Common Problems - Walther

[September11]

Poll: Common Problems - Walther

I would like to take a poll of common issues that arise with specific pistols by manufacturer. This is not intended as a bash session. I only want to know what I might expect from the purchase of one of these guns. I am interested in any issues that might have happened since you purchased this weapon. If you have only put a few rounds in or have only experienced the problem once, I would suggest not listing it as a real problem. I am hoping for feedback from a number of people who have put hundreds/thousands of rounds over a long period of time. Also, if you purchased the gun used and or tampered with, please refrain from submitting a vote.

Please check off the areas you have experienced trouble with your pistol

 

[hube1236]

Slide locks back on earlier models, but after the break in none so far...

 

[garrettwc]

September, very interesting way of getting first hand consumer rating of various pistols before buying. Just a suggestion after you identify the key problems for each one you are choosing go back and ask for a more detailed explantion if one was not already given.

Is the common problem a mechanical malfunction? Or a perceived problem based on the shooters feelings? The reason I ask is this. I noticed the results on the Walther poll list the trigger as one of the common problems.

I chose one as my carry gun and I really put it through the wringer. I have shot about 700 rounds through it in a very short time. Stopped to clean it once in the middle, by choice not because of problems, and once at the end. Never experienced a single problem of any kind. Now getting back to the trigger. I have not heard of any mechanical failings on the triggers nor have I experienced any so far. However, the P99 trigger is very unique and takes some getting used to.

I am making an assumption here since the P99 compares closest to the other full size service guns in your other polls. If we are discussing the PPK then I would agree with the poll results that it is hard to get one with a good trigger. The other common problem on the PPK is the sharp edges on the rear of the slide. If you have medium to large hands and hold high on the back strap like you are supposed to, you will draw blood after an extended shooting session.

Sorry for the long post, but I gathered from your wording you wanted a thorough no BS evaluation

 

[Stephen Ewing]

Other: The famous PPK bite, and my hands aren't that big. No complaints about accuracy, reliability, craftsmanship, etc.

 

[Ahhnuld]

P99 problems

I had 3 issues with my Walther P99 40.
1. The slide lock would engage 3 times during firing through a full clip consistently.
2. The firearm had " made in Germany" stamped on the frame, but not the slide. I later found out that it was one of 3 or 4 thousand models that S&W made because of supply issues. I paid quite a bit of money for what I belived was a German made firearm.
3. I emailed back and forth with the president of Walther USA regarding my displeasure with what I considered a deceptive trade practice with the attempt to pass off a S&W hybrid for a imported German firearm. After all was said and done, he refused to replace the firearm. I have since sold, thrown, or given away every item I owned that was associated with Walther. I expect this type of treatment from a company like S&W, but never from a company that has a long standing history of excellence like Walter. Times do change.

Thats my 2 cents worth.

 

[slick slidestop]

You dont say which Walthers, there are now 3 variations of them I believe.

The original
the Interarms Import
the joint venture with S&W

My Interarms import has functioned flawlessly for over 6 years now with no FTF's or FTE's.

I've heard of problems with the S&W venture, but have not experienced them first hand.