P99 AS or PPQ
- Thread starter chemcal
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carguychris
New member
Don't forget about the mag releases as well.TunnelRat said:
The P99AS is only offered with paddle releases. The PPQ is available with paddle releases as the Classic or with thumb-button releases as the M2.
Aside from the ergonomic factor, the paddle mags will not work in the thumb-button pistols, but the paddle-mag pistols have been on the market much longer so there are far more mags to choose from, and they're typically cheaper.
Additionally, the S&W SW99 and SW990 and Magnum Research MR Eagle use the same paddle mags as the P99, being license-built near-clones of the pistol; the S&Ws were largely sold to LE agencies but most have been dumped by now, resulting in a considerable number of LE-surplus mags in circulation.
I don't own either but I've shot both, and I prefer the P99 trigger, but this is highly subjective.
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I have only the P99 DA/SA with the old style paddle. SA is very clean and crisp. DA is OK.
I have only shot the PPQ a couple of times. Trigger is very nice, too.
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If I am to buy one now, I would pick the PPQ M2.
- PPQ has simpler trigger -- less difficult to master.
- PPQ Button mag release -- I am more used to the button. Also, I want to be sure that trigger finger is only for the trigger; if I start training my trigger finger to release the mag, too, I might get confused when in a hurry and pull the trigger instead of releasing the mag. Sure, I can still use my thumb instead of trigger finger but If using thumb, then might as well have the button.
I have only shot the PPQ a couple of times. Trigger is very nice, too.
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If I am to buy one now, I would pick the PPQ M2.
- PPQ has simpler trigger -- less difficult to master.
- PPQ Button mag release -- I am more used to the button. Also, I want to be sure that trigger finger is only for the trigger; if I start training my trigger finger to release the mag, too, I might get confused when in a hurry and pull the trigger instead of releasing the mag. Sure, I can still use my thumb instead of trigger finger but If using thumb, then might as well have the button.
Uncle Malice
New member
Both are great guns. I only own the PPQ. I prefer the consistent trigger. It's also more popular so you have more options as far as holsters and such.
I have the M1 as I prefer the paddle style mag release vs the button, but that's just preference. Seems that the M2 button style is the more popular version here in the states.
I also prefer the PPQ on pure aesthetics. I just think it looks better.
I have the M1 as I prefer the paddle style mag release vs the button, but that's just preference. Seems that the M2 button style is the more popular version here in the states.
I also prefer the PPQ on pure aesthetics. I just think it looks better.
IMightBeWrong
New member
If Walther makes a P99 updated with PPQ ergonomics, I'm selling my PPQ and getting a P99 AS without question. I like the DA/SA striker system with the cocking indicator for carry purposes more than I like the PPQ trigger. The SA on the P99 feels the same, but the longer trigger pull makes for a better carry gun in my mind. It's all personal preference, though.
Nailed it. The P99AS also has the superior mag release system and uses cheaper mags.
If I'm not mistaken, Walther has stated that they would sell a P99 in that configuration (Anti-Stress trigger with P99Q/PPQ aesthetics) to law enforcement agencies it they were to order it. Maybe they already do.
Frankly, I prefer the P99 ergos anyway. The bevel at the front of the slide makes so much more sense than the silly forward serrations of the PPQ, and serves the same purpose (allowing press checks).
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You can still get the original PPQ. In fact, for $500 with free shipping.
http://www.gunbuyer.com/p-68155-walther-ppq-m1-9mm-4-barrel-15-round-black-2795400.aspx
carguychris
New member
Minor footnote...
...regarding PPQ model nomenclature.
The PPQ was originally sold as simply that, no suffix. It had paddle mag releases.
Walther later rolled out the PPQ M2 with thumb-button mags releases and discontinued the original PPQ soon after, much to the chagrin of Walther enthusiasts who like paddle releases. These enthusiasts retroactively branded the original model as the M1, even though this nomenclature was never used by Walther at the time.
After the S&W-Walther "divorce", Walther announced that the paddle-mag PPQ was coming back, initially calling it the M1 as well. However, upon its actual reintroduction, it's been designated the PPQ Classic. Furthermore, Walther has published a manual for "PPQ M-Series Pistols" that never discusses the paddle releases, implying that the "M-Series" officially includes the M2 only.
Despite this, I think the M1 nomenclature is likely to stick with us.
...regarding PPQ model nomenclature.
The PPQ was originally sold as simply that, no suffix. It had paddle mag releases.
Walther later rolled out the PPQ M2 with thumb-button mags releases and discontinued the original PPQ soon after, much to the chagrin of Walther enthusiasts who like paddle releases. These enthusiasts retroactively branded the original model as the M1, even though this nomenclature was never used by Walther at the time.
After the S&W-Walther "divorce", Walther announced that the paddle-mag PPQ was coming back, initially calling it the M1 as well. However, upon its actual reintroduction, it's been designated the PPQ Classic. Furthermore, Walther has published a manual for "PPQ M-Series Pistols" that never discusses the paddle releases, implying that the "M-Series" officially includes the M2 only.
Despite this, I think the M1 nomenclature is likely to stick with us.
wild cat mccane
New member
Correction: PPQ M1 was never discontinued. It was just no longer imported for a very short time period.
wild cat mccane
New member
The grip differences are not entirely aesthetics. The P99 grip is flat on the side and more square all around. The PPQ is oval with side bulges. I know from experience that even after trimming, the PPQ backstraps do not flush on the P99. I like both differently. The P99 locks in great. The PPQ has the bulges in the right places to forgive the girth.
The triggers are absolutely the same when the P99 is put into SA, though the P99's SA trigger is 1/2 lighter. The P99 DA is just OK. However, you can put a glock 5.5 or 5.0 spring in and lighten it up.
I agree with Fish. The slide on the P99 is more attractive. However, I find the grip on the PPQ more pleasing on the eyes and more tacky.
You can't go wrong. I think people are more familiar with the PPQ, so that makes resale easier. However, the P99 is the same from a user stand point when in SA.
The triggers are absolutely the same when the P99 is put into SA, though the P99's SA trigger is 1/2 lighter. The P99 DA is just OK. However, you can put a glock 5.5 or 5.0 spring in and lighten it up.
I agree with Fish. The slide on the P99 is more attractive. However, I find the grip on the PPQ more pleasing on the eyes and more tacky.
You can't go wrong. I think people are more familiar with the PPQ, so that makes resale easier. However, the P99 is the same from a user stand point when in SA.
wild cat mccane
New member
The M1 never went away on the internet anymore than when the P99 dried up between shipments. The M1 is not limited as some suggest (buds gun shop for example).
sigarms228
New member
This video explains and demonstrates the Walther P99AS trigger system.
The AS mode is pretty much SA mode but with a long and light take up before getting to the SA wall. An option for CCW/SD when DA is not desired.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyOZN_44Xd4
The AS mode is pretty much SA mode but with a long and light take up before getting to the SA wall. An option for CCW/SD when DA is not desired.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyOZN_44Xd4
carguychris
New member
I seem to recall that the paddle PPQ vanished from the Walther websites for a while (both pre- and post-S&W) and some Walther marketing folks issued an informal email press release saying that it was coming back as the M1.wild cat mccane said:
Can you confirm? Perhaps I'm mixed up.
I do recall that the P99AS remained listed on the websites for a matter of months during which the distributors couldn't get any; I confirmed this with a couple of LGS managers who told me that their orders were going unfulfilled. One of these shops suddenly got 6 of them soon after, including 3 with consecutive serial numbers! (Shoulda bought a couple but cookie jar was empty when they arrivedwild cat mccane said:
)Uncle Malice
New member
For what it's worth, Walther DOES use the "M1" nomenclature when referring to magazines for the PPQ "Classic", just to further muddy the waters. lol.
I voted with my wallet
I sold the PPQ and bought another P99AS, this time the Compact model.
For me, the PPQ trigger is too light for CCW. It is almost like carrying a cocked-and-not locked 1911 or Browning Hi Power, at least the ones which don't have super light triggers.
I like the idea of decocking the P99 for carry. After so many years of shooting many models of DA/SA autos, I find I do just fine with this gun. Then again, I do admit the extra complexity is not for everyone. I mean, four different trigger pulls on the same gun? That's counting two methods of operating the trigger after the reset.
If Walther put a manual thumb safety on a PPQ I'd probably buy it. But I don't want to carry one with that nice light trigger with no safety engaged.
Nobody has mentioned the too-light magazine button on the PPQ M2. It may be that Walther has fixed it, but mine would almost eject the mag just from being brushed by a cool breeze. OK, I exaggerate, but it releases too easily on the earlier guns, at least. I watched a gunwriter/instructor on TV twice take his usual firing grip with the gun, and having his mag drop. The other guys thought it very funny.
Bart Noir
I sold the PPQ and bought another P99AS, this time the Compact model.
For me, the PPQ trigger is too light for CCW. It is almost like carrying a cocked-and-not locked 1911 or Browning Hi Power, at least the ones which don't have super light triggers.
I like the idea of decocking the P99 for carry. After so many years of shooting many models of DA/SA autos, I find I do just fine with this gun. Then again, I do admit the extra complexity is not for everyone. I mean, four different trigger pulls on the same gun? That's counting two methods of operating the trigger after the reset.
If Walther put a manual thumb safety on a PPQ I'd probably buy it. But I don't want to carry one with that nice light trigger with no safety engaged.
Nobody has mentioned the too-light magazine button on the PPQ M2. It may be that Walther has fixed it, but mine would almost eject the mag just from being brushed by a cool breeze. OK, I exaggerate, but it releases too easily on the earlier guns, at least. I watched a gunwriter/instructor on TV twice take his usual firing grip with the gun, and having his mag drop. The other guys thought it very funny.
Bart Noir
wild cat mccane
New member
The M2 mag release spring was updated.