Walther P99 questions

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Grayrider

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Gang,

I was at my local funshop today and handled one of the current model P99s. I was very impressed by its size, ergonomics, and trigger reset. Seems like it might be a good option to fit a roll for me. I have been looking for something light, flat, and fairly compact to carry when I don't want to tote something expensive. I don't like Glocks so the 19/23 was out. A few other options I evaluated left me a bit wanting for this or that reason. The Walther might just fit the bill.

So my questions are:

1. Anyone bought one from CDNN and know if the "current model" they sell is indeed the current model? Their price on a 40 looks good, but Walther does not list the titanium finished gun on their site leading me to wonder if the CDNN guns are older models. I want the current trigger as the reset on the one in the shop was excellent.

2. Those of you that have them, what do you think of them?

3. For CCW what holsters are you using?

Thanks in advance!

GR
 
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The Walther is one of my favorite guns. I use the P99C as my daily carry gun.

To answer your questions (as best as I know the answers):

1) CDNN usually carries earlier models of the P99. You can tell if they are "current" by whether or not they have the hump inside the trigger guard. That was eliminated in 2004 with the latest version of the AS model.
(Do you know if the model you tried was AS or QA? AS is more like the traditional DA/SA and the QA model is Glock-like with no second strike capability.)

I've never tried a pre-2004 model, so I can't tell you whether there's a noticeable difference in the trigger reset or not.

2) Walthers are great pistols and probably among the most under-rated (outside of their owners). You won't be disappointed with a P99.

3) I use a Comp-Tac Pro Undercover holster for my P99C. I also have a Comp-Tac C.T.A.C. for the P99, but the Pro works better for me.

HTH,

Jim
 
+1 Navy87Guy...

P99s are accurate, reliable, well-built and one of the most comfy pistols out there, period.

P99C 9mm is my main daily carry in a Kramer Belt Scabbard. :cool:
 
Hmm... After a little reading it seems that gun was the AS model and not the QA. Interesting. So the CDNN guns are not that good a deal perhaps. This gun had a DA pull and then after dropping the striker one could stage the trigger for a short, crisp SA pull. I liked that quite a bit.

GR
 
2. Those of you that have them, what do you think of them?

3. For CCW what holsters are you using?
Click to expand...

(2) My P99 is a low serial number vintage original (date code "KK") so it does not get fired much any more. It is one of the few full size pistols that fit my hand. I carried it for about a year then retired it to the collector's part of the safe. It's more accurate than my middle aged bifocaled eyes will allow!! :what:
I like 'em!!


(3) The only holster I have for it is a Predator Kydex IWB rig, available from: http://www.predator-holsters.com/
 
Hey Grayrider,

First I have to say thanks again for setting me onto the Witness Elite Match. Mucho fun and a bit of the Sonny Crockett flair to boot.

I do have one of the 100% german made P99's with a traditional DA/SA trigger, which I think they now call the antistress.

I've had it for a while but don't shoot it as frequently as my other autos primarily because I'm a .45 guy. That said however, I think that the P99 is about the best all around 9mm on the market. Recoil is very nice for a light polymer framed gun, and it really is a tack driver. It carrys very nicely and while wider than some, is very easy to conceal since its blocky features break up the pattern and don't print "pistol"

The grip is interchangable and is extremely comfortable regardless of which backstrap you use. The gun balances very well with a full load of 15+1 and of course has been 100% reliable.

All of the controls are exactly where they should be and the decocker is a nice addition.

Though the caliber isn't my first choice, I can't think of a situation where I would feel uncomfortable armed with my P99.
 
Hmm... After a little reading it seems that gun was the AS model and not the QA. Interesting. So the CDNN guns are not that good a deal perhaps. This gun had a DA pull and then after dropping the striker one could stage the trigger for a short, crisp SA pull. I liked that quite a bit.
Click to expand...

That definitely sounds like the AS model. I don't recall if the 2003 models were advertised as "AS" or not -- you might check over on the Walther Forum and see what the collective wisdom is there. The biggest physical changes in 2004 were the serrations, the hump in the trigger and mounting rail. So if the trigger system is the same, then the CDNN price isn't such a bad deal.

HTH,

Jim
 
I am pretty sure at this point it was a current AS. It had the longer mag release I have seen in pictures and no hump. I am leaning towards taking it as the reviews are impressive. It is a bit higher than I was wanting to spend at around $600. Is that a fair price or should I expect a better deal?

GR
 
I am pretty sure at this point it was a current AS. It had the longer mag release I have seen in pictures and no hump. I am leaning towards taking it as the reviews are impressive. It is a bit higher than I was wanting to spend at around $600. Is that a fair price or should I expect a better deal?
Click to expand...

If it has the longer mag release, then it's at least a 2005 (AF) model.

As far as price, it's subjective. I bought mine in 2005 for $600. At the time, Walther was phasing out their imports and prices on the AS model were rising. It was a matter of supply and demand -- so I gave in and paid the higher price. I still don't see many Walthers (at least, AS versions) around -- so I don't know that you'll be able to talk your dealer into a much lower price. Personally, I don't have any regrets for paying that much for my P99. It's the most I've paid for any of my guns, but I'd do it again.

Jim
 
what's "not good" about my 99

"Stay away from the hump! Not good."
i just stumbled on this thread,and woe is me, I have a walther P99 with the dreaded hump in the trigger guard !!:eek: it's .40 cal. with O.D. green frame, loaded chamber indicator,and decocker (which i think, makes it the SA/DA trigger,right?) so, coolest thing since sliced bread....or should i dig a hole out in the yard and bury it ?;) as usual, any enlightenment much appreciated.....
 
just stumbled on this thread,and woe is me, I have a walther P99 with the dreaded hump in the trigger guard !! it's .40 cal. with O.D. green frame, loaded chamber indicator,and decocker (which i think, makes it the SA/DA trigger,right?) so, coolest thing since sliced bread....or should i dig a hole out in the yard and bury it ? as usual, any enlightenment much appreciated.....
Click to expand...

I saw that comment but I disregarded. I know of nothing inherently "bad" about the pre-2004 models. In 2004, they redesigned the trigger guard (eliminating the hump), changed the cocking serrations and the rail system. Otherwise, the gun function (and reliability) remained the same. Lots of folks with 2003 and earlier P99's are plenty happy with them.

But if you're really concerned, send the gun to me and I'll dispose of it safely for you! :evil:

Jim
 
Got the pistol and am well pleased. The dealer dropped the price enough to cover sales tax, so I returned the favor by picking up a couple boxes of good defensive ammo to go along with the P99. I got it home and quickly swapped the mid-sized for the smaller back strap. Feels much like a CZ in the grip with that installed and I like CZs. The gun points very well for me and I am rapidly getting down the various trigger modes. The magazine release seems the only part that will take some getting used to, although I like the design as it should resist accidental release. This will be a CCW gun so will be in a fairly tight holster. I have seen that scenario depress a mag catch before. Its size seems to be just what I was wanting, roughly matching my Kimber Pro Carry CDP in dimensions. I hate traveling with an expensive pistol, so the Walther will serve as a nice alternative when on the road. The proof target included with the gun inspires confidence in its accuracy--something else I am picky about. I am looking forward to a range trip later in the week. Thanks to all of you for the input, it has been much appreciated!

GR
 
I have nothing but good things to say about the P99. However I dont like how the slide stop is so big. Every now and then i find myself locking the pistol in slide lock mid way through a magazine. everytime it happens i look at my thumb, and there it is, pushing on the slide stop.
 
Hi guys,
Been reading and learning a lot on this forum and finally have something to say. I love my old P99 in .40 so I wanted another one in 9mm while its still available. Well, I picked up my second P99 yesterday from my FFL. It's the new longer mag release AS model. I ordered it new for $600 delivered, and I'm kinda disappointed in it. Since nobody had it in store near me, I bought it online. I've bought 4 other guns online, and this is the first time I regret not seeing a gun before buying it. Even though its brand new, the slide and barrel rattles pretty loosely when I lightly shake it in my hand. With the slide close, I can move the barrel side to side with my finger on the muzzle. It's looser than my P99 that I bought in 2001 (for $600 too) and have a couple thousand rounds through. Also, when dry firing, the new P99's SA "sounds" different from it's DA, whereas my old P99 DA and SA "sound" the same, just had a different length of pull. It most likely means nothing, but its just another difference between my old P99 and my new one. It just seems to me that the quality of Walther has slipped a little bit. I called Walther America this morning, and they say that my gun is normal. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but my first impression of it so far, is the new P99 is nowhere near the $600 value of the old P99. Also, considering I paid $450 each for my PX4 and xd45, which I think are more well-made, "tight" fitted guns that this new P99, I would not recommend the P99 to anybody now. At any rate, I'd trade my new "new" P99 for an old "new" P99 anyday.
 
Contact Walther - while they won't care about a loose slide - any play in the barrel and slide will cause a problem... They may replace it for U.

Everyone makes the occassional lemon.
 
Thanks. Like I said in the post, I called em this morning and they said the loose barrel and slide is normal. I guess I'll shoot it and call again and ask to fix it if it ain't accurate.
 
I have a SW99 and the barrel rattles when the slide is pulled back. But when the slide is forward in the firing position, the barrel doesn't move.

Yes, see how it shoots.
 
I purchased a P99AS 9mm from Sportsman's Warehouse about 3 months ago, and I am extremely happy with it. I paid 549 plus tax. They never seem to carry the compact, but I'm looking at the gun shows to see if I can find one. I carry mine in a Bianchi holster and it works fine for me. I also picked and Uncle Mike's paddle holster that I use when I'm at the farm, but I'm really not that impressed with it. Oh well I guess that is why it only cost 16 dollars. Overall I really, really, really like my P99. My wife likes it too.
 
I have a fullsize P99 A/S new coming into my local shop this week for me - I had them order it for me.

It will probably be the newest frame design - I hope I don't have the problems mentioned by the last guy.

I really like the 2004 frame the best.
 
3. For CCW what holsters are you using?
Click to expand...

As for holsters, I was going to buy a holster for mine until I noticed that the IWB holster for my Glock Model 30 fit the P99 very well. If you have trouble finding a holster for the P99, try one made for the G30. It might do well for you.

As for holsters, I been happy with some of the holsters I've bought in the past from Galco, buy not with the two I've most resistly bought. I'm not sure if I will buy from them again.
 
I might as well add my views as I'm a new owner of a P99AS (9mm).

I love it, and everyone who has shot it has liked it as well. The AS trigger is definitely something to behold. The follow-up shot after the 1st is perfect. Very short pull, but utterly consistent after. As many others have said, the trigger does indeed have the characteristic "gritty" feeling the first several hundred rounds. After that, it really changes oddly enough. It becomes silky smooth. I've fired about 500 rounds through mine, and not a single problem as of yet. I'll need a lot more time and many more hundreds of rounds through it to be 100% sure of it, but I'm very optimistic about this gun.

The trigger of the AS was the first thing that really made me want to purchase the gun. The second was the grip. It was so ergonomic to my hands that I put down my money almost immediately. I could never get completely comfortable with other guns, but the P99 was like a glove. My buddy with big big hands tried it and didn't like it a bit. I can see how it might be geared to slightly smaller hands.

And yes, the barrel will jiggle a bit when the slide is back. Completely normal.

I thought I wasn't going to like the extended magazine release lever, but I definitely like it. The placement is perfect for my thumb, or even for my trigger finger. Great change they made.

The decocker is also a feature that pushed me to buy it. For my hands, it's easily accessible by my right hand thumb. It's great when you are at the range, pop off a few rounds, decock and reholster. I'm never one to enjoy carrying cocked and loaded, so the decocker is a nice added bit of security and peace of mind for me. And I know that when I do need to recocked, it's less than 10mm to recock it :)

As for holsters, there aren't as many options avaliable when you compare to the accessories a Glock has. For range use, I just picked up a crappy Fobus. Does the job for me :) You might want to search some more at www.waltherforums.com Here's a great thread about a very promising IWB holster for conceal:

http://www.gothammarketing.com/bb/waltherforum/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=1;t=3554

I bought mine new (2006) for just over $600 after tax. For the price range, I don't think I could have found a better NIB firearm. It is everything I expected and more. I do wish it had more accessories avaliable, but it's not a big worry for me. I've fed it all types of different ammo, without a single hiccup.

So, hope that helps. There are many many great guns in the same price range, but I feel the P99 is an underrated and very exceptional firearm.
 
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