August 31, 2020

WATCH: Testing the Ultra-Compact, Full-Auto B&T MP9-N Subgun

With a 5-inch barrel and weighing in at a mere 3.7 pounds, the nimble, compact B&T MP9-N reinvents the class of 9mm submachine guns.

Sean Utley

Thanks to being an adolescent in the 1980s, I have been exposed to a fury of compact fully automatic weapons through awesome action movies that depicted such guns as the Uzi, Compact Uzi, MP5, MP5K , M-11 and Mac 10 and others being used to thwart the antics of criminals the world over. I’ve seen 9mm subguns make impossible shots from well beyond 200 yards to land squarely in the tire of a bad guy’s getaway vehicle. Oh, and the shot was fired from the hip. Yes, the mighty 9mm subgun made quite an impression on me. Now the B&T MP9-N adds to that legacy.

B&T MP9-N Details

While there will always be debate on terminal performance, 9mm subgun/SBRs are loved by many, and that is not likely to change. In this form with an adequate extended stock (or brace), the 9mm becomes comically accurate as the muzzle rise that is induced by a regular pistol is all but eliminated. Say what you want, but it’s there, although manageable. With this hindrance all but eliminated, a fairly good shooter can pump 9mm rounds into a tight grouping at reasonable self-defense distances. While this is fun and quite an accomplishment, the 9mm might be best utilized in full-auto trim. It seems to transform at 900 rpm and up. It’s manageable, effective and downright awesome.

In 2004, a company then-named Brügger & Thomet of Switzerland released their MP9-N (Maschinenpistole 9mm)—a tiny, easily concealable machine pistol with an incredible 1,100 rpm rate of fire. I remember this gun before that, probably when it was the Steyr TMP back in the 90s. Brügger & Thomet, now simply known as B&T, bought the design from Steyr in 2001.

My first experience with the MP9-N was in 2014. Then on a visit at the B&T plant, I had the opportunity to shoot the machine pistol at its underground range. I distinctly remember the insane rate of fire and trying to capture it in photos. The 30-round mags literally emptied before the first empty casing hit the floor. Little did I know then that I’d be reunited with the gun for some quality time on my home turf.

Watch the video above to learn more. Want to read my entire article on the B&T MP9-N? Pick up the November/December 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.