Walther P99C VS S&W M&P 9c

[RipcordAFF]

Hey guys, new to guns, looking to buy my first handgun. I am looking for a compact or subcompact and I dont plan on carrying immediatly, but that could change in the future, and I would like this gun to be able to fill both roles (range gun and carry gun). Im looking at the polymer guns in particular. I want to keep in 9mm, and I have shot a HK USP and p99 (not compact). I have shot a G23 in .40 and did not like it all that well...Could have been the .40 though. I'd like to keep it around 500 bucks

ANYWAYS. I am trying to narrow the field down, and what i have it narrowed down to is p99c and the Smith and Wessen M&P 9c. (PERHAPS a g19 a DISTANT third). But, primarily between the first two, which should I go for. I have heard good things about both. The P99 that I shot fit well in my hand, and I held the MP 9c that fit well too. What are the primary differences between them? I am new guy to all of this. Any opinions about reliability? performace? Features?

BTW if I went with the P99c I would go with the AS (anti-stress) trigger, it sounds like its different trigger modes would be handy in differnt situations.

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[lunde]

The lighter of the two is the P99c, by a few ounces. Size-wise, they're comparable. If you're in a free state, the M&P9c holds two more rounds of 9mm.

Both offer adjustable grips. The P99c has only two backstraps, but the M&P9c has three, and in addition to being backstraps, they also act as palm swells. Both have excellent ergonomics, but because there's some amount of subjectivity in how a pistol fits one's hand, you need to decide which fits best for you. This is probably the biggest deciding factor.

Both have two types of magazine floorplates: flat and extended (for the pinky)

In terms of quality, they're comparable.

I prefer the sights of the M&P9c over those of the P99c, probably because they're lower-profile.

Their trigger systems differ. I applaud you for considering the AS trigger for the P99c. That's the best choice for that pistol. The M&P9c trigger is constant, like a Glock. Both trigger types have their advantages. The P99c AS trigger has an incredibly short, crisp, and distinct reset.

 

[Exmasonite]

Do either of those have hi cap mags?

I only ask b/c i have a springfield XD 9mm Subcompact and it has nice 10 rd mags for CC but also extended mags with sleeves with 16 rd capacity. that can be really nice for trips to the range so you don't spend all your time reloading.

 

[lunde]

Exmasonite, you wrote:

Do either of those have hi cap mags?

Yes. Both can use magazines from their full-size brethren.

Walther recently released magazine sleeves that enable P99 magazines to be used in the P99c. For the P99c, this is required, because the magazine floorplate is what stops the magzine's upward travel, and without a magazine sleeve, the magazine can contact, and possibly damage, the ejector. See: http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/WaltherP99FAQ/III/10.html

I am sure that Smith & Wesson will soon cook up a similar magazine sleeve for the M&P Compact. I am not sure whether it's required, though, like the P99c.

 

[AZGlock13]

The big difference between the two would be the trigger system, like already mentioned. I have both (well I have the SW99c 9mm, instead of the P99c AS 9mm, but they are pretty much the same and my M&P compact is a .40, instead of 9mm) and I like both almost equally. The P99c AS or SW99c trigger system is basically a DA/SA type, giving one double-strike capability, where the M&P compact trigger system is that like the P99c QA pistol or like a Glock or a XD (no second strike capability). The trigger reset, like lunde mentioned, on the P99c AS is very crisp and quick (very nice indeed), where the M&P compact's trigger reset is not as crisp and distinctive (which is probably my one and only slight dislikes of the M&P compact pistol. However, the M&P compact's trigger reset is really not that bad once you get used to it). Hard decision you have there, both pistols are very nice (IMHO). If you can, you might want to look into getting both: One or the other first (maybe which one you can get a better deal on now), and later down the road as you get more money together, get the other as an addition carry and range gun. Basically, you can't make a bad decision either way you decide to go (IMHO).

 

[johndoe1027]

Should you choose it, try to find a M&P with night sights if you are ever going to want them. I understand that is a 100 bucks more on the full size (can't find anyone yet that will order a compact with them) and Smith wants $180 for the sights alone (no install)!!! BTW, found out yesterday that the compact and full size have the same sights. That means you COULD get a compact from the factory with NS. That doesn't necessarily mean that you CAN yet.

 

[lunde]

johndoe1027, you wrote:

That means you COULD get a compact from the factory with NS. That doesn't necessarily mean that you CAN yet.

My M&P Compact came from the factory with night sights, so it is not a matter of COULD, but a matter of CAN.

And yes, I agree that if one wants night sights that it is best to order it in that configuration from the get go.

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

Can't speak to the MP, but if it's any better than the Walther P99c/AS or the slightly larger sized P99/AS ( I have both) it would amaze me.

I would recommend you hold, and if possible shoot both pistols. You may find that for your particular hand size one might just "feel better" to you.

I'm sure both pistols are plenty accurate, and fully reliable, and I've read some good things about the MP's recently.

Doesn't matter to me.. I'm happy as a clam with my two Walther's..

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy