G17/19 or P99?

[Rugertommy]

Ok, I'm lookin for some opinions. I've decided that my next addition will be a 9mm. I'm lookin at either a Glock 17/19 or a Walther P99. I have a Glock now so I'm thinkin I wouldn't mind tryin a differant platform. I've shot a P99 and like it too but I'm undecided. So, I'm waffling on going with what I know (Glock) or tryin something else. What ever I choose it will mostly be used for the range. I just can't see carryin a 9mm when I have .45s and .357s that I shoot well. I like the polymer framed pistols so I've narrowed it down to these two.
Also, as far as the P99 goes. What's the skinny on all the variants? Anybody have any experiance? Are standard cap mags readily available for the Walther? I'm planning to buy some mags as soon as I decide(this week) in case ol Bush gets the idea to reinstate the ban. Thanks for you're input.

 

[ruger357]

I have the G19. Perfect gun. Not too big and not too small.

 

[cratz2]

If I owned no guns and had to decide between only these three options, I'd take the G19.

But, not being limited to those three options, I'd strongly consider an XD or SIG Pro if I was stuck on getting a plastic gun or would closed-mindedly get a CZ P-01 or PCR if alloy was an option.

 

[38snapcaps]

I started out with an XD-9, didn't really like it much, that grip safety felt weird on my hand and the trigger felt "pinchy".

Went to a G-19, accuracy was not very good. was not a natural pointer, pointed high for me.

For a year now I've had a P-99 and it's my favorite range gun. Stunning accuracy (all touching at ten yds), Very comfortable, total dependability, and great German quality. I've read if you buy a new one that you can write Walther and they will send you a full capacity magazine.

 

[RGF]

I have a decent bit of experience with Glocks and find the G17/19 to be great guns. If your intention is range only, I would give the nod to the G17. For range and carry the G19 would get my vote. (As a side note... A G19 stuffed with 15+1 or 17+1, with extended base pads, of 9mm Gold Dots or Rangers is pretty compelling as a CCW piece, IMHO. And I'm a .45 ACP 1911 guy.)

As for the P99, I don't own one (yet - it is on "the list") but have shot one. In my estimation, it would be a good choice as well. There is some great P99 info at this site: http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/WaltherP99FAQ/

My guess is that which ever way you go you'll be pleased. And if your like me you'll eventually have both anyway.

 

[kyoung05]

I don't have any direct experience with the P99, but I did shoot a P22 yesterday which I guess is its "little brother". Anyways, while it was a cool little gun, I still liked my G17 better. What I like about the glocks are that they are purely functional and so efficient...everything you need, nothing you don't. My first pistol was a 1911, which I still love, but shoot the G17 better. The grip angle is a non-issue with some practice, and since you already have a glock, shouldn't be an issue anyways. What I like about the glock is the trigger. (No, I am NOT crazy...yes, I do have a 1911, and while the glock doesn't have a crisp clean glass-rod breaking trigger pull, it does what it's supposed to, and efficiently to boot). I LOVE that short reset, it makes fast accurate shooting MUCH easier, and while my range doesn't allow double-taps, I'd imagine they'd be easier to do as well. I like the simplicity, and reliability...it is the one gun that I don't care how many rounds go through it before cleaning, because I know it will always work. While it is a bit big for carry, you stated that you were just looking for a range gun, and a G17 would be perfect. It is also the gun that I shoot most accurately...at 7-10 yds it will shoot 10 rounds into one ragged 2" hole, which is pretty impressive since I've only been shooting for a little over a year.

 

[phantomak47]

Glock is a proven gun that is reliable and is used by the majority of Law enforcement agencies. I have known people who had that p99 and got rid of it almost as soon as they got it. Also the p99 isnt used by any police agencies in the US and is not as proven as a p99.

 

[phantomak47]

I ment proven as the Glock...Damm computers

 

[Rugertommy]

The things phantomak 47 says about the track record for Glocks is exactly why I bought one. I looked long and hard for my first semi auto and it was it's proven track record that drew me to the Glock. It's simply a well designed weapon that has served me well.
I have to agree with you too kyoung05. I haven't had any problem adapting to the grip angle of Glocks. It did require some practice though. But then again I seem to shoot handguns with a number of grip angles during a trip to the range. Going from a Lymans percusion cap plains pistol to a Glock to a Ruger GP100 or Ruger Blackhawk. All quite differant.
The thing is I wouldn't mind trying something new but I do seem to keep going back to what I know. I like the looks of the P99 and I'm sure there are a number of people that find them just right. But they don't seem to have the track record of the Glock. So I'm leaning towards another Glock.
Thanks for all your input.

 

[Longbow]

Glock 17! The most reliable and durable 9mm handgun made to date.

P.S.
Just avoid the ones w/ serial # that starts in "E". Those got a recall...errr.. I meant, ' requires upgrade.

 

[valor1]

Walthers feel good in the hand specially with their interchangeable backstraps. Still, Glocks have a very good track record. Parts for the Glocks are also easily acquired, in furthermore, you can do the installations yourself. G17 or G19 as long as it's a Glock it must be good.

 

[artherd]

Owning a Glock myself I appricate their simple and reliable design.

May I suggest the longer-slided G34 if you are looking at a range gun? I even CCW it! (though I will be getting a G19 shortly.)

 

[Rugertommy]

Well, I think that based on the replies I've gotten here and my personal feelings about it I'm goin for another Glock. They are simple and reliable. I have also been thinking that I'm kinda spoiled with the manual of arms of the Glock. No other safeties other then the safe action trigger. Many don't like that and would prefer an external safety of some kind but I've gotten used to it and now anything with a lot of fire controls (safeties/decockers) just seem a bit redundent. Oh well, I did like the interchangable backstrap on the Walther though. Thanks for all your help.
CCW a G34? Not so bad. I reguarly carry my G21 in a sidearmor IWB holster. I find that with a good belt and the right holster just about any sidearm can be managed as a CCW.
Thanks again for all the help.

 

[wildehond]

I prefer the 1911 platform for myself. But is have always enjoyed shooting the G17. The G19 is Ok, but I prefer the G17 by far. I can shoot good groupings in aimed and rapid firing strings.

wildehond

 

[mini14jac]

I'm a Glock fan, and am looking forward to getting a G19, now that full-cap mags are readily available.

I had the little Walther .22, and the metal was too soft.
I doubt that the 9mm version suffers from this, but I've read mixed reviews of the Walther/S&W variant.
You'd probably be happy with the Walther, but it may be a while before std. cap mags are readily available.

I wouldn't hesitate to carry a G19 stoked with 15 +1 rounds of +P hollow points, even though I carry a .45 cal. Glock now.
That's what I like about the G19. It's one of the smallest 16rd 9mms available.
Easy to carry as a CCW, but big enough for holster carry, and easy shooting at the range.

For a home defense/range gun, the G17 rocks.

Either one will be as rugged as a crow bar.

 

[middy]

The beautiful simplicity and ruggedness of the Glock is hard to beat. Maybe Gen 4 will have interchangeable back straps. That would make them perfect, IMHO.

 

[phantomak47]

Do you have a Sig yet? If not the 226 is a fine weapon, no safety somewhat like the Glock in ease of use.

 

[HankB]

It's been my observation that the 9mm Walther P99s are simply not as reliable as Glocks. This is why, as good as the P99 feels in my hand (with the right backstrap) I don't have one . . . nor do I plan on buying one.

 

[milcaztra]

The Glock 19 is hard to beat for reliability, practicality, and simplicity in a plastic handgun. I sold mine several years ago and will be replacing it in the near future.

 

[PaleRyder]

I've owned the XD9, the P99, G17 and G19. I'll take the Glocks over the Walther and the Springfield. The Glocks fit my hand better than the Springfield.
The P99 had some FTFs, and it was hard to find holsters that would fit either it or the XD9.
Neither the XD9 or P99 conceal on me as well as Glocks. The shape of their grips stick out more.

 

[JimC]

An all black Walther P99/.40 is my daily carry gun and has been for two or three years now.

I also have one in the green/black color scheme and a 9mmx19 in all black. They are all exceptional pistols. I have a lot of rounds thru each and they have been 100% flawless.

I have a G19 and it sits idle in my safe for the past 5 years or more. It was my first Glock pistol purchased in 1988. It's a reliable pistol but I prefer the P99 over it. I carried a G19 for the last 5 years of my LE career.

Not to beat on the Glock but, there are so many LE organizations using them today mainly due to the low cost to the agency, not because they are that much better than any other pistol for LE use.

Another reason is that Glock will come into a large department/agency and nearly give them away just to get the sale knowing that the residual sales to other agencies in that area will make up for any loss that the initial sale may have suffered.

Glock will directly out bid their own dealers just to get a sale instead of loosing it.

Besides, any LEO can become a Glock Armorer in only a one day parts swap learning session.