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THE BRUGGER THOMET REVIEW
I first saw the Brugger & Thomet at the British Shooting Show at Newark back in February on the Viking Arms stand. Its style, build-quality and its many features raised the hairs on the back of my neck – especially when I found out the cost! This is
Brügger & Thomet are a Swiss company established about twenty years ago by Heinrich Thomet and Carl Brugger to manufacture moderators for the ‘domestic’ Swiss market. Heinrich eventually sold out to Carl Brugger, who remains the sole owner. Although mainly associated with the production of very high quality sound moderators and suppressors for a variety of weapons, they produce a 9mm sub-machine gun in addition to the APR 308 and 338 rifles. The rifle is what I would describe as a ‘fully integrated
Firstly, the gun is not built into a stock as such but rather it is a ‘chassis system’ and the whole of the stock-element of this chassis is made from beautifully CNC machined aluminium and the first feature to note is the folding butt.
not a sporting gun, nor is it the gun for the average club shooter; it is aimed at the serious professional user market but, if it really tickles your fancy, this is definitely the kind of gun to separate you from the crowd.
The rifle on test is the standard model in 308/7.62 calibre. There are short-barrelled and fully suppressed models also available, as well as a 338 Lapua Magnum
The trigger itself was a two-stage design, something not often seen on civilian centrefire rifles. This was the only item that gave me any concern as I’m more used to a ‘glass-break’ two ounce Jewel.
system`, with some unusual features and I will attempt to describe it by starting at the shoulder - or butt - and working forwards.
Firstly, the gun is not built into a stock as such but rather it is a ‘chassis system’ and the whole of the stock-element of this chassis is made from beautifully CNC machined aluminium and the first feature to note is the folding butt. Press a button and the folded butt unlocks from the side of the receiver and smoothly locks into the firing position with a soft, reassuring ‘clunk’.
The lower chassis features mounting points for an Picatinny accessory rail and, at its forend, features a Parker-Hale style bipod,
version. Before the rifle arrived, I received a full set of handbooks from Viking Arms. These describe in great detail every feature and function of the rifle and some of the facts and figures quoted clearly confirmed the rifle’s number one target audience - police and military customers.
Two small holes at the front of the rail allow the included mirage-band to be clipped in place between this point and the muzzle to eliminate any problems from a hot barrel during extended firing sessions.
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