Opinions appreciated - Walther PPQ

I much prefer the P99AS. The decock feature makes it the only modern polystriker that I own. For a carry gun, I also appreciate the paddle mag release that minimizes the chance of inadvertent activation.

.455_Hunter said:

I much prefer the P99AS. The decock feature makes it the only modern polystriker that I own. For a carry gun, I also appreciate the paddle mag release that minimizes the chance of inadvertent activation.

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Same experience here. I have a P99 AS with ambi slide stop lever (just like the PPQ) and factory glow in the dark steel sights. It is my nightstand gun and I shot more than 5000 rounds with it with no malfunctions at all. Inside it looks like it shot 500 rounds. Outside it is like new.
I shot a couple PPQ, the paddle model and the M2. Very nice triggers but I wouldn't trade my P99 for a PPQ.

I don't think the PPQ is going to offer you a significantly different experience than your VP9. Both have excellent triggers.

I have the 5" PPQ and it's probably one of the best all around shooters I've ever had. And yes, the factory trigger is amazing. And to make it even more amazing I just installed an Apex flat faced trigger mechanism, which reduced the "take up" considerably. (plus I like the look of it) Oh, and the trigger on my P99AS is also fantastic, but a whole different ball game.

I bought the 4” and 5” 9mm and the 45 several years ago thinking I wanted those my main platform. Triggers are good when consider they’re light and reset is excellent. However, I honestly like a trigger more with a wall then break. I found I shot CZ, XDs and Glocks better. I also prefer more of the flat side panel grips over the rounded ones on the PPQ. Lastly, found the grips slick. Anyways own Xd, Glock and CZ 75s now and don’t miss the PPQ

My PPQ has an excellent trigger. It fits my hands well, points well, and I shoot it better than almost any of my other service pistols.

I have a Turkish copy of the P99 that is a good pistol, but I definitely prefer the PPQ.

Many speak of the excellent trigger, and its true that the PPQ leads the pack. However, this trigger shines on the range, but in my opinion its too light for defensive work. It begs for an accidental discharge in a high stress defensive situation.

Michael A. Ferber: Is it a tentative Carry gun?

My only Walther is a new P99 AS.
As with .455_Hunter, it is my only polymer handgun, and only striker-fired handgun. It complements my three Sig P6/P225 ('87), and CZ PCR.

The choices of DA or SA (two modes of SA) for the first shot give it such a unique character, with a very nice SA pull - and reset - for those who are Trigger Connoissieurs. Excellent ergos in general, as you know.
As a carry gun, if you are incapable of making a mistake during a harshly abrupt spike of extremely high stress, the SA-only Walther PPQ (or many other SA brands) could be the perfect 9mm handgun for so many people.

This video is for whoever 'out there' might not have seen any comparison.
His DA mode begins at 5:23. It has less DA trigger 'stacking'/tension increase, than what I found on the HK USPs or P30. Both types of Walther--in this video-- are normally all-black.

>>My only Walther is a new P99 AS<<

Not my only one, but as of yesterday it's my latest one.

I own an M2 in 9mm and absolutely love it. The argos are by far the best of any handgun I've ever handled for my personal tastes and the trigger is excellent as noted. I remember taking it to the range for the first time and knocking out the center X on a human silhouette target at about 7 yards with 6 rounds -- all touching. And I am absolutely not an experienced or skilled shooter.

My only real complaint is the high bore axis, which is usually one of my biggest pet peeves in handgun design. The fact that I was willing to overlook it in the Walther's case speaks volumes in how it was able to win me over.

I could see the trigger being seen as potentially too light to be safe by some for a striker-fired weapon with no manual safety. It's not an issue in my application as I keep it in the gun safe with a loaded magazine on an empty chamber 99% of the time. On the rare occasion that I carry it, I often do so on an empty chamber (yes, I know, this is an unpopular sentiment).

Nice trigger, feels maybe a bit light for a safety free polystriker but still usable, I'd be more inclined to go with the 5" whenever it's called (x5 maybe?) for a gun games gun.

.455_Hunter said:

I much prefer the P99AS. The decock feature makes it the only modern polystriker that I own. For a carry gun, I also appreciate the paddle mag release that minimizes the chance of inadvertent activation.

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Agree

460Shooter said:

I don't think the PPQ is going to offer you a significantly different experience than your VP9. Both have excellent triggers.

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Also agree, the 99AS will feel a lot like the CZ P07, which I believe you like, Michael.

I like it without decocking and using the long but still light (not all that different than the PPQ actually, just more takeup) anti stress feature.

I like everything about my PPQ M2, except the lack of a manual safety. It is a great range toy, but with that trigger it is a condition 3 house gun or carry pistol.

Another vote for the P99 as. Good safety factor when carried in da mode , with a short reset sa on the second and all subsequent rounds. The decocker and trigger guard mounted mag release are advantageous as well.

Also - no trigger dingus!

For my personal taste, I feel like there's something to be said for a consistent trigger pull that a striker-fired pistol offers, though I've shot some DA/SA pistols with good results in the past. I'm not a big fan of mag releases outside of the "traditional" location, but I acknowledge that this is totally personal preference on my part. I've never really understood the hatred for the trigger paddle. Maybe it's because I effectively grew up shooting with them, but I never really notice that they're there at this point. I daresay I even like the feel of them during the take-up.

That being said, earlier someone mentioned that OP has a VP9. For that reason alone -- as much as I love the VP9 -- I would actually recommend something like the P99 AS simply because the VP9 is already so very similar to the PPQ. From a collector's/recreational standpoint, that is.

While I like my PPQ, the trigger is great, I think I am going to sell it to fund other endeavors!!! It just isn’t getting the love it needs!!!

Tom

The Walther PPQ is my favorite polymer pistol, probably the absolute best in its class. It’s phenomenally accurate and carries well, and of course the trigger is amazing. But I went back to carrying a P226 because the trigger is so light and short I could never warm up to carrying the PPQ with a round chambered but I also don’t want to carry without one in the chamber. Alas, the P99AS would actually be perfect for me, but they are so hard to come by.

Rubber_Duck said:

Alas, the P99AS would actually be perfect for me, but they are so hard to come by.

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Odd that you would say that. I spent about a week mulling the various sources for a P99 as ; there were many to choose from. After narrowing my online choice down to 2 options I placed a call to a local range and asked if they could get one for me , and if so how long ; the answer was Yes ,in a couple of days. Picked it up last week. The price was a bit higher than the lowest online (Bud's) , but the local place did not charge shipping or transfer so it was nearly a wash.

Walther P99s are readily available , but they do price a bit higher than the PPQ , and the 9mm P99 prices higher than the .40 - which is downright annoying.

Dare to be Dingus free!

I don't recall ever seeing a P99 AS at gun store in my area. Ever.

Long live the dingus!

Michael A Ferber said:

I hear they are excellent pistols with a great trigger.

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You heard right. They are also a bargain, I paid under $420 for mine and 3 mags were included. I have the 4 inch M1. The paddle mag release is very intuitive and I like that it is fully ambidextrous. It is a very nice shooter as well, very easy to control.

I will echo the thoughts of others. I used to own a PPQ, still own a VP9. I don't hate Walthers as I have a PPS. Grip was slick on PPQ and I thought in an SD situation, it would even be more slick.

Safton said:

Long live the dingus!

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Funny, that’s what I think every time my boss walks in my office.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/857091103
Safton: There are always a few or more on Gunbroker, which is where I bought mine about three months ago.

Most of us want to first try a gun's DA trigger before we buy the gun.
I simply trusted many reports about both the SA and DA feel of the trigger when ordering the gun, and didn't realize that the local Memphis range/store (chain) ShootPointBlank had a P99 AS.

Reports had indicated that most people prefer the DA pull to the slightly stiffer 'stacking'/pull of the HK P30.
The overall ergos are so similar to the PPQ that I did Not need to handle the P99 before buying.