Herr Walther
New member
Bought mine in Feb. '97. Runs like a train and never has had a malfunction of any kind.
P99: current opinions?
- Thread starter Rovert
- Start date
Pat, if I interpret that statement correctly, I think the point is that the gun DID feed an empty shell. Of course there's no point to a spent shell, but that the platform functioned with something outside normal operating parameters speaks to the reliability factor I asked about.
I saw that comment as a very valuable insight as to the performance of the machine, but thanks for the heads up on the 115gr ammo. I'll keep an ear open to other thoughts.
I saw that comment as a very valuable insight as to the performance of the machine, but thanks for the heads up on the 115gr ammo. I'll keep an ear open to other thoughts.
i have fed all sorts of 9mm ammo through my p-99 without fail...it always eats what i give it and politely asks for more. sigfan, was it any paticular brand of 115gr or just any?? i'd be curious to pick some up and test for myself. <i'm thick headed that way, just ask the wife>
Adept
Adept
Pat 355, Nobody here has attacked you because you obviously,
HATE THE FREAKIN GUN
HEY WORLD, SEE ABOVE
and that is your right. What is not your right is to attack everyone else on the board that did not get the same problem you have. When your favorite (whateverr) brand comes under fire, be sure not to say anything about problems happen with any gun make, but "if the manufacturer stand by his product then...."
As far as my experiences go, I love the fourty, since the 100-200 rnd breakin, not one malf. I like the big grips, I shoot accurate with it, and outside 355Sigfans whatever, I double tap quickly and bullseye as well as my ability allows.
I have a Y2K gun, when I bought mine there were still MANY stories floating about how much the gun was like a pure breed, too finicky and too expensive. MY EXPERIENCE has been a direct contradiction to those statement. I love the gun and will carry it as long as it is legal for me to do so, and then maybe some more.
It is not a glock, it is not a sig, it is not a hi point. It is a Walther, it is made well, and I think most of the relavant production and desgin flaws have been worked out.
The best thing is to try it, if you hate it sell it and do what you can to dissuade people from buying one, but who knows, maybe you will keep it a very long time.
HATE THE FREAKIN GUN
HEY WORLD, SEE ABOVE
and that is your right. What is not your right is to attack everyone else on the board that did not get the same problem you have. When your favorite (whateverr) brand comes under fire, be sure not to say anything about problems happen with any gun make, but "if the manufacturer stand by his product then...."
As far as my experiences go, I love the fourty, since the 100-200 rnd breakin, not one malf. I like the big grips, I shoot accurate with it, and outside 355Sigfans whatever, I double tap quickly and bullseye as well as my ability allows.
I have a Y2K gun, when I bought mine there were still MANY stories floating about how much the gun was like a pure breed, too finicky and too expensive. MY EXPERIENCE has been a direct contradiction to those statement. I love the gun and will carry it as long as it is legal for me to do so, and then maybe some more.
It is not a glock, it is not a sig, it is not a hi point. It is a Walther, it is made well, and I think most of the relavant production and desgin flaws have been worked out.
The best thing is to try it, if you hate it sell it and do what you can to dissuade people from buying one, but who knows, maybe you will keep it a very long time.
355sig, Rovert had the correct interpretation. I did mean the action was so smooth it would feed the spent shell. For stopping power I prefer my +P Golden Sabers. As for 115gr, the UMC ball that I have used for the first 700 rounds is 115gr, so I have to say in mine at least if feeds just fine.
People who first had walther P99 had troubles with many different types of ammo mostly 115 grain stuff. Walther said it was because thier wonder gun was made for nato ammo. They made reduced power recoil springs and gave those to people with problems. The slide lock problem is also a huge sign of piss poor quality control.
PAT
PAT
After 1000 plus rounds and three trips to Walther USA customer service, I have given up on my P99 .40s&w. The slide still locks back mid magazine depending upon which ammo I used. I own a couple of Sigs and have never had any problems of any kind with either one. The P99 was accurate but the slide lock malfunction just drove me crazy. I traded it in on H&K USP 45, I am counting on their quality control to be better than Walthers.
Ok, I took the plunge. Bought a P99 9mm Black/Black yesterday, but I have a few questions, and some good news to report.
First, my queston regards 'authenticity', because that issue relates to reliability, and I hope someone can help clear up my confusion.
I believe my gun to be a 'totally German' model, since the 'N' proof marks are on both the flat side rear of the barrel, on top back right of the slide, and molded into the frame, the mark forward on the frame says "Carl Walther, USA Springfield, MA".
My impression was that reports of 'problem' P99s, pertained to a few isolated early models (there are always bugs in any new model of anything), and a group of units that the NJ State Police rejected, those NJSP problems being attributable to S&W made parts related to a customization. Reportedly, S&W only made parts for the .40, so, presumably, if one gets a 'True German' model, or a 9mm, you should be out of the woods.
Although there weren't supposed to be ANY 9mm S&W P99's, the S/W catalog has photos of both 9mm and .40 caliber. The catalog pictures a SW P99 with a rounded trigger guard on the frame, as opposed to the flat style that I have on mine. Not sure why they'd have that phoyo there if they didn't make their own, so it calls into question the authenticity issue.
Bottom line: with a distributor/importer that is a joint venture between SW and Walther, how can one be sure his/her P99 is a 'legitimate' imported German manufactured unit, and not a 'hybrid' made of S&W parts that is destined for problems?
I guess I'm concerned that I get an authentic, reliable weapon. It's all for nothing if it doesn't work when it has to. And, if I paid for an imported model, I'd like to be sure my dealer was properly informed, and I was properly charged.
Is there a way, based on serial number, to identify for certain whether this is a 100% German (imported) model, or if I have one of the suspect hybrid models? My serial number is six digits, beginning with 8xxxxx.
The good news, is that in 150 rounds, there wasn't a single misfeed, or lockup... even with 115gr ammo. Straight off the UPS truck, into my hand, and about two hours and 150 rounds later, I can't complain. Accurate as a SIG right out of the box, couldn't be easier to break down, and a BIG relief - very easy to load 10 rounds into the clip, unlike a Glock, which hurts my thumbs like hell after a few clips.
On the whole, as my first firearm, I can't complain. Now, at least, I have something to use, so I can be patient while my Kimber Custom Eclipse II comes in. But I am a bit nervous about the authenticity, and I was hoping someone could help me out.
TIA!
First, my queston regards 'authenticity', because that issue relates to reliability, and I hope someone can help clear up my confusion.
I believe my gun to be a 'totally German' model, since the 'N' proof marks are on both the flat side rear of the barrel, on top back right of the slide, and molded into the frame, the mark forward on the frame says "Carl Walther, USA Springfield, MA".
My impression was that reports of 'problem' P99s, pertained to a few isolated early models (there are always bugs in any new model of anything), and a group of units that the NJ State Police rejected, those NJSP problems being attributable to S&W made parts related to a customization. Reportedly, S&W only made parts for the .40, so, presumably, if one gets a 'True German' model, or a 9mm, you should be out of the woods.
Although there weren't supposed to be ANY 9mm S&W P99's, the S/W catalog has photos of both 9mm and .40 caliber. The catalog pictures a SW P99 with a rounded trigger guard on the frame, as opposed to the flat style that I have on mine. Not sure why they'd have that phoyo there if they didn't make their own, so it calls into question the authenticity issue.
Bottom line: with a distributor/importer that is a joint venture between SW and Walther, how can one be sure his/her P99 is a 'legitimate' imported German manufactured unit, and not a 'hybrid' made of S&W parts that is destined for problems?
I guess I'm concerned that I get an authentic, reliable weapon. It's all for nothing if it doesn't work when it has to. And, if I paid for an imported model, I'd like to be sure my dealer was properly informed, and I was properly charged.
Is there a way, based on serial number, to identify for certain whether this is a 100% German (imported) model, or if I have one of the suspect hybrid models? My serial number is six digits, beginning with 8xxxxx.
The good news, is that in 150 rounds, there wasn't a single misfeed, or lockup... even with 115gr ammo. Straight off the UPS truck, into my hand, and about two hours and 150 rounds later, I can't complain. Accurate as a SIG right out of the box, couldn't be easier to break down, and a BIG relief - very easy to load 10 rounds into the clip, unlike a Glock, which hurts my thumbs like hell after a few clips.
On the whole, as my first firearm, I can't complain. Now, at least, I have something to use, so I can be patient while my Kimber Custom Eclipse II comes in. But I am a bit nervous about the authenticity, and I was hoping someone could help me out.
TIA!
My german model has the same Springfield MA information on it because that's where there US office is. If yours has all the German proof marks on it it is the German model. The US versions did not have the proofs on the slide.
Check the other sides of the frame there should also be a Ulm, Germany reference on it. This is the home of the German plant. I don't remember the exact location and don't have mine with me. Another thing I have noticed that has not been mentioned here is some of the US ones, have orange plastic mag followers like S&W 9mm pistols. The German mags are made my Mec-Gar have P99 in the base pad and Mec-Gar roll marks on the side. Follower is black plastic.
If all the indicators I have mentioned are there as well as what you have read in this thread , then relax and rest assured you have an true German version.
Check the other sides of the frame there should also be a Ulm, Germany reference on it. This is the home of the German plant. I don't remember the exact location and don't have mine with me. Another thing I have noticed that has not been mentioned here is some of the US ones, have orange plastic mag followers like S&W 9mm pistols. The German mags are made my Mec-Gar have P99 in the base pad and Mec-Gar roll marks on the side. Follower is black plastic.
If all the indicators I have mentioned are there as well as what you have read in this thread , then relax and rest assured you have an true German version.
Rovert, if i remember correctly, the NJSP got SW99s, not p99s. that is the difference. i got to physically inspect a sw99 <handed to me by an LEO at a gunshow> and it felt chintzy and cheap. was lighter than my p99. from the description of the frame and the proofmarks, you got yourself a genuine german Walther p-99. welcome to the family.
Adept
ps...where in NJ are you?? feel free to drop me an email.
Adept
ps...where in NJ are you?? feel free to drop me an email.
WaltherP99man:
My Walther P99 in .40S&W with all the correct German proof marks, made in 2000, came with two Walther marked mags made by Mec-Gar have orange followers as do two mags that I just bought from Earl's Repair Service in MA. No black followers here and true Walther mags. ???
My Walther P99 in .40S&W with all the correct German proof marks, made in 2000, came with two Walther marked mags made by Mec-Gar have orange followers as do two mags that I just bought from Earl's Repair Service in MA. No black followers here and true Walther mags. ???
As I have posted before, I like my P99 better every time I take it to the range.
All 9mm P99's are German made. There was a run of about 3000 .40 S&W P99's that were made in the U.S. that don't have any German proof marks on the slide. That's the way to know with certainty.
My P99 Military had six stovepipe jams in the first 400 rounds fired through the gun. It only happened with 115 grain ball, never with 124 and 147 grain loads. It hasn't happened again, even with 115 grain ball. Accuracy is top notch.
If they keep building guns like the P99 they'll be here for another hundred years.
Rovert,
There are two types of 99's; onei is the Walther P99 and the other is the SW SW99. All 9mm P99's are German made, all SW99 uppers are American regardless of caliber. At one time, all lowers were German, but maybe SW has taken over the SW lower.
Your 9mm P99 authenticity is not to be questioned. The catalog you are refering to is displaying the openly made and sold SW99. It uses a stainless upper, forward serrations and a rounded trigger guard.
Where we get into a little bit of issue is the guys over a SW manufacturing some 40 P99 uppers for the Germans to keep up with the demand of us stupid 40 lovers. These were assembles and sold as the real McCoy, similar to the Coors Brewry claim that their beer is Rocky Mountain Water made and it was mostly reconstituted all over using local New Jersey sludge...
A couple of posts earlier in the year from a guy by the handel of "Sportstothemax" posted a big ordeal and his efforts to get a german proofed weopon.
I think I answered your question, write many good things about your new aquisition if warranted. This gun is great and need word of mouth advertising
There are two types of 99's; onei is the Walther P99 and the other is the SW SW99. All 9mm P99's are German made, all SW99 uppers are American regardless of caliber. At one time, all lowers were German, but maybe SW has taken over the SW lower.
Your 9mm P99 authenticity is not to be questioned. The catalog you are refering to is displaying the openly made and sold SW99. It uses a stainless upper, forward serrations and a rounded trigger guard.
Where we get into a little bit of issue is the guys over a SW manufacturing some 40 P99 uppers for the Germans to keep up with the demand of us stupid 40 lovers. These were assembles and sold as the real McCoy, similar to the Coors Brewry claim that their beer is Rocky Mountain Water made and it was mostly reconstituted all over using local New Jersey sludge...
A couple of posts earlier in the year from a guy by the handel of "Sportstothemax" posted a big ordeal and his efforts to get a german proofed weopon.
I think I answered your question, write many good things about your new aquisition if warranted. This gun is great and need word of mouth advertising
Thanks for the reassurance, guys. I feel better, now.
Hube, per your request, I'll post some more positive feedback.
Another 150 rounds of 115gr today, and not a single malfunction, other than one user-introduced error - my bad, I didn't have the mag inserted all the way.
The gun's accuracy is great! It's my accuracy leaves much to be desired. I think my problem is adjusting to a very light weapon, the biggest issue being drift/jitter on the pull. I'm more accurate with a 1911 than the P99, presumably because of the difference in weapon weight, and trigger feel.
I'll attribute much of my inaccuracy to the lack of practice, since I only started shooting regularly yesterday. I just need to get the 'feel' of this gun, develop muscle memory for the 'Glock-ish' trigger, find the right backstrap, and get my body used to standing with a weapon at arms length. Not a 'normal' position for anyone, by any stretch, let alone blasting 150 rounds per day. It's been only 2 days, so I don't suppose I should be too hard on myself. Need to get the legs, arms and hands 'conditioned' to working in this position, and able to have the control to stay on target.
On the whole, a very nice gun... now we just need to work on the shooter.
Hube, per your request, I'll post some more positive feedback.
Another 150 rounds of 115gr today, and not a single malfunction, other than one user-introduced error - my bad, I didn't have the mag inserted all the way.
The gun's accuracy is great! It's my accuracy leaves much to be desired. I think my problem is adjusting to a very light weapon, the biggest issue being drift/jitter on the pull. I'm more accurate with a 1911 than the P99, presumably because of the difference in weapon weight, and trigger feel.
I'll attribute much of my inaccuracy to the lack of practice, since I only started shooting regularly yesterday. I just need to get the 'feel' of this gun, develop muscle memory for the 'Glock-ish' trigger, find the right backstrap, and get my body used to standing with a weapon at arms length. Not a 'normal' position for anyone, by any stretch, let alone blasting 150 rounds per day. It's been only 2 days, so I don't suppose I should be too hard on myself. Need to get the legs, arms and hands 'conditioned' to working in this position, and able to have the control to stay on target.
On the whole, a very nice gun... now we just need to work on the shooter.
