP9 is classified as a rifle and due to its barrel length, requires a restricted class PAL. It’s available in several different colours (matte black, desert tan and O.D, green among others). B+T manufacture several accessories for the TP9 such as a brass catcher and mock suppressor. Wolverine Supplies of Virden, MB is the official distributor and I believe I paid close to $1966 with taxes and shipping. The TP9 is well worth the price IMO. I have yet to shoot it so expect a range report within the next few weeks. Interesting comparison to other similar designs can be found here: http://www.mp9.ch/index.php?id=4.
Last edited:
Even had my female friend who's 90lbs 5'0 shoot it lol.
