Switzerland's B &T Introduces USW-A1 to U.S. Market

by
posted on April 11, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
usw-a1_lede.jpg

The Swiss-designed-and-built Universal Service Weapon (USW), introduced in Europe in 2016 and previewed at SHOT Show 2017 to an enthusiastic audience, is now available to both law enforcement professionals and commercial customers in the United States. This 9 mm USW-A1 represents an entirely new category of firearms systems designed to fill the gap between submachine gun and 9 mm police carbine.

Manufactured by Brugger and Thomet (B&T), the USW-A1 was designed specifically to meet the needs of today's law enforcement professionals, who often face challenges that far exceed the capabilities of many of today's most sophisticated pistols, and who during specific conflict situations do not have the time to reach for their standard issue carbine rifle. Now first responders, in most cases patrol officers, can intervene in any sudden event with more stable rapid fire, greater accuracy, and longer range than a standard 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.

Taking advantage of an integral spring-loaded folding stock and custom Aimpoint Nano red dot sight, the user can deploy an extremely accurate pistol carbine in as little as 1.5 seconds from its own custom Level 3 polymer holster. The USW-A1 is capable of 1.6" groups at a range of approximately 27 yards, or 40 mm groups at 25 meters. Adding to its stability is a fixed bridge mount for the Aimpoint, keeping the sight stationary during cycling of the gun. With the stock folded, the USW-A1 can function as a standard holstered sidearm.

The USW-A1 is available with 17, 19, and 30-round double stack magazines, and can easily be configured with B&T's own Impuls-11A Suppressor. 

For more information watch this video or visit bt-ag.ch

Latest

Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 Gun of the Week
Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 Gun of the Week

Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Hellcat in .380 ACP

Springfield's latest Hellcat chambering makes the small pistol easier to shoot.

New for 2026: Stoeger M3000 Sporting Shotgun

Stoeger adds a new sporting model to its M3000 semi-automatic shotgun line.

New for 2026: Shadow Systems Axio Pistol Platform

A duty-size handgun platform joins the Shadow Systems family of 9 mm pistols.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 30, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.