P99 or G19

H

hemlock0013

New member
There's so many Walther threads right now I hate to contribute another, but here I go anyway.

A few years ago I was in the market for a polymer 9mm (I live in Hawaii so rust is a big deal, even with a stored gun). My main choices were the Glock 19 or the Walther P99. I chose the G19, but still occasionally wonder if I made the right choice and sometimes am tempted to trade it in for the P99. So I come to the good folks at TFL for their thoughts on the matter.

First off, why do I like the Glock?
1. Inexpensive for the gun itself and any accessories.
2. Accessories like holsters and mags are easy to come by.
3. More gunsmiths are familiar with it vs. the Walther.
4. The constant trigger pull.
5. 100% reliability and indestructibility.
6. Simplicity of use.

Why don’t I like it?
1. The constant struggle to fully load the mag without a loading tool.
2. The thickness of the grip and the grip angle have always made it hard for me to get a really secure hold on the gun.
3. I don’t shoot it as well as I’d like.

Why am I considering the P99? Mostly because I love the way it feels in my hand. If the G19 fit my hand a bit better, I wouldn’t dream of parting with it. Don’t get me wrong, the Glock doesn’t feel terrible, just not as good as I’d like.

(I must admit too, that the Walther just seems, well, cooler to me. Purely illogical and subjective but true.)

Why am I hesitant? Too many conflicting reports regarding reliability. Accessories are rarer and more expensive. Walther the company is proven, but the P99 itself is still new compared to the G19.

Unfortunately, no gun ranges where I live stock P99s, so I can’t do a side-by-side comparison. So I turn to the well-informed folks at TFL for thoughts and advice. I’m particularly curious about the P99QA, as I like the idea of a constant trigger, and wonder how it stacks up to the Glock trigger.

Thanks,

Hemlock0013
 
I have both a G19 and a P99.
My P99 has been flawless in function, so has my G19.
I much prefer the P99's ergonomics.
Holsters are easier to find for the Glock. http://sidearmor.net/
IMO you don't need a gunsmith for either pistol.
As far as triggers go, the Glock has a nice constant trigger pull, but the Walther has the same pull for every shot, if you keep it in what I call the "set trigger" mode. I'll try and explain. When in "set trigger" mode the first shot has an initial very light trigger take up which then "clicks" into the single action trigger mode, all follow up shots are in SA mode. Its hard to explain, but I like it. The SA mode is much lighter than a Glocks trigger pull.
My Walther shoots as tight or tighter groups than my Glock.
The 10rd. mags are a breeze to load, and I think metal mags are just tougher than polymer. Hi-cap mags for a G19 run about $80, for the Walther they are $125.
The Walther has a H&K style mag release, instead of a 1911 style.
:cool:
I shot an OPS Tactical Pistol Course earlier this month with the Walther, and was very impressed with its performance under tough conditions, such as blowing sand, dropping the empty mags into the dirt, long strings of rapid fire, many holster presentations, I shot around 700 rounds in 2 days without cleaning the pistol, and had zero problems. My wife did the same course with my G19, the only problem she had was the Glocks trigger got some crap in it and caused a horrendous trigger pull, but a little Rem-Oil and a good shake and it was good as new.
I prefer the Walther P99, over the Glock. And I used to be die-hard Glock. Now my wife is grappling with the G19 vs. Sig P228 dilema.
 
These were the two handguns I was choosing between earlier this year. After shooting both, I chose the P99 simply because I shot better with it and it felt better in my hand. I'll probably get the Glock 19 one day, but I wanted the P99 more. Also, after 1000 rounds I have not had one malfunction and that's including the infamous 115 gr ammo. Haven't had the opportunity to shoot the QA, but if you don't like the long DA pull then maybe it's for you. Good luck.
 
hemlock0013,

Sorry, I can't help with your question, but was wondering where you got your "inexpensive" G19.

Aloha,
BigHonu
 
hemlock,

I've got 6 P99's, three of which are P99 QA's. Although all of mine are chambered for the .40 they have all (except for two, because I've never shot them yet....collectors items) performed extremely well.

I've used the one QA all year long in IDPA competition and practices. I have not cleaned it since April and it still keeps on ticking at over 2500 rounds later. I'll probably clean it this week, because IDPA season is over for now.

The QA's trigger is really nice. short and sweet and always the same. The differences I've seen between it and the Glock are this: The Glocks trigger feels more "spongy" to me. The P99 QA's reset is a little longer. Not much, maybe a 1/16".

Hope this helps

P99
 
I've got a Walther P99 9mm and it's great. However, I've found that after market night sights are tough (for me) to find. Walther P99 high-caps these days are $100 at most, but closer to $89. On the other hand, Lasermax's cool looking internal recoil spring laser fits the G19 and not the P99.
 
Hemlock,
Go for the Walther.
I have been in your shoes.
-Dating the redhead, but just knowing the blonde would treat me better.
It sounds like you really want the P99.
I have had some great guns, but if they didn't fit me, I couldn't shoot them very well.

Life is too short to "settle" for less than you have to.

I have a G19, it fits me great, reliable as a crowbar, and I shoot it pretty well.
I have handled the P99 and IMO it is a more ergonomic gun.
It felt so good in my hand, it was almost weird.
I am not really married to the 9mm caliber, and the last thing I need is another gun with hi-dollar mags, but I sure would like to own a P99 myself.

I can't believe that there would be any long term reliablity problems with Walther or any major firearms manufacturer.
If you can only afford one quality handgun, and the G19 doesn't fit your hand, I think it's a no-brainer.

JP
 
hemlock, you won't regret purchasing the p99. i have had mine for over a year and a half <about 5+k rounds so far> and it's great. considering picking up another one.


johnny, checkout www.waltherusa.net Earl has 'em.

mini14, about that redhead *Grin*


Adept
 
I think the Glock 19 is the Colt-Browning 1911A1 of the 21st century. In other words, you already got the best. Why change?
 
Thanks for all the replies so far. Boy, there's a lot of P99 fans out there! I'm still not ready to trade in the Glock, but is it tempting.

Big Honu, as for where I got my G19, I picked it up a few years ago at Magnum Firearms. They were having some sort of special, and it cost either $450 or $500. I tend to think they have the best prices on Glocks on Oahu, though there's a shop in Kaneohe on Kam Hwy. that sometimes has good deals.

Aloha,
Hemlock0013
 
Don't trade

If you want a P99 but it on layaway but don't trade your G19. New defense tool vapors pass quickly and soon you'll be missing your G19. Spruce up your G19 with some night sights and a SideArmor holster. That'll be cheaper than trading it in for a P99 anyway. :)
 
I sold a Glock 23 to get a Walther P99QA.

The P99 has been more reliable for me than the G23. I also feels better in my hand.

It is more expensive, but it also has more features (round in chamber indicator, changeable grip etc.
 
Hmmm.... plain jane Chevy or loaded Mercedes EClass:rolleyes:

Hemlock I tried both. Check the screenname to see what I bought.

Your issues:
Cost- not sure about Hawaii but in the mainland midwest not much different
Holsters - again a custom Alessi is only a little more that the off the rack Galcos in my local shop
Gunsmiths - only a few, but you aren't likely to need one.

The gun does feel so much better in the hand. It is accurate and the trigger even the DA/SA one will surprise you. Mine is extemely reliable. The Glock is a good gun. But I wouldn't trade my P99 for a box of em.

Get the P99 and never look back.

PS for sports2themax

In the rare event I ever need warranty work I wouldn't send it to Suck & Wallow either. Mine will go to Earls Repair Service the preferred importer/repair facility by the folks in Ulm, Germany.
 
Johnny Rad said
I've got a Walther P99 9mm and it's great. However, I've found that after market night sights are tough (for me) to find.
Click to expand...

Trijicon has them, took me about 2 days to get thru my local dealer.
 
Another source for sights for your Walther is: PT Night Sights

I have a safe full of Glocks and some have been my carry gun for many years until I recently purchased my Walther P99/.40 S&W with traditional DA/SA. My G27 has finally been given a much needed rest after about 6 years of constant carry.

The action on my Walther is far better than any DA that I have owned or fired on any HK, Beretta or S&W. Accuracy is on a par or better than any of them also.

I also carried a G19 for several years while in LE before I retired. All the Glocks are very good guns but, if you want a better gun, get the P99 and never look back. ;)

The only draw back is the overall size of the P99. If you require a small gun to carry, the P99 may not fill that need 100% of the time.

I carry mine in a Blade-Tech IWB holster and have a Milt Sparks Summer Special coming for it also. For OWB, Walter offers their version of the Fobus holster with the Walther logo on the side. I had to have one and it is a very good range quality holster. There are mnay other fine holsters available for the P99 if your willing to spend the $$ for them.
 
The only draw back is the overall size of the P99. If you require a small gun to carry, the P99 may not fill that need 100% of the time.
Click to expand...

I find my P99 to be easier to conceal than my G19. The grip is thinner and the slide is more rounded, but overall its a tiny bit larger than the G19. weird huh? :confused:
 
NMGlocker,

My comparison was meant to be between the P99 and the G27.

There are times, at least for me, that the P99 will be a little too large for concealed carry and I may be forced to go back to my G27. :(
 
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