B&T USW: the Universal Service Weapon

January 25, 2017 - 7:07pm

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Pistols

Italiano

SHOT Show 2017 - Swiss-based B&T AG debuts the "Universal Service Weapon", an enhanced-capabilities service sidearm for law enforcement

The 2017 SHOT Show marked the official public debut of B&T's "Universal Service Weapon"

Times of increasing uncertainty in the field of public safety due to the clear and present terrorist menace to the everyday life of western Countries and cities, law enforcement operators – particularly first responders, who often have no access to firearms other than their service pistol – need adequate tools to enhance their effectiveness in tackling tactical threats and containing mass attack situations that have the potential to take the lives of dozens.

Swiss-based B&T answers those needs with the USW, or "Universal Service Weapon": a SA/DA hammer fired (a pre-set striker-fired version will be available later on in 2017) semi-automatic pistol with enhanced capabilities that offers law enforcement officials the light weight and compact size of a holsterable sidearm and the extended range, accuracy and stability of a small-sized sub-machine gun.

VIDEO / B&T USW - Universal Service Weapon

B&T USW compared to: Beretta M92 FS

B&T USW compared to: Glock 17

B&T USW compared to: H&K P30

B&T USW compared to: SIG Sauer P226R

The USW is conceived to be semi-automatic only – no full-automatic/select-fire "machine-pistol" or PDW version is planned so far. Despite this, it's unknown if the company will decide to offer it for commercial/civilian sales as well.

The B&T USW is built around an enhanced and modified Sphinx SDP mixed metal-polymer frame with fully ambidextrous controls, and features a wholly redesigned upper assembly and a side-folding polymer buttstock with a 360 mm / 14.17" pull.

The B&T USW is semi-automatic only, hammer-fired: a striker fired version will be available in the near future. The B&T USW can accept a plethora of accessories, including high-capacity magazines and suppressors

The Aimpoint NANO reflex sight which comes with the B&T USW kit

Based on the tried and true Browning locking system, the B&T USW is thus capable of stable rapid fire and provides a 4.3" barrel with an M13.5x1 LH thread pitch at the muzzle for European style sound suppressors.

It also comes factory-issued with an Inforce/B&T APL advanced pistol light and an Aimpoint NANO small-sized reflex sight, both installed on standard Picatinny rails and thus replaceable at the user's will.

Other factory issued accessories include three double-stack magazines hosting 17 or 30 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition (19 rounds extended magazines are also available), a duty holster and a cleaning kit, a sling, and of course the user's manual, all in a practical protective case.