Just installed large backstrap on P99 - better, but still not fully satisfied.

[CPshooter]

I wasn't too satisfied with the medium or small backstraps on my P99 because they didn't fill my hand enough towards the top where the web of my hand is. As a result, the trigger reach was way too short and my shooting hand thumb would keep getting in the way of my trigger finger as it came back to pull the trigger. I finally decided to try the large backstrap, thinking it would fill in that empty space and push my hand further back a bit. It worked just as I thought it would and now my trigger finger no longer makes contact with my thumb unless I try to make it happen. So I fixed that problem, but the large backstrap is indeed pretty large. Maybe a little too large for my liking.

Ideally, I'd like the butt of the backstrap to be the same size as the medium, then have it more filled in towards the top like the large backstrap, but without the extra tang that goes way up to the top. I can feel the lip of this tang against the web of my hand and it is somewhat noticeable and uncomfortable. Essentially, I'd like the grip to have the same backstrap profile as my Walther PPS. Sort of with a Browning HP or XD "notch," if you will.

That brings me to my last complaint. The dang grip is SUPER slippery! Do the Germans have soft hands that bleed easily or something? There is virtually no texture to grip into on this gun. My PPS has similar ribbing along the frontstrap, but Walther got wise with the PPS and put some extra "teeth" on the frontstrap and backstrap. These teeth really dig in and do their job well without being too harsh. If only the P99 had the same texturing...

So what do you guys recommend as a fix to both of these problems? Aftermarket grip stippling? Adhesive grip tape? For the backstrap, should I get a spare large one and attempt to shape it down and stipple it myself? Has anyone else tried something similar with their P99?

Here's a pic of the P99 w/ the large installed. Man, I can't wait to fix up the grip and get new sights on this thing!

 

[Fishbed77]

That brings me to my last complaint. The dang grip is SUPER slippery! Do the Germans have soft hands that bleed easily or something? There is virtually no texture to grip into on this gun.

I don't find the grip of my 2nd-gen P99AS (which is identical to yours) to be slippery at all.

Because of the near-perfect ergonomics (front strap finger grooves that are actually in the right place, the small indentation for your strong hand fingertips, and the soft plastic backstrap), the pistol stays firmly in my hands, even during extended range sessions during the sweaty South Carolina summer.

In my opinion, Walther proved that you can design a great grip without having to resort to extreme checkering, or something like Glocks's silly "Rough Texture Frame" (or even the PPQ's "paisleys").

That said, you could always use a Hogue grip or skateboard tape if you really feel like you need more grip, but it would be a shame to cover the P99's beautiful lines.

 

[wild cat mccane]

HAHA...not being a jerk, however, you are one of the first that has complained about the grip. Let's see if we can help.

Skateboard tape (fish recommended) in thin strips could work for texture. Can the PPQ backstrap be put on the P99? I think it can?

I have extremely small hands. So I like the small...but hate the bump. Sounds like you want it thicker up top? Are you jamming your hand way into the top part of the gun? should...but I can see your problem. I think this is one of the good features of the P99; it has a better reach for more hands than others (glock).

There is a wood backstrap that can be molded. Sold by Earls Repair shop. $25? Carve and spray?

 

[CPshooter]

I've already resorted to extreme measures. It's not done yet, but it already feels super! Just need to blend it a bit better at the top where it meets the frame and also bring the hump down to where the medium backstrap is. Then I'll finish with some stippling after I read up on how to do it.

 

[clang]

I use the large backstrap too. I have big hands, so if anything, I would like the large backstrap to be a little wider to fill my hand, but use it fine as is.

Never had a problem with slipping, but if you want texture, Eral's also sells a derma grip that you can add.

 

[rhinoh]

I don't find the grip of my 2nd-gen P99AS (which is identical to yours) to be slippery at all.

Neither have I with my two.

 

[CPshooter]

I spent some more time on it today. Very happy with the results. I went and bought a dremel to finish the job and I'm glad I did. Made the job very easy and fun. I still need to give it a final sanding and then either stipple it or put some sort of adhesive texturing panel on it.