Buy a Walther P99?

gobrob

gobrob

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I'm new to handguns, and am going to purchase one soon, please don't flame the newbie!!
The gun i'd like to choose is a Walther P99, it seems nice to look at, the reviews seem favorable, and from the reviews, it has recoil compensator, which seems like it would be nice for my g/f who is recovering from shoulder surgery.
We have only shot twice, the first was a beretta 9mm, the second time a springfield XD9.
The XD9 seemed to have a fair bit of recoil compared to the beretta, so thats part of the reason we are thinking of the Walther. I can't actually find a range that has one for us to try, so i'm leary to buy one without shooting it first, the only thing we can do is 'hold' the guns, the Walther seems comfortable.
The gun shop seemed a bit leary on recommending the purchase, stating that in IPSC the Walther is a bit harder than some to change the mag. They seem to recommend 1911 styling, which we don't like.
We don't intend to become competition shooters, but we'd like to possibly try Black Badge training at least.
Any Walther fans out there?
Any Anti-P99 fans?
Any comments welcome,
Thanks,Rob
EDIT: I'm also condidering getting it in the QA model, comments would be appreciated
 
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From one newbie to another, i can say that i've been quite satisfied with my P99 i purchased about a month ago. Went to the range a couple of times with it and it shoots really accurately out-of-the-box. I changed to the smaller grip since i have smaller hands and it fits like a glove. As my friends describe it, the Walther, along with Sigs and Glocks, are 'tier 1' guns that are a bit on the pricey side, but are reliable and high-quality. I believe Quebec police forces use the P99 as their standard issue sidearm, although i'm not sure in what configuration (AS, QA, DAO). Speaking of configuration, i personally like the AS (anti-stress triggered) which is Walther's equivalent of a true DA/SA pistol. If you are looking for true DA/SA (ie. the AS version), you should get your hands on one soon because according to Walther's website, they might not be continuing this line (at least in North America) and are currently only showcasing the QA (quick action).

There was a little issue with reloading the mag in that trying to push a full 10rd mag into the gun in battery (slide closed) needed some extra effort. This is probably due to a stiff mag spring and further usage should nullify this effect.

Here are some excellent links (if you haven't already looked at them):

http://www.praxagora.com/lunde/WaltherP99FAQ/
http://www.waltherforums.com
 
gobrob said:
EDIT: I'm also condidering getting it in the QA model, comments would be appreciated
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I thought about getting the QA version but i'm glad i didn't because personally, i think it's more fun with a DA/SA pistol. Furthermore, even though the QA has a decocker, i believe it is only used before fieldstripping (since you need a small object to actuate it). The AS version has a true decocker in that you can chamber a round and decock the gun to holster in DA mode (like the 1911's "locked and cocked").
 
i own a P99, and it does not have a recoil compensator? do you mean the recoil spring? (all guns have something like that).. but because it is a plastic gun and lighter it will have more felt recoil like the XD than compared to an all steel/alloy gun

the only way for a p99 to lessen the kick is to use lighter loads like 115grain, having said that i found the P99 very easy to point and manageble gun. It was my first gun also... i've shot /w female friends and huge guy friends and the only need was to swap out the backstrap .. which is nice...

as for trying, you may want to contact TSE in calgary (link at top of page) to see if they still have one on their rental range to try, might be worth your drive down to Cowtown if they still have it onthere... its a big investment so you probably want to try it first...

its probably not a great IPSC gun, but for plinking and shooting its fine...i've never had any problems /w mines in the 5000 rounds i've had through it
 
D-Boy said:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56929

Read this . all this problem are true . Walther ave more "recoil". I hate the cheap XD but , it's beter then P99 .
Go with a Glock , H&K , Sig ......
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I think if you take good care of any firearm, it should last. Whether or not one firearm is "better" than another is quite debateable ad nausium. I think you should do your homework and troll some forums and decide on your own. There are many ppl who swear by their 99s and love them. I have about 400 rounds under my belt and haven't had any issues at all. No FTFs or FTEs (although you might want to break the recoil spring in with 124gr FMJ for the first 300 rounds or so).

First and foremost, you have to 'like' what you're buying. There are not too many P99s out there and personally, that's part of the appeal! Had a few ppl at the range say to me, "Hey, is that a Walther? How's it shoot?" or "Hey, how do you like that Walther?"... Don't really get that with a Glock or a Sig (no offence to those owners, of course). To each his own, i say.
 
hr said:
as for trying, you may want to contact TSE in calgary (link at top of page) to see if they still have one on their rental range to try, might be worth your drive down to Cowtown if they still have it onthere... its a big investment so you probably want to try it first...

its probably not a great IPSC gun, but for plinking and shooting its fine...i've never had any problems /w mines in the 5000 rounds i've had through it
Click to expand...

I first fired a 99 at a rental range in Seattle. Didn't know much about guns at all but the 99 caught my eye and i've been hooked ever since. Coincidentally, i fired my closest groups with it. Good grip? Maybe.

As for IPSC, i've ordered in about 4 more mags and a nice holster. I'll report back on the feasibility of the 99 for IPSC once i've gotten my BB and competed a few competitions.
 
Hk has the same mag release. It is easy to use.For IPSC, if you use your trigger finger to change mags, than your trigger finger HAS to come out of the trigger guard. However, not everyone is a fan of the USP grip or the TDA first shot (DA) of the HK. Supposedly, HK is coming out with the P3000, which is a combination of a P2000 and a full size USP. Interchangeable backstraps to customize the grip to the user. I will be one of the first to get it if I can.
 
PM 999 if you want to know about the p99 for IPSC. He shoots in BC in production and does quite well. He can shoot that thing really fast in rapid fire. Good idea to go to the range and try it out. If you go to TSE be prepared to be talked out of the p99 as their experience has not been too good. If you search this forum you will probably find that out. In fact the next thread on the p99 has a rep of TSE and his comments. On the other hand if you talk to 999, he loves it and has had good experiences with his. IIRC I read recently that he has about 10,000 through it and just picked up another. In fact I will be seeing him tonight and hopefully be putting a bunch of rounds through his p99 as I am looking into buying one myself.
 
If possible try and shoot one before you buy...

I did not. It seemed to fit my hand great but I never shot well with it. Ended up trading for a CZ85.

Definitely recommend that you also consider other options such as a CZ or Glock.
 
For the money, I would say the the P99 is about the worst buy a person could make in that price range. There are owners who have had no probs, but these guns do not hold up as well as the competitors.

Sig P226, HK USP, or a Glock 17/22 would likely be a better investment.
 
We've got a P99, and I quite like it. Personally, my Glock 17 fits my hand better, but that's just me. We've never had a problem with the P99. We'll never have a front sight issue, as we've replaced them with screw in Night Sights. I love the interchangable backstraps, it's nice to be able to go down one when you're wearing gloves.
 
I love mine - I am ONLY selling it cause I need to raise cash to pay for a new toy.

When I take my time to AIM :) it hits EXACTLY where I aimed - that is very satisfying. (of course this doesn;t happen every shot)

I'd go with the 9mm if your thinking about the wife. I have the 40 cal and after 250 rounds your feeling some of the effects.

trigger is awesome too - DA/SA

fed
 
fed007 said:
I love mine - I am ONLY selling it cause I need to raise cash to pay for a new toy.

When I take my time to AIM :) it hits EXACTLY where I aimed - that is very satisfying. (of course this doesn;t happen every shot)

I'd go with the 9mm if your thinking about the wife. I have the 40 cal and after 250 rounds your feeling some of the effects.

trigger is awesome too - DA/SA

fed
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Exactly! So go ahead and buy mine!:D
 
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