Smith and Wesson SW99 compact

[synoptic]

What the heck is up with this? It is built on a Walther frame and looks very similar to the Walther P99. Anybody have any more info on this than just what the ad in American Handgunner showed? Has S&W decided to just use other company's parts or is there something going on between them and Walther?

 

[Jim Watson]

"Something" has been going on between Smith & Wesson and Walther for some time. The S&W 99 came out pretty soon after the Walther 99. As I understand it, S&W has the forging and machining capacity, so they make the barrel and slide here. Walther made up a new receiver mold with S&W trademark and styling. Walther ships the receiver and a baggie of small parts to S&W for assembly with their barrel and slide.

I think the Compact is special to S&W without a Walther equivalent. I know a guy who has one; shoots very well for such a chunky little gun.

S&W is now also making PPKs for Walther.

 

[Bowlcut]

do a search for sw99 and you will come up with a few very detailed threads on the differences and similarites of the weapons. the compact tho is Smith only. There are rumors that Walther will be putting one out soon, but they are just rumors. I own a sw99 in .40S&W and love it. It to me is almost a perfect gun. A gun with no external safety to fumble with. First safety is your head, second is your finger, third is a decocker, forth is a long heavy DA pull that makes you really think about that first shot. A weapon that is totaly safe and accesable when needed. Bit of a red headed stepchild, but its loved by a few.

 

[10-Ring]

I saw one recently and as much as I tried, I kinda liked it :banghead:

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I have one in .40. Haven't got to shoot it as much as I'd like, but so far, it's been excellent. Just a bit bigger than a Glock 27. Downside is that you give up 2 rounds in the .40.

 

[Chip00]

I love the Walther P99s and plan to get the Walther P99 compac when it is available next year. Already have it in 9MM and .40 in the full size.
There are three trigger options available. See Walther USA site.

 

[Coronach]

Well, I got to try a full-sized S&W99 at the range the other day.

Chalk me up as one who actively dislikes it.

Trigger was horrid in DA mode. You squeeze, it feels like its going to go off, then it slides back like some squirt gun, then firms up again. Its almost like a two-stage trigger. SA mode was decent, but nothing to write home about.

The mag release is weird. The mags don't want to seat unless inserted more firmly than could seem to be necessary.

The decocker is a ghastly joke. It pretty much must be done with the off-hand, which is a decidedly poor design idea.

It does, however, fit the hand nicely.

Mike