B&T and the GHM
If Switzerland is known for one thing, it’s quality manufacturing. As one of the top suppressor and firearm manufacturers in the world, B&T is no exception to that rule. I recently was able to spend some time with the reps at B&T on the range and at their booth at Shot Show 2024, and the company continues to impress me.
The GHM45 .45 ACP sub gun can be described as something of a modern-day Thompson. GHM stands for Grasshopper Mouse, an ode to the predatory rodent indigenous to the United States. Much like the mouse species, while this platform is compact, it packs a punch and should not be underestimated.
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Features
The GHM45 is completely ambidextrous, offering easy and familiar controls to those shooting offhand. The safety lever, bolt release, and magazine release are all present on both sides of the firearm. The pistol also features two sling mounts, one on each side at the end of the receiver.
The barrel is only 6 inches and wears the H&K tri-lug mounting system. The handguard features accessory rails on the top, sides, and bottom, and the charging handle can be swapped to either side of the firearm. This pistol operates as a direct blowback pistol with a hydraulic buffer system, decreasing the felt recoil.
While the GHM45 is a pistol, there are several receiver end cap options for mounting a brace or stock (if you plan to SBR the firearm). This model features B&T’s retractable mounting system with a Tailhook brace.
The GHM45 has an excellent trigger with very little take-up, a definite wall with a crisp break, and a short and audible reset. It is easy to run the trigger through drills, giving the platform an easy and quick reset between shots. Additionally, the pistol grip has a natural angle that’s not overly aggressive, offering comfortable control during long periods of shooting.
On the Range
Overall, I had a chance to put 600 rounds through the GHM45. Most of the ammunition was Fiocchi, with some PMC in the mix and a few rounds of Sim-X. While most of the ammunition was 230-grain ball, the Sim-X ultra-high velocity 72-grain defensive rounds also performed flawlessly in the system.
In general, the GHM45 is extremely easy to control, especially considering the size of the round it is sending downrange. The hydraulic buffer system does an outstanding job, making it difficult to notice much of a difference between this .45 and other similarly sized 9mm firearms I’ve shot. It was easy to work transitions; follow-up shots were quick; and all the controls are familiar and intuitive.
The GHM45 runs off proprietary steel 25-round magazines, which seem to be great quality. Normally, I am not a huge fan of proprietary magazines, but B&T gets a pass considering there are not many .45 ACP magazine options. While long periods of shooting and carbon buildup prevented the magazines from dropping free during reloads, I had no malfunctions on the range.
I added a Holosun 403 red dot to the top rail, which made for easy and accurate shooting. While I didn’t take the gun out past 50 yards, I was easily able to ping steel and shred through some IPSC silhouette targets for drills.
Of the 600 rounds, about 450 were suppressed, as it’s hard to justify shooting with a bare muzzle when a perfectly good can is sitting right there. There is a noticeable difference in sound with the addition of the suppressor, and while I kept my hearing protection on, there was no real need for it.
B&T .45 ACP RBS SQD Suppressor
B&T is one of the largest suppressor manufacturers globally and this year, the company is emphasizing its suppressor lines, offering some of the most advanced suppressors at some of the most competitive prices on the market.
Two defining features on B&T suppressors are the RBS (Reduced Backpressure System) and SQD (Super Quick Detach) characteristics. The RBS features an end cap that has forward-facing ports to bleed off gas buildup, reducing the gas pushed back into the shooter’s face. This is especially important for a direct gas blowback system. The SQD mount is paired with the H&K tri-lug mount on the GHM line, so it takes about two seconds to attach the suppressor to the barrel.
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Considering the slow nature of the .45 ACP with its naturally subsonic velocities, the GHM45 is the perfect candidate for suppression. On the range, this combination offered great sound reduction, while also maintaining a fairly compact design thanks to the 6-inch barrel. This setup is ideal for home defense, as it will greatly reduce the flash and noise in an inside environment.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Soft shooting
- Quality manufacturing
- Reliable
- Intuitive controls
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Perfect for suppression
Cons:
- Expensive (although still competitive)
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Proprietary magazines
My Thoughts
I have always wondered why the pistol-caliber sub gun market hasn’t diversified much with calibers like .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. True, I wouldn’t pick any of those calibers over 9mm for a sidearm, but I think with the added points of contact and increased barrel length, the market needs more big caliber carbines/sub guns.
The GHM45 is one of the better sub guns that I have shot extensively. While you get the power of the .45 ACP, it’s a soft and controllable shooting experience accented by an excellent trigger. The ergonomics make the firearm extremely comfortable to handle and all the controls feel familiar and well placed. The caliber is perfect for suppression, and I can see many practical applications for this platform.
The idea of a Swiss-made firearm often conjures up the thought of extremely expensive and unattainable designs. I’ll cede that the GHM45 is not the cheapest option, but I do think the platform is competitively priced, considering the competition.
