The B&T GHM9

Introduction:

The Brügger & Thomet (B&T) GHM9 is a pistol caliber carbine chambered in 9x19. The GHM9 was designed a built for the civilian market, (likely to compete with the CZ Scorpion, more on that later) but shares many features with the B&T APC9 that just recently was adopted as a PDW for the US Army. B&T is known for its high-quality Swiss firearms as well as being an importer/distributor of tactical accessories and clothing. The GHM9 is widely seen in a pistol format, typically with a pistol brace instead of a stock, in order to make the firearm more easily accessible on the US market without the need for a tax stamp.

Technical Details:

The GHM9 functions via a simple blowback system. This means that there is no locking mechanism when the bolt is closed. All of the pressure from firing is contained through both the weight of the bolt and the springs behind it. This bolt/spring weight is calculated in such a way that the action opens at a safe pressure for extraction, and then ejects the spent round and chambers a new one. 


Because simple blowback firearms tend to have decently harsh recoil, submachine gun designers typically have to come up with a way to help mitigate this. B&T's solution to this is a hydraulic buffer in the rear of the bolt. This buffer helps cushion the blow from the extra heavy bolt hitting the rear of the upper receiver. The GHM9 is designed with everything a shooter wants in mind, including being suppressor-ready right out of the box.


The GHM9 comes from the factory with a thread barrel and tri-lug mount for attaching a suppressor. H&K was the first to introduce the tri-lug suppressor mount on the MP5. This mount allows for quick attachment and removal of a suppressor by simply pushing and twisting. The most unique aspect of the GHM9, however, is what earns it its nickname, Grasshopper Mouse; Scorpion Killer.


Now if this doesn't convince you that the GHM9 was designed to compete with the CZ Scorpion, nothing will. There was actually a lot of thought put into this on B&T's part to include this. As it turns out, the grasshopper mouse is extremely aggressive and eats scorpions as a normal part of its diet. So not only did they name the gun after a badass mouse, they also got a good shot on CZ in the marketing department.

History and Use:

Because the GHM9 was designed primarily for the civilian marketplace, I couldn't find reference to it being used by any law enforcement or military forces. However, the GHM9 has become an extremely popular platform for both casual shooting or home/self defense. The primary market for the GHM9 has been shooters looking for a couple things. First, it is a pistol caliber carbine that isnt an AR variant. Other firearms in the field include the MP5, Kriss Vector, and of course the CZ Scorpion. Next, it is of incredibly high quality. the Swiss are known for making well made machines, and this is no different. Lastly, it is simple. Because there's no gas system or locking mechanism, there is very little that can go wrong on the GHM9.

If Flannel-Daddy likes it, its gotta be good right?
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr_h_fInMBw


Conclusion: 

I don't personally own a GHM9, but I have handled my friend's GHM9 quite a bit. My experience with the it has been nothing but good, but that also could be due to the fact that I've never had to clean it. Because it's simple blowback, all of the gas and carbon go right into the receiver. I've never seen it get to the point where this has caused a malfunction, but I'd imagine it could be a chore to clean. Special thanks to @PhilP416 for lending my his GHM9 to take some pictures of. Give him a follow if you like guns and other American things.

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