Can The Walther P99 be tricked-out for competition?

[OH25shooter]

I have a stock DA/SA 9mm Walther P99. For me, it fits great. I shoot it well and accurate. Without asking why the P99, my question is: can that model be set up for competition shooting? Currently, I've only tried the steel challenge courses with a different handgun. IPSC is probably next.

[Shipwreck]

I may do some competition here as well. And, out of all my guns, I shoot my P99 the best.

There really is not a lot of custimizing things out there for the P99, unftrounately.

On Ebay, they do sell 2 things, but I think they are kind of ugly - a magwell and some sort of ugly thumbrest that attaches to the side of the gun. If U do a search on Ebay or gunbroker for "P99" - they generally come up.

I think the P99 is fine the way it is.

[akanotken]

if you haven't already, to smooth the trigger out.

hmmmm, now you are done!

Maybe a bit of grip tape?

Don't know of any sights upgrades? Could have a smith get your trigger where you like it. mag release is fabulous where it is.


You should be good to go in IDPA SSP and USPSA production? if your p99 is 40 cal, you might want to run it in "limited/L10" so that you shoot major, but you'll feel the pain of the lack of accessories here more acutely. (No speed holster, 20 round mags, etc)

[Jim_M]

The P99 is approved for the production division in USPSA (IPSC in the US). So definitely go for it. Get a couple double magazine pouches. Four magazines is OK but five will serve you better. Leave the gun BOX STOCK. Find a local match and have fun. Please be hyper safe. DO NOT HESITATE to inform your match director or range officer that this is your first match. This will only enhance the enjoyment factor the first time out. Bottom line. Just do it.

[Jim_M]

How this helped....

[OH25shooter]

The only reason I hesitate on using the P99 for competition is that longgggg first DA pull. If I do, I'll probably order these new Meprolight sights for the Walther: http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/Products/HescoMeprolight/hescomeprolight.html

[Hoser]

that longgggg first DA pull
With a little dry fire practice, you wont even notice it. Just think, guys shoot wheelguns DAO for the whole match.

[OH25shooter]

Just think, guys shoot wheelguns DAO for the whole match.
That's a valid point. But, my 686 has had a "trigger job" and it's not as long as that first pull on the P99. I think that model is very popular for carry and the range, but rarely used by competitors. It's below the radar when other brands are mentioned for competition sports. So far below, one can't upgrade it enough to be competitive. Apparently, Walther doesn't care much for handgun sport shooting in America. And it's very doubtful, a big name sport shooter will come along to promote the P99. That's ashame.

[Ankeny]

So far below, one can't upgrade it enough to be competitive.

Do you plan on winning the Production Nationals first time out? I am pretty sure Hoser or myself would easily finish in the top 25% of the shooters in production division, at the local level, in our respective states shooting your gun.

[Chris Rhines]

What kind of "tricking out" do you think you'll need to be competitive in Production division?

- Chris

[OH25shooter]

What kind of "tricking out" do you think you'll need to be competitive in Production division?

Well, I don't know for sure, that's why I posted the question. Currently, I use a Sig 229. The DA pull between the P99 and P229 are not even close. Since the Walther is designed primarily as a self defense "anti-stress" on the first pull pistol, and I haven't seen anyone using that model in competition. I was curious if anything could be done to help it along with keeping up with the Glocks, Beretta's or any other competitive brand handgun. If you've fired the P99 then you must be aware of that longgg first pull.

And, of course I don't plan on winning any Production division the first time out. If I were to even consider that, I'd probably have to buy and use a Glock like most. Many on this forum have said, shoot what you own/carry. Well, I shoot/own two favorite 9mm's. The Sig P229 and the Walther P99.

[Chris Rhines]

I'm not aware of anyone doing trigger work on the Walther P99. If you thouroughly understand the operation of the trigger mechanism in the P99 and are fairly handy, you could always try doing some polishing/detailing yourself (all due warnings about messing about with the internals of your gun apply here.) You could also call Walther USA and ask about upgrading your pistol to the QA model.

Other than that, make sure that you have large, highly visible sights, and apply some grip tape if needed. That's all I would do.

- Chris

[OH25shooter]

Thanks. At this point, my sight focus and potential speed is enough to concentrate on. I'll stick to the Sig. A few more options are available to that brand.

[Supermoto]

The absolute best upgrade is going to be practice. Equipment makes little difference in the beginning or at any point until your are fight at the top. Go out, have fun, don't worry what gun you are shooting or how you are compared to other shooter. have fun, learn how to shoot accurately and quickly. Down the road upgrade your equipment if you feel the need

[Ex-MA Hole]

I shoot IDPA with my stock P99QA.

Nary a problem.

I shoot it well. No need for any mods for me.

[akanotken]

I only considered cocked and locked for carry, as I was sure that the differing trigger pulls was a huge dissadvantage (for all DA/SA guns).

Honestly, I don't even notice any more. You just have to shoot it a bunch. I was surprised, as I had more than one discussion about the "problems" with DA/SA.

Our local hot rock switched from glock to beretta. He has a SHORT transition time where he wasn't beating everyone with as much of a cushion, but 3 or 4 weeks later he was back to "normal" (usually runs ~%90 percent of my score :/). Keep in mind that this involved new sights, trigger, grip, weight, recoil, .... well, you get my drift.

On a similar note, as someone above said, at most folks level the pistol is a small factor in score. A lot of shooting is mental, I wouldn't concede anything to a negative state of mind. Either pistol is quite capable of producing toplevel finishes. Your job is to practice enough where you can run it at that level/ maybe train with a mentor too.

If it were me, I'd shoot the one I enjoy the most (p99 for me, never did get into the sigs, but more local shooters like the sig 226, to each there own).

[RSABear]

Love my P99! I do IPSC 3 Gun. Stock standard, no modifications required for me. Pictures speak better, enjoy...

[OH25shooter]

RSABear,

Nice holster. You have my attention. What kind? Does it have a website?

[RSABear]

Hi OH25shooter,

As seen at the World Shoot World Shoot XIV South Africa 2002!

You can’t buy a better rig.

It is a RC Speed Holster Model 2000 (http://www.rescomp.co.za/speed_holsters.htm). You need slight modifications to fit the P99. The trigger guard of the P99 is slightly wider than the standard size, however the product is 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed and helpfull staff at Rescomp will modify it to fit the P99 perfectly. You will also require an additional support in the centre of the barrel on the frame (you will notice the white plastic screw in the picture) and I had the front part of the hoster cut off to match the compact profile of the P99 :eek: .

I know the guys at Rescomp very well and if you are interested to order a complete rig let me know and I will take my P99 and Mags to check that every thing is 100% before they ship it.

Also take your watch out and have a look at (http://www.rescomp.co.za/rht_pics_info.htm), if it does not make you feel like shooting in 30sec you need to take up Golf.

Ps: If only can get the same source for Choate Machine & Tool products from the US…

[RSABear]

Hi OH25shooter,

Correction – Just remembered the correct holster for the P99 is the CR SPEED - USP WSM further down the page, the Model 2000 was just a tad to narrow for the P99 trigger guard and the USP WSM fitted perfectly. AL – A bit of Alzheimer’s Light on my part.

:confused:

[Hoser]

Just remember CR Speed holsters are not legal in USPSA matches, only matches run under International rules a-la IPSC.

It just killed me to not make the 2002 Wold Shoot. Nothing like going home for a big match.

[OH25shooter]

RSABear,

Thanks for all the great info. Unfortunately, I was unable to open the provided sites.

[Hoser]

Try http://www.rescomp.co.za/rht_pics_info.htm and http://www.rescomp.co.za/speed_holsters.htm

[River Wraith]

Is this holster legal for IDPA? If not, could you recommend a good one for a P-99 for IDPA?

[RSABear]

Every sport has its rules. I am not a IDPA shooter (it also looks like a lot of fun). I have seen some IDPA type holsters at the club. I speak under correction, the trigger needs to be fully covered etc... For that purpose I also have a RS Secure holser that fits the RC rig belt. Have a look at http://www.rescomp.co.za/secure_holsters.htm

I got the holster from a retired Policeman who rated the RC Secure holster 10/10. It is a Glock 17 holster, however the P99 fits very well.

[RSABear]

I have downloaded the IDPA rules. The RC Secure is definitely not allowed.
However, here are the photos of the RC Secure holster that fits the P99.

For IDPA I suggest you have a look at El Passo, Blade-Tec, IWB, Kedex and some others for a suitable holster. Many holsters for the Glock 17 will fit the P99.