I went handgun shopping with my fiancé yesterday and she narrowed it down to either the Beretta PX4 or the Walther P99, both in 9mm. I know both have gotten great reviews and should be reliable designs. My question for those who own either one is, how is the recoil on them? The guy behind the counter said the Beretta was a little snappy, is that the experience that others have had? Any comments on either design would be greatly appreciated.
Beretta PX4 or Walther P99 For Fiance
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My PX4 could be called "snappy," I guess, but the muzzle doesn't want to flip very much in my experience. It just snaps back and not as far up as many other guns I've shot in the same caliber.
I've never shot a P99, though. My boss has one and I've been meaning to drag him out to the range. Maybe we could work up a side-by-side comparison. I will say this: The PX4 is bigger than it looks, and the P99 is a little smaller than it looks, if anything. Both are medium to full framed pistols, though.
I've never shot a P99, though. My boss has one and I've been meaning to drag him out to the range. Maybe we could work up a side-by-side comparison. I will say this: The PX4 is bigger than it looks, and the P99 is a little smaller than it looks, if anything. Both are medium to full framed pistols, though.
I wouldn't call the recoil of a PX4 "snappy" either. It's comparable to full-size Sigs, the Beretta 92 series, HK USP, et al. It could be that I'm just not sensetive to it like others are.
Honestly, I really don't like the ergos on the pistol (just not for me). I would have sold it by now if my girlfriend hadn't claimed it as her favorite.
Honestly, I really don't like the ergos on the pistol (just not for me). I would have sold it by now if my girlfriend hadn't claimed it as her favorite.
marriedguy1
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That's really funny because my wife likes my P99 and that same Beretta also. She has shot my p99 and thought it was very snappy compared to a 22 pistol, so that is not much of a comparison. I can't get her to make up her mind as to which one she wants, so I'm gonna buy myself my first 1911 instead. He who hesitates is lost...and doesn't get a new gun either.
10-Ring
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I have only shot the P99. But from my experience, it's a nice package 
I'd get one if I didn't have so many 9mm poly guns
I'd get one if I didn't have so many 9mm poly guns 
I have shot both - I own 3 P99s... MY fav gun of all time. I have shot the PX4 3 different times. I don't really like it. Two I have shot were not sighted properly - guy had to send them off to someone to get that adjusted before it was on target (it shot low for everyone).
Another good thing about the P99 - U can change out the front sight to any of the 4 included w/ the gun. And, you can adjust the rear sight w/ a screw driver. U can even install your own night sights - no gunsmith required
Ergonomics are better on the P99 too...
Another good thing about the P99 - U can change out the front sight to any of the 4 included w/ the gun. And, you can adjust the rear sight w/ a screw driver. U can even install your own night sights - no gunsmith required
Ergonomics are better on the P99 too...
I bought a P99 and Love it! It is definitely a keeper. I was debating as to whether to get a 9mm or .40 because I was a little hesitant about the recoil considering I had never shot a .40 before. I went with the .40 and have absolutely no regrets. I don't mind the recoil of the .40 at all so I would assume that the recoil of the 9mm would be very manageable and easy to shoot.
Dollar An Hour
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I've only fired the P99C, and it's a little snappy for it's caliber due to being light and having a high bore axis. I love the pistol, but it may not be the best choice for your lady friend.
I also think the PX4's rotating-barrel assembly helps reduce recoil.
I also think the PX4's rotating-barrel assembly helps reduce recoil.
Differentpeople perceives recoil differently, if possible she should shoot both and pick the one she likes more.
Frankly, after she's fired 1000 rounds thru either gun, she;s not going to think much of the recoil at all. She is going to practice right ?
Frankly, after she's fired 1000 rounds thru either gun, she;s not going to think much of the recoil at all. She is going to practice right ?
Thank you all for your input, it has given me many good points to consider.
I made the exact same observation when I handled both.
Absolutely. She loves to shoot and is a pretty good shot. She's a pretty tough girl, but she is only 100lbs, so I want to get her a gun that she can handle well, and will have as little recoil as possible.
I made the exact same observation when I handled both.
Absolutely. She loves to shoot and is a pretty good shot. She's a pretty tough girl, but she is only 100lbs, so I want to get her a gun that she can handle well, and will have as little recoil as possible.
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I should clarify by my "shoot 1000 rounds" statement (probably shouldn't have made such a blanket statement). What I mean is that after that many rounds, I hope most shooters would have learned recoil management and stop fearing it.
A lot of recoil control can be had with the proper stance and grip on the pistol; i.e. move higher up on the grip gives you a better control, use a 2 handed grip, put some weight on the front of your feet, straighten up your arm, etc.
Who knows maybe w/ the difference in the way she's holding the gun today vs tomorrow, her perceptions of recoil might change between the guns. IMHO, she hsould buy the gun that fits her the best in this particular case since the 2 guns are quite similar. (BTW, PX4 has one of those love/hate looks, so if she also finds it ugly, then don't get it)
A lot of recoil control can be had with the proper stance and grip on the pistol; i.e. move higher up on the grip gives you a better control, use a 2 handed grip, put some weight on the front of your feet, straighten up your arm, etc.
Who knows maybe w/ the difference in the way she's holding the gun today vs tomorrow, her perceptions of recoil might change between the guns. IMHO, she hsould buy the gun that fits her the best in this particular case since the 2 guns are quite similar. (BTW, PX4 has one of those love/hate looks, so if she also finds it ugly, then don't get it)
PX4 for me, too. Just slightly bigger when held side to side, but holds slightly more rounds too. Bought the PX4 for 25% less than the P99, too ($450 vs. 600). I also can't vouch for the P99 quality anymore (used to love them), as I purchased a lemon that's been sitting at S&W for a month, no word on how much longer it would take. Must admit though, I love the look of the original P99 (with the "useless" hump in the trigger guard).
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