Self Defense

B&T APC223 PDW

By: Dave Bahde

PDW also stands for “Precision Done Well” in the case of this Swiss-made gem

While the USA is solidly locked into just about anything AR or something very similar, the rest of the world is heading in a different direction. Europe is focusing on gas-piston rifles largely constructed of polymer, with ambidextrous controls and folding stocks. B&T USA’s Swiss-made APC223 (actually chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO) is an example of this thinking and something I had been looking forward to testing for some time now. It didn’t disappoint.

The APC223 uses a short-stroke gas-piston operated system with a three-position gas regulator. Available in several barrel lengths, our test gun was the PDW SBR model equipped with a 10.30-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with a 1:7 twist and A2 flashider (to which the B&T RBS suppressor interfaces.) A six-inch M-LOK compatible forend blends seamlessly with the upper receiver.

B&T USA APC223

Available with barrel lengths ranging from 8.7 to 16.5 inches, my APC223 test model was the short-barrel-rifle PDW model with the 10.30-inch barrel and adjustable/folding MBT Pro stock. The PDW is a semi-automatic SBR (short-barreled rifle) and is available to those willing to jump through the commensurate NFA hoops. Although not shown on their website, a pistol version of the same gun, which comes sans the buttstock, is also available for those who want to add a stock later and complete the appropriate NFA forms; installing a buttstock on this platform is very simple. Additionally, versions of the APC are available in 300 BLK (APC300) and .308 Win (APC308).

The upper receiver of the APC223 is the serialized part, allowing for easy and inexpensive replacement of the polymer lower receiver if required; like an AR, two push pins keep the upper and lower receivers attached. Controls are also similar to AR, with a two-stage trigger, ambidextrous bolt and magazine releases and safety selector. The handgrip is AR compatible. With its rugged construction, cheek-height and length-of-pull adjustments, and ability to be folded, the MBT stock is an outstanding piece of equipment.

Rugged construction, cheek-height and length-of-pull adjustable, foldable, and multiple sling mounting options outline the attributes of the MBT stock. Smartly, the polymer handgrip is AR-compatible, should you have your preferred piece of equipment.

Range Time

The APC223 PDW is almost perfect for any LE or self-defense use. I have long advocated for barrel lengths between 10.50 and 11.50 inches for patrol use as they are lighter, more compact, and provide ample ballistic efficiency at any practical defensive range. A 10.30-inch barrel is perfect for confined spaces at CQB distances and excels when used by entry teams, during vehicle operations, and for protection details. If you are going to use a suppressor, it generally puts you right at the typical carbine length (16 inches) while maintaining a good balance. Without a suppressor, this APC223 was very handy and nicely balanced for working around obstacles or in and around my vehicle.

My preference remains a two-stage trigger for deployment rifles. The one B&T equips the APC223 with is light, but not too light, with a predictable first stage that breaks with very little overtravel.

Using the supplied Aimpoint Micro T1, it was zeroed and tested for groups at 50 yards, which is a typical distance for a non-magnifying red-dot sight. Accuracy was excellent, with just about everything I fed it, with my best group coming from Hornady 55-grain FMJ measuring in the 0.60-inch range. Hornady’s 55-grain Critical Defense was not far behind. Running 100-300 meter drills suppressed or unsuppressed did not alter my ability to get hits on typical silhouette steel with the same point-of-aim. This is a huge bonus for rifles used outside the range, as you can count on your optic’s zero to get solid hits out to 100 meters and even beyond.

100 percent of the left-side operating controls are mirrored on the right-hand side of the polymer lower receiver. The APC223’s two-stage trigger is light, but not too light, with a predictable first stage that breaks with very little overtravel. Component tolerances are second to none; the term “like a Swiss watch” exists for a reason. Folding polymer sights are part of the package.

Bottom Line

As I have come to expect from B&T in general, the build quality of the APC223 surpasses expectations, as well as most comparable firearms. It feels more like a finely tuned machine than a bunch of polymer and metal slapped together. When you handle anything the company makes, the quality and attention to detail show through immediately. Nothing is loose fitting, and there is no rattling or unwanted movement in any of the component systems. Controls are positive with crisp and predictable operation. All told, you get the feel of a precision instrument without the complication.

The recoil impulse generated by the APC223 is comparatively soft, thanks partly to its hydraulic buffer, and reliability throughout testing was 100 percent with all ammo. The B&T RBS suppressor (now discontinued) was very quiet, and backpressure and gas in the shooter’s face were virtually nonexistent. Combined, this is about as effective as a 5.56mm PDW package you could assemble.

Solid, reliable, and accurate, the APC223s size made it very easy to use in real-world conditions. If you are not married to the AR platform and want something a bit different yet imminently capable, then make sure the BT USA APC223 is on the list. See an APC223 at your nearest dealer, or for more information, contact B&T USA; Tel.: (813) 653-1200; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.bt-usa.com.