Thoughts on Walther P99

[nwjavahead]

I am thinking of purchasing a Walther P99 as my next firearm - it will be used as EDC 75% of the time.

Anyone have opinions on this gun?

Thanks,
nwjavahead

 

[ninjazed]

I just purchased a S&W 990L which is very similar to the P99. My State Trooper friend thought I was a complete idiot for even considering it because the trials for their HK replacement included the SW99 which had multiple issues, many of which were attributable to the agency's constant request for specific modifications. So I bought the 990L in .45 cal anyway. It doesn't have a decocking button and it has a smooth trigger pull like a Glock. So far I've put about 400 rounds through it with various cartridges and it shoots super with not a single malfunction. If you have seen the weapon personally and you like it, it won't be the worst purchase you ever make. You didn't say what caliber you were considering but in 9mm and .40 cal there are probably some better and/or more cost efficient options out there.

 

[nwjavahead]

I have seen it, held it, have NOT fired one. I have owned a few Glocks/H&K's however. I thinking of .40 cal.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I don't know what an EDC is, but I have a Walther P99 in 9mm, older DA/SA gun (Interarms). It is beautfully balanced, extremely accurate, and hasn't balked that I can remember. I feed it Win 127gr SXT +P+ for defensive use, and it eats everything else I feed it, mostly 124 or 147gr reloads. For a medium frame, polymer 9mm, it ranks as hi or higher than all the rest, due to nice ergonomics, too. I hear good things about the .40's, too, although I have a love for the Interarms or early S&W German made imports. NOT that I have heard anything bad about the full S&W marked/made guns, its just I like the lines and quality of the older ones (it's a gunsnob thing).

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I have a P99 in .40S&W. I got 9 or 10 years ago. It's a pretty good gun: reliable, nice ergos, and quite accurate. The AS trigger is a bit different to get used to and it can be tricky to find holsters. Magazines are a bit on the pricy side. It's a bit big for the capacity it offers.

Overall, it's a good gun and it would likely serve you well, but there are a lot more options than there were a decade ago and I'd seriously consider a few other choices.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

The P99 was designed first as a 9mm, and really shines in that caliber. It's a snappy pistol for caliber anyway, so the .40 is rather whippy.

I sold my P99c because I prefer my Glock 19 overall. Less muzzle flip, easier follow-ups.

The Walthers are nice, and if you like a DA/SA trigger the AS variant gets really smooth after about 500 rounds. The trigger reset is about the shortest in the business if you like that sort of thing.

For a bit more money though, I'd look at the HK P2000 9mm. For less money a Sig SP2022, Glock 19, S&W M&P 9 or Springfield XD if you want a polymer framed pistol.

 

[Starcheck55]

ergos on the P99 are spectacular, and I actually prefer the "new" mag release switch compared to a push button.

the 40sw version is definitely snappy...you can see in pictures between the 9 and 40 version they've left more mass out on the barrel to help offset it, but nonetheless I found it had a surprising amount of recoil.

I loved the AS trigger for plinking, the gun looks great and not many people have it (be honest, we all love having unique guns)...the biggest problem with the P99 is the "for about 100 more dollars I can get an HK P30 with night sights" issue. It's a tough one, because I felt I was sold on the Walther, until the shop owner says "well, if you like how that one feels, take a sip of this HK".

P99 is a very very good gun, its biggest problem is being at a fiercely competitive pricepoint in the market!

 

[CPshooter]

I used to have one. It was the P99 A/S chambered in .40s&w. All I can say is that I might have liked it better in 9mm. I like the .40, but in that gun it was just too much. For some reason my trigger finger would start to hurt after two magazines. It might have been the actual shape of the trigger, which I found to be too deep where your finger actually makes contact with it. Whatever it was, the recoil was too much and it was painful to shoot. I also didn't like how the sights are mounted. I prefer dovetail mounted sights. It's also hard to find aftermarket night sights for it.

Otherwise it was a decent gun and was 100% reliable for the 200 or so rounds I put through it. Some other things I liked about it were the ambi paddle-style mag release and the single-action trigger pull.

Personally, if I wanted another striker fired polymer pistol I'd reach for a Glock or XD. However, I prefer my H&Ks to all the above

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I shot one with the AS type of trigger. It was OK but showed me nothing special. Even when set in the mode where it is very light, the DA pull is very long. It is best with this trigger system that you pick the mode you are most comfortable with and stick with it.

 

[rhinoh]

I have a P99 AS in 40. No problems at all with it, I plan to keep it.

 

[sokygunner]

My friend has a P99 in 9mm and I shoot it a lot when we go out back shooting, great gun by all accounts. Probably one of the best polymer guns made. Its a little more than a Glock most places I have looked but I feel it is overall a little better too. I love glocks and have/have had one of every model Glock made...Walther p99 is just a little better overall.

 

[glocktoys]

i own piles of glocks, several hk usp tactical and SD model but love my old walther p99 9mm as it shoots like my glock but get the second strike if needed and back straps can be changed for my big hands. going to get my p990 .45 back as soon as i get the money to bu it back from a friend i sold it to some time ago. great guns just cost for mags

 

[ozarkhillbilly]

I have a 9mm P99AS and liked it so much I bought another one just to make sure I would always have one. IMO they are great guns, not sure about the 40 though I have never been a fan. I love the AS trigger and will buy a compact when I run across one.

 

[kmrcstintn]

recently got a S&W SW99 in .40S&W (NIB w/ night sights, 12 round mag, 10 round mag, 3 backstrap inserts, and other usual factory stuff for $499)

so far I have put 390 rounds thru it; the fast-n-light 155 gr loads are a handful while heavy-n-slow 180gr loads group tighter; the different trigger settings threw me for a loop at first, but I decock the striker when inserting a loaded mag which simplifies it into a DA/SA style handgun

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

I own one in 40S&W and it has been 100% reliable, very well made, and accurate. One of my favorites.

 

[scurtis_34471]

My brother has a Walther P99 AS in 9mm and it is one of the most accurate handguns I've ever shot. The ergonomics were great too.

 

[searcher451]

I have two: the full-sized version and the compact. I take them to the range frequently (when ammo is available, anyway) and have found them to be absolutely 100% reliable, dependable, and accurate, and I've put thousands of round through them without a glitch or hiccup. For my money, the Walther P99 is as good as any gun on the market at any price.

 

[golden]

I like it

I bought a 9m.m. WALTHER P99 about 3 years ago and it is usually my first choice for concealed carry or even nightstand duty.

My issue gun is an H&K P2000 in .40 S&W, but I prefer the WALTHER to shoot.

I have not had any problems with it and love the ergonomics. I find the grip more comfortable than the GLOCK.

Jim

 

[smirnoff a]

I have the one in 40 cal QA. I bought mine new in 2004 and have about 2K rounds through it without a single problem. The slide rattles a little and always has, but does not seem to effect performance and reliability.