decisions decisions decisions Glock 19/17 or Walther P99 9mm?

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macanudo14

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I'm looking into buying my first handgun, and I'm having some trouble. I can't seem to decide between the Glock 19/17 or the Walther P99. All three guns seem pretty good to me. I've fired a Walther before and love the way the ergonomic and contoured grip fits in the palm of my hand. But I also love the look of a Glock. So help me out guys. Any of you who own one of the above give me pros/cons or any other recommendations for a gun I should look into. It would be much aprecciated.
 
I guess the question is along these lines... If you like the feel and shootability of the P99, but you only like the looks of the Glock, why would you purchase a gun that looks nice (in your opinion), but doesn't feel or shoot good for you? How much will you then shoot that gun and will you enjoy it? Rent a Glock and see if you like the way it shoots and feels. If it's as good for you as the Walther, I'd say your mind is made up. Personally, I like the looks and feel of the Walther, but I'm just not a Glock person. They don't fit me, and I think they're butt-ugly, but that's my opinion and others feel differently. You might size up the M&P's and XD's. M&P's have become popular enough that most ranges near me have tossed some in the rental case. If they're a respectable gun shop, they should also have an XD to try out. These are the basic, inexpensive choices in polymer frames, and there is one that works best for you. The fun is in finding it. There's no joy in shooting a gun you don't love.
 
For me personally, the P99 is head and shoulders above the Glock 19. I can shoot my .40 P99 more quickly, more accurately, and more comfortably than I can a Glock 19. I like the traditional DA/SA of the P99 a LOT better than the "safe action." It also conceals better (for me).

People always say you should get a Glock because they're so reliable - well, my P99 has been perfect so far :).
 
The red pill or the blue pill...

Try shooting the glock before you consider buying one. I HATED the first glock I picked up. It felt like it was going to slip in my hands on every shot, and I was sure it was going to print all over the target. Well, I was surprised. It was one of the most accurate pistols I had ever fired. Other people have found the opposite to be true. A lot of people seem to either luv em or hate em. So shoot one and see which one you are.
 
Get the 19 for CCW. The 17 for Anything Else.

Holsters mags and other accesories are easier to find for the Glock.

(that being said, if you shoot the 99 better, get it.)

Or....Get All Three.
 
I don't like the location of the mag release with Walther or H&K. I cannot reach either without changing my grip. I also don't like having it in a different location on my main use guns (carry/HD).
 
I actually really like the mag release position. Some people find it easier to manipulate the mag release with their trigger finger rather than their thumb. Odd, since you can't do it on most guns, but easy once you get the hang of it.

I just use my thumb... I got used to it, and I think I like it more than the button now.
 
Buy the one that fits you, not the one that looks the best.

BTW, you are the first person who I have heard wanting a Glock because of its looks.:neener:
 
welcome to THR. i recomend that you go with what feels best and what you shoot best with. looks shouldn't matter. just IMHO anway. either one will serve you well, i suggest that you try a 19 or 17 and compare for yourslef that is the best way to do it. i would personally go with the 19 perfect size for ccw, hd, car, duty gun etc, the 17 is a little big but a fine gun all the while. the p99 are great but the glocks just have so much aftermarket stuff avaliable fo them, that is a big factor for me. also glock mags are cheap and that is always a plus.
 
I really like both of the choices you mention. The 17 is larger than the other 2 so I am comparing 19 to 99:

I like the grip of the 19 better (don't want multiple grip panels to mess with or lose) and I like the magazine release of the 19 better. I like only having to master one trigger mode. Trigger reset is superb. Holsters, magazines, and other accessories are easier to find and cheaper for the 19 - it would be my first choice.

But I shoot a friends 99 often and think it's sights are much, much better than the 19's. I think that the decocker and multiple trigger modes might come in handy on a carry piece for some people. I find the P99 easy to shoot well as it has a good trigger reset. It would be my second choice.
 
when I was looking at getting my second handgun, (my first was a 22), I was dead set on a glock, but I hadnt spent any time with one, just reading and looking at them. I went to a store to buy a glock and they happen to have a p99, handled them both and left with the p99. For me it fit my hand better, looked better, etc. after I actually got to handle some glocks I realized I didnt really want one. Spent a couple years without and just happend to pick up a g22 a few weeks ago, great deal I couldnt pass up. Personally I like the p99 better still, but go handle/shoot them both back to back and you should know which one works better for you.
 
Keep in mind that the frames of the Glocks have changed slightly over time...

With the Gen2 guns, the Glock 19 felt much better in my hand than the Glock 17 (I have a G17 and my brother has a G19 from this 'era')...

When I recently planned to pick up a G19 and went out and handled a G17 and a G19 of the current generation, I found that the G17 now feels much better in my hand (it has to do with the arch of the backstrap more than anything else)...

So I'm going to pick up a current generation G17...

:)

While the Walther P99 is a great gun, I like the Glock better for several reasons (including the fact that Glock factory magazines are available everywhere and are much cheaper than P99 mags. You can even use the 33rd mags of the G18 if you like).

Forrest
 
Consider a Glock 26

One thing to consider is if you are planning on carrying concealed you might want to look at the Glock 26. by adding the spacer to a Glock 19 Mag the grip length becomes the same as a 19. I have carried a G26 in this configuration for many years and it is very comfortable to shoot. Yet I have the versatility of a truly concealable firearm.
 
There's a reason why the GLOCK G19 has more die-hard fans than just about ANY other handgun short of the 1911A1. It's popular, not because of clever advertising or perfectly-timed business decisions, but because it does EXACTLY what is expected of it a VAST majority of the time!
The P99 is a fine handgun. Can't say a single negative thing about it. I've shot them & I LIKE them. But, given the amount of holsters, parts, accessories and sterling reputation of the G19? That would HAVE to be my pick.
 
I'll echo the sentiments of several here. There are too many weird things about the Walther. It is a cool gun, but not practical for me. Too much different to learn and switch back and forth between different guns. There are some pretty standard things about semi-autos that just don't feel good to change. However, I don't like the way many glock's fit my hand. I wouldn't go with either. Have you tried the S&W M&P? Talk about ergonomics! This pistol is in a similar price range, has great ergonomics, and doesn't have the peculiar decocker on top, or the bizarre trigger-guard mag release. Just my opinion.
 
ok, this seems against the popular opinion, but i HATED the p99. ugg! worst trigger pulls in the history of man! for self defense KISS. keep it stupied and simple. get the glock.
by the by, i also find glocks attractive. the beauty of the design is in the funtion of the thing.
 
The G19 and P99 are excellent pistols.

If you shoot a lot, the Glock is easier to detail strip the slide/frame for cleaning.

The XD and M&P are worth a look too. Between the G and W as far as ease of detail strip.
 
thank you all very much for your input. I will be going to my girlfriend's, step father's range next week to try out the Glock and Walther side by side. I have also, based on commenting by several began looking at the M&P .40 and will most likely give that one a try while I'm there. Again thank you very much for your input and any further suggestions are still welcome.
 
In the interest of not limiting your choices too much, I'd also throw in a current generation Glock 17 and a Steyr M9-A1...

Have fun and good luck...

Forrest
 
You are doing the right thing by trying before purchasing. Still, I advise for the P99 with the TDA (aka Anti-stress) trigger. I have found the P99 to be very accurate, ergonomic, and I like that one can decock for cleaning w/o pulling the trigger.
 
Yes - the P99 with the A/S in 9mm is awesome...

Sorry Glock fans, but I personally think there is no comparison. Get the P99!
 
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