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

Gotw Cz Shadow 2 Carry 1
Gotw Cz Shadow 2 Carry 1

Gun of the Week: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

One of the latest concealed-carry handguns to hit the consumer market is the CZ's Shadow 2 Carry. Watch our "Gun of the Week" episode to see the details of this carry-oriented design.

The Armed Citizen® April 3, 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.

In Memoriam: Lt. Gen. William Morgan Keys (1937-2026)

Lt. Gen. William M. Keys, a decorated war veteran and former President and CEO of Colt Defense and Colt’s Manufacturing Company, passed away on Jan. 24.

2026 NRA Board Election Results

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 elections for the NRA Board of Directors.

A Celebration of American Freedom: The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

With acres of exhibition space, addresses from NRA’s leadership, an epic country concert and literally tens of thousands of guns on display, the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston­—and our nation’s 250th celebration—are not to be missed.

The "Dreaded Dry-Fire" Training Talk

Talk to the best shooters in the world, and you will hear the same story: the majority of their skill development did not happen on the range with ammunition. It happened with dry-fire practice.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.